MAY 2021 In this issue: Auckland Motorcycle Club

The official magazine of Auckland Motorcycle Club, Inc.

 MAY 2021

In this issue:
 • AMCC Prize-Giving and AGM (Part 1)
 • Colin Dale Park
 • Electric Motorbikes
 • NZSBK – Dan Mettam
 • LandSpeed NZ
 • And Lots More …..

1110 Great South Road, PO Box 22362, Otahuhu, Auckland
 Ph: 021 264 8021

 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2021 - 2022
 Email Phone
 PATRON Jim Campbell
 PRESIDENT Greg Percival president@amcc.org.nz 021 160 3960
 VICE PRESIDENT Adam Mitchell vicepresident@amcc.org.nz 021 128 4108
 SECRETARY TBA secretary@amcc.org.nz TBA
 TREASURER Paul Garrett treasurer@amcc.org.nz
 MEMBERSHIP MXTiming membership@amcc.org.nz
 and John Catton
 CLUB CAPTAIN Adam Mitchell clubcaptain@amcc.org.nz 021 128 4108
 ROAD RACE John Catton roadrace@amcc.org.nz
 COMMITTEE Adam Mitchell 021 128 4108
 Mark Wigley 027 250 3237
 Paul Garrett
 Tim Sibley
 Jim Manoah
 Neal Martin
 ROAD RACE MX Timing nicole@mxt.co.nz 027 201 1177
 SECRETARY Nicole Bol
 GENERAL Glenn Mettam committee@amcc.org.nz 021 160 3960
 COMMITTEE Trevor Heaphy 022 647 7899
 Philip Kavermann 021 264 8021
 Alistair Wilton
 Juniper White 021 040 3819
 MINIATURE ROAD David Diprose buckets@amcc.org.nz 021 275 0003
 RACE
 CHIEF FLAG Juniper White marshals@amcc.org.nz 021 040 3819
 MARSHAL
 NZIGP REP Trevor Heaphy secretary@amcc.org.nz 022 647 7899
 MAGAZINE EDITOR Philip Kavermann media@amcc.org.nz 021 264 8021
 & MEDIA
 MNZ REP Glenn Mettam mnzdelegate@amcc.org.nz 021 902 849
 WEBSITE Johannes Rol website@amcc.org.nz 021 544 514

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in all articles published within AMCC RIDERS' BRIEFS
are solely those of the author of that article, and are not necessarily those of AMCC.

Cover Image:
Dan Mettam – 2021 NZSBK

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – MAY 2021

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the AMCC's AGM & Prize Giving for 2021.

The club has had a very eventful year (even with Covid 19 disruptions) and I would very much like to thank the
people within the club for making their time available to keep the club running and planning for the future.

The club executive is split into sub teams and they've all achieved a lot this year...

The road race committee (lead by John) successfully ran 3 club meetings (the first under level 2 lockdown restrictions
which has never been done before) and they're strongly supported by our flag marshal team (led by Juniper).

Miniature road race (represented by Dave, they won't allow a leader :‐)) had to cancel one or 2 meetings but
continued successfully. Not having a track in Auckland didn't put them off at all and they even made room for the
bigger bikes at the HD club circuit! (The best value racing in NZ)

The Hall committee (Trevor, Al, Paul G & Paul S) transitioned into the Apartment committee as we secured the club's
inheritance at Hampton Downs, found a real estate company to manage it, and then approved the tenants (we also
retained part of the garage for our storage needs).

Then there's the Seniors team (that's club status, not age!!!), President, Vice Prez, Secretary, Treasurer & Past Prez
(me, Adam, Trevor, Paul G & Paul S). We haven't done much but Adam has been keeping an eye on the RR
Committee and Paul G has been keeping an eye on the money coming in and going out (improving steadily).

Lastly there's the Helpers team: Membership, Media, MNZ & Great Advice (John, Phil, Glen & Al). All four contribute
strongly every month...this year Phil, Glen & Al have had plenty to do (especially with NZSBK/MNZ relations).

