Young gun makes history
Southland motorbike rider Cormac Buchanan rode himself into the history books at the weekend.
The 14-year-old rising star reclaimed his 2020 Supersport 150 crown with an unbeaten domination of the eight races, then secured the hotly-contested Supersport 300 title with two races in hand and a staggering 98-point lead over his nearest rival, teammate Harry Parker.
Motorcycling New Zealand’s Race Racing Commissioner Grant Ramage confirmed that Buchanan had secured himself an entry in the motorsport’s record books.
‘‘He would be the youngest rider in recent history who has won two titles in a year,’’ he said.
For Buchanan, this weekend’s final three races were a fitting way to conclude an astounding rookie season in the Supersport 300 ranks.
Despite being the youngest competitor to contest the full 2021 NZSBK, Buchanan’s achievements included earning pole position at all three rounds for both classes; setting several new lap records, and winning all bar one of his 17 races.
His sole runner-up spot was conceded by a mere 0.1secs to Parker.
‘‘It’s a historic moment and I will treasure it,’’ Buchanan said.
‘‘The support I’ve had from [Yamaha Motor New Zealand Motorsport Manager] Josh Coppins, our team manager Steve Lloyd and the whole YRDT crew has been unreal and this is the reward for all the effort which has gone in.’’
‘‘It hasn’t even been two years since my first-ever road race, so it all feels surreal to be honest. Two consistent contributors from the start have been my coach Steve Bagshaw – he’s a huge factor in my success – along with my dad Stacey on the spanners as my pit chief,’’ Buchanan said.
He leaves in two weeks for Europe where he will be the first Kiwi rider selected to compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.