RIDER’S BRIEFS

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC. April 2018

Pukekohe Park Raceway – Club Circuit – March 2018

In This Issue

AMCC Club Series NZSBK Park Club Circuit Upcoming Events

1110 Great South Road, PO Box 22362, Otahuhu, Auckland Ph: 276 0880

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2017 - 2018 Email Phone PATRON Jim Campbell PRESIDENT Paul Stewart [email protected] 021 126 2905 VICE Peter Nagle [email protected] 027 497 0101 PRESIDENT SECRETARY TBA [email protected] TBA TREASURER Nikki Nagle [email protected] 027 438 0777 MEMBERSHIP Mandy New & [email protected] 021 139 1262 Steve Collingwood 021 918 053 CLUB CAPTAIN Adam Mitchell [email protected] 021 128 4108 ROAD RACE Scott Buchanan [email protected] 027 242 7639 COMMITTEE Mark Wigley 027 250 3237 Neil Martin 021 823 588 Adam Mitchell 021 128 4108 Angela Vernon 027 684 0552 Jim Manoah Fergus Main ROAD RACE Colleen Thompson [email protected], 027 423 1433 SECRETARY [email protected] GENERAL Greg Percival [email protected] 021 160 3960 COMMITTEE Glen Mettam 021 902 849 Connor Le Cheminant 021 186 2971 Philip Kavermann 021 264 8021 Trevor Heaphy 022 647 7899

MINIATURE David Diprose [email protected] 021 275 0003 ROAD RACE CHIEF FLAG Angela Vernon [email protected] 027 684 0552 MARSHAL NZIGP Rep Chris Costello [email protected] 027 437 1251 NEWSLETTER Philip Kavermann [email protected] 021 264 8021 EDITOR MNZ REP Chris Costello [email protected] 027 437 1251 WEBSITE Johannes Rol [email protected] 021 544 514 MEDIA Philip Kavermann [email protected] 021 264 8021

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - APRIL 2018

Hello fellow Club Members,

Well the race season is now over for the Club, for a wee while. Although ‐ there will be a lot of work going on in the back ground, planning for next season.

The Race dates at Hampton Downs have been locked in place for the 2018 season. They are 21 October, 11 November, and 2 December.

After that everyone will again be into the Suzuki Series and the Nationals; with the Club again officiating at Paeroa, and the second Moto Fest at Hampton Downs. So it will be a busy six months for the Club, with planning and running these meetings.

At the end of this month ‐ on the 29th ‐ through the good work of Peter Nagle, we are again promoting the Auckland Motorcycle Club at the annual Waiuku “Steel and Wheels” event. If possible, make sure to mark it on your calendar, and come along to support the Club. This is a great event to go and see – with bikes, classic cars, race cars, vintage military vehicles, and many more things to ogle over.

Last but not least ‐ I am sure you will join me in wishing Daniel Mettam all the best with his racing over in Ireland; and watching how he gets on. AMCC wish him every success. Cheers,

Paul Stewart | AMCC President

Nathanael Diprose – NZSBK – Rd 3

Continuing the season back in the at Hampton Downs turned out to be an awesome weekends racing. It was the first ever motorcycle race meeting at the extended circuit, and it was really fun having the extra corners thrown in. As well as continuing the Superlite series on my 450, I also had a 600 to ride for this weekend ‐ thanks heaps to Lance Goodger.

The Superlite races went great once again. I qualified on pole, won the three races including the NZ TT fairly comfortably, and set the fastest lap/lap record in the process.

The racing on the 600 was a bit more exciting, and I really enjoyed riding something with some more power again. The bike is fairly stock which made things a little trickier, and it was my first time riding it that weekend, but I was able to get up to speed quickly despite the chain breaking in morning practice.

I qualified in 9th, and in each of the three races was able to do a bit better, latching onto the back of the lead group at the start with plenty of good battles afterwards to try make up positions, especially in the final race. I got two 8ths, and a 6th place in the TT on the 600. Also my best lap time at the end of the weekend was just 1 second off the fastest lap.

All up ‐ I'm very happy with how things went on both bikes. It was a great weekends riding, and I'm looking forward to wrapping the Series up at Taupo this weekend.

