‘Massive honour' to win awards: Buchanan
Cormac Buchanan made his Moto3 World Championship debut in Thailand earlier this year. PHOTO: MANU TORMO
Southland rider Cormac Buchanan scooped two big awards at the Motorcycling New Zealand awards in Wellington on Saturday.
Buchanan, who is currently competing in the Moto3 World Championship, was named male rider of the year and best up and coming road rider at the awards.
Southland rider Jack Symon was also a finalist.
Buchanan's two awards are testament to his breakthrough year in 2024 where he successfully defended the 600 SuperSport Championship title at NZSBK before returning to Europe where he claimed three podiums and a pole position at the FIM JuniorGP world championship, ultimately earning him a Moto3 contract.
"It's a massive honour to win both of these awards," Buchanan said.
"When you look on the Male Rider of the Year trophy and see your name now engraved beside riders like Jake Lewis and Shane Richardson, it is really humbling.
"I've been lucky enough to learn from both of them, not only as a racer but as a person."
It was a big night for the Southland Motorcycle Club, which was named club of the year for delivering the Burt Munro Challenge.
"It was proud night for the club and fantastic to see everyone's hard work recognised," president Bill Moffatt said.
"Like the majority of sporting clubs throughout New Zealand, ours is run by passionate volunteers and this award is a credit to them and the countless hours each puts in so our riders can do what they love.
"Cormac and Jack are both incredibly talented racers who represent our club in their respective disciplines with a high degree of professionalism and we are naturally proud of their latest achievements."
First staged in 2006, the Burt Munro Challenge has established itself as the largest motorcycle rally in the southern hemisphere.
Last year, a round of the New Zealand Superbike Championship (NZSBK) was incorporated into the mix, adding another element for the club to run successfully.
Buchanan has acted as an ambassador for the Burt Munro Challenge for the past six years.
"Regardless of where I'm racing around the world, I just have to glance down at that Burt Munro logo on my leathers for a little piece of home so it's amazing to have their support throughout this journey," Buchanan said.
"The Southland club has played a massive part in my racing — they were the first to encourage me on to the track and have been right behind me ever since.
"I'm an incredibly proud Southlander." — APL
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Cormac Buchanan made his Moto3 World Championship debut in Thailand earlier this year. PHOTO: MANU TORMO Southland rider Cormac Buchanan scooped two big awards at the Motorcycling New Zealand awards in Wellington on Saturday. Buchanan, who is currently competing in the Moto3 World Championship, was named male rider of the year and best up and coming road rider at the awards. Southland rider Jack Symon was also a finalist. Buchanan's two awards are testament to his breakthrough year in 2024 where he successfully defended the 600 SuperSport Championship title at NZSBK before returning to Europe where he claimed three podiums and a pole position at the FIM JuniorGP world championship, ultimately earning him a Moto3 contract. "It's a massive honour to win both of these awards," Buchanan said. "When you look on the Male Rider of the Year trophy and see your name now engraved beside riders like Jake Lewis and Shane Richardson, it is really humbling. "I've been lucky enough to learn from both of them, not only as a racer but as a person." It was a big night for the Southland Motorcycle Club, which was named club of the year for delivering the Burt Munro Challenge. "It was proud night for the club and fantastic to see everyone's hard work recognised," president Bill Moffatt said. "Like the majority of sporting clubs throughout New Zealand, ours is run by passionate volunteers and this award is a credit to them and the countless hours each puts in so our riders can do what they love. "Cormac and Jack are both incredibly talented racers who represent our club in their respective disciplines with a high degree of professionalism and we are naturally proud of their latest achievements." First staged in 2006, the Burt Munro Challenge has established itself as the largest motorcycle rally in the southern hemisphere. Last year, a round of the New Zealand Superbike Championship (NZSBK) was incorporated into the mix, adding another element for the club to run successfully. Buchanan has acted as an ambassador for the Burt Munro Challenge for the past six years. "Regardless of where I'm racing around the world, I just have to glance down at that Burt Munro logo on my leathers for a little piece of home so it's amazing to have their support throughout this journey," Buchanan said. "The Southland club has played a massive part in my racing — they were the first to encourage me on to the track and have been right behind me ever since. "I'm an incredibly proud Southlander." — APL
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