The Motueka motocross rider Josh Coppins is hoping to be the first rider to win a world championship race on a V-twin bike after signing with the Italian Aprilia team for next year.
Coppins, ended his contract with Yamaha after this year's MX1 championship after theydecided to trim the team to cut costs.
The 32-year-old says he considered returning to this side of the world, but will instead have at least one more year in Europe.
Coppins says he wasn't sure about his decision until he visited the team at their factory in Italy.
Aprilia have so far only filled minor placings in motocross.
