“My Motovudu business is about ‘how to’
books and videos, basically passing on all
the skills I learned the hard way. My main
work is on-circuit instruction. Suzuki UK
supports me with GSX-R 1000-R bikes ... an
instructor bike for me and rental bikes ...
and I transport them to events at many of
the great circuits in Europe.
“Now I also have the commentary work for
MotoGP. I chase the weather and, because
I can only really fit Motovudu events in
from December 1 to April sometime, I
end up mainly in Spain and Portugal. No
complaints from me, though, because
the weather, circuits and food are great
there. “The MotoGP commentary job was a
nightmare for me at first,” he confessed.
“Like any job, you learn the hard way. It
was stressful. But, after six GPs, I had a
routine, understood what was needed
from me, got to know the people I was
interviewing and started to relax, so my
brain was free to work and all that meant I
started to enjoy it for the first time.
“By the end of the year I loved my new job.
“My goal from the start of the year was
simply be good enough by the end of the
year to be signed up again the following
season, on better terms. I achieved that
goal and I’m proud of it because learning a
new career (journalism) at age 49 was hard.
“Sometimes I doubted myself. But, just like
racing and starting a company, in the end it
paid off to be stubborn and determined.”
It was exactly that sort of attitude that saw
a young Crafar race his Red Bull Yamaha to
500cc Grand Prix victory at Donington Park
in 1998. That naturally still holds a special
place in his memory.
“Of course it was a dream come true to
win at that level, but if Mick Doohan had
not been standing beside me, on a lower
step, it would not have meant as much,”
said Crafar.
“My other podiums that year actually
20 KIWI RIDER
mean just as much because my third place
at Assen was my first in GP, so it was very
special, and my second podium at Philip
Island was the most enjoyable ride of my
life and I got to stand on the podium and
see my parents and grandparents in the
sea of people. That’s a special memory.”
Crafar finished with a world GP ranking
of No.7 in that 1998 season, behind
motorcycling legends Mick Doohan, Max
Biaggi, Alex Criville, Carlos Checa, Alex
Barros and Norick Abe.
No bad for a small-town Kiwi boy who can
trace his humble beginnings to a low-key
track day at Manfeild, the then 15-year-old
borrowing a friend’s bike and “giving it
a go”.
“I have raced all the circuits and some
street circuits in New Zealand over the
years, but this will be my first visit to
Hampton Downs. I’m looking forward to it.”
In addition to meeting and greeting fans
and catching up with friends and family
at the Mike Pero MotoFest, Crafar will
be running the Legends Rider Clinic on
Thursday, February 28, and he will be
riding several bikes of note in the Legends
Track Sessions. He will attend signing
sessions and the Celebration Dinner on the
Saturday night of MotoFest.
Mike Pero MotoFest will run with the
same format that was introduced last time
around and will again include the popular
Kawasaki Trail Ride, Motul Trials Challenge,
Star Insurance Bike Show, Alpine Stars
Dinner event, Shoei Classic, as well as the
national championship superbike racing.
For the first time, ACC’s Shiny Side Up Bike
Fest will also be running in conjunction
with MotoFest.
What more could you ask for?
If the Mike Pero MotoFest doesn’t get your
heart racing, then you probably need to
check your pulse.