"A group of us were inspired to resurrect the event after seeing a display of its history in the South Taranaki Museum. And Wanganui played a big part in that history. In fact, the Coleman family, through brothers Rod and Bob along with their father Percy, were instrumental in setting up the original Patea TT and both brothers regularly competed. Rod won the Senior TT (500) class at least four or five times, maybe more," Clarkson said.
The Coleman family, of course, were also instrumental in setting up the annual Cemetery Circuit Motorcycle event in Wanganui on Boxing Day.
The love of classic motorcycles was one factor driving the small group's enthusiasm to resurrect the Patea event, but a keen desire to help breathe more life back into the small South Taranaki township also played a major role. "The district has need for financially viable ventures to retain and encourage participation to help its voluntary services. For us, it seemed easy, entertainment is an industry - just stick the two together and you are half way there."
South Taranaki second-term Mayor Ross Dunlop told the small group the council would provide support to the concept.
"Events attract people and this is an extraordinary event that will have a lot of appeal," Dunlop said. "There's nothing like the roar of engines to excite people as Wanganui knows full well. The council has pledged to be involved and help in any way it can to make this a success."
But the real kick-start Clarkson and his mates were hoping for was financial backing and that has come in the form of the TSB. "The TSB offer is generous and accepted gratefully, but the Patea Classic Motorcycle Club, once it is finally officially re-registered, will make an announcement on the TSB offer in the middle of next year," Clarkson said.
The resurrected Patea TT is planned for January 24 and 25, 2015 and will be billed as the Southern Hemisphere's Isle of Mann tourist trophy road race.
