After a great start to the 2018 NZSBK Championship, things are heating up nicely (and literally!) for the North Islands rounds in March. We’re excited to announce DHL Express as the presenting partner for Round 3, which takes centre stage at Hampton Downs in the Mike Pero Motofest 3-4 March.
The team at Hampton Downs has been working with Mike Pero, local legends of motorcycling and MNZ to create a motorcycle event like no other. Motofest will showcase our sport in all its multidisciplinary glory, with NZSBK Round 3 and the prestigious NZ TT title racing at the heart of the action.
Based on what we saw in the opening rounds, the DHL Superbike Championship Races will be unmissable, so if you can’t make it to North Waikato for the weekend, make sure you’re watching the live streaming on www.CTASLive.nz. DHL is also supporting our sport at a ‘grass roots’ level by offering a $500 prize to the top Round 3 rider in the GIXXER Cup class.
For the first time ever, we’ll be on the full international circuit, 3.8km of pure adrenaline for riders and ample viewing points for spectators. That means there’ll be lap records up for grabs in all classes. Unlike other NZ tracks, this circuit has plenty of rise and fall, with two long straights and 10 corners, six right hand and four left hand. And for the first time at an NZSBK Championship event, one lucky spectator will know what it feels like to do a lap on a superbike too. 2017 NZSBK Champion Tony Rees (pictured, centre) will pilot a DHL Pillion Ride – an unforgettable experience and the lap of a lifetime! While the schedule is packed for the weekend, Hampton Downs can run into ‘twilight sessions’ to ensure there’s time for everything. Don’t panic though – NZSBK and TT racing will happen in full daylight! In addition to NZSBK Round 3, here’s the lowdown on what else is happening…
Legends demonstration sessions
Moto GP legend Randy Mamola has been confirmed as the headline act, alongside fellow legends Randy Mamola, Steve Parish, Aaron Slight, Graeme Crosby, Hugh Anderson, Kevin Magee, Andrew Stroud, Gary Goodfellow, Paul Bryne, Phil Payne, Jeremy Burgess. The legends will be reunited with machines from the past in exhibition sessions twice a day. Kiwi Motocross icons Shayne King, Josh Coppins & Ben Townley will also be riding – expect to see Coppins and Townley contest the inaugural Hampton Downs Speedcross event.
Something for everyone
Motofest really will cover all the bases, there are even opportunities to participate, not just sit back and watch:
- Shoei Classic Racing: Post Classic and Classic GP Racing – feel the noise!
- Freestyle MX: Aerobatics on motorcycles – three breath-taking shows each day in the skid pan
- Kawasaki Public Trail Ride: Open to all comers, the 10-15km track through adjacent farmland will be open the entire weekend
- Motul Trials Exhibition: NZ’s best riders will deliver a Stadium Trials exhibition on a purpose-built temporary track in the heart of the circuit
- Pirelli Track Sessions: Amateur riders and enthusiasts can enjoy some track time too, with two 15 minute track session each day available for purchase with an event ticket
- Star Insurance Motorcycle Show: Participants will have the opportunity to show off their ride both on and off track each day
- Alpine Stars Legends Dinner: Classic moments on the big screen and a Q&A with the legends on Saturday night
Visit the Hampton Downs website for more details or if you’re already sold, grab your tickets from Ticketmaster here.
The series wraps up with Round 4 at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, 17-18 March – more exciting news to come on that one too! The 2018 New Zealand Superbike Championship is supported by Honda Cars, providing safety/medical vehicles, Pirelli tyres, Corprint, CTAS and MX Timing and the inaugural GIXXER Cup is supported by Suzuki New Zealand.