A highlight on NZ motorcycle events calendar
Join us in Invercargill, New Zealand for the 14th annual Burt Munro Challenge.
The Burt Munro Challenge draws riders and spectators from all over the world and features a number of racing disciplines including a Hill Climb, Beach Racing, Track Sprint Racing, Speedway, Drag racing and Street Racing.
Held annually in February, it’s a highlight of the New Zealand motorcycle events calendar and is recognised by many as the largest rally in the southern hemisphere.
The Burt Munro Challenge pays homage to New Zealand’s legend of speed, Burt Munro, with four incredible days of racing.
An extraordinary character who represented real, kiwi attributes and helped put Southland on the map, Burt was born in the rural Southland town of Edendale.
He dedicated a significant part of his life to motorcycles and motorcycle racing, setting a number of speed records in New Zealand in the 1940s and 1950s, and competing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, United States.
On his trip to Bonneville in 1967, Munro set a land speed record of 183.58mph in his Indian streamliner – a record that still stands to this day.
On his trip to Bonneville in 1967, Munro set a land speed record of 183.58mph in his Indian streamliner – a record that still stands to this day. His international success inspired the 2005 film, ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’and in 2006 the Southland Motorcycle Club held the inaugural Burt Munro Challenge as a way to celebrate Munro and give riders the chance to replicate his racing success on the tracks he himself trained and competed on.
Southland’s legend of speed achievements were further celebrated when Burt was inducted into the Motorcycling New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Challenge has forged a name for itself as one of New Zealand’s major motorsport events with six racing disciplines, including a hill climb, drag racing, beach racing, sprint races, speedway and street races.
Each year the Challenge attracts riders from all of the world and continues to evolve as an iconic racing event.
The Rally site at Oreti Park provides a unique experience for Burt Munro attendees with easy access to several of the racing venues, entertainment and extensive rally facilities.
It’s an exciting weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts in the South and whether you’re heading out to watch a race, participating or checking out the sights and sounds of Southland, please ride safe and enjoy yourself.