Tauranga motocross rider Levi Townley aims for gold at junior world championships

“I’m just going to ride like I normally do: ride to my potential.”

His younger brother Jaggar will race in the same class, while Nixon Coppins and Nico Verhoeven, both aged 13, will race in the JMX85 class.

Jaggar Townley, 14 (left), Ben Townley, Levi Townley, 16, Josh Coppins and Nixon Coppins, 13, in preparation as part of Team New Zealand’s push for a world title at the FIM Junior Motocross World Championships. Photo / MNZ

“It is cool to have some Kiwis over here and to have my brother on the team,” Levi said.

“It’s always good to have some friends and family over supporting, and nice to have some banter with the Kiwis.”

All four of the racers are based in the Northern Hemisphere but they are revved up about representing New Zealand on the international stage.

“I am ready to go and I’m excited,” Coppins said.

“I love New Zealand and love being able to represent the country.

“I know it won’t be an easy race, but I am ready to fight.”

Levi Townley is hoping for another big win at the Junior Motocross World Championships. Photo / MNZ, Kevin Francois

Verhoeven, who won the 2026 New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships in the 11-12 Years 85cc division and finished second in the JMX65 championship in the 2024 Junior World Championships, said being away from family while training has been on his mind.

“You train your whole life for the biggest event you can do, and now we’re over here prepping for that,” Verhoeven said.

“We’re away from the family, so it’s a lot.”

However, he’s kept his goals simple.

“I don’t have any goals other than qualifying,” he said.

“I’ll set a goal after that – top 10 would be good.

“As long as I get a good start and don’t crash, I should be sweet.”

Practice and qualifying starts on July 4 and the main world title races begin on July 5.