It has been a big year for Tyler King. A young, local motorbike fanatic who’s career we have been following here at The Matakana App.

He has been busy since we last caught up with him in May last year (Tyler King’s journey to Grand Prix - Update), where at the Victoria Motorcycle Club Summer event he came overall 3rd.

His next race in September at Hampton Downs, Tyler came 4th overall in the Junior Supersport 300 cc (cylinder capacity, indicating the amount of power). A 300cc bike is a modified and dedicated race bike, where race tyres and tyre warmers are allowed. Tyler also competes with a Hyosung bike in a different event. A Hyosung bike is a 250cc, stock standard bike with normal bike tires and no tyre warmers allowed as per regulations.

In October Tyler won the 2nd round of the Ninja Cup. Finishing 2nd overall on the 300cc and a top 10 finish on the Hyosung 250. After 9 races for the day, Tyler showed a consistent and steady effort!

December saw Tyler compete at the New Zealand Superbike Championship (NZSBK) Round 2 in Manfield (Fielding).

2 bikes, 2 classes, so much fun!

150 cc class

Tyler placed 1st in all three races. He took out the Suzuki series having some awesome battles with Nixon Frost, including taking the win in race 1 by .005 seconds!

300 cc class

Placing 8th, 6th then finally 8th. A great result finishing in top 10 on the 300cc - a much faster and bigger bike. Tyler was happy with his improvement and psyched to see how far he can go.



Later on Boxing Day, Tyler had an awesome time racing at Cemetery Circuit in Whanganui; New Zealand’s biggest motorcycle series. His first-time racing at this event and looking to gain experience. His qualifying went well coming 6th place. Then for Race 1 sixth place and Race 2 placed 5th.

Finally in early January Tyler and his crew headed down to the New Zealand Super Bike Championship (NZSBK) in Christchurch, for what proved to be two long days of many highs and lows. Tyler learnt the track very quickly and got amongst the end pack of the 300cc guys. He also pipped the lap record on the 150cc (unofficial), leaving his buzzing!

Unfortunately on the wet the next morning he crashed on his 150. Four broken bones later in his throttle hand and some very impressive swelling. The poor guy was bitterly disappointed he could no longer continue competing. It will likely be 6 weeks of rest before he can ride again. It could have been much worse as he crashed out at a great height. His family are grateful he is ok and super proud of him - his mental aptitude, ability, and drive. Now not only is Tyler hooked on racing but after only their first season of racing his family is also! They’ve got the speed bug and Tyler is aiming for the top!

Tyler is hoping to race at Motofest (Hampton Downs) in early March for the last two rounds of NZSBK. He will be racing on four bikes:

Kawasaki Ninja 400 (Ninja Cup)

Yamaha R3 (300cc)

Hyosung X4R (250cc)

Yamaha R15 (150cc)

Wishing Tyler, a speedy recovery so he can get back out there soon!

To follow Tyler

https://www.facebook.com/TylerKing128

https://www.instagram.com/mxtyler128/

Tyler’s team are always on the lookout for sponsorship to help with the many costs associated with racing. If you would like to sponsor Tyler please contact his team on his social media accounts.

Tyler’s current sponsors include:

Moto Benzina

Pirelli Moto NZ

Titus Transport

R&R Powersports

Mad Mike Whiddett

M&M Adventures

Bramble Cafe

Rob Mackisack Contracting

Pirelli NZ

Sloan Frost

AVANZ

Arai NZ

The Matakana App will get behind any kid/teen/young person that has talent, energy, and drive to get to the top and needs promotion or a helping hand. We will be following Tyler’s journey with updates here on the Matakana App. Join us!