Current MX1 champion and Mount local Cody Cooper will be in Taupo this Labour weekend as the town once again becomes the centre of the motocross universe.

The big annual MX Fest traditionally marks the start to the summer season and the event is again attracting all the nation's major riders and teams to the steaming pumice and sand circuit.

The popularity of the two-day spectacular at the Digger McEwen Motorcycle Park, on the outskirts of the Central Plateau tourist town, ensures there won't be a motel bed to spare in the region over the coming days.

World, national and provincial titles count for nothing, international credentials are likely to be challenged and past loyalties go out the window as the new season brings forward fresh and exciting match-ups at this Huka Honda-sponsored event on October 22-23.

Riders such as Ngatea's Ben Broad, Te Puke's Logan Blackburn, Mangakino's Maximus Purvis, Te Puke's Tyler Steiner, and Tauranga's Rhys Carter, for example, are all now flying different colours to last season.

Former motocross Grand Prix star Josh Coppins, from Motueka, and current national MX1 champion Cody Cooper, from Mount Maunganui, will likely be the key men to beat.

Now in its 31st year, the MX Fest event is expected to attract riders in their hundreds and spectators in their thousands, with the race programme, as usual, featuring the mini, junior and women riders on Saturday and senior and veteran racers on Sunday.