Huge thanks to RCM Performance, Pirelli Tyres, AGV Helmets, RST Leathers, EBC Brakes, AMCC, Colemans Suzuki, Lance Goodger for the 600, my family, and Cassie for all the support.

Nathanael Diprose #88

Trevor Heaphy:

25th February, 2018 – Round Three of the 2017‐2018 AMCC Club Series ‐ was a significant day for both AMCC, and the sport of motorcycling in NZ.

AMCC Life Member, Trevor Heaphy, announcing that this would be the final motorcycle race meeting at which he would serve in an official capacity.

Along with Warren New some 12 months earlier, the withdrawal of these two experienced Officials will leave a big hole in the sport.

“I first got involved in the sport when I joined the Auckland Motor Cycle Club Inc in 1974, assisting as a Flag Marshal, until I started on a home built Yamaha 350 in 1977. My first race was a Marlboro Series 350 race amongst all the visiting International riders (you wouldn’t get away with that now, but times were different then!) This was upgraded to a TZ250C in 1979, which was sold in 1982, at which point I became more involved in the organisational side of things, initially at a club level. I became a Club Steward in 1985, progressing to Assistant District Steward in 1986 and have been a Steward continuously since then, culminating in being made a Senior Steward in 2009.

Over the years, I have made the odd foray back into competition on a range of machines, including 250 and 350 Production and Clubman’s class on a 1989 RS250 Honda. However, during this time I have remained more involved as an Official and have held several roles within MNZ (and prior to that the NZACU). These include Board member 1991- 1994 and 2008/9, Road Race Commissioner 1992 - 94 and 2001 - 04, R/R Commission Member 1997 – 2001. My main role within AMCC has been as Clerk of the Course, which I have carried out since the mid 1980’s including every Paeroa Street Race since the first one in 1991. I was made Life Member of the club in 1990 and Life Member of MNZ in 2015.”

MNZ Life Member Induction 24 May, 2015.

Dan Mettam ‐ Riding Steve Roberts Plastic Fantastic 1135 in the Legends Parade:

2018 International Festival of Speed 22‐25 March, 2018

Nathanael Diprose – Season Wrap‐Up

The 2018 NZSBK Championship has been a great Championship to be a part of. It has had its share of ups and downs, and though it's mostly been an amazing year, there has been numerous difficulties to overcome along the way. As such I am very happy to have arrived at this point, winning my first ever National level Championship.

Many of you may know I spent a huge amount of the past year rather sick with a stomach problem, barely able to eat, and at the worst point throwing up even from a simple glass of water. This illness started during the previous Nationals season, when I was riding the same bike as a 600 in the SuperSport class. It continued throughout almost the whole year, as even after numerous tests and diagnosis of a stomach acid problem and receiving medication to help with that ‐ I still was having a lot of problems with food, and not being able to eat food is not much fun.

This largely influenced my decision to ride in the Superlite class this year, as I had just started to get comfortable on the 600 in the 2016 Suzuki Series, but the end of that season was quite a struggle, and that was while I was only starting to get sick. As 2017 went on ‐ and there were still no signs of getting healthier in a hurry ‐ my family and I decided that it would be best to drop down a class to something a little easier to ride,

Thus we took the bike to Ray Clee, and he got it running as a 450cc triple, instead of as the 600cc 4‐ cylinder. The bike is otherwise exactly the same as it was as a 600, except for some new body work and a great paint job by Al from Impact Cycles.

I was looking forward to riding in this class, as it meant I was already used to just how the bike handled, and could then focus on just improving my riding. I knew that if I was still sick (as was looking more and more likely) it would be less demanding to ride, and I would be able to manage it better than the 600, as the last few months I'd had practically no energy despite all the doctors efforts and pills I had been given.

Also the Superlites looked like a really exciting class in its own right, as there is a huge variety of really cool bikes allowed, and it gave me the opportunity to race against big names like Dennis Charlett, Jacob Stroud, Gavin Veltmeyer, and plenty more.

