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The excitement surrounding the Suzuki International Series reached a peak as motorcycle enthusiasts gathered for the grand finale at the iconic Cemetery Circuit in Whanganui on Boxing Day. Celebrated racer Mitch Rees from the Bay of Plenty further solidified his legacy by claiming three prestigious victories, underscoring his dominance on the track.
The evidence
Documents in our possession show that Rees, at just 33 years old, has established himself as a formidable competitor in motorcycle racing, particularly within the New Zealand superbike circuit. According to papers reviewed, the final race of the 2025 edition of the series unfolded in a vibrant atmosphere, with fans eagerly cheering for their favorite riders. Rees, riding his reliable Honda CRB1000RR-R, did not disappoint, dominating the races and securing top positions.
Rees celebrates a successful day on the track
During the recent motorsport event, rider Rees achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious Formula One/Superbike class title for the series. He also secured the New Zealand F1 TT title following his victory in race two at Whanganui. To further highlight his accomplishments, Rees clinched the esteemed Robert Holden Memorial feature race trophy, marking his fifth consecutive title in this category.
Rees’ path to victory began months prior, with the series commencing at the Taupo International Motorsport Park in early December, followed by the second round at Manfeild. His remarkable performance throughout the series culminated in an impressive showing at the Cemetery Circuit, where he not only qualified with the fastest time but also achieved wins in both F1 races.
The significance of the Robert Holden Memorial trophy
The Robert Holden Memorial trophy carries profound sentimental importance for the Rees family, symbolizing their enduring racing legacy. The late Damon Rees, Mitch’s brother, was a recipient of this esteemed award in 2025. Their father, Tony Rees, has claimed the trophy seven times, cementing a remarkable history of familial achievement.
With his recent victory, Mitch has now secured the trophy for four consecutive years, a milestone he takes pride in. “My goal this year was to make history, to do something that’s never been done before, and I achieved that,” he stated. “To get my name on the Robert Holden Memorial trophy four years in a row was absolutely mega.”
The challenges faced by competitors
This year’s racing series presented significant challenges for various competitors. Notably, Tony Rees encountered a severe setback due to a crash at Manfeild, resulting in a broken ankle that sidelined him from the competition. This unfortunate incident created an opportunity for emerging talents such as Rhys Lindsay and Jesse Stroud, who secured podium positions behind Mitch during the Memorial race, highlighting the depth of talent present in New Zealand’s racing landscape.
As the season approaches, Mitch is preparing for a competitive year ahead. He expects to face a range of international riders and stated, “It has been something of a development year for me as we try out different things with the bike, and I’ll be ready to face up to some big-name international riders expected to come over for this series next season.”
Highlights from the Suzuki International Series
The Suzuki International Series concluded at Whanganui, showcasing the achievements of top riders and the diversity of talent across various classes. Cameron Leslie claimed victory in the Formula Two/Supersport 600 category, while Tyler King excelled in both the Formula Three and Supersport 300 classes. This event highlighted the skills of riders from across New Zealand, further establishing the country’s reputation as a premier destination for motorcycle racing.
The series has developed a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of racers. The season is expected to deliver even more thrilling competitions and memorable moments for both fans and participants.