What I'm trying to say is that we're very fortunate to have a strong group of people committed to see the club keep
running well into the future. Some of us don't seem to have anything better to do (eh Paul S? :‐)) but without that
support for the club we couldn't do what we love the most (ride/officiate/watch road racing in our part of NZ).

I like to think of us as being a family working together. You'll see that we all help each other, occasionally with a
disagreement but ending up creating the best RR events. I strongly recommend that if you have time please come
along to one of our exec meetings and if you can please join us.

I'll let the others talk now so we can get onto the prize giving and food eating parts of the evening.
Speaking of prize giving, don't forget our sponsors: Carl Cox, Castrol NZ, Counties Honda, Forbes & Davies, Level
Ltd, Motul NZ and MTF Finance!

Thanks again to you all …

Cheers,

Greg Percival | AMCC President

Avalon To Tackle Rally Otago:
She’s already a legend in the world of motorcycle racing, and now superbike racer Avalon Biddle is switching
from two wheels to four to compete as Otago Rally’s celebrity guest driver.

The first woman to win the much‐coveted New Zealand’s Supersport 600 title and two‐times winner of the FIM
European Women’s Cup, Biddle will drive an H6 Subaru at next month’s Rally, run by Jeff Judd’s Magnum Motorsport
team based in Christchurch.

Twenty‐eight‐year‐old Biddle, who is also a co‐presenter for Sky Sport’s Skyspeed, says she leapt at the chance to
compete in the Rally alongside this year’s other guest driver, New Zealand motorcycling legend Aaron Slight.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. To drive a Rally car in one of the country’s most iconic motorsport events and
compete alongside an absolute legend like Aaron Slight is definitely one to tick off the bucket list,” says Biddle.

“I can’t wait to see how the racing skills I’ve developed on two wheels transfer to four. My competitive spirit
certainly hopes for a seamless transition, but no doubt, it’ll be a challenge.”

Otago Rally spokesman, Roger Oakley, says the Rally is delighted to welcome another home‐grown motorsport
legend to this year’s event.

“We were looking for an opportunity to showcase our amazing sport by inviting a high profile sportsperson from
another code. Avalon stood out to us not only for her achievements in motorcycle racing, but for her passion and
enthusiasm to have a go. She will be a wonderful ambassador.”

The Otago Rally, to be held April 16‐18, 2021, is the first round of the Brian Green Properties New Zealand Rally
Championship.

This year will also include high profile competitors, New Zealand Rally Champion and the winner of the 2016 Rally of
Argentina Hayden Paddon, alongside former champions Ben Hunt (Subaru) and Jack Hawkeswood (Mazda 2), Robbie
Stokes (Ford), Dylan Turner (Audi), Raana Horan (Skoda) and Dunedin favorite, Emma Gilmour in her Suzuki Swift.

Motorsport New Zealand and Otago Rally have developed a contingency plan to run the event under Level 2 Covid‐
19 restrictions if needed.
The Otago Rally is grateful for the support of Dunedin City Council Premier Event funding.

As Will Aaron Slight Also:
Two‐time World Superbike Championship runner‐up, Aaron Slight, will also be the guest driver at Rally Otago.

The factory Honda rider and British Touring Car Championship competitor will drive a Rossendale Wines‐prepared
Ford Escort RS1800 in the Classic component of the rally.

Slight is well known to New Zealand motorsport fans, having ridden in the World Superbike Championship from 1988
to 2000, finishing second in 1996 and 1998.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to try rallying on gravel roads. To be able to compete in a famous car in an iconic
event is definitely a bucket‐list opportunity that I can’t wait to do,” Slight said.

“I love driving fast and sideways without all the modern electronic aides that dilute the pleasure, so a BDA Escort at
Otago Rally is perfect.”

Otago Rally spokesman, Roger Oakley, said the rally was delighted to have a home‐grown motorsport legend
competing.

“Aaron has a huge motorsport pedigree and will be a great ambassador for the event. He brings a lot of enthusiasm
and we know a lot of fans will be excited for the opportunity to see him compete and to meet him,” Oakley said.

“20 YEARS AGO” …

Marc Marquez MotoGP return:

Marc Marquez has been given medical clearance to make his MotoGP return in Portugal next week.
The 28‐year‐old is set to return for the third round of the 2021 season, at the Algarve International Circuit, for the
factory Honda team.

