There’s a saying that proclaims ‘it’s a lot harder to defend a championship than to win one’, which Yamaha Racing Development Team’s (YRDT) Cormac Buchanan not only confounded but added to at the final New Zealand Superbikes Championship (NZSBK) round in Taupo over the weekend.

The 14-year old Invercargill superkid 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.

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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 says.

For Buchanan, this weekend’s final three races were a fitting way to conclude an astounding rookie season in the Supersport 300 ranks.

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Despite being the youngest competitor to contest the full 2021 NZSBK, Buchanan’s exceptional list of 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.

“I will remember this for the rest of my life – it’s an historic moment and I will treasure it,” Buchanan says.

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“Being part of this team, I really wanted to add another two New Zealand titles to the Yamaha trophy cabinet. 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 says.

He leaves in two weeks for Europe where he will make history as the first Kiwi rider selected to compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. He will race in a support class, on the same race programme as the MotoGP superstars at iconic circuits in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Austria and Finland over seven months.

“It’s a huge step and there is so much work ahead as I test myself against the best young riders in the world, plus learn a whole new bike and all the tracks. But I’m excited about the challenge and just want to do everyone proud and represent New Zealand like the legends of our sport who have raced over there before me.

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“Rookies Cup is such an important step in my racing career and I will make the most of this opportunity. This is my dream and I’m living it,” Buchanan concludes.

Coppins says: “Cormac was stunning not only in results and in his lap times but also in his self-management. His mental game – the way he is very humble in winning and gracious in defeat – all adds up to that 1% difference we look for in our top racers at Yamaha.”

The Yamaha Racing Development Team is made up of (front row, from left) riders Cormac Buchanan, Rogan Chandler and Harry Parker. (Back row, from left) Steve Bagshaw, Stacey Buchanan (Cormac’s father), Steve Lloyd, Steve Parker (Harry’s father) and Brent Garven. Photo: Aaron Staples Photography

“He is a real attribute to us as a team, even at such a young age. No doubt he’s going to go on to great things and he deserves it. We are only a small part in what he wants to achieve and we are trying to do the best we can to propel him into achieving his goals and dreams. We wish him all the best in Europe.”

Coppins wraps up the 2021 season with a sense of satisfaction around “really solid brand representation under YRDT. Steve Lloyd and his wife Diana provide such a good pathway for our Yamaha customers and team riders. Thanks also to all the Yamaha NZ team, our mechanics and riders’ families for their work over the season ”

“We are well into planning for next season and have a clear structure of what we want to achieve.”

NZSBK Round Three Results – Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park:

Superbike

1^st Mitch Rees – 71

2^nd Alastair Hoogenboezem (YZF-R1) – 65

3^rd Damon Rees – 40

7^th Jake Lewis (YZF-R1) – 29

Supersport 600 (Provisional)

1^st Zak Fuller – 61

2^nd Dale Finch – 57

3^rd Rogan Chandler (YZF-R6) – 50

Supersport 300

1^st Cormac Buchanan (YZF-R3) – 76

2^nd Dave Fellows (YZF-R3) – 52

3^rd Harry Parker (YZF-R3) – 40

Supersport 150

1^st Cormac Buchanan (YZF-R15) – 76

2^nd Samuel Guthrie (YZF-R15) – 56

3^rd Tyler King (YZF-R15) – 52

OVERALL NZSBK Championship Standings:

Superbike

1^st Mitch Rees – 168

2^nd Damon Rees – 153.5

3^rd Alastair Hoogenboezem (YZF-R1) – 144

4^th Jake Lewis (YZF-R1) – 111

Supersport 600 (Provisional)

1^st Dale Finch – 209

2^nd Rogan Chandler (YZF-R6) – 170

3^rd Zak Fuller – 135

Supersport 300

1^st Cormac Buchanan (YZF-R3) – 223

2^nd Harry Parker (YZF-R3) – 125

3^rd Dave Fellows (YZF-R3) – 117

Supersport 150

1^st Cormac Buchanan (YZF-R15) – 203

2^nd Samuel Guthrie (YZF-R15) – 156

3^rd Georgia Elvin (YZF-R15) – 103

YAMAHA RACING TEAM (YRT) WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:

Yamaha Motor NZ, Yamalube, GYTR, bLU cRU, YMF, YMI, Akrapovic, Pirelli, Race Supplies,

GB Racing, JCR, Holland Collision Centre, Workshop Graphics & Sprint Filter.

YAMAHA RACING DEVELOPMENT TEAM (YRDT) WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:

Yamaha Motor NZ, Yamalube, GYTR, bLU cRU, YMF, YMI, Akrapovic, Pirelli, Race Supplies,

GB Racing & Sprint Filter.

Southland’s Cormac Buchanan Enters History Books With Double Title Win

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