Post-race celebrations for Altherm Yamaha Racing Development Team rider Cormac Buchanan after he won his fifth NZGP title. Photo: Aaron Staples Photography.
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
