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Tune into `Motor Sport Half Hour`
Road Race Commentator Ray Whitham names his top five performers from the National Road Race championships and the “Battle of the Streets” series for the 2003/2004 season.
Number One - Andrew Stroud
The signs were there after the first round at Pukekohe. Despite not qualifying on pole, and being beaten hands-down by an inspired Ray Clee in the Superbike TT, Andrew Stroud simply smiled and said he was sure he would retain his Superbike title. And so he did. Once this highly talented, very professional rider set his mind to it, there was no other in New Zealand capable of beating him. Three Superbike titles on the trot, six in all, seven NZ road race titles in total. No one in the history of the sport in New Zealand has won more.
Number Two - Shaun Harris
As our most experienced Isle of Man competitor Shaun Harris finally broke his duck with two TT titles in 2003. Also honoured as Road Racer of the Year at the MNZ Awards Dinner he could easily have rested on his well-earned laurels. Instead he put into place a very focussed and successful campaign to regain the 600 Sports Production title he last won in the 2001/02 season. Although his “Battle of the Streets” appearances were limited, Shaun’s performances still remained the benchmark by which others measured their successes by.
Number Three - Midge Smart
The advanced publicity told us of the abilities of this young English-born rider but it’s a fair bet that even the best-informed were surprised by the real talent of Midge Smart. He totally dominated the 125GP class, and although beaten by the hard-charging Dominic Jones at Ruapuna he was never seriously headed in the title chase. Midge was well liked and highly respected by his New Zealand rivals who learnt much from his very professional approach to the sport. The 125GP class with its coterie of teenage riders was well served by his presence.
Number Four - Jay Lawrence
At 15 years of age newcomer Jay Lawrence wasted no time in converting impressive off-season performances into real-time results. From a top-ten qualifier out of a field of 22 at Pukekohe and 7th fastest overall, things just got better for this Paraparaumu College student. By the time the 125GP championship finished at Teretonga, Jay had placed 4th overall. Later, inspired riding on a 250GP bike at the John Britten Memorial meeting further underlined his genuine potential. Well-managed, he will be highly competitive in the 125GP class next year.
Number Five - Brian Bernard
He was Superbike pole-setter at Pukekohe, only the third Wanganui rider in 50 years to win the premiere class at the Cemetery Circuit, a finalist in the Wanganui Sports Awards, third in the nationals, and “Battle of the Streets” Formula One champion. As well, he also managed his own highly competitive race team of three other riders. Team Bernard Racing was a very smart and very professional act although only time will tell whether Brian Bernard’s efforts will encourage others to do the same. The sport deserves others to follow his fine example.
