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The thrill of motorcycle racing reached new heights on Boxing Day as Mitch Rees, the celebrated rider from Bay of Plenty, demonstrated his dominance at the Whanganui Cemetery Circuit. Despite his already overflowing trophy cabinet, Rees’s hunger for victory remains unabated. He secured three additional accolades during the final round of the Suzuki International Series.
At 33 years old, Rees, a multiple-time champion of New Zealand superbikes, showcased his exceptional skills on the streets of Whanganui, where the race meeting has become a cherished tradition. This year’s event marked the culmination of the series, which began at the Taupo International Motorsport Park and continued with thrilling races at Manfeild before concluding in Whanganui.
Dominating performances at the Cemetery Circuit
Rees’s performance during the event was nothing short of spectacular. He claimed the top spot in the premier Formula One/Superbike class and clinched the New Zealand F1 TT title by winning Race Two. To cap off a remarkable day, he added the prestigious Robert Holden Memorial trophy to his collection, marking his fourth consecutive victory in this event.
Starting the day, Rees qualified his Honda CRB1000RR-R with the fastest time, a feat he followed by winning both Formula One races. His triumph in the Robert Holden Memorial race further solidified his status as a formidable competitor, making it his fifth consecutive title in the series.
A legacy of excellence
Mitch Rees’s achievements are particularly poignant given the legacy of his family in the sport. His late brother, Damon Rees, won the Robert Holden Memorial trophy in 2025, and their father, Tony Rees, has claimed it seven times between 1990 and 2016. Despite a setback this year with Tony sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Rees name continues to shine in the racing community.
Reflecting on his success, Mitch expressed his ambition to carve his name into the annals of racing history. “Achieving four consecutive wins on the Robert Holden Memorial trophy is an incredible milestone for me,” he stated. As he looks ahead to future competitions, he remains focused on refining his bike setup and preparing for international challengers in upcoming seasons.
Highlighting the competition
The 2025 Suzuki International Series showcased an array of talent across various classes. While Mitch Rees led the Formula One division, other noteworthy victors included Cameron Leslie from Auckland in the Formula Two/Supersport 600 category and Tyler King from Silverdale in both Formula Three and Supersport 300 classes. The diversity of competitors kept the racing thrilling and unpredictable.
Among the highlights of the day was the Robert Holden Memorial race, where Rees faced challenges from rising stars like Rhys Lindsay and Jesse Stroud, who rounded out the podium. The camaraderie and fierce competition among these riders added to the excitement of the event, making it a memorable experience for both participants and fans alike.
Looking ahead to the future
As the series wrapped up, anticipation for the next season is palpable. With the groundwork laid during this year’s events, competitors are eager to return with renewed vigor. Mitch Rees, in particular, is preparing to face off against a roster of international riders expected to join in the next series.
With a season of thrilling races behind them, the motorcycle community in New Zealand is already buzzing with excitement for the next installment of the Suzuki International Series. The legacy of the Cemetery Circuit continues to thrive, promising exhilarating racing and unforgettable moments for all involved.