ROAD NEWS
NZSBK TITLES- IT IS ABOUT MANA
In the turbulent times of late, there was a feeling that the prestige and mana of the NZSBK titles needed a nudge. The man charged with forging the future for the sport, Mike Marsden, is a staunch believer that the national titles should be something every racer aspires to win and that it should be the pinnacle of the sport. To this end there have been some changes to make the racing fairer, more affordable, and importantly, closer, so more emphasis on how a team works together and the rider having a level playing field to show their ability. A control tyre from Bridgestone is part of this new direction, as are some new trophies. Speaking of trophies, the premier class has a very cool one up for grabs. Departing from the normal traditional trophy style, this one is pretty out there. It is a 3-D printed encapsulated trophy
modelled on one of our greatest ever racing exports, none other than Aaron Slight # 111. Now Mr Slight was pretty out there in the grid, with statement hair-dos and colours, so he was never hard to find, and that likeness, resplendent with his‘ Mohican’ mohawk do and in his WSBK leathers. One very cool and unique trophy, it may also be a little disturbing to have a‘ mini Slighty’ in your lounge but it is sure to be noticed. Aaron was stoked to be part of the project and has always put his hand up to help the game. So there it is, the first of a new style of trophy and the sport seems to be hitting an upward swing. The TT titles, which are unique to NZ are also getting a laser focus to build them back up to their halcyon days of yore. In fact the NZTT was originally held on Waiheke Island and it was gravel … It was also timed to coincide with the IOMTT in July. How is that for a street race?
KIWI RIDER 69