Superbikes: Trophy is holy grail for top superbiker

Superbiker Dennis Charlett shows the style that makes him a favourite. Photos / Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

Dennis Charlett won't be satisfied until it's his, writes Andy McGechan

Canterbury's Superbike sensation Dennis Charlett is a man on a mission. The 46-year-old has many national titles to his credit after a sparkling career that spans more than three decades, but the Suzuki road racer still has unfinished business.

"I have never won the Robert Holden Memorial trophy and to win that is one of my main aims this season," he said.

The New Zealand superbike season starts this weekend at Hampton Downs with the first of three rounds of the popular Suzuki Series, the final round of which is on the public streets of Wanganui on Boxing Day - and that's when the Robert Holden feature race trophy will be on the line.

"I've won New Zealand TT titles, New Zealand GP titles, I have been national 125GP class champion, national 600cc champion, I am currently the New Zealand superbike champion and I have won the Suzuki Series in the past [in 2012]. But the trophy I really want is the Robert Holden Memorial. I know I'll retire a happy man regardless, but I would like to add this one to my curriculum vitae, just so that I can tick all the boxes.

"Road racing can be a dangerous sport, but I have resisted the temptation to retire because I'm still fit enough to race at the top level and I'm still enjoying it so much."

National No1 Charlett knows there will be a target on his back and is taking nothing for granted.

Last season's Suzuki Series winner Nick Cole, of Hamilton, and perennial frontrunner Craig Shirriffs, of Feilding, have both retired from racing, but Charlett is well aware that there are still perhaps half a dozen others who will threaten him.

Dennis Charlett

"Wellington's Sloan Frost will be fast again and so will Auckland's Jaden Hassan. Then there's Australian Linden Magee and New Plymouth's Hayden Fitzgerald. Wanganui's Jayden Carrick is now on a superbike and he will do well.

"Jayden's a bit of a dark horse really because he's just moved up from the 600cc class, but he always goes well at Manfeild and on the streets of Wanganui.

"He races there a lot, so he will have to be respected.

"These guys are all young and fit and fast. It's going to be tough for me."

Charlett will also face a challenge from an international contingent, with first-time visitor to New Zealand Horst Saiger arriving from Liechtenstein, bordering Austria, and Australian father and daughter pair Phil and Sophie Lovett returning for another crack at the Kiwi superbike scene.

Flamboyant British rider Guy Martin is also returning but will race in only the final round of the Suzuki Series.

"Consistency is vital in winning a championship," Charlett said.

"I will just keep gathering up the points where I can and see how it all adds up at the end.
"I'm glad to have the backing of Suzuki New Zealand.

"I have been given the bike of [five-time former New Zealand superbike champion] Robbie Bugden to ride this year.

"It's a 2012-model GSX-R1000 and a great bike.

"Also I can't thank Underground Brown enough for the support they give me.
"I wouldn't still be racing if it weren't for their sponsorship."

Underground Brown are ultra-fast broadband installers and Charlett said: "Perhaps they can make an ultra-fast motorcycle racer out of me again."

The Suzuki Series includes competition for Formula Two 600cc Supersport, Formula Three Sportbikes, Post Classics, Bears (non-Japanese bikes), Super Moto and sidecars classes, so spectators can expect packed programmes.