- Josh Coppins Racing becomes Monster Energy JCR Yamaha under a new multi-year partnership
- MX1 champion Maximus Purvis and MX2 contender James Scott return to lead the team’s title challenge
- Nixon Coppins, 14, joins the squad in MX125 ahead of a planned move into European motocross
Josh Coppins Racing has secured a multi-year partnership with Monster Energy, bringing a new name, new colours and a three-rider line-up for the 2026/27 New Zealand motocross season.
One of New Zealand’s leading motocross teams will race under a new name and a striking new look after Josh Coppins Racing secured a multi-year partnership with Monster Energy.
Josh Coppins Racing has announced a major new partnership with Monster Energy that will see the Kiwi squad become Monster Energy JCR Yamaha for the 2026/27 season.
The multi-year deal, facilitated by Monster Energy New Zealand and contracted through the company’s California-based operation, will see JCR adopt Monster Energy’s distinctive black, green and white colours.
For team manager Josh Coppins, the partnership also represents something of a full-circle moment.
Coppins was racing for the Factory Yamaha team when Yamaha’s global relationship with Monster Energy began and was among the first riders to represent the brand in the Motocross World Championship.
“Obviously, I am thrilled and proud to represent the brand again as a manager these days and excited to have Monster Energy backing our three-rider team this season,” Coppins said.
Strong Three-Rider Line-Up
The newly rebranded team will field three riders across the MX1, MX2 and MX125 categories.
Leading the charge in MX1 will be Maximus Purvis, who has now been part of the Coppins operation for a decade. The Mangakino rider successfully defended his MX1 title earlier this year before heading across the Tasman during the NZ off-season.
Purvis joined the ShopYamaha Off Road team for the 2026 Australian Enduro Championship, where he demonstrated that his speed isn’t limited to a motocross track. He claimed an E1 round victory and finished third outright in Pro Enduro at rounds seven and eight.
In MX2, James Scott returns to the team looking to go one better after finishing runner-up in the 2026 Yamaha Motor New Zealand Motocross Championship.
for the Monster Energy JCR Yamaha team.
The Oparau rider won the MX2 title with JCR in 2024 and will be targeting another championship when the four-round national series concludes in 2027.
Completing the three-rider line-up is Coppins’ 14-year-old son Nixon Coppins, who steps into the MX125 category.
“Nixon has recently turned 14, so he is only just old enough to race the MX125 class,” Coppins explained. “It will be a learning year for him before he starts a full season of European motocross.”
The new line-up means there is no place for 2026 JCR Yamaha MX2 Championship winner Hayden Draper, who is moving to Australia to continue his racing career.
Championships The Target
With Purvis and Scott both established championship contenders, Coppins isn’t hiding the team’s ambitions for the coming season.
“James and Maximus have been with us for many years now and they both went well last year with Maximus winning MX1 and James second in MX2,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming them both back this season and the goal will be for them to wrap up their respective championships.”
Monster Energy New Zealand Marketing Manager Ajay Patel described JCR as a natural fit for the brand, pointing to the team’s “dedication, determination and championship mindset” and its long-standing position within New Zealand motocross.
First Outing At MX Fest
Fans won’t have to wait too long to see the new-look Monster Energy JCR Yamaha squad in action.
Its first competitive appearance is scheduled for MX Fest at Taupo on October 25-26, before the opening round of the New Zealand Motocross Championship at Tokoroa on November 14.
Round two follows at Patetonga on November 28, with the team’s summer programme also set to include SummerX and the Woodville Grand Prix before the final two NZMX rounds at New Plymouth and Rotorua in February 2027.
With a major new international partner, two proven championship contenders and the next generation of the Coppins family joining the line-up, it’s shaping up to be an interesting new chapter for one of New Zealand motocross’s most established teams.
Photo Credit: CD Photography
2026/27 Monster Energy JCR Event Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
| 25th & 26th October 2026 | MX Fest | Digger McEwen Motorcycle Park, Miro Street, Taupo |
| 14th November 2026 | Round One – NZ Motocross Championship | Tokoroa, South Waikato |
| 28th November 2026 | Round Two – NZ Motocross Championship | Patetonga, Waikato |
| 28th & 29th December 2026 (TBC) | SummerX | 99 Caverhill Road, Manawahe, Whakatane |
| 23rd & 24th January 2027 (TBC) | Woodville Grand Prix | 39/41 Old George Road, Woodville (Woodville MX Track) |
| 20th February 2027 | Round Three – NZ Motocross Championship | New Plymouth, Tarakani |
| 27th February 2027 | Round Four – NZ Motocross Championship | Rotorua, Bay of Plenty |
