Damian Cudlin racing for bernard motorsport this summer.

**cowpoos** · 16th December 2007, 16:50

another very quick aussie coming over to play with our guys!!!
this years superbike championship is going to be awesome!!

Australian Damian Cudlin will contest the 2008 New Zealand Superbike Championship aboard the Bernard Motorsport Team Yamaha R1.

Having recently returned home from his successful stint in Europe, where he finished 3rd in the World Endurance Championship, Cudlin will now spend the ‘off season’ taking on New Zealand’s best in the 5 round series running from January to March.

“I’m really excited about getting over to New Zealand and taking on the Kiwis in their own backyard” Cudlin explained. “I raced at the Pukekohe circuit back in 2000 as a 17year old and absolutely loved the place, so I’m looking forward to getting back over there with a bit more experience.”

Cudlin received a call from Team Manager Brian Bernard, who invited him to ride his Pirelli shod Yamaha R1 in the complete series. With his 2007 WEC season already over, and a lengthy break until the 2008 Championship kicks off, it was an offer too good for Cudlin to refuse.

“I’m really glad it’s all come about as the timing just couldn’t be better for me. I really have to thank Brian for giving me the opportunity and making it happen, as well as my old sparring partner Tony Rees for mentioning me to Brian in the first place. It won’t be easy, as I know how competitive the series has become over there, but I’ll have a competitive bike with a strong team around me, so I have every chance to do a good job. It’s an exciting opportunity and I plan to make the most of it. Sure beats going to work!” Cudlin joked.

Team Manager Brian Bernard was equally enthusiastic about Cudlin’s arrival in NZ.

“We’re really looking forward to having Damian onboard with us for the 2008 championship.” Bernard said. “It’s shaping up to be a great series and I’m sure we’ll have a competitive package. I know what Damian is capable of, as I clearly remember racing against him myself back in 2000! We’re really pleased to have a rider of his calibre joining us next year.”

Cudlin will fly out next week for his first ‘shake down’ test in preparation for the series opener at Ruapuna on January 12-13th.

**skelstar** · 16th December 2007, 19:45

Awesome. Good for NZ mc racing for sure.

**HDTboy** · 16th December 2007, 22:06

Funnily enough, Two Smoker and I just spent the afternoon/ evening with the Sadowski brothers who will be racing Brian's 600cc bikes

**Two Smoker** · 17th December 2007, 19:19

Originally Posted by HDTboy

Funnily enough, Two Smoker and I just spent the afternoon/ evening with the Sadowski brothers who will be racing Brian's 600cc bikes

That was an entertaining afternoon/evening... Top guys Matt and David

**jrandom** · 17th December 2007, 19:21

Originally Posted by HDTboy

Funnily enough, Two Smoker and I just spent the afternoon/ evening with the Sadowski brothers who will be racing Brian's 600cc bikes

Mmm, now that's a four-way love-in that I wouldn't have minded being a fly on the wall for.

**cowpoos** · 17th December 2007, 19:23

they pretty confident about there chance's here?

**t3mp0r4ry nzr** · 17th December 2007, 19:34

superbike will be great to watch this year! Bugden was touching the lap record at his first shakedown at Ruapuna on the Clee built K7 weapon. But so many top riders, racings gona be fast and close!