Come June 5-7, Whangarei will emerge as a motorsport fiend's dream. Not only is the Rally of Whangarei staged in the city surroundings over three days of racing, but the Dash for Cash at Pohe Island on June 6 will satisfy spectators and competitors' need for speed. The first Dash for Cashwas staged last year in conjunction with the Rally of Whangarei. One hundred and twenty competitors from a variety of classes chased the $3000 on offer by riding 350m, before jumping a 70-foot tabletop, then dashing back down the 350m straight to cross the finish line. Whangarei Motorcycle Club's spokeswoman Julie Cooper said it was a massive success. "It attracted more attention than the rally cars at times." Rally organisers approached the club last year to see if they would stage an event to keep spectators entertained while the rally cars were away racing out of town. Two riders race each other in their respective classes, depending on engine size. The winner goes on to race the next competitor until there are only two riders left to race for the $3000. Whoever wins their class will score some cash, but the grand prize of $3000 will be scooped up by the fastest bike overall - from any class. Cooper said not only was it hoped the event would entertain the crowds but that it would also raise the profile of motorbike racing at a club level and as a family sport. "Entries are coming in slowly but surely and we are hoping for an excess of the 120 we got last year - we have the capacity for 240 riders. "Bike Rider TV will be there filming for their show on Sky - it's going to be bigger and better this year." A large number of Northland riders, aged from 12 to 70, will dash for the cash. Practice begins at 9am and goes until 11am, and bike sprints will stop when the rally special stages race through town and around Pohe Island. Competitive heats will then commence. Dash for Cash entries close on May 30. To enter go to www.freewebs.com/whangarei.
