Joshua "Josh" Coppins (born 11 March 1977) is a New Zealand former professional motocross rider. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1993 to 2012. Coppins posted four top three results during his career including a second place in the 2002 250cc motocross world championship and a second place in the MX1 world championship. He is often regarded as one of the greatest riders that never won a world title.

Motocross racing career

Coppins was born in Motueka, New Zealand. He began his international racing career in 1996 as a privateer. Coppins was runner up to Mickaël Pichon in the 2002 F.I.M. 250cc motocross world championship riding a Honda. In 2005, still on a Honda, he finished second to Stefan Everts in the MX1-GP championship for 450cc four-stroke machines. He has represented New Zealand in the Motocross des Nations since 1997. He also earned a nickname as the “Kiwi Kid”. During the 2007 FIM Motocross World Championship, Coppins built a 100-point lead in the championship, only to break his shoulder blade in the 12th round forcing him out of the next 3 rounds and ending his title hopes. Coppins retired from full-time racing in 2012.

Career results