ROAD NEWS

by Andy McGechan

and , as final preparations are made , the revs are already starting to build ahead of what will no doubt be another classic weekend at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park . Ready to mark its fourth anniversary at the popular north Waikato race track on the weekend of March 6-7 , the Mike Pero MotoFest is sure to again rate as New Zealand ’ s “ must see and must do ” motorcycling event of the year , particularly with the inclusion in the programme of the second annual Motul NZ Classic Grand Prix and the Shoei Helmets-sponsored Classic Two Stroke races . The New Zealand Superbike Championships ( NZSBK ) will headline the event with the second instalment of the Classic NZ Grand Prix and the Shoei Helmets-sponsored Classic Two Stroke races also taking centre stage . This year ’ s MotoFest “ Legends ” feature puts the spotlight on two-stroke motorcycles , and the legends who rode them , so come on and

“ smoke them if you ’ ve got them ”. MotoFest will particularly acknowledge three racers who made their name on big , raw twostrokes – Kawasaki and Bultaco hero Ginger Molloy , multi-time New Zealand champion Trevor Discombe and long-time racer , sponsor and mentor Bob Haldane . And let ’ s not forget some of our other heroes , four-time World Champion Hugh Anderson , the extraordinary Graeme Crosby and three stars of the sport who are sadly no longer with us , Geoff Perry , Kim Newcombe and Rodger Freeth . And then there are the machines . We have assembled the biggest line-up of the famous four-cylinder Yamaha TZ750 since the 1970s . Add to that , some rare Suzuki RG500s , and a sea of Yamaha TZ250 and 350s . Plus there are some other smokin ’ specials from our past . In addition , if you ride your two-stroke to the event or bring it by van or trailer , there ’ s a special “ Show and Shine ” area set aside for you in the infield at Hampton Downs .

KIWI RIDER 21