Suzuki International Series 2025: Riders set for Taupō opener

Expect packed spectator grandstands and close racing like this when the Suzuki International Series kicks off in Taupō on the weekend of December 6-7. Photo / Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

In less than two weeks, the flag drops on a massive month of high-class racing action when the Suzuki International Series blasts off.

Competition organiser Allan “Flea” Willacy is currently putting the final preparations in place for the start of this most popular motorcycle race series in the Southern Hemisphere.

Started in 2008, the event is running this year for the 17th time – it skipped a year in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The opening round of the series will take place at Taupō International Motorsport Park on December 6-7, before round two at Manfeild, on the outskirts of Feilding on December 13-14.

It wraps up, as always, with the street race finale on the famous Cemetery Circuit in Whanganui on Boxing Day, December 26.

Willacy said he was delighted about the huge number of entries, especially for the Cemetery Circuit races, with riders from all parts of the country and also from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Top riders who will participate include Whakatāne father-and-son duo Tony and Mitch Rees, Christchurch’s Alastair Hoogenboezem, Auckland’s Dave Sharp, Silverstream’s Rogan Chandler, Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood, Whanganui’s Richie Dibben and Luca Durning, Taupiri’s Zak Fuller, Bulls rider Ashton Hughes and Nelson’s Jonny Lewis.

“The inclusive nature of the international series class rules allow club-level riders to compete alongside seasoned international campaigners and these races are often a launching pad for many of our up-and-coming competitors,” said Willacy.

“The various bike classes that are offered by this series cater for all motorcycle owners out there and we know this leads to the high participation numbers that we see in the Suzuki International Series each year. That’s what we’re all about, offering something for everyone.”

Suzuki New Zealand has supported this series since the inaugural event in 2008, when Suzuki legend Andrew Stroud won the title.

For more details and tickets to Cemetery Circuit, visit cemeterycircuit.co.nz.