At the NZSBK’s thrilling third round in Ruapuna, Altherm Yamaha’s team, featuring Alastair Hoogenboezem and Cormac Buchanan, demonstrated commendable skill and determination. Hoogenboezem, returning to form in the Superbike class, earned a noteworthy 3-3-2 finish. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “I was in the mix where I haven’t been all season and was happy but third is not where I want to be.”

In a gripping final race, Hoogenboezem almost secured victory, narrating his experience: “I put my head down and got a couple of laps in and was clocking up times close to the lap record. I caught up to [Mitch Rees and Ant West] and passed both of them in one go around the hairpin.”

Cormac Buchanan, in the Supersport 600 class, showcased resilience despite facing a penalty. Team Manager Josh Coppins backed his decision-making: “There was a gap and Cormac went for it, so I fully back that as a team manager.” Buchanan described the event as a “weekend of two halves,” expressing gratitude for the support he received, “Massive kudos to Mum and Dad and Tony for all the hard work and the Cormac Racing fan club which was out in force trackside.”

The team’s spirit and dedication were evident in their performances and the support they garnered from fans and family alike. As they prepare for the next challenge in Timaru, Coppins remains optimistic, noting, “It’s a good track for us and I’m looking forward to seeing Al and Cormac keep building on their respective class results.”

NZSBK Championship Round Three Results:
Superbike
1st Ant West (YZF-R1) – 70
2nd Mitch Rees – 62
3rd Alastair Hoogenboezem (YZF-R1) – 52

Supersport 600
1st Cormac Buchanan (YZF-R6) – 51
2nd Morgan McLaren-Wood – 49
3rd Luca Durning – 45

NZSBK Championship Standings (R1, R2 & R3):
Superbike
1st Mitch Rees– 175
2nd Tony Rees – 153
3rd Ant West (YZF-R1) – 140
4th Alastair Hoogenboezem (YZF-R1) – 129

Supersport 600
1st Cormac Buchanan (YZF-R6) – 203
2nd Luca Durning – 119
3rd Rogan Chandler – 108

2023/24 RACING CALENDAR:

NZSBK Round One – 2nd & 3rd December 2023 – Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, Taupo

NZSBK Round Two – 9th & 10th December 2023 – Manfeild

NZSBK Round Three – 6th & 7 th January 2024 – Ruapuna Motorsport Park, Christchurch

NZSBK Round Four – 13th & 14th January 2024 – Levels, Timaru

NZSBK Round Five – 9th to 11th February 2024 (in conjunction with Burt Munro) – Teretonga, Invercargill

NZSBK Round Six – 2nd & 3rd March 2024 – Hampton Downs, Waikato

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