You will all be aware that the COVID-19 Pandemic has decimated the Road Racing Calendar at the start of the 2021/2022 season.
We have observed the following:-
First two rounds of the Suzuki Series cancelled
First two rounds of the NZSBK Series cancelled
Auckland Motorcycle Club postponed rounds and rescheduled a number of rounds for both Buckets and Road
CAMS Southern Classic Cancelled
New Zealand Classic Racing Register have cancelled a number of rounds
Hamilton Motorcycle Club have lost the Pukekohe Revival and 6 Hour Endurance.
I’m sure there are more but this just gives an indication of the situation. Fortunately, the South Island have managed to keep the club scene moving and have managed to host some events all be it under tight controls.
Given the above, Motorcycling Canterbury have come up with an initiative as a “One Off” to host a National Event that could have GP Titles awarded for Non NZSBK Championship Classes, these being the following classes.
F1
F2
F3
The meeting will be run on the original NZSBK Date in January 2022 and the Friday prior can also be an open practice day for competitors.
While I’m sure there will be some purist type challenges to the merit of the opportunity, but if we look at the above 6 bullet points we need to create some goodwill as a “One Off” not setting precedents, even though it has been done before in the sport and get people passionate about Road Racing again!!
The Event will be a “Celebration” of getting people racing again (from both Islands) and opens up the opportunity for us all to bring our bikes out from various classes to take part inclusively.
Andy Skelton
MNZ Road Race Commissioner