I was excited to get out on track on the bike once we'd got it changed to a 450 in October, and my first few rides on the bike actually went quite well, getting close to the lap record at Manfeild on my first day on the bike, and then winning all the races at the final HMCC club round at Taupo the day after, followed up with the AMCC club wins the weekend after that at Hampton Downs.

I missed out the 6 hour team Endurance race in November because I really didn't think I would last a 6 hour event, even only having to do a third of the time in a team of three. I was still rather low energy at this point, and was also a bit worried about the longer National races to come.

Very shortly after that however my health started to noticeably pick up. Come AMCC Round 2 on 19th November, I was starting to feel a little better, and though the Bucket 2‐Hour the following weekend ended in disaster, I was able to ride the bike for nearly 50 minutes without a break. I was absolutely exhausted afterwards, but despite the result I was very happy that I was actually able to ride like that again.

As my health continued to steadily improve from this point, I decided that I would do whatever I could to make the most of this year's racing ‐ as with my previous feelings it was looking like this may have been my last season competing at this level, and it now felt like I'd been given a new lease of life. I really want to give thanks here to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as after all I had experienced that last year I really think it is a miracle that I started recovering just in time for the race season.

After this, the Suzuki Series took place, which went amazingly well, winning the Series comfortably after wins in the first 5 races, and setting new lap records for the Formula 3 class at both the Taupo and Manfeild racetracks. I even got a surprise win at the Cemetery Circuit, as Ashley Payne jumped the start and received a time penalty. This was pretty cool, as I wasn't expecting to do as well here, as it's a street race, With this being only the second day ever I've ridden on the roads instead of a racetrack, and as I already had a healthy Championship lead, I didn't need to push it...

And then the Nationals started.

I was feeling fully better from my illness by now, though still having to take some pills to help reduce stomach acid levels, and I was feeling better than I'd felt for more than a year. I was really excited to get the season underway!

I qualified on pole for the first Round in Christchurch with a time just a little bit slower than the lap record in fairly windy and cold conditions, and was confident I could go even faster in the race. Unfortunately I only made it half a lap into the first race, as my forks bottomed out and I went down, sliding into the tall Ruapuna curbing, tumbling a few times after my bike, and afterwards being unable to support my weight with my right leg.

In hindsight we should've definitely made the forks harder before the race, as dad had noticed that I was using practically all of the travel after qualifying, but I hadn't noticed a problem at that stage so we didn't change it. Ah well, you live and learn. The first day of the Nationals was over, and I'd come away with zero points from the race. Gotta say I was pretty gutted, but if anything it just made me more determined.

The next day went much better, getting my first ever win at the track on any bike, then following that up with the NZGP title. On the last few laps of the GP I saw my lap times weren't too far off, and so I decided to push through the pain barrier a little more and set a new lap record on the very last lap.

I was still on crutches at the next round at Timaru, and though it was easier to ride than the previous weekend and did still improve each day, at first it was still pretty painful on the bike. I secured pole position here, all three race wins, and another lap record, and got myself back into the lead of the Championship after the crash in Round One. There was now a month and a half to recover, and I was now feeling fairly comfortable about defending my lead for the season which would conclude at tracks I'm more familiar with in the North Island.

Round Three was exciting, as it was the first ever race meeting on the full international circuit at Hampton Downs, and it was my first time getting to ride this. I also had a fairly stock 600 to ride thanks to Lance Goodger.

Both classes went great, I did better than I had expected on the 600 in my first weekend trying it out, and then on the 450 I got another clean sweep of pole, three Race wins, and the lap record.

I now had a healthy lead going to the season finale in Taupo, however still needed to finish at least two more races to win the title. Taupo is a track I really like and have generally been able to do well at, so I felt rather confident...

I crashed Saturday morning. I had missed the practice day due to University, but that didn't bother me as I already felt very comfortable at the track. The first practice on the 600 I had a freak highside that started when the bike was nearly upright, and I was only part throttle. I got thrown in front of the bike, then proceeded to tumble along the track and later the ripple strip, taking a few hits from the bike along the way. I was pretty darn sore after that one, and needed a new helmet too RIP #AGV :(

I continued riding that day, but only on the 450 from then on. I was pleasantly surprised to actually still get pole position (albeit barely), however I knew the race would be tougher and I wasn't wrong. That race is one of the toughest I've ever done, it was pretty hard to ride, but it was totally worth trying for, and I was able to bring the bike home in 2nd place.

