Budgen scores NZ title

From Suzuki: Australian rider Robbie Bugden has secured back-to-back New Zealand Superbike titles with one round still remaining in the championship, a testament to his sheer dominance as Suzuki again stamped its authority to own the race track in 2008.

Back-to-back wins aboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000 at round four held at Manfield on the weekend means Budgen does not even need to turn up to the final round at Pukekohe and he will still be crowned 2008 Champion.

"The pressure is off now and I'll just go to Pukekohe and enjoy the day," said Bugden, who is unbeaten with a round still to run in the championship.

"Absolutely I'll still be going hard at Pukekohe. Every time the red light goes out I go hard and don't think of anything but winning."

Bugden's team mates at Suzuki, Andrew Stroud and Craig Shirriffs currently sit second and fourth respectively on the Championship points table, again outlining Suzuki's dominance in the Production Superbike Class.

Suzuki is also on track for a 1-2 Championship finish in the 600cc Sports Production class, with Dennis Charlett and James Smith currently leading championship standings piloting their GSX-R600's.

In the battle for the Formula Three crown, Glen Williams holds a 61 point lead with a round remaining aboard his Suzuki SV650.

Suzuki is also in the box seat to secure the rare feat of a 1-2-3-4 in the 650 Pro Twin Championship, Karl Morgan, Geoff Booth, Anthony Stephens and Alan Zitnik occupying the top four Championship positions respectively.

The final round will be held at Pukekohe on 8-9 March.