Stroud takes on new environment in the world of post-classic racing

Hamilton motorcycle racer Andrew Stroud has enjoyed his first competitive outing since retiring from Super Bike competition in 2013.

The former nine-times national superbike champ campaigned an accurate copy of the famous Kiwi-built McIntosh Formula 1 at Hampton Downs on Sunday, August 24.

In the third and last round of the Hamilton Motorcycle Club’s Arai Winter series the former Suzuki stalwart is looking forward to his involvement in the popular and expanding world of classic and post-classic racing.

‘‘It’s an older group of racers and mechanics and it’s a whole new scene – it’s why we started racing in the first place. It’s about the interest and riding bikes and helping develop the sport and potentially help out the New Zealand team. It’s all possible it’s still a big part of me and the whole family – we’re all missing racing.’’

Stroud said the post-classic fourcylinder GXS 1135cc McIntosh, although being a little bit heavier was only about four seconds slower about the Hampton Downs circuit that his most recent GP Suzuki – despite a 30 year difference in their ages.

‘‘It’s great working with the guys, Ross Peden and David Jupe, that own it. They’re really passionate.’’

Stroud said the event had been enjoyable riding a ‘‘cool old machine’’. He entered two of the three post-classic races on the day and found himself half a lap ahead and only 0.5 second outside the lap record set by Cam Donald.

Stroud has his eyes on the up-coming Barry Sheene Memorial New ZealandAustralia challenge at Hampton Downs over Labour Weekend and the possibilities offered at the Eastern Creek and Philip Island events in Australia.

‘These are very big events. Philip Island in January gets 20,000 spectators which is just behind the big GP race. They get big teams from England, Aust- The post-classic GXS 1135cc McIntosh ridden by Andrew Stroud recently at Hampton Downs. ralia and New Zealand,’’ Stroud said.

Stroud retired in August 2013 after a career spanning 27 years and including winning the Battle-of-the-Twins at Daytona on Kiwi John Britten-designed superbikes in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1998 along with nine New Zealand superbike championships, most recently in 2011.

Meanwhile while Stroud senior was busy racing the McIntosh F1 machine, 15-year-old son Jacob Stroud took his fast Kawasaki 150cc motorcycle to a pair of fine wins, and a second placing in the RST Leathers Hyosung Cup and development class, ahead of much more experienced riders.