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Johannes Rol
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Auckland Motorcycle Club
Media Release
23 April, 2016.
As was expected, several classes had a shakeup with the double-points format for the finale of the 2015–2016 Auckland Motorcycle Club Series on April 9th.
Ray Clee. Photo credit: Philip Kavermann
Not least was Formula One, where Toby Summers elected not to contest the final. Andrew Stroud and Ray Clee dominated the final round of racing, to the extent that Clee snatched the overall Formula One Series title from James Hoogenboezem’s grasp, while Stroud leapt to third in the points after only competing in three of the five Rounds. Such was the effect of the double-points.
Clee, Hoogenboezem, Stroud, Toby Summers, Daniel Bird and Travis Moan had all won Formula One races over the Series, underlying just how open the class was over the summer.
Formula Two was more straightforward. After scooping both the Suzuki Series and National titles in the 600 class earlier in the season, Daniel Mettam capped a stunning summer with the AMCC Formula Two Club title also. Aaron Hassan was his main competition.
Formula Three was where a big chunk of the action was all season. Gavin Veltmeyer sealed the Club title after securing the same title in the Suzuki Series, and finishing second in the National Superlite chase. It was a very good season for the AMCC stalwart.
Jacob Stroud and Daniel Mettam were his main competition, and the three would largely monopolise the Formula Three podium in every race of the Series.
Previous National Pro-Twin 650 Champion Ben Rosendaal secured the AMCC Club Title for this Suzuki dominated class, with Nathan Jane making a storming charge at the final to elevate himself to second in the points following three race victories — and chased all the way by Josh Augustine.
Lightweight was a season of two halves. Riding a 300 Kawasaki, Will Ford had the upper hand early on; however Gavin Veltmeyer chipped away with development of the 390 KTM, and took the final six wins of the season to charge into second in the points overall — just 15 behind Ford at seasons end.
Nathanael Diprose made no contest of the Junior categories, dominating both 250 Pro-Lite and the Hyosung Cup, in a manner rarely seen.
The score was 15-from-15 in Pro-Lite, whilst in the hugely successful Hyosung Cup, Diprose was beaten only once in ten starts. That defeat came at the hands of Jacob Stroud who gave the XR4 Hyosung a maiden race win over the GTR-250 twin.
Diprose’s ability to win the start and set an early race pace that others struggled to match, defined what was an outstanding performance.
Clubmans, 125GP and the Post Classic classes rounded out the Series categories, and the highlight here was the performance of paraplegic rider Paul Garrett on his 675 Triumph. Riding in Clubmans Senior, with a dedicated support crew to assist, AMCC member Garrett proved inspirational as he secured the Clubman Senior title — taking six race wins along the way, and despite missing Round Three altogether.
The 2015–2016 AMCC Series was organised and promoted by the Auckland Motorcycle Club, who acknowledge the valuable support of Red Baron Motorcycles, Motomail, Jimz Motorcycle Ride Experience, Hyosung New Zealand, Protecta Insurance, and WIL Sport.
AMCC would also like to acknowledge their hard-working Executive, committees, and volunteers who made the organisation and execution of the Series possible.
’Til next summer.
