Budgen claims NZ Superbike crown

From Suzuki Racing

Australian rider Robbie Bugden has secured back-to-back New Zealand Superbike titles with one round still remaining in the championship. Victory aboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000 at round 4 at Manfield last weekend means Budgen does not even need to turn up to the final round at Pukekohe to be crowned 2008 Champion.

"The pressure is off now and I'll just go to Pukekohe and enjoy the day," said Bugden, who is unbeaten in the championship. "I'll still be going hard at Pukekohe. Every time the red light goes out I go hard and don't think of anything but winning."

Bugden's teammate Andrew Stroud currently sits second on the Championship points table.

Suzuki is also on track for a 1-2 Championship finish in the 600cc Sports Production class with Dennis Charlett and James Smith currently leading the standings piloting their GSX-R600s.

The final round will be held at Pukekohe on March 8-9.