NATIONAL CHAMPION: Cooper Phillips soared to impressive heights at the recent Junior Motocross Nationals in Invercargill by winning a national title. PHOTO BRAYDEN LINDSAY E3425-062
The Phillips family have every reason to be smiling following the deeds of a teenage member recently.
Cooper Phillips produced an outstanding result at the recent Junior Motocross Nationals in Invercargill, winning his division.
He competed in the 85cc under-14 to 16 class and showcased his outstanding ability by winning four of his five races to finish top.
Fifteen-year-old Cooper said it was exciting to claim a national title.
“Nationals was a long weekend with five races, the conditions were tough, but all the preparation beforehand made it easier.
“The weekend was enjoyable, spending time riding and watching your mates.
“I am lucky to have such a supportive family as I had Mum, Dad, uncle, Grandad and Nana cheering me on, which was special being that they travelled all that way to support me.
“I felt incredibly proud to win and becoming number 1 in New Zealand for the under-14-16 85cc class.”
Cooper said the national title had special significance for him and his dad, Shane.
“Dad was a competitive rider but never quite got the title, so it feels great to have achieved it, especially with all the hard work and time Dad has put in supporting me.”
At times, motocross can be a very lonely sport, but Cooper is incredibly thankful to his team, family and friends who help make it enjoyable and allow him to chase his goals.
“Being able to win a national title has taken a lot of pressure off myself, after working hard and coming up short from injuries, it’s a moment I won’t forget.”
Conditions in Invercargill weren’t quite what Cooper was expecting.
“I kind of went down there expecting it to be really cold and wet, which changes the conditions considerably, but we got nice sunny weather, which is great for sand.
“I loved the terrain as it was an open fast track with technical jumps. We don’t ride a lot of sand in the North Island, so it was fun to race on a track with different soil.
“The track was gnarly, super chopped out jumps and difficult terrain with massive rollers and jumps, but it would have to be one of my most favourite tracks I have ever raced on.”
Cooper’s been attending nationals since he was seven and his best placing was fourth in Christchurch in 2018.
Unfortunately, he missed the last two events because of injury and Covid-19.
“I have had to recover from some big injuries, which has meant a lot of time off the bike, like in 2019 when I broke my femur, I was off the bike for nearly a year.”
His next step is to transition up to the 125cc bike, but for now he’s still got a couple of big events on the 85cc bike to tick off.
“Until July I am concentrating on the 85 as I am going to ride for Moto 1 in Australia at their Junior Nationals held in Darwin. Last year, I competed in the event but tore my bicep so I couldn’t complete the races.”
Cooper was bRought up around motocross as his dad and uncle compete, which meant his grandad, who is his number one fan, spent many hours taking his sons to events.
“He was president of the North King Country Motorcycle Club and now Dad is.”
Like all riders, Cooper enjoys the challenge of motocross.
“I love to ride and the challenge of pushing yourself to get better and better, but it’s all the stuff off the bike that is what makes motocross such a fun sport for me.
“I get to travel around the country, spend time with family and the friends you make in the motocross community.
“Riding brings lots of thrills, the energy levels are super high while spending moments with friends and family that you won’t forget.
“Motocross brings a lot of rewards and while winning a race will result in a trophy, the favourite thing about the sport is making myself proud, riding to the best of my abilities and seeing Dad happy after the race.”
