the era at some point. Starting with Barry Sheene
and Kenny Roberts, Mamola would go on to also
beat world champions Franco Uncini, Lucchinelli,
Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Gardner.
Mamola first arrived in New Zealand as a tiny,
unknown freckle-faced teenager with a shock of
strawberry blond hair. Mamola raced two Marlboro
International Series in New Zealand (1974-75 and
1976-77) and still holds fond memories of the
country – not least because he met and raced
star riders he had only previously read about.
As a 15-year-old ‘newbie’ on his first international
trip, he met riders like Gregg Hansford, Warren
Willing and multi-World Champion Mike
Hailwood. He also encountered a young, brash
Kiwi, who would turn out to be his team-mate
at Suzuki Great Britain, Graeme Crosby. More
importantly, he met people who were to play
key roles in his future career, prominent among
them Christchurch technician Mike Sinclair, as
well as Belgian Thierry Gerin, American George
Vukmanovich, and Australian Jeremy Burgess.
The now retired Mamola, who manages
two MotoGP riders while maintaining a high-
profile media position in the sport, is looking
forward to catching up with old rivals and
team mates at the Mike Pero MotoFest.
Mike Pero is a fitting sponsor for the event given
his own motorcycle racing pedigree. Pero won
six National Motorcycle Racing Championships
in the 1980s and still holds the New Zealand
land-speed record for a 350cc motorcycle; a
speed of 238km/h set in 1979. Pero will compete
in the classic events at the MotoFest on a
Yamaha Grand Prix machine from the 1990s.
“We’re delighted to come on as the inaugural
naming rights sponsor for MotoFest,” says
Pero. “This event is destined to become one
of New Zealand’s premier motorsport events
and with the line-up of celebrity riders and
special events we will be expecting to attract
spectators from all over New Zealand.”
Motorcycling New Zealand General Manager,
Virginia Henderson sees the event as a great
opportunity to reinvigorate public interest
and revitalise the sport of motorcycling.
“We see huge growth potential in this event
to attract more international riders and build
the profile of our sport. We’re excited to be
working with the team Hampton Downs who
have the same vision to grow the popularity
of motorcycle racing in New Zealand.”
MOTUL TRIALS EXHIBITION ALPINESTARS LEGENDS DINNER
A temporary track will be built on site in the heart
of the track for a Stadium Trails exhibition and
we have confirmed a field of NZ’s best riders. Celebrate some of classic moments
on the big screen and a Q&A with
the Legends on Saturday night.
STAR INSURANCE MOTORCYCLE
SHOW For information on tickets, hospitality
packages, the Legends’ Dinner and camp
sites, go to www.hamptondowns.com
We are expecting a massive congregation of
bikes at the track each day. The very best road
bikes, Harley Davidsons and more. Bike show
participants will have the opportunity to cruise
the track each day and show off their ride.
There’s no place for fake in the lifestyle you choose. Kawasaki alone has the
heritage to deliver yesterday’s values to today’s riders in a truly authentic
Modern Classic bike. The visceral spirit of a 1970s legend – Kawasaki’s original
king of cool Z1 – finds expression in the Z900RS, to satisfy the very essence of
the rider you are now. Kawasaki Z900RS - True Spirit.
PIRELLI TRACK SESSIONS
Track time will be available for amateur riders
and enthusiasts thanks to Pirelli. Riders will be
able to purchase 2 x 15 minute track sessions
on either day, along with their event ticket.
Take in all the action and get amongst it.
For more information visit www.kawasaki.co.nz
SEE YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY OR VISIT
www.kawasaki.co.nz
Graeme Crosby
88KIWI RIDER
Model shown may differ to model availab le.
Arriving early 2018.