Mitch Rees has arrived in Timaru this week determined to consolidate his position as New Zealand’s leading superbike rider.
The 32-year-old Whakatane motorcycle dealer heads a star cast of the country’s top racers competing in the second round of the 2025 Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship at Levels, this Friday and Saturday.
The Honda rider put himself at the top of the points table at the opening round at Teretonga last weekend, claiming pole position then three straight wins.
His nearest rival is his father and multi-New Zealand champion Tony.
“I had the momentum leading into this championship after winning the Tri-Series, so that put me as a favourite but I’ve still got some work to do,” Mitch Rees said. “I got some decent results at Levels last year and want to improve on those.”
His father has also made it clear he is far from retiring.
“I love riding motorbikes and I’m not going to say I’m going to retire,” Tony Rees said last weekend. “I did that once before and I didn’t really like it.”
Canterbury Yamaha riders Al Hoogenboezem and Dale Finch are poised to offer a renewed challenge to the Honda pair.
Hoogenboezem says he and teammate Finch are going into the Levels meeting with confidence.
“We’ve bridged the gap to the Hondas and we’re continuing to improve, so we’re really looking forward to Timaru.”
Another rider who completed a clean sweep last weekend was Yamaha rider Avalon Lewis in the ProTwins class, while husband Jake scored three wins in the Supersport 600 category.
While riders will be chasing championship points across all classes, including sidecars, they will also be eyeing a chance to add a prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix title to their CVs.
The GP races will be contested on Saturday. Follow us on Facebook for live updates.
Caption (above): On the ragged edge . . . Jonny Lewis (54) loses his footing while chasing Luke Ryder (80) for the lead at Teretonga last weekend. Aaron Staples Photography.
Caption (above): Fast lady . . . Avalon Lewis gets the media attention after three straight wins last weekend at Teretonga. Billee Fuller (partly obscured) awaits her turn. Photo supplied
Caption (above): Family affair . . . Mitch Rees leads his father Tony (11), Al Hoogenboezem (43) (CRRT) and Dale Finch (17) at Teretonga last weekend. Aaron Staples Photography.