Their pre-champs build-up has been impressive.
Cooper made it three wins in a row when he romped to victory at the 35th annual Tarawera 100 (160km) cross-country endurance race near Kawerau in early July.
He finished nearly two minutes ahead of another former Tarawera 100 winner, national MX2 motocross champion Darryll King (Yamaha YZ250), of Hamilton.
Third overall was Carter, crossing the finish line just 34sec behind King.
Carter then teamed with Manawatu's Jesse Donnelly to win the Acerbis Four-Hour Endurance race near Taupo just over a week ago, further proving he is not only fast and fearless but fit, too.
But those events were perhaps just precursors to the nationals.
"We are very excited by the coming motocross season," said Bel-Ray Suzuki team manager Andrew Hardisty. "Suzuki is providing us with fantastic support once again this year and the key focus is on us gaining race and championship wins.
"Both the MX1 and MX2 classes are very fiercely contested that it requires immense skill and dedication by the riders and their support crew. I know we have the team of individuals who can step up to those demands."
Cooper and Carter know they'll have their work cut out to beat King, Tauranga's Ben Townley (Blue Wing Honda), Taupo's Brad Groombridge (Huka Honda) and Queenstown's Scotty Columb (Murray Thorn Suzuki), Mangakino's Kayne Lamont (CMR Red Bull BikesportNZ.com KTM) and Australian Jesse Dobson (Kawasaki NZ).
After Timaru, the national series heads to Patetonga (February 24), Pukekohe (March 10) and Taupo (March 31).