The NZ Superbike Championship will conclude with the inaugural Transtasman Challenge at Hampton Downs and Taupō International Motorsport Park. Photo / Andy McGechan, bikesportnz.com
The NZ Superbike Championship will conclude with the inaugural Transtasman Challenge at Hampton Downs and Taupō International Motorsport Park. Photo / Andy McGechan, bikesportnz.com
The four-round series starts in Invercargill at Teretonga Park Raceway as part of the Burt Munro Challenge, before heading to Levels Raceway in Timaruon February 14-15.
Round three at Hampton Downs will take place on March 8-9 and will be held in line with the annual MotoFest, before the grand finale in Taupō on March 15-16.
The Transtasman Challenge is a Quinn Group initiative and was brought in to re-invigorate the Superbike series.
Event promoter Mike Marsden, of Capture Events, secured an agreement with Motorcycling New Zealand and said this year’s events were the first step in a three-year plan.
Marsden said the Burt Munro Challenge and MotoFest were cornerstone events of the Superbike series and he aimed to build the profiles of the Timaru and Taupō rounds.
“A three-year calendar delivers surety and gives everyone involved the opportunity to plan ahead and drive positive outcomes.”
For the Transtasman Challenge, Australian motorcycle legend Daryl Beattie and Kiwi superbike star Aaron Slight would make an appearance, Marsden said.
“Daryl Beattie will be heavily involved at both rounds. He’s an experienced broadcaster and communicator and adds another level to our promotion of these two events.
“We are also hoping to attract up to six Australian Superbike riders for Hampton Downs’ MotoFest and Taupō’s MotoMania.”
Other features of the Transtasman Challenge include a legends garage where visitors can meet Beattie, Slight and fellow motorbike racing legend Graeme Crosby and view an array of iconic classic bikes, a motorcycle show’n’shine event and a track cruise record attempt where the organisers are hoping to put as many bikes out on track at lunchtime as they can, with the public being invited to assist.
Kiwi World Superbike legend Aaron Slight and three-time World 500 Championship grand prix winner Daryl Beattie.
As the Superbike series revs up in Invercargill, several riders have made their way south.
Mitch and Tony Rees are among those to watch, with Mitch having a dominant run in the December Suzuki Series. However, he can expect his father Tony to do him no favours. The 57-year-old multi-champion is a legend of New Zealand racing and still knows how to win.
Other riders to watch are former champion Al Hoogenboezem and Dale Finch, and BMW rider Rogan Chandler who is quickly adapting to his move up to superbikes.
Former champion Jake Lewis is also back, looking for a second Supersport 600 title in what is expected to be a closely fought fight. He will be fending off Luca Durning, Karl Hooper and Seth Devereux.
The Supersport 300 will be hotly contested and is likely to throw out some surprises, with young chargers Tyler King, Hamish Simpson, Cameron Leslie, Logan Rowell, Jethro Bowman Nixon Frost and Hunter Charlett, as well as experienced racer and New Zealand champion Dennis Charlett vying for the top spot.
In the ProTwins class, Avalon Lewis and her young protege Billee Fuller will begin their build-up to their Women’s World Championship campaign later this year, while the sidecar field also looks strong with Barry Smith and Stu Dawe heading the F1 class, and Tracey Bryan and Kendal Dunlop the F2 category.
