Now he has "finally cracked" the Suzuki Series on Cemetery Circuit, new Formula 1 champion Nick Cole is looking forward to chasing the national title.
The 27-year-old Waikato fitter and turner was a repeat round winner at Wanganui's popular Boxing Day races after also being best on the day in 2012, but unlike last year he was still into contention for the overall F1 series crown and did enough to overtake series leader and defending champion Dennis Charlett, snatching the title away from the Christchurch rider.
Cole said the 2011-model Kawasaki ZX10-R bike that he'd campaigned with last season never missed a beat at Wanganui on Thursday, although his concentration was put to the test.
"You really have to be smooth on streets circuits ... especially with [weather] conditions changing all the time," he said.
"The races could start dry and end damp and then there's the changes in light as you weave between the trees by the cemetery.