CUDLIN TO RACE IN NEW ZEALAND SUPERBIKE SERIES Australian Damian Cudlin will contest the 2008 New Zealand Superbike Championship aboard the Bernard Motorsport Team Yamaha R1. Having recently returned home from his successful stint in Europe, where he finished 3rd in the World Endurance Championship, Cudlin will now spend the ‘off season’ taking on New Zealand’s best in the 5 round series running from January to March. “I’m really excited about getting over to New Zealand and taking on the Kiwis in their own backyard” Cudlin explained. “I raced at the Pukekohe circuit back in 2000 as a 17year old and absolutely loved the place, so I’m looking forward to getting back over there with a bit more experience.” Cudlin received a call from Team Manager Brian Bernard, who invited him to ride his Pirelli shod Yamaha R1 in the complete series. With his 2007 WEC season already over, and a lengthy break until the 2008 Championship kicks off, it was an offer too good for Cudlin to refuse. “I’m really glad it’s all come about as the timing just couldn’t be better for me. I really have to thank Brian for giving me the opportunity and making it happen, as well as my old sparring partner Tony Rees for mentioning me to Brian in the first place. It won’t be easy, as I know how competitive the series has become over there, but I’ll have a competitive bike with a strong team around me, so I have every chance to do a good job. It’s an exciting opportunity and I plan to make the most of it. Sure beats going to work!” Cudlin joked. Team Manager Brian Bernard was equally enthusiastic about Cudlin’s arrival in NZ. “We’re really looking forward to having Damian onboard with us for the 2008 Championship.” Bernard said. “It’s shaping up to be a great series and I’m sure we’ll have a competitive package. I know what Damian is capable of, as I clearly remember racing against him myself back in 2000! We’re really pleased to have a rider of his calibre joining us next year.” Cudlin will fly out next week for his first ‘shake down’ test in preparation for the series opener at Ruapuna on January 12-13th.