Game to ride circuit again

THE DIE IS CAST: Graeme (Spyda) Staples can relive his past after developing a board game featuring his favourite hometown racetrack, the Cemetery Circuit.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 151214WCBRCGAM02

A three-time New Zealand sidecar champion is back in the game after years away from the sport.

Graeme (Spyda) Staples has developed a board game that celebrates what has become an institution in his old hometown - the Cemetery Circuit Boxing Day motorcycle races.

Staples was swinger for Wellington sidecar driver Andy Kippen when the pair won the national titles between 1989 and 1991 on a Steve Roberts-built Kawasaki.

Living in Lower Hutt these days, Staples has spent hundreds of hours developing the dice game played on a track identical in shape to the Cemetery Circuit, including the famous chicane at the southern end of Heads road.

"Andy and I raced and won three times in Wanganui and I haven't missed a race meeting there in 50 years and that includes the mid-winter races. I just wanted to give something back reflecting my enjoyment of those days and in remembrance of past champions like the late Robert Holden," Staples said.

"I spent several years developing a game that would suit anyone between the ages of 6 and 86. Robert Holden's mum turns 87 soon, so I'll give her a letter of special dispensation."

The game is designed for up to six people, has four penalty squares and three providing an advantage with the chance to progress.

"It features a lap scoring chart and players can decide the number of laps depending on numbers playing. It's a fair game where people can come from way back in the field and still win. Marty Esau from Gorilla Graphics in Wanganui was a great help in the design."

The game would retail between $40 and $45 depending on markers required and would be on sale at this year's Cemetery Circuit meeting.