The Southland teenager is still laser-focused on repaying that faith.
Buchanan (16) is gearing up for a New Zealand superbike championship campaign after a second intense year of competition and development in Europe.
He finished 17th of 26 gun youngsters in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, missing the first round due to Covid but finishing in spectacular style with ninth and 10th placings in Valencia.
Concurrently, he joined Spanish team AGR Racing in the European Talent Cup section of the JuniorGP before being promoted to the world championship Moto3 category as a wildcard for four rounds, qualifying third on the grid at the round at Aragon, Spain.
"It’s been a massive learning curve this year, racing two different championships, and one that we didn’t actually expect to race," Buchanan said yesterday.
"I think confidence has been the biggest thing. Last year, when you finish last by nearly a minute, it doesn’t do much good for your confidence.
"This year, actually fighting for wins, it’s really been about believing that I can do it."
Performing so well in the Moto3 round at Aragon was an eye-opener for Buchanan but also for his team.
He was fastest in both FP1 and Q2 sessions, and finished the race ninth overall for his first championship points.
‘It was probably the best weekend of my whole career.
"It was only my third race in that class, so that made it really special.
"The fact that you’re actually racing in the world championship, up against the best riders in the world — I think it was the first time I’ve really stopped and looked at what I have achieved in my career, and it kind of blew me away a little bit."
AGR Racing has confirmed it will back Buchanan for a full season in the JuniorGP next year.
Team manager Anscari Nadal is clearly a fan and has said his goal is to get the young Kiwi on the podium then into a permanent ride in the Moto3 world championship.
"It’s just the best thing you can hear, knowing the team really believe in you," Buchanan said.
"My goals are the same as the team’s. We both agree we have to aim high and fight for a championship.
"To have that trust placed in me shows they really care and they are excited for the future, and it makes you feel really good about yourself.
"I just want to give my best in every race and have fun along the way.
"In a way, it is make or break. My goal is to step up to the world championship in 2024, so it’s a year I really need to step up and fight for wins and podiums so I can get noticed by teams."
Buchanan will again have father Stacey with him next year as a mechanic, driver and biggest fan.
The whole clan — including mum Kate and sister Mikah — were able to accompany the young rider this year.
Buchanan is back into competitive action this weekend when he lines up for the Yamaha Racing Development Team at the New Zealand season opener in Taupo.
He will seek to defend his Supersport 300 title and also ride in the Supersport 600 on a Yamaha YZF-R6.
"I’m very excited. As soon as I landed in New Zealand, I started counting down the days.
"It’s going to be great to see everyone back in the racing scene."
