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Taupo\'s Centennial Park Raceway will see the 5th round of six in the 1999 Suzuki Road Race Series next Sunday 96 August 15th.
As the series moves on, so the competition in each of the 9 classes climaxes.
The Sports Production classes supported by Suzuki, sees the 600cc lead changing again, with Warren Turner (Yamaha R6) from Palmerston North heading Corey Oxenham (Kawasaki ZX6R) from Mt Maunganui, by only enough points that a bad race by Turner will turn the heat up again. Backing up behind with more green is veteran Glen Williams from New Lynn, always competitive and determined to break into the leaders dominance.
In the Open Sports Production class, series tutor & RK Chain \"A\" Grade leader, Brian Bernard from Wanganui is riding his Suzuki V-twin TL1000R as hard as it will go, has Rotorua\'s Daniel Coughey, coaxed on by former No. 1 Tony Rees, taking a few races from him, with his Kawerau Yamaha R1.
A \"new name on the block\" is young Regan Griffiths from Palmerston North, who has bought a later model Honda RS125, straightaway taking 2 wins from 3 races at the last round from series class leader Raymond Wilson from Bulls on a similar bike. With \"OB\" Wilson from Auckland sandwiched between the two, the 125GP bikes have a small lead over the 250cc Sport Production bikes in the same Aprilia Motorcycles class. Todd Sutherland on a Bike Mart Suzuki RGV250, heads five \"250 Proddies\" all snapping at heels in a very competitive mixed class of really close racing.
The series has also drawn the attention of Manawatu corporate, CentralPower, who support youth in sport. With their assistance we have created a \"Young Achievers Opportunity\" with two Streetstock 150cc bikes now available for young persons who would otherwise not have the opportunity to race a motorcycle, but showing sufficient determination & will to take up the challenge. Already Brad Graham from Palmerston North is notching up some good placings on his ANZA Kawasaki KR150, and now a Phil Turnbull Motorcycles Suzuki RG150 is available for a yet to be nominated rider, by this weekend.
The 1999 Suzuki Road Race Series creates interest & close racing in all classes, even for lesser lights.
For example in the Pirelli Evo Tyres C Grade class, the mix of motorcycle makes is like a \"fruit salad\", but being led by an all muscle Harley Davidson ridden by Upper Hutt\'s Craig Gollop, while Papamoa\'s Jared Hartsone is close behind on a diminutive Tauranga Hardware & Plumbing Honda RS125.
Racing starts at 10.30 am, admission is free to spectators, a 24 race programme, rider tutoring, stunts & other attractions, makes Centennial Park Raceway at Taupo \"the place to be\" on Sunday.
The 1999 Suzuki Road Race Series is supported by 96 Suzuki, Shoei Helmets, RK Takasago Chain, Shinko Tyes, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Kiwi Motorcycle Rider, Pirelli Tyres, Aprilia Motorcycles, Bike Mart, Red Baron Motorcycles, Motor Cycle Trader & News.
More information available from:
Tim Gibbes, Box 1132, Palmerston North,
Phone & Fax (06) 353 0750. Mobile (025) 422 662.
E-mail timgibbes@clear.net.nz