Marc Marquez rides an RC213V‐S (road version of the RC213V MotoGP bike) at Barcelona‐Catalunya in March

MNZ Officials Training:

The new MNZ Officials Online Training website is now live!!!

Go to https://learn.mnz.co.nz/

This online training website is for Grades 1 and 2 ONLY.

As this is a new training system, everyone will first need to register.

This is where you join our amazing team of MNZ Officials and where all existing (Grades 1 and 2)
Officials go to renew their Officials warrants.

Please find below a Help Document, and if you have any questions contact
Mary‐Anne at maryanne@mnz.co.nz

Thank you everyone for your patience but as you will soon see, it was worth the wait.

Quinn Makes Bid For TMP:
Tony Quinn has put forward a conditional offer to purchase a 100 per cent shareholding in Taupo Motorsport Park.
Already the owner of both Hampton Downs and Highlands Motorsport Park, should the offer be accepted, Taupo
Motorsport Park will be Quinn’s third circuit in New Zealand.

Taupo Motorsport Park is a publicly listed facility whose largest shareholder is currently Rotorua Energy Trust, who
owns a 10 per cent stake.

Quinn had previously attempted to buy the park for $3.5 million against a valuation at the time suggesting the circuit
was worth nearly double that amount.
However, it appears Quinn is now making a second push to acquire the circuit.

He has outlined his intentions to continue using the park as a motor racing facility and implement a new
membership model.

A statement issued by the Unlisted Securities Exchange (USX) read: “Mr Quinn has a longstanding and successful
track record of founding, investing, managing and growing these businesses and holds a passionate and strong
interest in growing motorsport in New Zealand.

“Mr Quinn has committed capital and investment in TMP’s motorsport park at Taupō, which will not be subject to
securing external financing.

His plans include:
“Continuing to operate the motorsport park as a motorsport facility (including by fostering the development of
grassroots motorsport in New Zealand).
“Introducing a racetrack membership model similar to what exists at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and
Highlands Motorsport Park, where there are presently more than 400 members.
“Expanding on the existing event activity at the Taupō motorsport park, including by leveraging the existing
infrastructure and business contacts at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and Highlands Motorsport Park.

“Mr Quinn is enthusiastic about what the future holds for the Taupō motorsport park.
“The sale process is expected to take approximately three months.”

Quinn’s offer price is $1.04 per share – a four per cent premium to the price at which shares were last traded on the
USX.

Taupo Motorsport Park is currently valued at $6,688,203.

Electric Motorcycles:

Electric Honda Cub

Honda, Piaggio, KTM and Yamaha have
teamed up on batteries
Four of the biggest players in the motorcycle game have teamed up to work on swappable batteries for electric
motorbikes.

Honda, Piaggo (parent brand of Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, among others), KTM and Yamaha have signed a letter
of intent to create a consortium on the batteries, which comes as a direct result of the growing demands for EVs
across the world.

The consortium aims to standardise rechargeable battery packs that work across brands. This will let riders pull into
service stations and, instead of waiting for their batteries to recharge, simply swap their battery for a fully charged
one.

Given the tight packaging of a motorcycle means they can’t offer the same range an electric car might, swappable
batteries is a good way to use existing lithium‐ion battery technology without increasing a bike’s size or weight too
much.

As manufacturers begin to adopt next‐generation tech like solid‐state cells, the overall range of electric bikes will
increase but having a pre‐existing battery standard means the surrounding infrastructure doesn’t need to change
too much.

Remember how annoying it used to be to switch mobile phone manufacturers and render all your old chargers
useless? Imagine that with an electric bike. No thanks.

Yamaha has an electric trials bike, but it seems to still be in the development phase at the moment.

While none of the four brands in the consortium have any mass‐produced electric motorcycles on the Kiwi market
yet (Vespa makes an electric scooter and Honda has the EV Cub), they are still responsible for a huge amount of two‐
wheelers sold across the world.

