Taupo & Turangi Herald

Bike series combined to rev up motorsport

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Taupō is revving up to host a different kind of bike race this weekend.

The combined Suzuki Internatio­nal Series and New Zealand Superbike Nationals get under way at the Taupō Internatio­nal Motorsport Park on December 3-4, before the competitio­n makes stops across the North and South Islands. Taupō will also be home to the sixth and final round on March 11 and 12.

The competitio­n blends two popular motorsport events, with a mixed schedule combining the Suzuki event’s road races and the Superbike National’s track events.

The bumper calendar revitalise­s the sport after several disrupted years; the New Zealand Superbike

Championsh­ip series was cut short in 2020, reduced in scope in 2021 and initially cancelled altogether in 2022.

The Suzuki Internatio­nal Series also did not run in 2021.

Riders are champing at the bit for the event, with record numbers registerin­g this year.

The idea to merge the two contests is an exciting prospect, says Suzuki Internatio­nal Series promoter and organiser Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy.

“It is great that we are combining forces to help motorcycle racing in the current climate. The sport deserves this . . . riders, fans, sponsors and other stakeholde­rs too.”

Tickets for round one available on the Taupō Motorsport Park website.

 ?? Photo: Andy McGechan, BikesportN­Z.com ?? Whanganui’s Richie Dibben is sure to be among the frontrunne­rs when the 2022-23 season kicks off this coming weekend at Taupō .
Photo: Andy McGechan, BikesportN­Z.com Whanganui’s Richie Dibben is sure to be among the frontrunne­rs when the 2022-23 season kicks off this coming weekend at Taupō .

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