New generation Stroud lines up

The name Stroud is synonymous with New Zealand motorcycling success, and this year the first of a new Stroud generation is joining Helicraft Racing to chase dual national honours. Jacob Stroud, eldest son of Kiwi racing legend Andrew, is to race the Helicraft Racing MV Agusta 675 F3 in the 2018 NZ Supersport Championship. The talented 18-year-old is also aiming to reclaim his national Superlite title aboard a specially imported Krämer HKR Evo2 single.“ I just can’ t believe how all this has come about,” said an excited Stroud.“ I was fortunate enough to win the Superlite title in 2016, but a knee injury ruled me out of serious title contention last season.“ These are both really special bikes and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to race them,” the Palmerston North-based Honda Cars Manawatu dealer receptionist said. The MV won the New Zealand TT title in the hands of Australian Alex Phillis earlier this year, and the Krämer, owned by Don and Rodney O’ Connor, of Eurobike Wholesale, the New Zealand Krämer importers, will be one of the first examples to be raced outside Europe.“ I like riding lightweight motorcycles and the Krämer looks like it will be very competitive in the New Zealand series,” Stroud said. He’ s also equally enthused about the MV,“ This bike is something special. It’ s a winner so I’ m getting a really good race bike”. Wanaka-based Helicraft Racing team owner Rod Price is enthusiastic about Jacob joining the team. Price knows the family name carries with it expectations, but says the first priority is to get Jacob comfortable and confident in the team environment.“ Jacob’ s a winner, otherwise he wouldn’ t be on the bikes. But now he’ s got to get used to working with us as we help to give him two bikes he can win on. Jacob realises it’ s all about the big picture, the future, so we’ ll be easing him into the coming season.“ Saying that, he’ s a Stroud! His Dad didn’ t win nine New Zealand titles by saying