Fitness key to life in the fast lane for young motorcycle rider

Samuel Guthrie races his way to the Grand Prix title on his Kawasaki Ninja 250. Photo: Supplied
Samuel Guthrie races his way to the Grand Prix title on his Kawasaki Ninja 250. Photo: Supplied
Rolleston’s Samuel Guthrie is focusing on physical fitness as he prepares for his first Supersport 300 season at the New Zealand Superbike Championship.

Samuel Guthrie.
Samuel Guthrie.
It follows the 15-year-old claiming the New Zealand Grand Prix 250 production title on his Kawasaki Ninja 250 last month.

“I love the speed, thrill and sheer closeness of road racing. It involves more than just speed though as you have to be both physically and mentally prepared,” Samuel said.

He said the weeks leading up to the championship, due to start at Hampton Downs in March, were necessitating a healthy race diet, as well as gym strength and cardio work.

He was also doing racecraft training at track days, while preparing mentally, having early nights, and studying go-pro footage of tracks in his upcoming race calendar.

The preparation was important, as every movement counted at high speeds, which reached in excess of 180km/h.

“Backing yourself to brake just that little later to the corner or getting on the gas that little bit earlier than others to get the advantage. Sticking to the race plan but adapting on the go, as races can have all sorts of changing situations.”

Last season, Samuel competed in the superbike championship, in the Supersport 150 class, aboard a Yamaha R15 (150cc), finishing the series second overall.

He said winning the Bridgestone New Zealand Grand Prix title, at Mike Pero Motorsport Park at Ruapuna this month, was a dream come true. He has been following in the footsteps of his father Shannon, a long-time rider who has raced at a national level. His brother, 11-year-old Lucas, has also just started racing.

Shannon encouraged anyone wanting to get their kids, aged seven and older, into motorcycle road racing, to consider the Motorcycling Canterbury training programme.

Anyone interested can get in touch with him at 021 353 159.