CDR Rockstar Yamaha’s Josh Coppins has credited improved starts for his stunning Raymond Terrace MX Nationals win on Sunday, his second overall in a row.

The victory boosted the 34-year-old Kiwi to first in the title chase with a nine-point advantage, a victory which he says was largely due to working on starts and bike settings in his preparation.

Coppins entered the round with momentum after winning round two a week prior but he is still plagued by an ankle injury that has prevented him from riding and training during the week.

“It was a good day. We always knew we had good lap speed but our starts had been letting us down so we invested plenty of time getting the right set up and the best tyre for getting off the gate and so far it seems to be working well,” he explained.

“With a few weeks break between the next round it will give my ankle a chance to heal, then I will be able to get back into training full swing as the season gets into the busy part of the year.”

Coppins again showed his class and determination by taking the round win in commanding fashion, finishing the day with 2-1-1-2 places in the four motos contested.