Motorsport: Heritage a dream for fans

Huntly motorcycle legend Ginger Molloy will be in action on his Bultaco 250cc this weekend. Photo / Peter Meecham

One of the world's most respected classic motorcycle festival events is on for the 32nd time this weekend at Pukekohe Raceway. Over 300 bikes showcasing racing heritage from the 1920s to the 1970s will be booming into action over the two days.

Some of the most iconic racing machines from Britain, America, Italy, Spain and other European countries, Australia and New Zealand will hit the track in what is recognised as the finest gathering of classic racing motorcycles in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the weekend fans will be treated to a large programme of over 50 races and parades.

The meeting has gained an international reputation for its combination of edge-of-your-seat racing and a slight museum-esque look and feel. For many fans, and some riders, this is the only chance to see these historic racers not only in the pits, but also doing what they were designed for.

A special display is planned to celebrate 100 years of the Italian manufacturer Benelli, and the 1920s American icon Henderson. The Henderson was famous for its massive four-cylinder engine and will be joined by other rare American heavyweight pre-war examples Militaire, Cleveland, Ace and Indian.

"The static display of these four-cylinder bikes is probably the biggest in the world. Especially for variety - and those things are super valuable," said vice-president of the organising New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register Ken McIntosh.

"Normally they just hide in sheds or private collections. Because our event has status, museums and private collectors are okay to show their stuff off. They don't want people going around to their houses and they're not averse to the public enjoying the bikes so the festival is somewhere the bikes can be seen."

New Zealand's own grand prix star Ginger Molloy will be racing his 250cc Bultaco that he recently used at Phillip Island. Molloy has been racing for 50-plus years and his pedigree goes back to 1970 when he finished second to Giacomo Agostini in the 500cc class.

"Ginger's running in the 250 and 350cc classes on his Bultacos and is back from a serious head injury when he tripped and fell over at home and bloody well nearly died two years ago," said McIntosh.

"He recently won the Australian Classic championships in the 250cc class at Phillip Island and was in contention to win the 350cc as well but for a bike failure.

"As far as head injuries are concerned he's made a remarkable recovery."

Joining him will be ex-pat Brit Steve Wynn who used to import Ducatis into Manchester.

Wynn sponsored Mike Hailwood's Isle of Man winning return to the TT in 1978.

Now living in New Zealand, he's arranged for a rare outing of an ex-works 1954 MV Agusta 500cc four-cylinder Grand Prix racer. Other things to look out for include a 1957 BMW 500cc Rennsport GP racer and a 500cc DOHC Jawa GP racer.

"Dave Cole will be running the G50 Matchless he's won five Australian championships with. I'm having a bit of a quiet year and the bike that Kevin Schwantz rode when he was out here last time isn't being raced this year," said McIntosh.

"I have, though, prepared a shed full of bikes for the meeting including about 10 Manx Nortons. An interesting one though, is the BMW Rennsport ridden by the Japanese rider Shizuka Motegi. It is only one of 25 Grand Prix bikes BMW ever built."

Classic motorcycle fans will also experience the sight and sounds of a 26-litre, V12 Rolls-Royce Merlin powered Mk IX Spitfire. And if that's not enough, their eardrums will be assaulted by the impressive 27-litre, V12 Allison V-1710 P40E Kittyhawk during lunchtime tomorrow.

A 15-minute aerobatic display is planned for two of the most iconic planes of World War II, weather and planes permitting.