Points — Senior Overall
Daniel Mettam 365
Ray Clee 293
James Hoogenboezem 281
Points — Senior: Formula One
Ray Clee 293
James Hoogenboezem 281
Andrew Stroud 221.5
Points — Senior: Formula Two
Daniel Mettam 365
Aaron Hassan 209.5
Zurin Wiki 173
Points — Intermediate Overall
Gavin Veltmeyer 353
Ben Rosendaal 342
Jacob Stroud 326
Points — Intermediate: Formula Three
Gavin Veltmeyer 353
Jacob Stroud 326
Daniel Mettam 305
Points — Intermediate: Pro Twin 650
Ben Rosendaal 342
Nathan Jane 304
Josh Augustine 293
Points — Junior Overall
Nathanael Diprose 450
William Ford 376
Gavin Veltmeyer 361
Points — Junior: Lightweight Production
William Ford 376
Gavin Veltmeyer 361
Dylan Byrne 231
Points — Junior: 250 Production
Nathanael Diprose 450
Jacob Stroud 309
Campbell Grayling 175
Points — WIL Sport Hyosung Cup
Nathanael Diprose 906
Jacob Stroud 722
Joshua Head 697
Points — Pre-’82 Junior
Alistair Wilton 325
Phil Bagshaw 305
Guy Webster 253
Points — Pre-’82 Senior
Russell Barker 415
Matt Ineson 130
Graham Moorhead 65
Points — Pre-’89 Formula One
Phil Duxbury 320
Paul Russell 262
Paul Webb 183
Points — Pre-’89 Formula Two
Nigel Lennox 325
Nick Brown 158
Edwin Terrey 66
Points — Pre-’89 Formula Three
Hilton Jane 300
Neil Slater 150
Steve Collingwood 40
Points – 125GP
Chris Malcolm 435
Chris Cain 75
Points – Clubmans Junior
Nick Olson 309
Brad Small 205
Des Berghan 130
Points – Clubmans Senior
Paul Garrett 271
Jeff Rogerson 249
Simon Ramsdale 201
Calendar — 2015–2016 AMCC Club Series
Rd 1 18th October, 2015
Rd 2 31st October, 2015
Rd 3 15th November, 2015
Rd 4 14th February, 2016
Rd 5 9th April, 2016
Auckland Motorcycle Club
Media Release
03 April, 2016.
Next Saturday will see the completion of the Auckland Motorcycle Club Series at Hampton Downs; where the double-points finale for Round Five will add an extra twist in determining just who will secure the various Club titles for 2015-2016.
Three of the key players in the Senior Category: Toby Summers (22), James Hoogenboezem (85), and Daniel Mettam (34) at Round Four of the AMCC Club Series back in February.
Photo credit: Philip Kavermann
Double-points were introduced at the final for the first time last season, with a dramatic effect on the final standings for that Series; and the 150 points on offer in the AMCC classes over three races next Saturday, mean that the outcome for most Club titles this year is also far from determined.
Two riders however are well placed to cap successful seasons with an additional AMCC Club Title.
Recently-crowned National Supersport 600 Champion Daniel Mettam has had a stellar year, having also secured the Suzuki Series title in the 600 class; and he is on-track to take out AMCC Formula Two, and possible the Senior category overall as well.
Superstock 1000 winner Toby Summers is also well placed in the Senior category, as well as in Formula One.
All AMCC classes, along with the ultra-competitive WIL Sport Hyosung Cup, will be represented at the double-points final, which will be held at Hampton Downs on Saturday 9th April.
Qualifying starts at 9:00, and racing gets under way at 11:00.
The 2015-2016 Series is organised and promoted by the Auckland Motorcycle Club, who acknowledge the valuable support of Red Baron Motorcycles, Motomail, Jimz Motorcycle Ride Experience, Hyosung New Zealand, Protecta Insurance, and WIL Sport.
Points — Pre-’82 Junior
Phil Bagshaw 201
Alistair Wilton 193
Trevor Taylor 191
Points — Pre-’82 Senior
Russell Barker 275
Graham Moorhead 65
Phil Clarke 60
Points — Pre-’89 Formula One
Phil Duxbury 190
Paul Russell 122
Paul Dickens 121
Points — Pre-’89 Formula Two
Nigel Lennox 175
Nick Brown 158
Edwin Terrey 66
Points — Pre-’89 Formula Three
Hilton Jane 300
Steve Collingwood 40
Points – 125GP
Chris Malcolm 285
Chris Cain 75
Points – Clubmans Junior
Nick Olson 179
Des Berghan 130
Derrick Zhu 127
Points – Clubmans Senior
Paul Garrett 181
Simon Ramsdale 129
Jeff Rogerson 109
Points — Senior Overall
Daniel Mettam 215
James Hoogenboezem 197
Ray Clee 163
Points — Senior: Formula One
James Hoogenboezem 197
Ray Clee 163
Toby Summers 143.5
Points — Senior: Formula Two
Daniel Mettam 215
Connor London 116.5
Aaron Hassan 97.5
Points — Intermediate Overall
Gavin Veltmeyer 261
Ben Rosendaal 260
Jacob Stroud 204
Points — Intermediate: Formula Three
Gavin Veltmeyer 261
Jacob Stroud 204
Daniel Mettam 173
Points — Intermediate: Pro Twin 650
Ben Rosendaal 260
Josh Augustine 173
Michael Robinson 160
Points — Junior Overall
Nathanael Diprose 300
William Ford 256
Gavin Veltmeyer 211
Points — Junior: Lightweight Production
William Ford 256
Gavin Veltmeyer 211
Robert Meili 136
Points — Junior: 250 Production
Nathanael Diprose 300
Jacob Stroud 197
Campbell Grayling 175
Points — WIL Sport Hyosung Cup
Nathanael Diprose 600
Jacob Stroud 506
Gavin Veltmeyer 456
2015–2016 AMCC Club Series Round 5: 9th April, 2016 (Double Points Final)
Auckland Motorcycle Club
Media Release
25 March, 2016.
The dust has well and truly settled on a very successful Round Four of the New Zealand Superbike Championships; the final being hosted by Auckland Motorcycle Club in early March at Hampton Downs. After some intense racing over the final weekend, three National titles were secured by AMCC riders, testament to the Auckland Club’s ongoing investment in the promotion and support of Motorcycle Road Racing since its inception some 90 years ago.
Toby Summers. Photo credit: Philip Kavermann
Following several seasons on a 600 Yamaha, Toby Summers moved up a class and secured the Superstock 1000 title on his Kawasaki ZX10R. After a season-long battle with Dillon Telford on the Aprilia, it was a worthy result in his first season on the 1-litre machinery.
