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Photo - Johnny Hepburn @ Ruapuna:
KAWASAKI TEAM GREEN
Press Release:
Veteran racer Timaru’s Johnny Hepburn won the first 600 Sports Production race on Sunday at round one of the New Zealand Road Race Championships at Ruapuna Park, on board his new SPV Kawasaki backed ZX6.
The 37 year-old finished third in race one in the dry on Saturday, behind defending Champion Shaun Harris and 2002 Champion Craig Shirriffs both on Suzukis. With the onset of steady rain and wind on Sunday, Hepburn took all of his years of experience to battle his old foes to take the win in race two.
"That was fantastic, it was great to be back out there battling with the boys," said Hepburn after his win.
With the changing weather conditions, tyre choice was critical for the Grand Prix, Hepburn made his choice, but when heavy rain fell during the Grand Prix, Hepburn found himself battling the conditions and could only finish fourth.
Hepburn’s new Kawasaki ZX6: is supported by SPV Kawasaki in Dunedin, owned and operated by ex Grand Prix racer Dennis Ireland.
"I just love racing the ZX6, I can’t thank Dennis enough for the opportunity to do this Championship," said Hepburn at the Grand Prix’s prizegiving.
Hepburn’s win, along with a third and a fourth, has him third on the points table, just three points adrift of Harris and Andrew Stroud.
"Next weekend is round two at Teretonga, Invercargill, bring it on," added Hepburn.
Prepared for Kawasaki: by Motorsport Network Ltd
