A few spectators were probably reaching for their programmes when the 2022 Suzuki International Series had its belated kick-off a Manfeild a few weeks ago.
The rider running second in the opening Formula One/Superbike race of the weekend was unheralded Tokoroa dairy farmer Ben Tippins, a rider most observers will probably not have been familiar with.
The Kawasaki rider did hold on to eventually finish runner-up to national superbike champion Mitch Rees (Honda) in that thrilling race and when a smoke cloud erupted in the pits immediately after the finish you could have been forgiven for thinking that Rees was the man who was conducting an over-exuberant wheel-spin celebration after kicking off his campaign so positively.
But the smoke rising was actually from the rear tyre of Tippins’ stock standard 2012-model Kawasaki ZX10 bike.
It was a remarkable result, although perhaps should not have been too unexpected.
You see, this is the fourth season that 32-year-old Tippins has been racing road bikes … so he’s no rookie.
And more great results were to follow.
He backed up his runner-up result in race one at Manfeild with a solid ninth and an 11th placing, finishing the weekend fourth overall in the premier class.
Two weeks later, on Boxing Day, and he was back in podium contention, this time at the Suzuki International Series final round on Whanganui’s famous Cemetery Circuit.
Tippins finished third in the opening F1/Superbike race at Whanganui, following Rees and Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (Suzuki) past the chequered flag.
“A podium at the Cemetery Circuit was always one of my goals when I first started racing. I got third once on a Pro Twins bike back in the day, but a podium finish on the big bikes is where it’s at, you know.
Tokoroa’s Ben Tippins (Kawasaki ZX10), possibly one rider to watch for when the lights go out in any superbike race near you. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
However, that was that for Tippins and a rare DNF in race two meant an early end to his day.
Unfortunately, Tippins won’t be contesting the remaining rounds of the New Zealand Superbike Nationals, “due to work commitments”, but he’s at least showed glimpses of what he was capable of and many will now be keenly looking out for this man to keep the big guns honest and, which is just as likely, maybe even to beat them.
© Words and photos by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
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