mind,” Cooper said, obviously drained both
emotionally and physically.
“We changed a few settings on the bike this
week and we got it wrong. It caused arm pump
in the first race. But we got it right for the next
two races and the bike was awesome.
“I’ll be back next year. I love this sport. I felt
good on the bike and I’m now more relaxed than
before. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
This year’s MX2 class was simply overflowing
with talent. A staggering six different riders
celebrated race wins during the four-round, Fox
apparel-sponsored series – Mount Maunganui’s
Josiah Natzke (Transdiesel Shell Advance
Kawasaki Racing Team KX250F) the most prolific,
winning a third of them, impressively capturing
four victories over the 12-race series.
Eventual champion Maximus Purvis (Altherm
JCR Yamaha YZ250F), from Mangakino,
Christchurch’s Dylan Walsh (Altherm JCR
Yamaha YZ250F) and Australian Kyle Webster
(the Penrite Factory Honda rider who raced only
at rounds two and three) each scored two race
wins over the four rounds, while Oparau’s James
Scott (Jeff Scott Electrical Alpinestars KTM) and
Australian Caleb Ward (CML Racing Team KTM)
each won one race.
Sadly for Natzke, being one of the fastest
men in the country and having the most race
wins in a championship series does not always
make you a champion and that was a bitter pill
for him to swallow.
It was definitely a fierce final showdown in
Taupo on March 15. Natzke arrived at Taupo’s
popular Digger McEwen Motorcycle Park
second in the class standings, just four points
behind Purvis, and with everything still to
fight for.
KIWI RIDER 29