With three wins from his three starts in the MX2 class , the 39-year-old Cooper , a multi-time former New Zealand champion in all categories , headed to round two in the North Island in a comfortable position regardless of what eventually happens with the results behind him . However , best guess , judging by what was witnessed at Balclutha , it ’ s expected the main threats to Cooper in the MX2 class should come from the likes of Silverdalebased former Taihape man Hayden Smith ( GasGas ), Auckland ’ s Cobie Bourke ( Honda ), Oparau ’ s James Scott ( Yamaha ), Tauranga ’ s Madoc Dixon ( KTM ), Helensville ’ s Josh Jack ( Husqvarna ), Otautau ’ s Jack Treloar ( KTM ) and New Plymouth ’ s Rian King ( KTM ), although not necessarily in that order . Another dual-class campaigner , Cooper also finished third overall in the MX1 class , behind Harwood and Purvis . “ I ’ m pretty happy with that ... I can ’ t complain ,” said Cooper . “ I feel I need to work on some areas of my riding , but my starts were very good . I think I holeshot every race or at least I was mostly in front by the time we were all heading to the second corner .” Meanwhile , Motorcycling New Zealand motocross commissioner Lindsey Heileson said it was fantastic to finally get some racing underway . “ It was an amazing start to the series and the South Otago Motorcycle Club really produced a great event ,” said Heileson . “ The riders turned out in good numbers and the weather played its part too with the sun streaming down . “ The level of riding was extremely high and a fantastic showcase for the sport .” The next round in the series is set for the outskirts of Rotorua ( on February 26 ), followed by racing at Fernhill , near Hastings , on March 19 and , finally , at Taupo , on March 26 . The 2023 senior women ’ s motocross nationals will share the programme for the North Island rounds , enhancing even more the scale and importance of the racing this season . It will be the first time that the senior women ’ s nationals will run in tandem with the corresponding men ’ s competition .
Rising star Cole Davies finished runner-up to Harwood in all three 125cc class races .
52 KIWI RIDER