ROAD NEWS
MIKE PERO ON THE THROTTLE FOR SOUTHERN
CLASSIC AND MOTOFEST
M
ike Pero has confirmed his company’s
ongoing commitment to motorcycle
racing in New Zealand with the
announcement today that both the Southern
Classic and Motofest will proceed under the Mike
Pero brand and with its financial support.
“At a time of uncertainty about almost
everything in the way of sport, I hope this
announcement provides a small ray of
sunshine for bike racers and the respective
event promoters,” says the Christchurch based
businessman and motorcycle racer.
The Southern Classic will take place over the
weekend of November 27-29 at Levels Raceway,
Timaru while the Mike Pero MotoFest is scheduled
for March 6-7, 2021 at Hampton Downs.
“We will proceed on the basis that COVID 19 and
its aftermath are well gone and we’re on our way
back to New Zealand, the way we were.” says Pero.
Mike Pero Real Estate has been the title sponsor
of both events for the past 4 years.
Pero said, “We’ve really enjoyed these motorcycle
events and are proud to be associated with
motorcycle racing in New Zealand.
“It has helped to be a former competitor
and part of the classic GP riders’ brigade. The
Southern Classic is very social and has built an
international reputation for being a fun weekend
18 KIWI RIDER
as well as attracting more than 300 bikes and
sidecars from New Zealand and overseas.
Motofest, which is now the biggest track racing
event in the country, is a big weekend of racing
and features a round of the NZ Superbike series
and hosts the NZ Classic Grand Prix.”
Mike Pero was six times New Zealand Road racing
Champion during the 70s and 80s, and set a New
Zealand Land speed record in 1979 that remains
today. He is also the only New Zealand rider ever
to win four Grand Prix’ in one day, in 1981.
“With all the ‘doom and gloom’ around the world, I
thought it important that we deliver some good news
to our sport, their teams and the motorcycle followers
around the country. After speaking [by Zoom] with
the two organisers – Dave Reesby [Southern Classic,
Timaru] and Mike Marsden [Motofest, Hampton
Downs] we decided to get the news out early so
teams can look forward to getting out on the track
again, even if it’s several months away.
“Like all sponsors of sport, we are proud to be
there, but we also hope that the riders, their
family and friends consider us when they come to
sell their home or finance a property. To date, it’s
worked well but this year we’re looking at special
incentives as well as just loyalty to generate sales
for our businesses. We’re starting the ball rolling
with Petrol Voucher Giveaways.