KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's top motocross riders descend on Taupo today for the annual $20,000 event - the Labour Weekend Motocross Extravaganza.
Daryl Hurley is well on the way back to full fitness following his crash while representing New Zealand at the Motocross des Nations in the United States, and is likely to be in contention for the title.
"It's been about the hardest three months of my life," said Hurley.
"Since I first injured myself at the Tarawera 100 [cross-country race] in July, and then trying to ride through the pain, it's been very hard.
"I know if I'm 100 per cent fit and confident, I can win."
The Team Suzuki lead rider showed good form at round two of the New Zealand Motocross championships, near Rotorua, coming away with the 500cc class win, and moving to within six points of series leader, Mount Maunganui's Cody Cooper.
Hurley, 31, will have to step up another gear though, as Cooper is determined to prove the good form he showed in the US wasn't a flash in the pan.
On his debut at the end of the American domestic motocross season, Cooper turned a few heads with a sixth and seventh-place finishes.
"I hope to go back and race full-time over there next season," said Cooper. "I'm still negotiating with people in America. I think I impressed a few people over there."
However, both riders know it's not a two-horse race with Peter Broxholme, Nick Saunders and Jesse Donnelly all expected to compete for a podium place.
Saunders in particular will be a threat as Taupo is his home circuit and he's shown good speed around the track.
In the 250cc class Luke Burkhart and Rotorua's Michael Phillips are expected to continue the tussle they've been having in the national series. The King brothers, former world champion Shayne and current national 125cc champion Damien, will no doubt add some sparkle to the race.
Local rider Brad Groombridge is worth keeping an eye on. Taupo is among his favourite tracks and the teenager has been very fast all season.
Former Grand Prix rider Damien King, 31, is expected to win the 125cc class, but there are a couple of young hotshots prepared to make their presence felt.
He can expect challenges from 16-year-old former junior champion Matt Hunt, Christchurch's Justin McDonald, Waikanae's Michael Menchi and Hamilton's Jesse Wiki. Cam Negus and Mark Penny will also be very much in the mix.
Two-time and current women's world champion Katherine Prumm will prove too strong for the other women. Today's programme features races for minis, juniors, women and novice riders, while tomorrow's features the seniors.
