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Altherm JCR Yamaha has what it takes to defend MX1 and MX2 titles

Altherm JCR Yamaha has what it takes to defend MX1 and MX2 titles

Altherm JCR Yamaha Media Statement 22 SEPT 2020 

HEADER PIC: MAXIMUS PERVIS #44

 

The Altherm JCR Yamaha motocross team has all the necessary components in place for a successful season – beginning this weekend with the MX Fest in Taupo – and aiming to culminate in defending its 2020 MX1 and MX2 titles.

 

Mangakino is the hometown for both the team’s senior riders, with Kayne Lamont (25) returning to the MX1 class after an injury-punctuated 2019/2020 on the latest model Yamaha YZ450F. Maximus Purvis (20) will be aboard the YZ250F and is fired up to revisit his winning ways at Digger McEwen MX Park over the annual season opener and ultimately repeat his national MX2 title victory in 2021.

Lamont is employed in Hamilton as a builder and has added a few extra mental skills tools to his build-up this season. He has been working with internationally renowned sports psychologist Gary Hermansson, as he looks to gain the edge that will enable him to earn his first MX1 title.

 

“I‘ve been trying to use his techniques when practising and they’ve calmed me down. I just focus on controlling only what I can control,” Lamont says.

 

This is his sixth season with Altherm JCR Yamaha and with his best finish a third in 2018, he is looking to ascend to the top step of the national podium following the four-round championship. His chief aim is avoiding damaging himself, after a heavy crash at Woodville early this year left him with serious glute bruising and later in the season, a thumb injury also hampered his performance.

 

Altherm JCR Yamaha Team Manager Josh Coppins says it was a no-brainer re-signing Lamont.

 

“We like having him on the team and he is very well liked. He’s good with the kids that look up to him at the events and he’s extremely approachable. Kayne has a good attitude, and he fits in well with the team.” Coppins believes Lamont has what it takes to take home the winner’s trophy.

 

“He’s developing as a rider and he’s always had the speed, so we are just trying to get him to really refine his riding. I think he can be pushing for the championship, as he’s been in the hunt in the past but hasn’t won one for us yet. We’ll be working hard on that,” he says.

PIC: KAYNE LAMONT #94

 

Purvis (20) is one of those enviable sportsmen, who is blessed with a ton of natural ability, Coppins says.

 

“Max is very talented, and it comes so easy for him. He’s fighting fit and strong as his favourite hobby outside motocross is hunting. We appreciate his calm and relaxed attitude within the team.”

 

The laid-back exterior masks a steely determination and Purvis is Altherm JCR Yamaha’s most successful rider. He has won two junior titles, a senior 125cc title and last season’s senior MX2 title while riding for Coppins.

 

Having returned from racing in Australia where he was runner-up in the Under 19 national championship, Purvis will continue to race in the MX2 class both at home and across The Ditch.

 

Following a test session on his new Yamaha this week, Purvis, who works for an earthmoving contractor, was raring to go for this weekend and the season ahead.

 

“The YZ250F was sweet as and I’m happy with the bike. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to get into it,” Purvis says.

 

 PIC: MAXIMUS PERVIS #44

 

 

The team’s newcomer Madoc Dixon (16), of Tauranga, will ride the Yamaha YZ125 once he’s recovered from a fractured wrist.

 

 When he won the 2019 New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships’ 15-16 years' 125cc class, he caught Coppins’ eye and he will be the team’s work in progress for the 2020/2021 season.

 

“Madoc is fast and talented, but he needs some input on the finer aspects of training and we will be trying to smooth things out,” Coppins says.

PIC: MADOC DIXON'S YAMAHA YZ125

 

The team’s unknown at this stage is Australian defending national MX1 champion Kirk Gibbs.  He usually begins his New Zealand season with Altherm JCR Yamaha at the Woodville Grand Prix at the end of January.

 

“So, we are waiting to see what we can do come December and January. If the New Zealand borders are open then he will come out to ride for us but if not, then unfortunately he will have to miss this season,” Coppins explains.

 

“We are in the same situation with Max’s mechanic Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Nabe) - as soon as the borders are open he will come back to join Altherm JCR Yamaha.”

Coppins’ goals for season are simple - to repeat the MX1 and MX2 championship wins.

“As always we will be trying to win as many races as we can. Our Altherm JCR Yamaha team riders are great representatives for the brand and we have good values within the team. That’s very important to us.”

 

 

 

2020/21 ALTHERM JCR YAMAHA RACE SCHEDULE:

 

24th & 25th October 2020 – Taupo MX Fest (first contracted race for 2020/21)

27th & 28th December 2020 – SummerCross, Whakatane

30th & 31st January 2021 – Woodville Grand Prix, Palmerston North

 

2021 New Zealand Motocross Championship (dates & locations TBC)


Round One – tied into Woodville Grand Prix – 31st January 2021  

Round Two – Rotorua – 21st February 2021

Round Three – Hawkes Bay – 21st March 2021

Round Four – Taupo – 28th March 2021

 

 

ALTHERM JCR YAMAHA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:


Altherm Window Systems, JCR, Yamaha Motor New Zealand, Yamalube, GYTR, bLU cRU, YMF, YMI, Akrapovic, Holland Collision Centre, Ward Demolition, Star Moving, Contract Consultants, Fox, Workshop Graphics, Pirelli, DID, Renthal, Motomuck, Vertex, Twin Air, Motoseat & SKF.

 


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