Tony Cooksley named Motocross of Nations Team Manager.
Thursday 17 May: Pukekohe’s Tony Cooksley will be hoping it is third time lucky when he again manages the New Zealand squad heading to Europe for the annual Motocross of Nations this September.
The 56-year-old Cooksley (his Birthday today) was today named to manage the
three-rider squad – yet to be selected and named – which is set to race
against the world’s elite in Belgium on September 30, making it his
third consecutive appointment as Kiwi Team Manager.
The race circuit being used for this year’s "Olympic Games of
Motocross” event is at the very deep sand track of Lommel, about 35
kilometres from Eindhoven.
"I’m really looking forward to the trip,” said Cooksley. "I have made
a lot of good contacts in Europe over the years and basically it’s my
job again to make sure everything comes together for the team, from
sorting out accommodation to working out how to approach the racing.”
"We don’t know yet who the riders might be but Josh Coppins has already indicated
he’ll be available. We just have to see who is healthy and ready to go
when we make the selections at the end of July,” said Cooksley.
"Of course I’m honoured and thrilled to be chosen as team manager.
New Zealand has typically been one of the top six teams in the world at
this event and I don’t see any reason why we can’t be again this year.”
Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) motocross commissioner Bryan Davidson,
of Marton, said it was "awesome” to have received so many high-quality
applications for the role of New Zealand team manager.
"And with support for the future from the sport’s worldwide governing
body, the FIM, it is very encouraging for our young riders coming
through. This year MNZ has received funding for the team from the FIM
and this gives us the chance to do the job properly.”
Copy courtesy of Motorcycling NZ. Written by Andy McGechan.