KIWI RIDER FEBRUARY 2018 VOL.1 | Page 14

Mike Pero Southern Classic T Words & photos: John Cosgrove he action out on the track at the Levels Raceway near Timaru was just as hot as the scorching weekend temperatures experienced by the 221 riders taking part in the fourth annual Mike Pero Southern Classic motorcycle races. Fast times were the goal as competitors who ranged in age from 15 to 75 years, pressed hard to find extra speed out of their over 30-year-old motorcycles around the tight and twisty circuit. Former European motorcycle racing cup winner Avalon Biddle said she thought it was great that the older riders were out there, “They have a lot of experience, although they are not as young and flexible as they used to be they still have the aggression and that drive to win, but it was all for fun” she said. Biddle raced aboard her Aprilia RS250, for the first time in five years and said her smaller size was more suited to smaller motorcycles. Biddle was just one of a number of current and former national and international racing stars on show at the Classic Action Motorcycle sports (CAMS) organised meeting. The line-up included stars including Aaron Slight, Andrew Stroud, Graeme Crosby, Gary Goodfellow, Dennis Charlett, Hugh Anderson, John Hepburn, Jock Woodley, Paul McLachlan and Australian superbike star Robbie Phillis, and the guest of honour AMA superbike star Wes Cooley from the USA. CAMS President Dave Reesby said that classic motorcycle racing was the fastest growing part of the sport in the world, “It’s all about keeping the stories of the past alive and seeing the old bikes being restored.” Reesby said people enjoy seeing bikes they grew up with and lusted after, being raced by like- minded enthusiasts. “Yes, we’re there to race but more importantly we here to have a beer and a barbeque afterwards, and talk in the pits.” Reesby said he felt the social side was the most important part and this was probably why this event has grown so fast. Former World Formula One motorcycle champion It’s so laid back and yet it’s so competitive, us normal people get to race with wo rld champions, motorcycle royalty, it’s fabulous