Big bikes set to search for elusive 200mph down Thunder Road

September 30 proved to be another popular day at the Cliff-Hanger Promotions quarter mile motorcycle sprints.
36 riders fronted up on the day to test themselves and their machines over the standing and flying quarter mile. The event again catered to all makes and models, from a mini-moto pocket bike to GSXR1000, through to Harley Davidson's Night Train and V-Rod.
Spectator numbers were up considerably, keeping the sausage sizzlers very busy. The standing quarter mile proved to be very entertaining with some spirited launches off the start line.
The most impressive example was Terri Smith, winner of the ANZA Motorcycles 'brown pants award'. Terri gave spectators a great rendition of a bull rider while launching her 2006 Suzuki SV1000 off the standing start line. Terri was fortunately able to tame the beast and completed her run without further mishap.
Fastest over the standing quarter mile was Matt Meads aboard his exotic and awesome sounding 2007 Ducati 1098 Tricholore. Matt covered the standing 400 metres in the shortest time of 10.23s, taking out the TSS Motorcycles/Yamaha 750cc to open class.
During the lunch interval, spectators were entertained by Drew 'Rockstar' Mair, on his FZR750 stunt bike. Drew performed various stunts including: stand-ups, highchairs, special K's and spreaders (all variations of wheel stand), standing on the seat, stoppies and even a rolling one-handed burnout while saluting the crowd. The stunt show went down well with the onlookers, some of who were just grateful that Drew was away from the microphone for a few minutes. (Just kidding mate).
The current holder of the flying quarter mile title at these events, Tony Sampson, was this time trying out his new machine a 2007 Suzuki GSXR1000. Despite this bike being two years newer than his previous K5 model, Tony was unable to surpass his earlier top speed of 306.22km/h. He could 'only' manage 297.17km/h this time, which was still the fastest overall on the day and took out the SkyCity Cinemas 751cc to open class.
Daniel was one of the crowd favourites aboard his little 'pocket rocket'
Dean Van Ingen, aboard his turbocharged 2005 Suzuki GSXR1300 Hayabusa also managed a respectable 291.77km/h.
The ANZA Motorcycles 651-751cc class was won by James McAdam on board his 1992 Suzuki GSXR750, with a speed of 219.94km/h. (James also won the DID Chains 651-750cc class in the standing event.)
Harley Stephenson won the Wellington Motorcycles 401-650cc class on his 2006 Yamaha R6 with a top speed of 256.14km/h.
The Motomart 251-400cc class was won by Malcolm Nabbs on his 1986 Honda VFR400R with a speed of 205.57km/h. This category was fiercely contested by Helen Pascoe, (1988 FZR400) with a speed of 199.34km/h and Daniel Elliott, (1990VFR400) with 197.98km/h. Helen was not quite able to hit the 200km/h mark, but did won the QUASiMOTO Motorcycles Junior Women's class.
Daniel Elliott recorded the 'not so quickest' time of the day aboard his 49cc 2-stroke mini-moto pocket bike. Daniel's flying quarter mile time was just over 27 seconds, equating to about 53km/h. (Due to time constraints, the full 2km run up was not used).
As his was the only entry in this category, Daniel won the prize for the Dave Anderson Motorcycles under 250cc class.
Daniel was one of the crowd favourites aboard his little 'pocket rocket', and with his knees around his ears on 8 inch wheels at over 50km/h, you can understand his weaving from side to side of the dotted centre line.
Vicki Streifler, a regular competitor at the Cliff-Hanger sprints and hill climb, won the Bullock & Blackmore 'BEARS' flying quarter mile aboard her 2003 Aprilia RSV1000, with an impressive top speed of 270km/h.
The next sprint is November 25 2007, with a further event proposed for February 2008.