Motorsport: Revved up for Auckland series

The six-rider troupe that is the International Speedway Motorcycle Series is in Auckland over the weekend after a hectic nationwide tour.

The riders raced six meetings in seven days in the South Island over Christmas-New Year.

The troupe has been brought to New Zealand by Auckland-based speedway promoter John McCallum and each card usually features around 20 races. Local riders help to swell the ranks.

English rider Jason Bunyon said the hectic schedule was not dissimilar to home.

"But the distances travelled are greater and in England I work out of one workshop whereas in the South Island the vans held all the gear."

Bunyon, who won the New Zealand Speedway Championship in Gisborne at the eighth meeting of the tour, said New Zealand was a great place to be riding speedway, especially if you needed a helping hand.

"No matter where you go New Zealanders know about speedway. It does not matter what you need, whether it be a bracket made or some repairs welded, somebody is able to help and does so cheerfully."

Lukas Dryml, of the Czech Republic, was part of the World team that convincingly beat the New Zealanders 70-20 in a one-off "test" on January 1. He then won another meeting, held at Westport in the first week of this month.

Christchurch-born Sam Taylor, who lives on the Gold Coast, was to have toured New Zealand last summer but broke his back at the first meeting at Palmerston North. But he has been injury free this trip and thriving on the challenge.

"The schedule and travelling makes it a huge learning curve for me. It is a great experience to be racing regularly against top riders," said Taylor.

"They are so good I can extend myself and try harder as I can trust the rider alongside not to do anything silly."

Simone Terenzani (Italy) is also back for his second tour after taking a few knocks last time. Terenzani had a huge crash last year at Cromwell, leaving him with serious bruising to the back.

The troupe plus four locals race on the BullRing at Waikaraka Speedway tomorrow night, then at 1pm on Sunday at the Rosebank circuit in Avondale.