Motorsport: Nelson's street bikes roar on

The South Island's last surviving motorcycle street race event will be held in Nelson on Monday and a new champion crowned.

Thousands of spectators are expected for the 2006 Port Nelson Street Race - a battle around the industrial roads of the city's port for more than 70 riders in eight classes.

The race has been held yearly since 1992 and attracts riders from around New Zealand and some from Australia.

Similar events around the South Island are no longer being run because of costs, safety issues and venue closures.

But the Nelson Road Racing Association is determined to keep the event alive for as long as possible, chairman Chris Hogan says.

This year's classes range from high-performance superbikes for Formula 1 to the Classic and post-Classic entries and pushy supermotards.

Last year's King of the Port race, a final battle between class winners, was won for the second time by Timaru's John Hepburn.

But Hepburn's retirement from motorcycle racing opens the door to new contenders.

The event allows spectators to get as close as possible to the action while remaining safe.

In the interest of safety, no dogs or glass are permitted near the track and children are advised to wear ear protection.