After this I was able to go back to the motel and rest up for the following days riding. Huge props to my girlfriend Cassandra for looking after me so well, I doubt I'd have been able to do so well without you. Thanks for fetching me whatever I needed, rubbing lots of cream into me to help with the aching. Also thanks for being the best set of crutches when I didn't have an actual set to use. Love you!

Sunday dawned and it was time to go big or go home.

I didn't do the morning scrub in as I didn't want to be doing any more riding than the actual races. In the first race Dennis got a bit of a break on the first lap, but after a few laps I was able to get into a rhythm and I was able to manage okay. I was able to close Dennis back down, and waited for a last lap opportunity to make a pass stick. I dove in front of him into the far corner that swings around bringing you onto the main back straight. Dennis cut straight back in front, but wasn't able to get a very good corner exit. I was able to drive past him after coming out of the corner, and go on to take the win. This win had just secured 1st place for the entire Championship, and there was still one race to go.

The final race of the Nationals was pretty cool. My right leg was beginning to feel a bit better, but my left was still just the same. Once again Dennis and Jacob got good starts, and I started the race running in third.

When I was feeling more comfortable riding after having a few laps to get the body used to it, I overtook Jacob, then a little later got past Dennis and into the lead. I was able to pull away in the race to comfortably win, setting another lap record for the Superlite class in the process

This still is 0.7 seconds slower than when I went here in December on exactly the same setup, but they count as separate records as the Nationals run 'Superlite' while the earlier Suzuki Series runs 'F3' .

To be honest I didn't even expect to get that close to my previous time, but am glad that I was able to. I was hurting after the race, but I knew I could get some good recovery time later. Even though there were plenty of hurdles to overcome for this Championship, it was definitely worth putting in that extra effort to overcome them.

After the "extra effort" I was still pretty sore on the Monday, so Cassie and I figured I should go get checked up. Turns out I received a break in my pelvis from the crash on Saturday. No wonder that it hurt more on that left side!

I would like to give a huge thanks to my sponsors, without whom I would not have been able to compete: RCM Performance, Pirelli Tyres, AGV Helmets, RST Leathers, EBC Brakes, the Auckland Motorcycle Club, and Colemans Suzuki. Also thanks to racesupplies.co.nz for helping out with much needed replacement bits over the course of the Championship.

Thanks to my family for being so supportive of the racing, especially my Dad who is great support at every single race day. He does so much else around the edges too, to make sure everything that's needed is done. Dad; you're a legend. Also thanks again to Cassie for being there with me always, you've really helped make this last Round so much more manageable.

"Blessed is the man who keeps on going when times are hard. After he has come through them, he will receive a crown. The crown is life itself. God has promised it to those who love him." ‐‐‐ James 1:12

It's been a great season. See you all next time, hopefully on a 600 again 

Nathanael #88

AMCC celebrate NZSBK success:

Held over four events and comprising twelve races in January and March, the dust is settling on the 2018 NZSBK. With the season Champions crowned, following the final Round at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park in Taupo just 2 short weeks ago, Auckland Motorcycle Club reflects on a selection of achievements, by a range of our Members who went in search of National success.

In Superbike, Sloan Frost secured a second premier category National title, having previously taken out the Superbike title in 2016. With five wins from twelve races, Frost was only off the podium three times, and took a clean sweep of the races at Round Two at Timaru.

Sloan Frost

After finishing 4th in 2017, Daniel Mettam improved one position in 2018, to close out the season in 3rd Overall. Five podiums – including a race win at Round One at Mike Pero Motorsport Park – was a solid result. Second in the NZTT race at Hampton Downs was a highlight of the NZSBK season, after a torrid 4‐way battle with Australian 5‐Time NZ Superbike Champion ‐ Robbie Bugden, Jay Lawrence, and Scott Moir. Arguably, it was the race of the Championship.

