One Kiwi in Oceania Junior Cup
A 12-year-old from Southland is facing his biggest challenge in New South Wales this weekend. Cormac Buchanan will be New Zealand’s only competitor in motorcycle racing’s Oceania Junior Cup, being held on six tracks in three Australian states. ‘‘It’s pretty cool . . . but I was expecting more New Zealanders [to be in the event],’’ Cormac said. Cormac knows to reach his goal of finishing in the top five at the end of the series he ‘‘must stay cool when under pressure’’ and ride to the best of his ability. He and his 24 rivals, aged from 11 to 16, have been given identical motorcycles – all Yamaha 125cc – for the series. The series organiser will store the motorcycles between race days. Riders will be put into pairs to share a supplied tool kit, while new tyres will be provided for each round. Cormac was pleased with his Yamaha on testing day when clocking the fourth fastest time. His mother Kate Buchanan said she and husband Stacey were ‘‘immensely proud’’ of their son. Australian Damian Cudlin is coaching the 25 riders at the venue for each round of the series. Cudlin expects riders to be ready by 7am each day for a run and fitness training. A good placing in final standings for the series would enhance Cormac’s chances of competing in the Asia Talent Cup in Malaysia early next year. After racing at Goulburn, New South Wales, the next round in the series will be in Broadford, Victoria (April 5-7).