Daniel Mettam. Photo credit: Philip Kavermann
Daniel Mettam was the second National title winner — scooping the ultra-competitive Supersport 600 title away from Christchurch’s Cameron Hudson, with a blistering performance in the final Round. Mettam was 37.5 points behind Hudson coming into Hampton Downs, but at his home circuit he was not to be denied, and in a masterful performance took three wins and a second placing to secure the Title by just 5.5 points. Fellow Club member Aaron Hassan rode a similar Suzuki GSX-R600 into third overall, and will be a serious contender on the 600s next season.
Colin Buckley and Robbie Shorter. Photo credit: Philip Kavermann
And Colin Buckley (teamed with Robbie Shorter) swept the Sidecar Championship, with ten wins from twelve starts. Buckley/Shorter were beaten only twice — both times at the final — by fellow AMCC member Stu Dawe (teamed with Ben Bygrave).
Dawe/Bygrave only competed at this one Round, and yet finished up sixth overall in the standings.
Other notable performances came across several classes.
Gavin Veltmeyer finished second in Superlite, as well as fifth in Lightweight — one of just a handful of riders attempting to compete in more than class at National level.
650cc Pro Twin saw former National Champion Ben Rosendaal finish third, with Nathan Jane in fourth, Karl Messiter in seventh, Josh Augustine in eighth, and Phillip Munt in ninth — a sterling effort for the Kamo-based AMCC member.
Chris Cain contested 125GP — on the podium at three Rounds, and third overall in the points; while Ray Clee again represented in Superbike on the RCM Suzuki GSX-R1000, to place ninth overall.
Special mention also must be made of AMCC’s Greg Percival. The current Road-Race Commissioner for MNZ has for the past few years supplied his own Yamaha R450 Superlite bike for use by a number of developing riders at both Club and National level.
Avalon Biddle returned a National Superlite title last season on this bike, and this season Jacob Stroud used the same machine to repeat the achievement for No-Hair Racing.
To these, and all other Club riders who participated, AMCC extends our congratulations.
Alongside our regular sponsors — Red Baron Motorcycles, Motomail, Jimz Motorcycle Ride Experience, Hyosung New Zealand, Protecta Insurance, and WIL Sport; Auckland Motorcycle Club wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Pelorus Trust, Youthtown and First Sovereign Trust in ensuring a successful race meeting to conclude the 2016 NZSBK National Championships.
2016 NZSBK National Champions:
Superbike Sloan Frost
SuperStock 1000 Toby Summers
SuperSport 600 Daniel Mettam
650 Pro Twin Baillie Perriton
125GP Rogan Chandler
Superlite Jacob Stroud
Lightweight Dennis Charlett
250 Production Lewis Dray
Sidecars Colin Buckley and Robbie Shorter
Auckland Motorcycle Club
Media Release
16 February, 2016
With just a few short days to go, anticipation is building ahead of the 25th Anniversary running of the Paeroa Battle of the Streets.
Sunday 21st February will see the sleepy Thames Valley township swell in numbers, with a race-day influx of competitors and spectators for the annual motorcycle street races that have come to be an iconic fixture — both within the region, and on the wider sporting calendar.
Crowds in excess of 10,000 are not uncommon, and Sunday is expected to be no exception.
After two problematic years, the Paeroa Promotions Trust are seeking to restore the mana the event holds within the motorcycling, and wider communities — both of whom have enjoyed its success since first being run as "Thunder On The Plains" on Sunday, February 23, 1992.
2014 saw the event shortened, following a major oil-down on the circuit mid-event. A timely clean-up was not possible, to a standard that would have made racing safe for the balance of the event.
Then in 2015, adverse weather affected the racing for the first time in the 24 year history of the event, with forecast rain across the day leaving no option but to cancel the meeting on race morning.
Safety — of both competitors and the public — is the paramount consideration, particularly in an environment as challenging as the Paeroa street event. At 1.52 km in length, the lap happens very quickly. Not a surprise when speeds in excess of 240km/h are achieved along the main straight. That is the challenge of Paeroa, and is why the crème of New Zealand’s road-race talent continue to be drawn to this very fast road circuit, joined regularly by a trickle of curious internationals, and a flood of diverse spectators.
2016 is primed for success — for the organisers, competitors and spectators — but even more-so for the community organisations who leverage the event to fundraise via their volunteering efforts, providing much of the logistical manpower required to stage the event in the first place.
Commonly referred to as the “hacksaw” — the nickname the circuit assumed due to its shape — Paeroa will on Sunday again offer an opportunity for riders to test themselves against each other, and a unique set of skills that is completely different to those required to be successful on a traditional race circuit.
Personally, I can’t wait for the next 25...
Ray Clee negotiates the unique challenges of Paeroa during the 2014 event.
Credit: Philip Kavermann