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Live sport on SN this weekendCole Davies on the verge of making New Zealand motocross history
The Rural Roundup • August 28th, 2026 2:30 pm
Cole Davies competing in the 250SMX Championship of the Pro Motocross Championship | Photo: SMX
This weekend, Kiwi motocross sensation Cole Davies could make history.
The recently turned 19-year-old from Waitoki heads into the final round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Ironman Raceway with a 14-point lead in the 250 class and is on the verge of becoming the first Kiwi ever to win the AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship.
Davies has already won four rounds this season and earlier this year claimed the 250SX East Championship, following a path first paved by Kiwi motocross great Ben Townley almost two decades ago.
Ahead of a potentially historic weekend, Sport Nation's The Rural Roundup caught up with Kiwi MX and SMX legend Ben Townley, who not only paved the way for Davies and is one the rider’s inspirations, but also coached him from a young age and remains a mentor to Davies.
He is currently racing for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing out of the USA.
Host Erin Speedy finds out what Davies needs to do this weekend, but also about his journey from the early days of driving down from Waitoki to Tauranga to train in BT’s backyard, to his famous ability through the whoops, and the moment America started to realise this Kiwi kid was special.
We discuss the culture shock for Kiwi riders overseas, why New Zealand has some of the best tracks in the world, what needs to happen to develop the next generation of riders, and why Cole Davies could be the Richie McCaw of motocross.
Listen to The Rural Roundup's interview with Ben Townley below:
