Tony Cooksley is the NZ Team Manager for MXoN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The name Tony Cooksley is well known in Motocross circles. In 1996 Tony rode in what was called the World Veteran Championships (the American version) held in the United States, where he took away the 35-40 years' title. Again in 1998, in the United States, he won the title again, this time in the next age bracket for riders aged between 40 and 45.

In 2006 he raced in the FIM Vet World Cup, held in Namur, the Holy Grail of European Motocross in Belgium. He finished 8th overall. Then his greatest feat was in 2007, winning the FIM Over 51 years World Veteran Motocross Championship. It was over two rounds and the first was again in Namur where he had two first places. Then at Donington Park in England he had another two first places.

The under 51 Years title was the FIM World Veteran Cup. In 2008 they changed the rules and it was changed to one class, +40 years. That means Tony Cooksley will be the +51 FIM World Motocross Champion forever.

Now at 54 years of age, the Yamaha stalwart is still, an active rider and current 50+ National Champion and Auckland Champion.

Tony is also no stranger to MXoN: "I rode for New Zealand at the then called Trophee Des Nations in Sweden in 1984. I was on a 250cc Husqvarna,” Tony said.

"I then represented New Zealand at the Motocross des Nations at Unadilla in the United States – with Darryll and Shayne King.”

"Then in 1991 I was at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands and the team included Darryl Atkins and Troy Mackesey.”

"It's a huge honour for me to be appointed Team Manager for 2010 and with Josh, Ben and Brad we are looking to a strong performance. New Zealand has never won the event and has only been on the podium just three times - in 1998, 2001 and 2006”

 

01 December 2007, Tony Cooksley with his Gold medal and glass trophy at the Salle des Etoiles in Monaco, Monte Carlo. The third edition of the FIM Off Road Awards was a superb celebration where all the Off Road, World and European Champions received their prize in front of 400 guests at the gala dinner.

Photo courtesy of Youthstream.

 

Pukekohe MCC's Life Member, Tony Cooksley, on his YZ250 2-stroke at the Mercer Sand Track recently. Photo Alan H.