Dynamic duo our local heroes

A WANGANUI outfit appear warm favourites to claim the Pre-1982 Classic Sidecar class on the Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day.

Robert Hood and Mark Thompson have yet to finish further back than second in 12 races this season on their 920cc Norton Commando.

The Boxing Day classic event is not part of the Suzuki Series, but more of a one-off outside the grade's national competition.

The Hood/Thompson combination are the 2014 and 2013 Pre-1976 Classic Sidecar Champions and know street circuits well. They won at the Paeroa Street Races this year and finished second in the Burt Munro Classic on the streets of Wyndham this season. They were also runners-up on the difficult Levels Raceway in Timaru at the Classic Action Motor Sport meeting.

Hood said a highlight this season included representing New Zealand at Sydney Motorsport Park in April.

"We've had a good year and finished either first or second in all 12 meetings we've raced this year," Hood said.

While Hood and Thompson are in great form, there are units they fear on Boxing Day.

"Hardest to beat on the Cemetery Circuit will be John Blaymires (Pahiatua) and Charlie Bilby (Whanganui) on their Moto Guzzi Le Mans - they're pretty quick. Whatever happens we'd like to better one minute for a lap of the track," Hood said.

Hood said feedback suggested a field of 15 Pre-1982 outfits would line up on the Cemetery Circuit next week.

Other Whanganui outfits are: Corey Winter and Tim Shepherd (Lett Yamaha 750), Peter Andrews and Shane Perry (Triumph Trident), Jason Rees and Bryce Rose (Norton 1007), Rick and Dave Dennison (Matchless), Bruce Williamson and Julie Loveridge (Triumph).