Waking up to the sound of 200km/h engines powering around the city's sharpest bends is a Boxing Day tradition in Whanganui and this year was no exception.
Despite the early morning rain, the sound of these engines had crowds of people flooding through the Cemetery Circuit entry gates fromabout 10am onwards.
People from all over New Zealand and abroad rushed into what is classed Whanganui's biggest event of the year - everyone eager to snatch up a possie that would catch the best glimpse of their favourite racers.
About 100 metres down from the start/finish line on Ridgway St was motor-sport enthusiast Mike Wahlstron, enjoying a drink in the sun with friends and family while he cheered on the motorcyclists.
Mike Wahlstrom comes from out of town every year to see the boxing day races. Photo/ Lewis Gardner
The ex-local, who now resides in Tauranga, said he'd been coming to the event for years now and he looked forward to it every year.
"I just love the excitement and it's a good chance to catch up with friends and family - all my nieces and nephews have come over from Australia so we have a good support crew here," Mr Wahlstron said.
And he was not alone. Lance and Sue Hopkinson had their early-bird tickets booked well in advance and made the trip down from New Plymouth especially.
Lance and Sue Hopkinson catching the few races before they head home to New Plymouth.
Mr Hopkinson said he'd been coming since he was a kid and loved it.
"My Harley is locked in the shed but I'll be getting her out for a ride after watching today's races."
Within an hour excitement was spread all around the course, with people jumping out of their seats when sidecars, super bikes and pre '89 classics came speeding past.
The day was jammed packed with 19 races each doing 6-10 laps around the Heads Rd-Guyton St-Ridgway St bend at eye-watering speeds.
Local spectator Jason Granville, former radio presenter, councillor and now tour operator, who cheered with friends from a grandstand positioned on the first bend, said it was a good tradition that put Whanganui on the world stage.
Jason Granville enjoying a bevvy with friends as he watches the cemetery circuit. Photo/ Lewis Gardner
"This day just gets better and better each year. I love motorbikes and it's such a great chance to showcase Whanganui," Mr Granville said.
Event organiser Allan "Flea" Willacy said this years' event had seen the best number of competitors yet with over 300 riders entered.
"We were satisfied with the crowd numbers despite the early showers, the numbers were reasonable but not on par with last year."
One minor crash earlier in the day resulted in a man walking himself to Whanganui Hospital with a broken collar bone but Mr Willacy said other than a few slides, there were no other crashes causing injury throughout the day.
"And crowds were extremely well-behavioured ... it all ran extremely smoothly thanks to an army of volunteers that turn up each year."
