In Australia Penrite Oil Honda Racing sign Cody Cooper

Cooper, who is the defending NZ Motocross MX1 Champion (having taken the title in 2011 and 2013) will contest the premier MX1 class onboard a Honda CRF450.

The New Zealander's illustrious career includes two NZ Motocross MX2 titles as well as two seasons contesting the coveted AMA Pro Motocross Championship (2008 and 2009), in which he lined up against some of the world's best riders and finished fifth and ninth respectively in the 450 class.

In preparation for the March 30 season opener at Broadford Motorcycle Complex in Victoria, Cooper will contest the NZ Motocross Championship under the management of former Motocross World Champion, Ben Townley.

"I am pretty excited about this year," Cooper said. "I have been riding the Honda over here since October and I have been loving it. 

"We have been doing a lot of testing and working with the team in Australia to make sure the bikes are identical.

"I am feeling really comfortable on the Honda and we will have our first race this weekend at the Woodville GP," Cooper added. 

Glyn Griffiths, National Marketing Manager, Honda Motorcycles was pleased with the strong rider line-up.

"To have a rider of Cody Cooper’s calibre on our CRF450R and joining Josh Cachia in the team is really exciting for Honda,” Griffiths said.

"Cody has a long history with Honda and plenty of championship wins under his belt which is more than enough to convince us that in 2014 he is sure to achieve some great results."

Penrite Oil Honda Racing Team Manager Mike Landman said he was excited to welcome Cody to the team.

"We have seen the raw talent and speed Cody has and we are excited to have him as part of the Penrite Oil Honda Racing team in 2014," Landman said.

"Cody is working with Ben (Townley) in New Zealand so we know we will get greater consistency out of Cody this year.

"One of the key things we have been working on is ensuring that his race bike in NZ is identical to his race bike in Australia," Landman continued. 

Josh Cachia is also back on the bike, preparing for his onslaught on the MX2 class. The 21-year old, who was sidelined due to reconstructive surgery midway through last year's MX Nationals is looking forward to going into this year's series fully fit.