In Supersport 600, the racing was just as furious. Avalon Biddle had a stellar campaign, to finish the season 3rd Overall, behind the Underground Brown Triumphs from the South Island. Biddle was a real threat on the familiar North Island circuits, taking five podiums over the final two Rounds – including an inaugural 600cc Class National win at Taupo. It was likely the most popular win across the 2018 NZSBK.

Toby Summers was also back on a 600 in 2018, and would finish the season 5th Overall, with four podiums to his credit.

Sidecar stalwarts, the Lawrance Brothers, represented AMCC in the “chairs” ‐ and Chris & Richard used their new LCR rig to take six podiums, including three race wins, to finish the season in 3rd Overall.

Daniel Mettam

Jaden Hassan, Avalon Biddle, Nathanael Diprose

Newcomer Thomas Newton had the distinction of taking out the first “Gixxer Cup” for identical 150cc Suzuki machines. Nine podiums, including five wins over the NZSBK was enough to top the points in the ultra‐entertaining single‐make class, which was making its debut on New Zealand race circuits over the summer.

Toby Summers

Thomas Newton

However, the most successful AMCC member across the NZSBK for 2018 had to be Nathanael Diprose, riding a GSX‐ R450 Suzuki in Superlite, as he came back after an extended illness. Ten wins from twelve starts, with one further podium, it was an outstanding season, and a constructive rebuilding period for Diprose as he builds back to the 600’s.

Fabulous Superbike NZTT race at Hampton Downs: Bugden leads Lawrence, Mettam and Moir – but it was changing continually. Images: Philip Kavermann

Roll on 2019.

2018 NZSBK Championship Winners:

SUPERBIKE – Sloan Frost SUPERSPORT 600 – Jake Lewis SUPERSPORT 300 – Dennis Charlett 650 PRO TWIN – Jordan Burley 250 PRODUCTION – Nick Cain SUPERLITE ‐ Nathanael Diprose 125 GP – Blayes Heaven GIXXER CUP – Thomas Newton SIDECARS – Peter Goodwin & Kendal Dunlop

CALENDAR – 2018 NZSBK Championship: Rd 1 6/7 January Mike Pero Motorsport Park Motorcycling Canterbury Rd 2 13/14 January Levels International Raceway South Canterbury MC Club Rd 3 3/4 March Hampton Downs Auckland MC Club Rd 4 17/18 March Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park Hamilton MC Club

2018 ‐ 2019 AMCC Club Series Dates:

October 2018 21 AMCC Rd 1 Hampton Downs 2.7Km National Circuit

November 2018 11 AMCC Rd 2 Hampton Downs 2.7Km National Circuit

December 2018 2 AMCC Rd 3 (Final) Hampton Downs 2.7Km National Circuit

Pukekohe Club Circuit:

March 31st 2018: It’s Day One of the final Speedworks event for the 2017/18 season, at the high speed Pukekohe Park Raceway south of Auckland.

A lot has changed at the facility since it was opened in 1963 – some 55 years ago. And I’m feeling a little nostalgic ‐ and reflective – in particular about the Pukekohe Club Circuit.

My own motorsport introduction was initially with Stockcars and Saloons at Waikaraka Park in Onehunga – via a family friend. It was the early ‘70’s. I was fortunate to be a Waikaraka Park regular for a number of years, and occasionally would even get to do a road‐ trip to Forest Lake Stadium in Hamilton, or Paradise Valley Raceway in Rotorua ‐ if there was a big event on.

In a world before the internet, social media platforms, and only a couple of state run channels on TV, Motorman, MotorAction and NZ Hot Rod Magazines were an essential of life.

I was also very fortunate to attend other events – including some sealed circuit events. Rally New Zealand 1977, our country’s first WRC event. Baypark in the late ‘70’s – for the Australian Sports Sedans – Gardner, Harrop – and the Kiwi’s. The Benson & Hedges races also were a staple thru this period, and of course these always used the 3.5Km Pukekohe circuit – which incorporated the Club Circuit.

The odd National event also used the full 3.5 Km configuration occasionally. April 1982 is a vivid memory, with a young – RT4 mounted – in the Formula Pacific field that enjoyed that configuration on the day.

