The New Zealand Superbike Championships roar back into life with the fourth round of five in this year’s series set for Hampton Downs this weekend, March 17-18.

Fast and furious action is expected on the undulating circuit near Huntly, with racing tight in many of the various bike classes.

Australian Robbie Bugden (Suzuki) is tipped to continue his push for the 2012 Superbike crown – a title he won previously in 2007, 2008 and 2009 – as he enjoys a 35-point gap over his nearest rival, Wellington’s Sloan Frost (BMW).

But Brisbane rider Bugden is also wary of the threats posed by the other leading Kiwis, men such as Hamilton’s Nick Cole (Kawsasaki), defending national superbike champion Andrew Stroud (Suzuki), of Hamilton, Auckland’s Ray Clee (Suzuki) and his own Triple R Suzuki team-mate, Christchurch’s James Smith.

Just 5.5 points separate the men currently ranked between second and fifth and a massive shake-up looms this weekend.

Nine-time champion Stroud has had a nightmare run so far this season and he is currently fifth in the series standings, although still in strike range of the top should Bugden strike problems and if everything clicks for Stroud on Sunday.

The 600cc class is also expected to yield high excitement with riders such as Christchurch’s Dennis Charlett (Suzuki), Wellington’s Glen Skachill (Suzuki), Christchurch’s Alastair Hoogenboezem (Suzuki) and young Australian Josh McGrath (Yamaha) all pushing hard for a podium spot.

Unfortunately for Christchurch rider John Ross, an injury has forced him out of the title hunt in both the superbike and 600cc classes.

Ross had been running second in the 600 supersport class and third in the superbike class.

Ashburton’s Bryan Hill leads the 650 Pro Twins class; Palmerston North’s Glen Williams heads the Superlites class; Paraparaumu’s Sam Croft rules the Pro Lite 250cc class and young Malaysian Hafiq Azmi is top of the 125GP category.

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