Young motorcycle rider honoured to be in Oceania Junior Cup

Friday, 22 March 2019

Cormac Buchanan is New Zealand's lone representative in the Oceania Junior Cup in Goulburn, New South Wales, this weekend.

A 12-year-old from Southland is facing his biggest challenge in New South Wales this weekend.

Cormac Buchanan will be New Zealand's only competitor in motorcycle racing's Oceania Junior Cup, being held on six tracks in three Australian states.

'It's pretty cool … but I was expecting more New Zealanders [to be in the event],' Cormac said.

Cormac knows to reach his goal of finishing in the top five at the end of the series he 'must stay cool when under pressure and ride to the best of his ability'.

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He and his 24 rivals, aged from 11 to 16, have been given identical motorcycles - all Yamaha 125cc - for the series. The series organiser will store the motorcycles between race days and has had them locked away since they were tested by riders at Phillip Island on February 2 and 3.

Riders will be put into pairs to share a supplied tool kit, while new tyres will be provided for each round.

Cormac was pleased with his Yamaha on testing day when clocking the fourth fastest time.

His mother Kate Buchanan said she and husband Stacey were 'immensely proud' of Cormac representing New Zealand in Australia. His application to compete had to be accompanied by references, with some provided by Motorcycling New Zealand, Speedway NZ and NZ Moto Academy.

Australian Damian Cudlin is coaching the 25 riders at the venue for each round of the series. Cudlin expects riders to be ready by 7am each day for a run and fitness training.

Kate said there was an 11-year-old rider from Victoria who can't stop his motorcycle safely without help from adults.

'His legs don't touch the ground [when he's on the bike] … they [people] catch him and bike when he comes off the track.'

A good placing in final standings for the series would enhance Cormac's chances of competing in the Asia Talent Cup in Malaysia early next year.

After racing at Goulburn, New South Wales, this weekend the series continues at Broadford, Victoria (April 5-7), Warwick, Queensland (July 5-7), Benalla, Victoria (September 6-8), Phillip Island, Victoria (October 4-6), and Eastern Creek, New South Wales (November 1-3).