Coppins to stay with CAS Honda.

New Zealander Josh Coppins has signed a new deal with CAS Honda that will see the British GP winner stay with the team for the 2005 MX1 world championship.

"I am really happy to stay with CAS," said Coppins, currently second in the championship standings. "They are an honest team, and one that has a family atmosphere, which I really like. We have also got the Honda 450 sorted now, and I am really feeling like I can improve on it for next year."

While Coppins is glad he won't be changing teams for the 2005 season, team manager Neil Prince is sure he has one of the few riders who could claim the 20045 crown.

"I think if you look at it there is maybe Stefan Everts, Mickael Pichon and Josh Coppins who will probably be the main riders to be in contention next year," Prince said. "With Josh we can fight for the championship, and that has always been the goal of the team. Working with Josh has also been a great experience, he's a nice guy and never a problem."

"Josh has proven to everyone he is a fighter," added team owner Harry Ainsworth. "He is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and he is not complicated in any way. He really fits into the environment we want for this team. We also have ambitions, and winning a world championship is one of them, with Josh we feel we can do this."