Series continues to amaze
The racing keeps getting better in each round of the Suzuki International Series after the second week of racing at manfeild, Feilding.
Just as it was at the series opener at Taupo¯ the previous weekend, the racing was fast and frenetic in all the categories, with points leaders changing at the top of several classes at the weekend.
Christchurch’s Alastair Hoogenboezem (Yamaha) continues to lead the glamour formula one-superbike class after racing on Sunday.
His position came under threat from whakatane brothers Mitch and Damon Rees (Honda), with Taupo¯’s Scottmoir and fellow Suzuki rider Daniel Mettam, from Glen Eden, also impressing.
After Sunday’s packed programme of races, Rangiora’s Avalon Biddle took the lead in the formula two class from Upper Hutt’s Rogan Chandler. Wellington’s malcolm Bielski snatched the series lead from Nikau Valley’s Richard Markham-Barrett in the bears senior class.
Whanganui’s Blane Hannah leads the bears junior class ahead of Hamilton’s Nick Lascelles. Justin Maunder shot to the top of the GIXXER 150 Cup class, displacing Christchurch’s previous leader Caleb Gilmore.
Hastings’ Gian Louie tops the post classics, pre-89 senior class ahead of Pukekohe’s previous leader Matt Eggleton, and Timaru’s Harry Parker is the new solitary leader in the supersport 300 class, having been forced to share with Gilmore after round one.
The three-round series action wraps up on the streets of Whanganui around the Cemetery Circuit, on Boxing Day.
Series organiser Allan willacy said people could save money by buying early bird tickets online through Ticketek.
Bike fans fizzed at being part of the first major motorcycle roadrace series in New Zealand since the pandemic lockdown, with Sunday’s racing at the Manfeild delivering intensity through all 12 categories.
Marking its 13th season, the series has cemented itself as New Zealand’s premier road race series outside the nationals.
Willacy said he was amazed the series continued to grow and, although last year’s entry numbers were a new record, the figures had been surpassed again this year.