If they can get in early with a unified battery type, it will push other brands to join the consortium, a door currently
wide open.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124508720/honda‐piaggio‐ktm‐and‐yamaha‐have‐teamed‐up‐on‐batteries

“10 YEARS AGO” …

NZSBK 2021: Dan Mettam
Rnd 1 Ruapuna, Christchurch
Had finishes as follows ‐ Red Flag, DNF (1a) , 6th (race 2), Red Flag & 6th (race 3a) in the x 3 Superbike Races.

There was so many red flags at this event (as sometimes happens) & 3 within the Superbike 3 races – 1 in race (1) &
two in race (3) which saw race 3 (the NZGP race) abandoned as the rule about only one re‐start allowed before the
race is aborted kicked in which was disappointing to say the least for the riders/spectators/sponsors & everyone
involved.

I was in either 1st or 2nd place (from 8th on the grid) when the 1st red flag came out early in race 1.
On the re‐start (10 lap race) & with one lap to go I had an issue & had to come in whilst in 5th place.

Race two (Sunday am) was a full race & I had struggled a little, but finished in 6th.

Race 3 – The NZGP race – I was on pace & in a (4) way battle for 2nd half way through the race when yet another red
flag came out & end of that race. I had at this point just set my fastest lap ever at Ruapuna with a 1.30.2 lap & was
gunning for that podium.

Then a full re‐start over 9 laps – Barely 1 lap in & another red flag & NZGP race aborted/declared.
I believe half points awarded for the 1 lap race only ??
A difficult meeting as a lot of people had travelled a long way for this, with massive effort having gone in.

Rnd 2 Levels, Timaru
Results of 6th, DNF & 6th in the x 3 Superbike Races.

After qualifying 8th in a tight group or riders with 0.6 sec gap between 4th to 8th I managed a solid 6th in race 1, two
position up from qualifying.

In race 2, I lost the front on a wet/damp race on lap (5) through the fast left hander at the end of the main straight
whilst holding a good 2nd place in the field (I liked the wet & there was a big gap back to 3rd place) which I was so
disappointed with.
A few repairs to the bike & I was back out for the last race (3) where once again I finished 6th after starting from 8th.

Some real up & down moments down South & some unlucky results at times, especially in two of the red flagged
races at Ruapuna when in strong positions, & also crashing out whilst in 2nd place at Levels in race 2.

Not dwelling too much on what might have been & now I get to look forward to the home meeting at Hampton
Downs in early March where I have previously done very well, & been on the podium in all of the last 6 National
Superbike races there (2019, 2020) including 2 wins.

Rnd 3 (Final Round) of NZSBK 2021 at Taupo
Results of 5th, 5th, & 8th in the x 3 Superbike Races.

After qualifying 8th in a tight group or riders with less than a second gap between 4th to 9th I managed two good
finish’s for 5th & then an 8th in the final race.

All weekend I struggled for rear grip on the new model Pirelli’s that I was using for the first time & never found a
suspension setting that worked. The tyre would last for 4‐5 laps & I would be running in the top 2‐4 & then would

struggle a lot after that with rear slide for the next 10 laps. All in all I did some ‘ok’ lap times under the conditions &
not having ridden hardly at all since January & knew I could have gone at least another second quicker if the rear
would have behaved. Needed to get some more track time/testing under my belt but that hasn’t all been easy this
year with lockdowns in Akld, budgets, etc.

Was good to finish all 3 races at Taupo and that was the conclusion to another interrupted NZSBK season.
Didn’t get to do the round at Hampton (due to Covid cancelling Motofest) which is the round/track where I go
strongest, along with Manfeild (although no Manfeild in the NZSBK line up this season).

With what has been a trying season, I still come away with some confidence knowing I can run with & in amongst the
top bunch of SBK riders in NZ.
Results will come my way again with continued hard work, track test time, good set‐ups and backing etc.

My favorite event over the season was probably the two rounds of the 'Suzuki Series' at Manfeild (even though my
van blew up on way home) & the Whanganui Cemetery Circuit, which is always a full on day & top event with the big
crowd etc.

