This is an updated summary of James' 2009 race year.".......Having professional riders like [Triple R team rider] Robbie Bugden and Gareth Jones (Yamaha) in the paddock gives our own riders great motivation.........Triple R team rider James Smith is a good example of this. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that James lifted his game to a much higher level this year by simply having Gareth (Jones) competing in our chamionship."
Peter (Red) Fenton
Triple R team boss speaking to Bike Rider Magazine August 2009.
It was very satisfying to finish the 2009 New Zealand Superbike Championship with the #2 plate and first Kiwi to finish. I now have two NZ #2 plates for successive seasons.
Throughout the five championship rounds I was riding toe-to-toe with Australian Gareth Jones and in all of the 10 races from Teretonga in the south to Pukekohe in the north, there were just split seconds between us as we battled for the championship.
During the racing I lead the majority of races and between us we broke nearly all the track records throughout the country.
I now proudly hold the lap record for 600 Sports Production at my home track of Ruapuna, Christchurch, with a time of 1.32:457.
I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank Red and his Triple R Suzuki team for their terrific support throughout the season. Without them I would not have achieved great results and a superb season.
Also thanks to my sponsors, Triple R, Suzuki, Whites and Robert Taylor, of Ohlins.
I would also like to give a big thank you to you the public for your support and watching my progress throughout the year.
Ride safely,
James