Motorcycling New Zealand have selected the team that will represent New Zealand for the 2006 Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin in Winchester, England, from September 23-24.

The three riders are Josh Coppins, Ben Townley and Cody Cooper, who also represented New Zealand one year ago under the watchful eye of team manager Russell Burling, who returns with them for 2006.

2005 MX1 Motocross World Championship runner-up Coppins is based in Balen Hulsen, Belgium, and returned from an eight week injury at the end of May. The CAS Honda rider has finished on the podium in all five grands prix since.

Former MX2 World Champion Townley is now based in Florida USA, but has seen his debut AMA season severely disrupted by injury. The Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider missed the entire Supercross Lites season through injury and only raced in one Motocross Lites round before right shoulder separation ended his season. Nevertheless, BT is now back on a bike and training in California.

Cooper has been living in Australia whilst completing in the ten-round Nokia Australian Motocross Championship, in which he finished third on a No Fear Honda. In New Zealand he rides for Castrol Honda Red Riders.

"Last year Cody arrived very late because of the timing of Daryl's injury," said team manager Burling. "It put him under a lot of pressure but that won't happen again as Shane and Darryll King will be there this year as reserves. Cody actually rode very well and he will be faster this year. I think he's better on the 450 Honda. Ben's best chance is the 250 and Josh the 450. Cody will ride the Open so all in all, we are in good shape."

Steve Dixon from Matterley Basin is quoted as saying the circuit is receiving a facelift with the dirt changed dramatically to make sure that their will be enough moisture in the ground from the watering in place. Several major changes are also in place to improve the way the event will be run compared with June's British Grand Prix - the first event ever held at the brand new track.

New Zealand finished fourth at the 2005 Motocross of Nations, just one point behind third placed Belgium.