Thank you for your support AMCC ‐ Always so much appreciated 

#34 Daniel Mettam

LandSpeed NZ – 20 March, 2021:
LandSpeed NZ ran their third annual event at Goudies Road on 20 March, 2021.
First held in 2018, and then again in 2019 – the 2020 event became a Covid casualty – meaning it had been a two
year break since the motorcycle and car entrants had an opportunity to “pin‐it” down the 6Km straight that has
become the home of the land speed community in New Zealand.

I went to the first event in 2018, (the only time I have been so far), and it’s not like any other motorsport event.
I’ve photographed at many motorsport venues and categories – from Buckets, to Circuit, to Street Circuits, to Rally,
to Drag Racing, and even to Power Boats.
And – other than drag racing – it’s the environment where I feel most vulnerable as a photographer.
The speeds are significant, and it’s always in the back of your mind that should a mechanical occur, and that vehicle
ends up coming towards you, there is little time to react.

But – on the flip side ‐ it’s not hard to see why those that participate find it so addictive.
And ‐ I have to get back there again …

Meet the Kiwi attempting to beat
330km/h on two wheels
BY DRIVEN • 16/03/2021

Here in New Zealand, we've found quite a bit of fame on two wheels. Whether it was John Britten building the iconic
V1000, or Burt Munro breaking records over at Bonneville, we're certainly made a mark.

While his name might not be as known as these other two, John Seccombe is out to put his mark on New Zealand's
Landspeed racing world with a supercharged Kawasaki.

This Saturday, a total of 30 participants will meet at Goudies road in Reparoa to race as fast as physically possible
down the same 6.4km stretch of tarmac that Racing Ray Williams set his record on.

At the event, Seccombe will be riding a Kawasaki H2R, which is a supercharged 1000cc bike that first gained fame for
hitting 400km/h across the Osman Gazi Bridge in Turkey.

According to Seccombe, there are just four of these H2Rs in New Zealand, and when new, cost $100,000. Its
supercharged mill pumps out 243kW, and it weighs just 190kg without a rider.

As you can expect, this makes for quite the speed machine, and Seccombe is planning to beat his previous record of
330km/h that was set a couple of years ago on the same bike.

https://www.driven.co.nz/news/meet‐the‐kiwi‐attempting‐to‐beat‐330km‐h‐on‐two‐wheels/

LandSpeed NZ – 9 April, 2021:
STUFF Apr 11 2021

It took hundreds of people and thousands of hours to build, but only a few seconds to break a homemade motorbike
chasing a land speed record.

On Friday April 9th, 56‐year‐old UK ex‐pat Phil Garrett tried to set a New Zealand motorcycle land speed record on a
closed road in Pendarves, near Ashburton.
About 50 people attended the event on McCrorys Rd.

The 46‐year‐old motorbike had been almost entirely rebuilt in Garrett’s Burwood garage by hundreds of people. It
got up to 230kmh before it broke down.
The head gasket blew, and oil spilled all over the engine, the tyres and Garrett.

“I scared myself stupid, but I didn't fall off, and no‐one got injured.”

The breakdown was due to a small miscalculation on the fuel to air ratio, meaning the engine was running lean,
Garrett said.

The bike was broken beyond repair and would need to be rebuilt at an estimated cost of up to $5000. Garrett and
his team would attempt the record again next year, he said.

“I am very disappointed, but I am very grateful that no‐one got hurt. We have to be honest and say: ‘look we didn't
make it, but we are not going to give up.

Fellow drivers Rob Small and Des Bull did not get a chance to attempt the record after the bike broke down.
“Our build team met every Tuesday for two years – probably about 6000 or 7000 hours have gone into this bike.”

Phil Garrett, left, and Rob Small
A few days before their failed attempt to break a land speed record with their fully rebuilt 1975 Kawasaki Z1000.

Mike (Big Mac) McLeod:
Profile:
I am an organised, experienced motorcycle administrator, competitor and business owner with a proven ability to
build effective working relationships. I seek opportunities to make the sport safe, fun and fair for both competitors
and spectators. I am an efficient time manager, approach any task with enthusiasm and present comfortably in all
settings, relating with confidence to people from all walks of life and cultures. As a team member, I possess a robust
sense of humour and thrive in an environment that is dynamic and focused.

