Credentialed Kiwi Josh Coppins will make a one-off return to racing this weekend at the two-day Michael Godfrey Memorial Motocross at Waipara, north of Christchurch.

The 36-year-old retired from full-time competition last year after taking out the Monster Energy MX Nationals MX1 class crown in Australia, and has since stepped into the role of team manager at JCR Yamaha as he mentors some of the country’s brightest talents.

With JCR’s MX1 class rider, Billy Mackenzie, racing at Conondale this weekend, Coppins has dusted off his helmet and boots to ensure the brand and bike is capably represented at one of the country’s most important events.

“This is the biggest race in the South Island and I really wanted Yamaha to be represented there,” said Coppins. “This was a big event for me when I was growing up.

“This is definitely not a comeback, but it does work in well with what I’ve been doing lately, testing bikes for Yamaha in Europe.

“Having been a professional athlete for so many years, I know that you get out what you put in, but I don’t expect to win this weekend.”

Coppins hopes to be competitive despite spending much of his focusing on his managerial role away from the bike.

“I have been very busy and so this has not been the best build-up for me to race again,” he added. “I know Christchurch’s Justin McDonald and Rotorua’s Michael Phillips will be fast, but hopefully I will be competitive.”

With JCR Yamaha’s Scott Columb also unavailable, the team’s 125cc rider, Cameron Vaughan, will step up to the YZ250F this weekend, with Coppins to campaign the tried and tested YZ450F.