NZ Classic Motorcycles & Racing

Tributes & New Pages

Brett Sproull - Sidecar 242

Jamie Galway Classic Cycles

Links

This page is currently being updated and NZCMRR event photos are in progress and available in the main image BRB Shots Gallery for viewing.

For those riders and teams who are on the job board for large and recent event collections, these will all be available and completed by the Classic Festival. I thank you for your patience, it's been quite a task to recreate a new digital library spanning three years.

Welcome to Classic Motorcycle Racing in New Zealand

Say Hello to Everyone for me.... from New Zealand!!

The New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register was formed in 1979 and is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and use of all pre 1976 British, European and American motorcycles. The Classic TT event is held over the two days Labour weekend at Pukekohe, with the Classic Festival held over three days at Pukekohe Park Raceway in February. The Festival attracts riders from all over the world and is one of the largest meetings in Australasia attracting around 300 competitors.

In this section is a variety of Classic bikes, Classic Sidecars, the riders and teams who race these restored timeless machines. The first classic race meeting invitation with the New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register (NZCMRR) was Labour Weekend October 2007 at Pukekohe Park Raceway was a turning point and journey that now spans three years.

When you combine the passion for Classics and Harleys for the first time you have a Labour of Love in motion. Bruce Anderson's 1929 S Model Harley-Davidson 350cc is truly a sight for sore eyes. This particular make and model of Harley-Davidson was unofficially named and known as the 'Peashooters'.

Were these the first ever racing Harley models to arrive in New Zealand, and Australia when Harley-Davidson Motor Company (USA) leased them out to riders and race teams from this era.

A Labour of Love for Classic Racing

By Brigit-Rose Bell





To all the Classic Riders, Teams, Organisers, Committee members of the NZCMRR - (New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register) and Editor Barry Deane of Megaphone Magazine, a huge warm thanks for all the support over the last three years. This amazing journey of progress for not only myself, but to inspire others that you can achieve anything you want when you step outside your comfort zone. Without the Register (NZCMRR) and the many volunteers who put in many hours for one of the largest motorcycle clubs in New Zealand, these events could not take place. The Marshals deserve a big thank you because without these volunteers there can be no racing at all. It's their job to ensure that things run smoothly for all concerned 'in-field'' at the different checkpoints and safety is a first priority. The register was proud to present those Marshals with medals of honors for outstanding performance when unfortunate events do occur on the track because motor racing is dangerous and anything can happen on the day. A Labour of Love is the original first article I wrote for publication in Bikerider 2007 and many thanks to Editor Paul Lance for giving me my first break. My work and motorcycle accreditations on Classic bikes and racing is now exclusive to Megaphone Magazine which is both subscribed nationally and internationally. I have collected many snippets and stories over these past three years and continue to do so in the event of one day compiling a book for motorcycle photography. A Labour of love is the true passion that takes time when you have the many family generations, riders, and those who are the true legends in the world of Classic Motorcycles in New Zealand.

NZ Classic TT Event at Pukekohe Raceway Park

First Publication - BikeRider Magazine 2007

20th - 21st October 2007
**A treasure trove of timeless classic machines the finest in engineering, the sweet aroma of methanol spilling and a dash of oil on a dry track made for two superb days classic motorcycle racing.

Seemed like a day for the Nortons and Terry and Jamie Galway both did well in the OM & OPC races but unfortunately Jamie took a slide at the Caltex corner of the track and was out of the TT race with a little bit of body damage to the Norton Atlas. Nick Turner also took a spill on the Ducati TT11 on the Caltex corner but still went onto win the Open Class (Race 21) on the Honda RC30.

Tony (Plazz) Stanwell’s 1973 Norton F750 was back racing for the first time this season with a set of new crank cases from Steve Maney Racing, Ohlin shocks and the latest in Avon racing tyres from the UK. A couple of issues with the Norton were resolved and rider Paul Dobbs (Dobsy) won the Open Modified and Open Post Classic race 16 with a best lap time of 1m08.00. Paul Dobbs has done the Isle Mans TT races many times on classic and modern motorcycles and races both in New Zealand and Europe. For testing purposes Dobsy was invited to race in the Open Class (Race 21) and started at the back of the grid. He finished in second place with an unofficial best lap time of 1m06.49. Dobsy took fourth place in Race 18 on day two of the event riding Neville Wooderton’s 1959 BSA 500cc Goldstar and didn’t finish Race 21 due to a suspected burnt a hole in the top of the piston.

The winners of the TT event for 0-350 in first place Ginger Molloy, 2^nd James McKay on one of Nick Coles bikes and 3^rd place went to Nick Cole. For the 350-500 TT event race Sam Smith took first place, Dave Cole in 2^nd and Robert Creemers in 3^rd place. Best lap time for the two day event went to Vince Sharpe on the Vince & Hyde Honda with 1m05.47.

NZCMRR event photo albums for 2007 - 2009 can be located in the BRB Shots Gallery.

BRB PHOTO GALLERY

That's why I pay you a bonus...great shot!!