KIWI RIDER 09 2018 VOL.2 | Page 23

WORDS: Andrew Robertson PHOTOS: Jonah Blaymires NZ VMX ON THE UP ock Oil NZ and NZ VMX Inc is pleased to announce the 2018/2019 NZ VMX Series. With supporting sponsors Darryl August Motorcycles, NZ Natural Clothing, Flying W Motorsports, and Paul Ireland Digger Hire, NZ VMX Inc continues to build on the success of earlier series. Club Chairman Darryl August notes that what started out as a relatively small series catering for about 50 riders, attendance at each event has now grown to the extent where on average 130 riders take part in each event with the final round at Taupo attracting more than 160 riders. Long time VMX rider Phil Grant reports that what is attracting riders to the NZ VMX series is there is pretty much a class for any rider on a Pre-1996 MX or Enduro Bike and riders are given access to some of the best rolling natural terrain tracks available in the North Island. As an example, Daniel Ireland campaigns a range of Yamaha TT 500s in the Pre-78 and Evo Class. Likewise Kevin Duncan, who imports VMX and other collectible bikes to NZ, can often be seen at the events trialling the latest imports prior to the bikes being prepared for sale to eager clients. And it is not unusual to see ex-NZ and international MX and off road legends such as Peter Ploen, Darryl King, Damian King and Paul Whibley attend the events on their vintage machines. The 2018/2019 season will once again see an eight round series with events being held in Waitarere, Feilding, Central Hawkes Bay, Marton, Aria, Huntly and Bay of Plenty, with the final in Taupo. Riders will drop one round this season making it the best of 7 out of 8 rounds that are counted. This will reward those riders who are consistent and attend as many rounds as they can. KIWI RIDER 23