Yamaha motocross team posing with bikes and staff in front of a Yamaha racing tent outdoors, with flags and mountains in the background.

JOSH COPPINS RACING

A motocross rider wearing an orange and black suit, helmet, and goggles riding a blue dirt bike with the number 96 on a dirt track, kicking up dust as he speeds around the curve, with green trees and a blue sky in the background.

ALTHERM JCR YAMAMA

Altherm JCR Yamaha is one of New Zealand’s leading motocross race teams, founded by Josh Coppins in partnership with Yamaha Motor New Zealand after his professional racing career.

Established in 2013, the team was built with a clear goal:
to develop elite riders, win championships, and create a pathway from New Zealand to the international motocross stage

Who We Are

  • At its core, Altherm JCR Yamaha is more than just a race team. It operates as a high-performance development programme, focused on:

    • Rider development – identifying and nurturing top NZ talent

    • Professional race support – bikes, mechanics, coaching, and strategy

    • International pathways – helping riders transition to Europe and global competition

    • Yamaha integration – working closely with factory support and technology

    The team is heavily aligned with Yamaha’s bLU cRU development pathway, helping young riders progress through the ranks.

  • Altherm JCR Yamaha has consistently been one of the most competitive teams in New Zealand motocross:

    • Multiple New Zealand Motocross Championship titles (MX1 & MX2)

    • Regular podium finishes across multiple classes

    • Strong presence in junior, MX2, and MX1 categories

    • Proven ability to develop riders who go on to international careers

    Recent seasons have shown dominance across classes, with riders winning motos and leading championships.

  • Notable Riders (Past & Present)

    The team has worked with some of the top riders in NZ and beyond, including:

    • Maximus Purvis – MX1 front-runner and championship contender

    • Levi Townley – rising star progressing to European competition

    • James Scott – MX2 competitor

    • Kirk Gibbs – Australian champion who helped secure major titles

    Many riders have used JCR Yamaha as a launchpad to international racing careers, which is a key part of the team’s identity.

  • Under Josh’s leadership, the team focuses on quality over quantity, often running a smaller, highly supported roster to maximise performance.

    Key pillars include:

    • High-level bike setup and technical development

    • Strong mechanic and support crew

    • Emphasis on professionalism and rider mindset

    • Long-term career progression for athletes

    This approach has helped the team stay competitive while adapting to rising costs and evolving racing demands.

MAJOR SPONSORS

SECOND TIER SPONSORS

TECHNICAL SPONSORS