Where: Pukekohe Park Raceway
When: 4th, 5th & 6th February 2011
Round 1 is the start of the points round for the 2011 season for the New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register traditionally being held at the Pukekohe Park Raceway. This venue could be regarded as the home by many for classic motorcycle racing in New Zealand for this is where it all started some 31 years ago and has been enjoyed by so many. The theme for this event will be the celebration of 100 years of Henderson motorcycles and will include a display of early american 4 cylinder machines (click here to read about Aucklander Ray Moss and his 1917 Henderson). Also celebrating will be 100 years of Benelli, hopefully we will see some of the earlier 1970s 750 and 900 6 cylinder machines that are rarely seen on New Zealands roads today.
Starting with scrutineering and practice on Friday, Saturday will see additional practice then racing. Sunday much of the same with both days having a break for the Regularity Parade. This is where non racing riders can have a try out on the race track on a borrowed machine to see if it is something that they could grow to like (an excellent introduction to classic racing). It also has many older retired riders from days of old who like to go for a trot around the track without being swapped in corners by much harder charging younger riders. Genuine support to all who have an interest in older bikes what could be better?
Classes for racing will be 250 Clubmans/ Modified/ Post Classic, 350 Clubmans/ Factory/ Modified/ Post Classic, 500 Clubmans/ Factory/ Modified/ Post Classic, 500 Pre War, Open Modified, Open Post Classic, Pre 63 and Post Classic Sidecars, Vintage, and 60 Plus. 
There will be no Pre ’89 Post Classic machines racing as this weekend is very busy with pre ’76 racing and there is just no space available to run extra races. However the NZPCA usually has a display of their machines in the motorcycle public parking area. Of course Barnstormers will be there to support the pre ’45 machines of Vintage and Pre War classes, and secretly I hear that Knoooobster is quietly slimming down to a thinner Knibster (no more donuts eh!) so that he can fit into his smelly old racing leathers to have a trot around the track in one of those ‘other non pre ’45 classes’. Could be interesting especially if he forgets his glasses! And me I will be his wingman of course cool eh.
Unlike previous festivals there will be no special overseas guests this year however the Register will have on display a 1954 ex factory MV Augusta 500cc GP racer. The owner of this machine worked with “Mike the Bike” Hailwood and liked New Zealand so much moved out here about 3 years ago. Good old NZ we attract all the good ones like a giant big magnet!
The Register have been addressing the issues of pit useage and camping at the circuit, particularly with non racing people camping on the inside track, and so have imposed new rules on pit useage and camping. Click here to make yourself familiar with these should you wish to camp at the track. It could save a lot of disappointment on the day, and the excuse of but I have been doing this for years will probably not be accepted.
If you can afford the time both days are well worth attending however if you can only go for one day then Sunday would be the day of choice. There are various club displays including trials bikes, the Post Classic guys, road bikes of most shapes, sizes, and colours, and a good support of classic road bikes that come down for the Sunday Red Eye Rooster Rally. Thinking about an early ride around the Franklin District (yes they are part of the Super City but some things are worth holding on to) and would like to enter read on –
The Red Eye Rooster Rally
Sponsored by Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts of Warkworth. The rally is open to all club members who are not road race entrants. Entry on day. No charge for entry. Rally briefing 8.00 am Sunday 6th February 2011. Approx rally distance 80k with timed stages. Machines must be pre 1976 and of British, European or American origin. The entrants will be broken into classes and prizes awarded for each class. For further information please contact Lynda or Norm Maddock on Ph. 09 4222 638.
General entry is $30 for a single weekend pass or $60 for a family weekend pass – this is for 2 adults and 2 children (good value in my books). There is no single day entry and PLEASE leave your dogs at home.
Have a look at the Classic Racing Registers new website look by clicking here.
If you are new to the classic racing scene and not sure where the Pukekohe Park Raceway is click here.