Saturday 8 November in Derbyshire felt alive again as Valley One returned to Shirland Miners Welfare for a free gig…
By K Futur LOCALWhen you meet Cormac Buchanan, it’s clear you’re speaking to someone born to race. The young New Zealander, who’s now competing in the Moto3 World Championship with BOE Motorsports, carries an intensity that goes far beyond his years – the kind of quiet, focused drive that defines champions in the making. I first saw Cormac in action at Silverstone, where I had the rare chance to stand in the pit and watch the BOE team work up close. The atmosphere was electric – the whir of engines, the smell of fuel, and the calm precision of a world-class racing operation. Among it all, Cormac was the eye of the storm: composed, disciplined, and utterly locked in.
Based in Barcelona for the past four years, Cormac has immersed himself in the heart of European motorcycle racing. “Moving here from New Zealand has had a massive influence on my career as the level of competition is the toughest in the world,” he says. “To be the best, you must race against the best.” It’s a move that’s clearly paid off. Surrounded by elite training facilities and a network of riders who live and breathe speed, Cormac has transformed from a promising young talent into a serious contender on the world stage.
But this wasn’t always the plan. Cormac’s roots lie in speedway, the dirt-track discipline that shaped his early racing years. Everything changed when he saw MotoGP live at Phillip Island in 2016. “It just blew me away,” he recalls. “From that day onwards, I’ve only ever thought about becoming a MotoGP world champion.” That single moment ignited a dream that’s carried him halfway around the world – and into one of the most competitive championships on earth.
Cormac’s career milestones already read like the early chapters of a success story. Signing his first world championship contract was, as he describes, “huge – the first moment I felt we were on the way to achieving my dream.” His first podium in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship followed soon after, a breakthrough that validated years of sacrifice and relentless effort. “Every sacrifice and all of the hard work was rewarded,” he says. “Crossing the finish line that day was something I’ll never forget.”
Of course, racing at this level is far from easy. The margins are razor-thin, and the physical and mental toll is immense. “I’ve always adopted the approach of ‘you never lose – you either win or you learn,’” Cormac explains. It’s a mindset that’s been especially vital in the wake of his crash and injury at Brno, which tested his resilience to the limit. “Replicating my form from the first half of the year hasn’t been easy, but I know we’re making strong progress. It’s only a matter of time before we’re having a really positive impact.”
When asked who inspires him, Cormac doesn’t name a racer – he looks to another sporting great: “My idol is Dan Carter, a famous rugby player from New Zealand. I admire his work ethic and unwavering commitment to be the best, while being an excellent role model with good values.” It’s an unexpected choice, but one that reveals the kind of mindset Cormac brings to his craft. Like Carter, he values discipline, humility, and the quiet grind that builds greatness.
This year, he’s made major strides in reading races and understanding when to push for positions. “When I’m in a good mindset while riding, I can read the races quite well – knowing when to use my tyres and when to attack,” he says. “I’ve enjoyed the increased level of data analysis at the elite level and the important role it plays in evolving my riding.” It’s that analytical edge, combined with natural instinct, that’s helping him bridge the gap to the front of the pack.
Looking ahead, his goals are crystal clear. “My focus right now is on Moto3 and making a big step forward to fighting at the front for the title next year,” he tells me. “Then to move into Moto2 so that I can continue on the ladder to MotoGP. Every progression is another step towards achieving my dream.”
For Cormac, racing is more than just speed – it’s about possibility. “I hope people see that anything is possible when they hear about my journey,” he says. Coming from a small country like New Zealand, it might have seemed impossible to break into Grand Prix racing, but he’s proving that hard work and sacrifice can take you anywhere. “If you work hard enough and are willing to sacrifice, you can do it,” he adds. “I want people to feel inspired and motivated to chase their own goals.”
As we left the pit lane at Silverstone, the roar of engines echoing through the stands, one thing was certain – Cormac Buchanan isn’t just racing motorcycles; he’s racing toward destiny. His story is only beginning, but the trajectory is unmistakable. He’s not here to take part; he’s here to make history.
Follow his journey on social media: @cormacracing
