Suzuki riders Scott Columb and Cody Cooper lead the two senior classes after round one of the New Zealand Supercross Championships in South Canterbury overnight.

Mount Maunganui’s Cooper (Moto City Suzuki RM-Z450) finished 1-2-1 in his three open class races on the Timaru track, to finish the night three points clear of his nearest challenger, Christchurch rider Justin McDonald.

McDonald finished 2-1-2, while Taupo’s Brad Groombridge rounded out the podium with a hat-trick of third-place finishes.

Cooper finished third in the supercross championships last season but now he is on target to add the No.1 plate to the No.1 ranking he already holds for motocross.

“It was a pretty hard night actually. I have a bit of the flu and lacked in energy,” said the 28-year-old.

“The track was dodgy too ... wet in some places and dry and dusty in others ... but I’m looking forward to Motueka this weekend.”

In the senior lites (250cc) class, Queenstown’s Columb (Suzuki RM-Z250) was similarly dominant, finishing 2-1-1 on the night.

Visiting Australian Geran Stapleton took the second spot on the podium with Cooper’s Moto City Suzuki team-mate, fellow Mount Maunganui rider Rhys Carter finishing third overall.

Sponsored by the Backflips clothing company, this year’s championship comprises just three rounds of racing, imposing incredible pressure for the riders to be consistent.

One slip-up will prove costly in the overall analysis and the early points leaders know they can take nothing for granted.

The series next heads to Motueka’s popular Rat Track for round two this Sunday, with the third and final round set for Taupo a week later, on January 14.

For further information contact Simon Meade, Motorcycle Sales Manager, simon@suzuki.co.nz