DREAM SEASON FOR
AUCKLAND’S PAVLETICH
Words: Andy McGechan / Photo: Courtesy DRD magazine
N
oted Auckland motorcycle racer Paul
Pavletich has had another season to
cherish as he wrapped up this year’s
New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing
Register’s Formula 1 series. With support
from his brother, Mark Pavletich, who
worked as machine builder and head mechanic,
ably assisted by fellow mechanic Wayne Anstis, and
with additional help from suspension guru Kerry
Dukic, Pavletich stretched his legs and that of his
magnificent 1989 Yamaha OW-01 (fitted with a
Yamaha FZR1000W engine) to take the F1 crown.
But that was just the tip of the iceberg for
the long-time racer from Ararimu, near the
Bombay Hills. The 59-year-old Paul Pavletich
finished runner-up in the Pre-89 F1 class at the
famous Cemetery Circuit event in Whanganui
on Boxing Day and that was despite the
fact he had not raced there in 16 years.
He won the Pre 89 F1 at the annual Paeroa Battle
of the Streets meeting at his debut appearance
there in February, before tackling the Pre-
89 F1 class at the Auckland Motorcycle Club
Championship series – comprising 12 races over four
events – and there he again claimed the No.1 spot.
Pavletich also won the New Zealand Classic
Motorcycle Racing Register (NZCMRR)
series this season. The 19-race NZCMRR
series was held over five events, kicking off
at the Pukekohe Classic Festival in February,
followed by Hampton Downs, then two visits
14 KIWI RIDER
I was happy that I was able to win
races at each circuit in both dry
and wet conditions
to Taupo and the final round at Manfeild, on
the outskirts of Feilding, on October 28-29.
Remarkably, although Pavletich dominated his
class, the NZCMRR series featured five separate F1
class winners. Former national champion Pavletich
(Yamaha 1000) won 10 of the 19 races, while Te
Awanga’s Eddie Kattenberg (Bimota 1000), the
defending NZCMRR champion, won on four
occasions. Hastings rider Gian Louie took his 1100cc
Suzuki to win three NZCMRR series races. Hamilton’s
Mark Hatton (Yamaha 1000) and Rangiora’s Jake
Lewis (Suzuki 1100) won the remaining two races.
“I was happy that I was able to win
races at each circuit in both dry and
wet conditions,” said Pavletich.
At the 38th annual Pukekohe Classic Festival in
February, Pavletich battled brilliantly with multi-time
former national champion Dennis Charlett,
of Christchurch, and Australian visitor Cam Donald.
But there is more to being a champion
than just crossing the finish line ahead of the
competition – Pavletich also showed himself
to be a true sportsman this season, loaning his
spare bike to rival Kattenberg after the Hawke’s
Bay man suffered engine failure at Pukekohe.
Pavletich also spoke highly of the men
with whom he shared the race track.
“Cam Donald is an absolute legend in the
sport. It was a privilege to share the race track
with him. No wonder he went so fast.
“Matt Eggelton (of Rotorua) placed well in
the NZCMRR series and I think he is a young
guy to watch in the future,” said Pavletich.
“He showed maturity and speed and came
close to winning a couple of races.”
The Pavletich team is sponsored by
Pavletich Racing, Academic Audio, Fazy Luck,
Metzeler Tyres, K-Tech and Pro Rider.