KIWI RIDER 01 2019 VOL.1 | Page 17

The 23-year-old Rees had more of a fight on his hands in race two the following day, with a "train" of seven riders battling for the lead. Positions at the front changed hands several times before Rees could again break through and then break away. "I had a terrible start in that second race and, with riders to my left and to my right, it was quite a battle. It was very busy. "I got to the front and then pushed hard to create a gap. I was actually deteriorating physically near the end, struggling with my sore shoulder, but I held on for the win" he said, still feeling the effects of a crash in December. Runner-up to Rees in race two, crossing the line 4.5 seconds behind, was his elder brother, Mitch Rees. The third superbike race wasn’t run because of the oil spillage. Other class leaders after the weekend's abbreviated event were Palmerston North's Jacob Stroud (Supersport 300 class); Papamoa's Leon Jacobs (250 Production class); Christchurch's Chris Huddlestone (Superlites); Christchurch's Andrew McLaughlin (650 Pro Twins); Australia's Yanni Shaw (125 GP); Hamilton's Jesse Stroud (GIXXER Cup); Christchurch's Dennis Charlett and Will Clim (sidecars). 2019 NZSBK CALENDAR Round 1 Round 4 January 5-6, Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Christchurch; March 30-31, Circuit Chris Amon, Manfeild; Round 2 Round 5 January 12-13, Levels International Raceway, Timaru; Round 3 March 2-3, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, North Waikato, Mike Pero MotoFest; April 5-7, Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, Taupo.