On Saturday we left Hamilton to head to the South Island to compete in the NZ Superbike rounds. After  a pretty uneventful trip we arrived at Christchurch for practise on the tuesday which saw Nick putting in some hot laps. This looks alright but then come friday for  the first of the NZ Superbike rounds and the weather had turned to shite it was  cold and the tyres were just shredding. All the three different suspension guys were having trouble and some pretty hot phone calls to tyre suppliers were going on around the pits. Things were not looking good.

After some discussions at the end of the day our suspension guru Dukie from Dukic performance came up with a idea which ended up being the mother of all solutions.

Thanks to this our top secret plan worked!!!! This saw Nick on pole for the day.

Race one it is raining and out goes Nick determined and on fire. He is third into the first corner and starts picking of the other riders which saw him come up behind James Smith #2 and local hero for this track. Passing James Nick pulls away and then increases the lead finishing 17 seconds ahead even after backing off and making sure he brought the bike home.

This saw a lot of people in a panic and shaking their heads as they thought with Nick being out of action most of the year that he wouldn't come into the equation. Bad mistake!!

Race two was also the NZ Grand Prix race and Nick was fourth this time into the first corner and then he was off again picking off the riders in front. This again saw him take the lead and promptly pull out to 12 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. His pit board crew were jumping up and down with excitement ande mum was up on the hill going slow down and just bring it home.

Across the finish line came Nick with a big wheel stand, a massive grin on his face, then it was bike back on two wheels hands and feet punching the air in a massive burst of excitement.

One of the exciting things was not only having his family there to support him but his mechanic Mouse(Tony Illingworth)who is a lifelong friend who had been there at the start of it all and was here for Nicks first National Title win on his 600. 

There was hugs and kisses all round. Nick would like to pass on his Thanks to all his sponsors and supporters. His wife Rachel and his mum and dad for having faith in him and supported him in this journey. He just has to stay on top of the mountain now at all the other rounds.

Monday morning and we are all tired but its load up the bus time and head to Invercargill for the start of the next rounds of practise before race day on saturday. So far Ray touch wood we haven't run out of diesel in the bus.