Rangiora’s Jake Lewis has a stranglehold on the national 600cc superstock title after three of five rounds in the New Zealand Superbike Championships at the weekend but he’s taking nothing for granted.

With two rounds still to come, both of them far from home, in the North Island, the Yamaha ace knows he must remain focussed and concentrated if he is to make it two national titles in a row before he heads overseas to seek fame and fortune in Europe.

He won the New Zealand 125GP title last season but is now racing the more powerful 600cc Yamaha R6 and he is locked in a fierce battle for this year’s glory with experienced 600cc campaigners Daniel Ornsby, of Christchurch, and Timaru’s Johnny Small.

The 16-year-old has been in scintillating form this New Zealand summer.

He finished with back-to-back wins at the opening round of the New Zealand Superbike Championships at Ruapuna, just outside Christchurch, at the start of January.

Lewis repeated the winning dose at round two, at Levels Raceway, Timaru, a week later, and then he finished 1-4 in his two 600 Superstock outings at round three at Teretonga, near Invercargill, last weekend.

His fourth placing in the day’s second rain-drenched 600cc race at Teretonga could have been seen as a defeat for a young man who had otherwise dominated the class, but instead it highlights the maturity of the teenage rising star.

With visibility virtually nil as a haze of water blasted from the rear wheels of the bikes in front of him, Lewis opted to ride cautiously and protect his position in the championship.

“It was certainly tough racing when you can’t see where you’re going,” said Lewis. “I knew I just had to be sensible and keep my points lead.

“I definitely didn’t think I’d be going this fast this season, my first on a 600. But Grant Ramage and my dad have been fantastic help and it’s all worked out really well.”

The next round of the series is set for Hampton Downs, near Huntly, on March 17-18 with the fifth and final round at Taupo a week later.

“It will be my first time at Hampton Downs on a 600 but I know the track, having raced the 125 there before. But Taupo may be tough. I’ve only done one day of testing at Taupo, so that’s going to be very interesting.”

Lewis may have bigger fish to fry in the coming months too as he packs his bags to head to Europe in April, not expecting to return to New Zealand until October.

He and former champion roadracer father, Rob Lewis, have confirmed that they will be contesting the full European Junior Cup later this season.

Last season Lewis raced in only two rounds of the series. He finished on the podium in France. This year the EJC will be held over eight rounds and each will share the programme with a round of the World Superbike Championships.

Lewis is supported in his racing by Bob McCleary Yamaha in Rangiora, Nationwide Accessories and by Budget Motorcycle Spares in Christchurch.

2012 EJC CALENDAR

Assen, April 22

Monza, May 6

Misano, June 10

Aragon, July 1

Brno, July 22

Silverstone, August 5

Nurburgring, September 9

Magny Cours, October 7

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com