Q: Josh, 2008 was a test in many ways, both on (pre-season injury) and off the track. Do you think you might be operating again at the level you reached in 2007 now?
Josh Coppins: I think I am close; it’s more of a mental thing at the moment. In 2007 I had no doubts at all but after a bad season like ‘08 you start to question yourself a bit, but to answer your question yes I feel I am getting close. However it’s important to realise that the competition has stepped up their game also; I know it will be a tough fight!
Q: You changed your trainer over the winter. How was the new programme and how are you different approaching the new season?
Josh Coppins: Well I was looking to change things up a little. I had great success with my previous trainer but I wanted a change and that’s why I moved over to Russell White. So far I have improved on a few of my weaknesses but I think it will be over the whole season that the improvement will show. I don’t want any ups-and-downs like last season. I want to arrive at every race fresh and ready to do the job, because that’s what it’s going to take to win, week-in week-out of good consistent results.
Q: An unavoidable question…fatherhood! Has it affected your mindset at the races at all?
Josh Coppins: No, not for the races but in the week, yes a lot! It’s not just about me anymore I have a family to look after and provide for. At the races it is about 100% focus on the job but you sure do think about things twice in the week! Like your future and commitments etc.
Q: How is the YZ450FM different in 2009? Did pre-season tests go well?
Josh Coppins: Yes, very well, like I said earlier ‘08 was a tough year for me on many levels, but we started work early on the ‘09 bike and we did a good job. We have improved in all the areas that I felt needed addressing, but it’s important we don’t stop and keep pushing as our competitors won’t stop and at the moment I feel we have a good advantage and I want to keep that!
Q: Is must be a novelty to start the season on hard-pack after a few years at Valkenswaard…
Josh Coppins: Yes it sure is going to be a bit different, good for some riders and bad for others, but for me it doesn’t matter too much. I think it will be a close race where as normally the first GP in the sand isn’t too close.
Q: 2008 was not the best year but you were still in the title hunt until the thirteenth round. On a better scale you must be once again one of the favourites…
Josh Coppins: Yes you’re right, that’s a nice way to look at it. I wasn’t happy in ‘08 on-and-off the track and to be honest I didn’t enjoy my racing and that’s a very bad thing. So far I’ve loved my racing in 2009 and I want to keep it that way; to be in the title hunt for so long last year after a lot of set-backs makes me confident for 2009.
Q: You are now one of the older riders in the class. Does the experience make up any disadvantages lost to youth?
Josh Coppins: I think not. In 2007 ‘yes’, but the teams are so good now and they offer us riders a lot of support in this area. The good riders in their mid-20s have been through a lot already so they normally know how to handle themselves, but their advantage is that they recover a bit quicker and don’t feel the aches and pain quite as much. For the first half of the season this doesn’t apply too much but after mid-season when the going gets tough yes it does, this is also why I changed trainer because I wanted to improve this area and improve my diet to try and help with things like recovery and injuries and I’m happy to say so far it’s been working well.
Q: What riders will surprise us in MX1 this season?
Josh Coppins: Marc de Reuver will be better and confident in all conditions. Clement Desalle will have some very good races. For the rest I think there are many good riders going into 2009 so it’s hard to pick one or even several! I think I will surprise a lot of people…. why? Because many think I am not the ‘Josh of 07’, which is true, I want to be even better…
Q: Now you are based in the UK with a young family does it mean past talk of retirement will not necessarily surface again in 2009?
Josh Coppins: Yes you’re right. In the past I have always wanted to return to New Zealand as soon as possible, and although I will return one day, I am no longer in a hurry. I don’t even want to think of retirement. In 2008 I worried too much about my future after motocross, but the truth is I am a good rider and I still have a lot to offer. Besides I’ve been smart and invested wisely and along with all that I realised things just have a way of working themselves out. For me and my family I want to enjoy every day of life and racing and work hard and take it as it comes; I don’t want to talk about retirement anymore.
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