KEY POINTS:
Pukekohe's Sam Smith has been a caged lion these past few months but now he's free again, claws sharpened and hungry for some action.
With an immaculate Dave Cole-prepared Yamaha YZF-R1 to power him, the 20-year-old Smith lined up for what had promised to be an exciting debut in the superbike class at this season's New Zealand Road-racing Championships.
But his campaign was short lived. A crash at the opening round near Christchurch in January meant he could not complete his superbike mission and was stuck on the sidelines, unable to add to his national 600 sports production title of 2007.
But his injured wrist is now free of the cast and he is looking forward to what the Kiwi winter has to offer. He says he may tackle a round or two of the Australian series later in the year.
Smith returns to the 600cc Yamaha YZF-R6, similar to the bike on which he dominated during the 2007 season.
"This will enable me to get race fit and confident after having a long break due to injury. I thoroughly enjoy riding the 600 and it is a bike I feel comfortable on," said Smith.
"I believe this will help build confidence on the bike. The team also have some exciting tests coming up, including Ohlins [suspension] telemetry and 209GP Dunlop NTEC tyres. The team will use the Victoria Winter Series [during the winter] as a useful testing ground, as well as the AMCC round at Pukekohe Park Raceway.
"I am now training again to ensure I am fitter than ever in long races.
"This will also be an advantage in testing as I will be able to absorb more while on the track and give more feedback regarding suspension set-up.
"I was looking at racing in the Australian Superbike Championships but, now, with one round already complete, and me a no-show, I won't mount a campaign across the Tasman this year.
"I hope to race at a round in Australia near the end of the season, but that's not until August and I've got a lot of racing and testing to do in New Zealand before then.
"I was happy with how I performed in the superbike class [in New Zealand]. My team were excellent in making sure I did enough pre-season testing to be happy and comfortable with running at the front come nationals time.
"The Yamaha R1 is an absolutely amazing machine. They handle extremely well and the power is just breathtaking. I hope to re-visit the superbike option later on in the season, but for now I'm fully focused on the 600.
"It is now just a matter of me getting confidence on a bike again. My wrist is okay now and I'm just looking forward to getting out there and racing again."
A year ago, Smith was honoured at a special Motorcycling New Zealand ceremony in Auckland, named road racing's most promising newcomer, something he is keen to expand upon. With youth and unbridled talent on his side, it seems likely he'll be making headlines before the year is out.
