Image: Supplied.

Daniel Mettam has secured the 2019 New Zealand Superbike Championship (NZSBK) in a thrilling season finale at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park over the weekend.

Piloting a Suzuki GSX-R1000, Mettam pulled off the title as it came down to the wire, earning the crown by just one point over fellow Suzuki-mounted rider Scott Moir and Yamaha’s Alastair Hoogenboezem.

“I had good pace early on in that final race, but I lost out to a little bit of home track advantage that Scotty enjoyed today,” said Mettam. “I was watching what was happening ahead of me and I knew my track position would be enough to take the title. I managed to put a gap on the riders behind me and lasted until the end.

“All I could hope for was that Scotty couldn’t get past Damon. It all worked out for me. Even when you’re having a bad day, you’ve just got to take those vital points. I finished every race in the championships, which was key. I had only ever won one Superbike race before – last year when I finished the season third overall.

“But I had five Superbike race wins this season, so that’s a big improvement. I will be back to defend the title next year, but I’ve got a couple of things coming up overseas first. I have a ride sorted out for myself at the Isle of Man TT. I was meant to get there last year but I broke my leg two weeks before the event and didn’t go.”

Mettam captured two overall victories in the five-series, including a podium at Taupo’s finals where he was second overall.