There was a bumper turnout for the start of the Wanganui Motorcycle Club's Winter Series on the new and improved track beside Oceanview Speedway yesterday morning.
After around 170 competitors entered the multiple classes for last year's series, Sunday saw 155 senior riders and 45 mini competitors taking part.
Clubpresident Colin Matthews said since alterations to their courses, more riders have shown up from places like North Taranaki and Wellington to join the regulars.
"The seniors track - they're loving it, we're pulling in a lot more riders from out of town. The minis track has been totally levelled, totally start again."
Matthews said their minis track had always been for beginners, but after a number of club parents took their children to compete around the North Island, they wanted to build something which was more challenging. They spent the weeks leading up to the series reshaping that section accordingly.
"The minis' [parents] have really stepped the track up to more of a national level. We hope the kids will step up," Matthews said.
The series consists of multiple classes of Minis, Juniors, Women's, B Grade, A Grade and Veteran divisions. There will be five rounds, held once a month through to August.
The Wanganui Chronicle will have results later this week.