As your President and representative on the Board I commit to listening to you and your ideas to ensure the future
of our sport. Together we can grow our sport by increasing its public profile, negotiating changing operating climates
and, providing a career pathway for competitors, administrators and governors.

Experience:

Motorcycle Event Management & Governance

 FIM CMS Member

 Understanding of MNZ Board governance through being a Board Member, discussions with current members and
with Life Members

 President of two different motorcycle clubs running successful club events and growing membership by over 50%

 Successful management of multiple simultaneous workshop projects, delivering on time and budget

 Chair of major sports event management team — successful Oceania event for all stakeholders designed and run
using FIM rules and regulations

 Jury member at Motocross of Nations (Ernee, 2005; Matterley Basin, 2006; Budds Creek, 2007)

 Team Manager at Motocross of Nations (Zolder, 2003; Lierop, 2004; Donington Park, 2008; Franciacorta 2009) and
numerous FIM Asian Championships

 Board member at World Junior Motocross Champs in NZ (2009)

Communication & Relationship/Stakeholder Management

 Developed comprehensive communications strategy for international motocross team

 Proven understanding of media management especially when 'things go wrong'

 Proven experience in mentoring, supporting and training up and coming riders

 Successful key account management and customer development strategies implemented to exceed targets

 Proven relationship development, building and maintenance ability, within and across cultures

 Demonstrated stakeholder management and influencing skills

Juniper White
 021 040 3819
marshals@amcc.org.nz

In Praise Of Christchurch:

If you’ll forgive me using a reference to the local music scene – particularly one from such a long time ago –
the difference between the motor racing scenes in the North and South Island (or more specifically, Auckland
& Christchurch) is like the difference between the bands Dance Exponents and The Screaming Mee Mees!
You don’t need to take it from me either, there’s a cool little ‘made‐for‐TV’ docu‐drama on the subject of
charismatic lead singer and song‐writer Jordan Luck and ‘his’ band, Dance Exponents and – again specifically –
the night they took on and soundly beat the ‘Mee Mees – languishing in the dusty cyber archives of TNNZ.
And I know this how? Simple. Because I was there!
Which is going to take some explaining. So, buckle up and prepare for a ride – or rather a read about – one of
the earliest ‘rides of my life.’
The year was 1982 and having – with the help of motorcycle media entrepreneur Ian Miles – managed to blag
one of 14 places on media ‘man‐about‐town’ Brian Priestley’s Post‐Graduate journalism course at Canterbury
University I loaded up my recently acquired VW Beetle to its gunnels and headed north to see what all the fuss
was about ‘the South Island’s biggest city.’
Having only recently finished a four‐year stint ‘just down the road’ at Otago University in Dunedin you could
be excused for thinking that the move would have been a seamless one.
Seriously though I felt like a real ‘fish‐out‐of‐water’ for the first month at least. And it was really only my
passion at the time for live music that saved me from spiraling down into – what today would be recognised as
– a period of profound depression but back then would have simply been brushed off as ‘homesickness.’
As it turned out Christchurch had a vibrant and diverse music scene, the like of which I had never been
exposed to before. In Dunedin, for instance ‘Auckland’ bands like ‘The Dudes,’ the aforementioned Screaming
Mee Mees and/or the Newmatics might make the looooong trek down to play at an Orientation week gig but
that would be it for the year, one of the reasons the locals started picking up guitars and putting up ads in (the
late) Roy Colbert’s second‐hand record shop in upper Stuart St for ‘Drummer. Must have own drum‐kit,’ or
‘Wanted. Bass guitarist….no experience necc. …………… and created a scene of their own.
In stark contrast, there were weeks, in Christchurch, just a year later, when I would spend every night ‘out.’

