WORDS & PHOTOS:
Andy McGechan
Mount Maunganui’s
Rhys Carter to race in blue
CARTER MAKES THE
SWITCH TO YAMAHA
amaha has added another string to its
bow with news this week that Bay of
Plenty motocross international Rhys
Carter will be joining the boys in blue. Josh
Coppins Racing, in association with Yamaha-
Motor New Zealand and Yamalube has
announced a new partnership with Carter,
who, in addition to racing with success
domestically and internationally, operates the
Carter Coaching entity.
The 28-year-old Carter, a professional
motocross coach and the 2018 New Zealand
MX1 No.4, will throw his leg over his new
Yamaha YZ450F first the first time at the
upcoming Motocross of Nations in the United
States, the most auspicious of all events at
which to herald his switch from Kawasaki.
The Mount Maunganui man said he was
"thrilled and excited" about the move.
"I will be working closely with Josh Coppins
Racing and, when you see what Josh does
with his team and how well he runs it, you
just know it's clean-cut and professional and
fantastic to be a part of," said Carter.
"The depth of knowledge that Josh has in this
sport is very hard to come by. We both want
to give back to our sport and I do that with
my coaching clinics, so it's very exciting for
both of us.
"I will be under a separate Yamalube Yamaha
banner, but closely associated with Josh's
Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team. I'm in the
best shape I've ever been and I believe I can
win the national MX1 title. It gives me a huge
boost to have Josh supporting me.
"I'm pleased also to be able to bring my own
career-long sponsors on board with me."
From April next year, at the conclusion of the
2019 New Zealand Motocross Championships
season, Carter will pour more focus into
his coaching, as well as taking over the role
of operating the bLU cRU Racing scene, a
function that encourages and helps to equip
fledgling Yamaha riders.