Buchanan makes FIM JuniorGP World Championship podium
Southland’s Cormac Buchanan has made a flying start to his FIM JuniorGP World Championship campaign.
His third-place performance rewarded the hard-working 17-year-old and his AGR team with its first podium of the 2024 season.
In a frantic race, the talented Southlander battled right to the line to earn an epic third place in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship – his first podium in the category.
“This is the moment I have been chasing. It is ultimately payback for all of the hard work and sacrifices my team and my family have made to bring me to this point,” Buchanan said.
“Little me would be so proud to see this dream realised, standing on this podium in Europe against the best talents in the world.”
His effort in Italy came as no surprise to many people as Buchanan dominated the Supersport 600 class in New Zealand, by claiming back-to-back titles and in the lead-up to the races in Misano, he was posting some quick times on the track.
“It makes me so hungry for more and we will keep striving for that top step. It is important to continue this positive trajectory and achieve what we know is possible. I have the crew beside me to do it.
“For now we will enjoy this moment and then it is time to reset and refocus for Estoril.”
Buchanan spent three years in the Red Bull Rookies Cup before graduating to the JuniorGP ranks.
His season got off to a rough start in Misano when he struck overheating issues then had a crash in race one after just seven laps, but that was quickly flushed as he produced an outstanding showing in race two.
Buchanan was half a second off winning against 32 other JuniorGP riders.
Next up was Estoril, in Portugal, on May 5, and Buchanan would be hoping to at least match his performance from Italy, before the action moved to Barcelona.