Great day at Whanganui cemetery circuit

Team Mars. Mars pet care workers Moana Irving left, Tina Ranginui and Mark Ellen were supporting Whanganui riders

Great Boxing Day weather brought Whanganui fans out to watch the Cemetery Circuit races and there were plenty of out-of-town visitors around, too.

Locals Moana Irving, Tina Ranginui and Mark Ellen were there to support their racing mates Harrison Senior, Jason Bardell and Ian Staples.

"You have to support your mates and it is such a great day," said Ms Irving over the sound of roaring engines.

None of the three racers made the podium yesterday but it was not for lack of enthusiastic support.

Graeme Ogle had come all the way from Ruakaka to watch the races and said it was well worth the trip.

"I'm a big fan of post classics and Formula 1 racing," he said.

Although he was not competing yesterday, Mr Ogle said he races at Hampton Downs in the Waikato and has travelled to watch the legendary annual Isle of Man TT event five times.

"Graeme flew to New Plymouth and we drove over this morning," said friend Kevin Stone.

The friends said it was a good trip and there was not much traffic on the roads except for motorbikes heading to Whanganui.

Two other northern visitors were engaged couple Brian Simpson and Ruth Wilde who rode down from Whangarei on their Honda goldwing.

The state-of-the-art bike has comfortable, heated seats to make life on road more comfortable.

"I did put them on on the way down," said Ms Wilde.

"It got a bit chilly before we got to Ohakune where we stayed the night."

The couple are former St John ambulance staff and members of the Red Knights motorcyclists who are all current or former emergency medical workers.