Cooper crowned British Champion.

Paul Cooper has won the 2002 British Open Motocross championship for the CAS Honda team. The South African went into the final round at Polesworth, near Birmingham, with a handy points lead over Carl Nunn, then finished off the day with 4-4-5 results, enough to clinch his crown.

"To win a championship in England is very special," Cooper said. "I've been based here for so long and it's always been a pleasure. I've enjoyed my British season and while the Grand Prix's didn't always go to plan I can't complain too much. Today I just had to ride within myself and take enough points to assure victory, which was great to do."

While Cooper won a championship, New Zealand's Josh Coppins arrived at the final round with everything to gain. The World number two made his debut appearance for the CAS team and quickly did what everyone expected, going 1-1-2 the Kiwi was just too good for his rivals, taking an easy overall victory and showing his new boss Harry Ainsworth what to expect in 2003.

"I felt I could have won all three moto's," Coppins said. "I got a blister on my hand and in the last race had to back off otherwise I might have crashed. My speed was good though."

British 250cc/Open Motocross Championship - Final points standings:

1. Paul Cooper (581)
2. Carl Nunn (551)
3. Gordon Crockard (527)
4. James Noble (450)
5. Jussi Vehvilainen (398)
6. Glen Phillips (277)
7. Yoshi Atsuta (246)
8. Stuart Flockard (227)
9. Jason Higgs (227)
10. Mark Hucklebridge (223)