Dance Exponents 1983

It was on one of these ‘bender’ weeks I first ‘caught’ the distinctively dressed (‘like a cross between a punk
and a pixie,’ was how one wag described him at the time) Jordan Luck and his band ‘The Dance Exponents.’
The venue was The Aranui, an otherwise featureless booze barn of a pub moored loosely (or so it seemed to
me at the time) in the suburban wastes of eastern Christchurch somewhere between the city and the insipid
surf of New Brighton beach.
“You should come out tonight and see them,” said fellow journalism student and long‐time Aranui bar tender
Phil Taylor, one (I think it was a Wednesday) afternoon.
Whether I went that night or the next or even the one after that is immaterial. All I remember are the songs –
big, bold, almost orchestral affairs, some funny, others sad, but all belted out with gusto and at breakneck
speed by a bloke – that would be Jordan Luck – who I realised I knew by sight; having seen him many a time
walking through ‘town’ and idly wondered whenever I did, how the bugger could see where he was going on
account of his eyes being completely hidden behind an extravagantly combed forward and down curtain of a
fringe!
He certainly could write and sing a great pop song, though, and I remember heading to the altogether newer,
flasher Hillsborough pub venue not that long afterwards – this time with a veritable entourage of (I think) my
girlfriend at the time, her best friend and perhaps one other) when ‘The Dance Exponents were ‘supporting’
visiting Auckland band the Screaming Mee Mees.
This was the night that – it might have been Mike Chun of Mushroom Records – some ‘big‐time producer from
Auckland’ anyway, had flown down to see and hear for himself what all the fuss was about ‘this local band led
by a charismatic frontman who writes all his own songs.’
Please don’t expect my now 61‐year‐old memory to re‐call chapter‐and‐verse how the night panned out. What
I most remember from that night all – what? – 39 years ago, now, however, is just how different the two
performances were.

 The Screaming Meemees 1981

On the one hand you had the ‘Mee Mees, the pros ‘from Auckland,’ the headline act, with a video of their
infectious single – ‘See Me Go’ – already on high rotate on TV music show, Radio with Pictures, and a bright
future in ‘the music business’ already – apparently – mapped out.
All they needed to do was go through the motions – which is exactly what they did.
On any other night in Christchurch and/or at any other venue in the city that might – just might, mind – have
been enough.
On this particular night, however, Jordan Luck, and his Dance Exponents, were peerless, throwing everything –
and more – into a live performance of such magnitude it literally blew the ‘Mee Mees off the stage, – or at
least‐ off their stride.
Good things, as it turns out, regularly come out of Christchurch – though by the time many of us cotton on to
the fact – Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney even London, Paris, New York, or Los Angeles have claimed them as
their own.
Musically, the Dance Exponents were followed, for instance, by bands as well as individual singer/songwriters
like The Feelers, Bic Runga and Anika Moa, Shape Shifter and (hip hop lyricist extraordinaire) Scribe.
The city appears to work best as a musical incubator, a supportive environment in which you can – within
reason – come up with your very own sound and/or show, confident that if it is good enough and you are
prepared to put your heart and soul into it there will be – just enough people to sustain you aa you prepare to
‘go national’ like The Feelers and ShapeShifter.
Which is all very well if this were a website about music and the local gigging scene, but what about cars,
motorcycles, karts and the drivers, mechanics etc. etc. the stuff – you know – of one of your usual columns
Mr MacKay?

Addington Raceway 1905

No problem, in fact, I’m glad you reminded me because it was all the time, I spent watching the Livestream of
KartSport NZ’s National Sprint Championships meeting from Christchurch over the Easter weekend which gave
me the idea for this column.

