News Release

Suzuki's Smith Takes Charge Again

12 May 2008
Marton's Cam Smith and his Suzuki RM-Z450 are proving to be one tough combination this season.

The 31-year-old ironman was once again too slick for his rivals as some of the best endurance racers tackled round two of this year's Suzuki-sponsored New Zealand Cross-country Championships near Waipukurau on Sunday.

He took his Suzuki to victory at round one of the series near Nelson last month and was again in command in the Central Hawke's Bay on Sunday.

With one of his main rivals, Pahiatua racer Adam Reeves (Yamaha), running out of fuel, Smith was able to switch to cruise mode to again win the three-hour gut-buster without too much fuss.
 
But, even coasting to the finish flag, it ended with Smith winning by more than three minutes from the next best riders - Te Kauwhata's Jason Moorfield (Kawasaki), Norsewood's Kevin Hermansen (Kawasaki) and Napier's John O'Dea (Suzuki).
 "The bike was perfect ... I got the holeshot, which helps a lot," said Smith afterwards. "Then I fell off on the second lap and Adam (Reeves) got past.
 
"I wasn't panicking though. Then I saw that Adam had run out of gas, so I cruised a bit.
 
"I did just what I needed to do to take the win. Thankfully, it was comfortable in the end.
 
"It's a nice position to be in, leading the competition, but I can't take anything for granted.
 
"I'm feeling great at the moment and looking forward to the next race. I have to get back to some fencing this week ... I think that's what keeps me fit for racing," he laughed.
 
Round three is near Pahiatua next weekend and Ashburton hosts the final on June 14.