Motorsport: MotoFest at Hampton Downs a huge success

The New Zealand Superbikes were on show at MotoFest over the weekend. Photo / Andy McGechan

Over the weekend the motorcycling community came together at the Mike Pero MotoFest at Hampton Downs Raceway and it was a tremendous success.

Truth be told, it has been years since I last watched bike racing in New Zealand. The reason? Well it just seems to have been in the doldrums for a while. As motorsport fans, we are spoiled for choice at the moment.

Growing up I remember seeing big names like Graeme Crosby, Aaron Slight and Andrew Stroud on that famous Britten bike roaring around Pukekohe – the names and reputations drew me in.

But while New Zealand motorsport has been riding a high over the last decade with superstar drivers succeeding at every corner of the globe, motorcycle racing hasn't enjoyed that same success.

That's why the organisers need a serious pat on the back for bringing together everything motorbikes in New Zealand to one place for a superb weekend's entertainment.

It wasn't just seeing the NZ Superbikes racing at the penultimate round of the championship but legends of yesteryear, famous bikes from days gone by and motocross stars doing their thing. American legend Randy Mamola was in attendance.

My son got a photo next to that iconic Britten bike and watched Levi Sherwood in the flesh. We'll be definite starters next year when they hope to do it all over again.

There was so much history on display and that surely helped the current championship get some much-needed exposure.

In the interests of transparency I should point out that The Herald has helped promote MotoFest as part of a commercial arrangement but this column falls outside those obligations and is a genuine piece of independent commentary.

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