Importantly however, there were also Club events run exclusively on the Pukekohe 1.2 Km configuration. The front straight of the 2.8 Km circuit would be the pit area.

Another vivid memory is the Graeme Addis Charger at one of these Club events. It would have been very new at that time – so it must have been 1978‐79 (ish). How good we still get to see the current incarnation of that car today, in Historic Sports Sedans.

However the Club configuration was lost as the circuit evolved – to mixed requirements driven by both the Motorsport and Horse Racing communities. And that is a bit of a shame.

Almost all the circuits around New Zealand have either had, or retain, a Club configuration – and they serve a valuable purpose to the motoring and motor sport communities.

My own Club – Auckland Motorcycle Club – were privileged to run the very first meeting on the Hampton Downs Club Circuit in November 2016, shortly after the extension was completed.

So on March 31st I went for a walk around the old Pukekohe Club Circuit. The surface is in a terrible state. It receives minimal maintenance – Just enough to support its current use for access as a carpark, and as the pit area for major motor sport events like the V8 Supercars.

But I love the place. And have fond memories of the racing on it. It has true history; and we should be embracing and protecting the historical aspects of the sport, because one day they may well be gone.

Pukekohe Park Raceway’s days are likely numbered. The rapid growth in the South Auckland region, and the sprawling Pukekohe Township, will eventually see the extinction of the circuit.

Much like Forest Lake Stadium in Hamilton; And Baypark Raceway in Mt Maunganui. And Levin, and Thunderpark Dragway, and …..

Unfortunately – change is inevitable. You have to question whether it is always for the best. Or maybe just a necessary evil ….

March 2018, Philip Kavermann.

RACING CALENDAR / COMING EVENTS

April 2018 28/29 Buckets Rd 6 – Mt Wellington Kart Track

May 2018 19/20 Buckets Rd 7 (incl Dominic Howe) – Mt Wellington Kart Track

June 2018 16/17 Buckets Rd 8 (Final) – Mt Wellington Kart Track

July 2018 21/22 Buckets Rd 1 ‐ 2018‐19 Season – Mt Wellington Kart Track

August 2018 25/26 Buckets Rd 2 ‐ Mt Wellington Kart Track

September 2018 22/23 Buckets Rd 3 ‐ Mt Wellington Kart Track

October 2018 21 AMCC Rd 1 Hampton Downs 27/28 Buckets Rd 4 ‐ Mt Wellington Kart Track

November 2018 11 AMCC Rd 2 Hampton Downs 24/25 Bucket 2 Hour ‐ Mt Wellington Kart Track

December 2018 2 AMCC Rd 3 (FINAL) Hampton Downs

Let Us Hear What YOU Have To Say: The Rider’s Briefs is your magazine – so we’d like to hear from you. Race Reports, Builds, Images, Stories, Reflections … Tell us what you’re up to, and give your Sponsors a plug … Email your submissions to – [email protected]

Daniel Mettam:

We finished up the NZSBK Nationals last weekend at Taupo Motorsport Park. I did enough to bring home NZ #3 for the Superbike class, which I was happy with ‐ as it was an improvement from last year, and it was a very competitive field.

I had a very good year learning how to ride the new Suzuki GSX‐R1000 machine, and managed to win a race at Manfeild, and the overall Round at the Manfeild Suzuki Series Round. I got a race win at Ruapuna at Round 1 of the NZSBK, and also a race win at the Paeroa “Battle of the Streets”.

We have a bit to improve on for next season, but hopefully I can get closer to the top step of the podium at the end of the season.

Currently now I have left New Zealand, and have been in Sydney for the International Festival of Speed at Sydney Motorsport Park; and then on to Europe where I will compete in the Irish Road Racing Series on a Yamaha R6, and a Kawasaki ER6 SuperTwin.

A big thank you to everyone who donated to this cause. It has been a massive help, and I wouldn't have got there without all your support.

Stay tuned for more updates. Cheers, Dan #34

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No classifieds this month …

Superbike TT Podium – Hampton Downs Bugden, Mettam, Moir.

“Thank You” To all our 2017‐2018 AMCC Club Series Sponsors