For a start, you see, Christchurch can rightly claim to be the birthplace of motorised sport in NZ – the first
organised motor racing meeting taking place on Boxing Day 1905 at what we know of today as the Addington
trotting (horse racing) track.
New Brighton beach also played host to some of the Dominion’s first car and motorcycle races (see main
picture) – long before those up (and down) Auckland’s Muriwai Beach, and in 1949 the inaugural NZ
Championship Road Race was held on a temporary circuit set up at the Wigram Air Force base in the city’s
gritty light industrial/suburban south east.
If anything, too, speedway motorcycle racing was even more popular in the south than 4‐wheel Midget racing
‘up north’ thanks in large part to NZ’s original ‘trio at the top’; Ronnie Moore, Barry Briggs, and Ivan Mauger.
So strong was the competition locally that Moore, Briggs and Mauger were able to transition seamlessly from
racing at home to the top British and Eastern European leagues then onto the annual Speedway World
Championship meetings where all three were multiple titleholders.
Christchurch was also where motorcycle road racing boomed in the 1970s and early 1980s, with riders like
Dale Wylie, The Boote brothers, John and Gary, and Paul MacLachlan and Stu Avant pushing each other to the
point where they were leading figures in the country’s annual international Marlboro Series. John Boote was
even extended the rare privilege by the Yamaha factory of giving its all‐new transverse 4‐cylinder 2‐stroke
engine TZ700 (here in NZ as well) F1 bike its world debut at around of the local series.
Speaking of motorcycles and the so‐called Garden City no mention of the two could be complete without
namechecking arguably Christchurch’s most famous son, John Kenton Britten – and his greatest legacy, the
Britten V‐1000 motorcycle.
Back to four wheels (and engines) and entrepreneurs, and who could forget the work both in front of and
behind the scenes by the man behind local firm Plastic Diecasting Ltd (aka PDL), Sir Robertson Stewart.

Leo Leonard in the PDL 1 Mustang – Photo: Terry Marshall

From the original PDL Mini to my personal favorite, the brutish and sadly short‐lived, Clyde Collins built and
driven PDL Ford XW Falcon GT to the ultimate version of PDL Mustang 1 (promo slogan ‘electric blue and 180‐
mph’) then perhaps the ultimate NZ Tin‐top, the Torro Toys sponsored (Fox‐bodied) Mustang 2, Sir Robertson
towered over the New Zealand motor racing scene like a colossus.
Then there are some of the innovations which have come out of the Garden City over the years like – let’s see
– the Open Saloon Car Association (or OSCA), the Country Gentlemen’s (classic car racing) movement and
CAMS (classic motorcycle racing register), Pre‐65 racing, the original (Series 1) Mazda RX7 racing category and
the long‐running South Island Formula Ford Association.
Where would some of us be, as well, without specialty businesses like Mike Pero Motorsport Park‐based
Motorsport Solutions Ltd, a company which can breathe new life into even the most basket case of cars; and
even create true facsimile or tribute cars like the rear engine V16 Auto Union of local (mad) man Phil Mauger.
And I could go on and on and on…
Like their counterparts on the still very vibrant music scene, there is obviously something in the air, the water
or the at times bracing local climate which encourages creativity, and which leaves locals deeply unsatisfied
with going through the motions or – God forbid it – preserving the status quo!
And more power to them I say.

Written by: Ross MacKay
Date: April 13, 2021
www.talkmotorsport.co.nz

Leo Leonard in the PDL 2 Mustang, racing Jim Richards in the Falcon – Manfeild Jan 1979.

Media and / or Images ....

If you have any specific requirements for images, or the generation of
content for media or sponsor purposes, let’s have a discussion to see
where / how I can help you.

Philip Kavermann
AMCC / New Zealand Motor Sport Yearbook
philip@nzmsy co nz M: 021 264 8021 www nzmsy co nz

Colin Dale Park:

It’s no secret that the AMCC Buckets have faced a MASSIVE challenge over the past several years.

The “Spiller” affair; The closure of Mt Wellington, and subsequent limited circuit options and availability (including
the loss of Whangarei due to increasing noise compliance challenges); And on top of all that the impacts of Covid
leading to a number of event cancellations. Plus the independent legal action to attempt to save Mt Wellington.

It has all severely tested the Bucket community; and particularly the Bucket Committee, who have stood fast to
preserve this essential foundational component of motorcycle sport in the upper and central North Island.
Full credit to All.

Part of that activity has been to maintain a dialogue with KartSport Mt Wellington – with a view to being involved
with any developments at Colin Dale Park. Those discussions have been, and are, ongoing – and the time is here to
demonstrate your support should you so choose …

Read On …..

Attention: All karters, motorsport and Bucket fans.

 Colin Dale Park KartSport Development Charitable
 Trust needs your help!
As many of you will be aware this project has had a very long gestation, but the Trust is now in the final straight to
get the lease signed.

KartSport is the nursery for virtually all four‐wheeled motorsport. This complex will be a huge boost for not only the
Auckland region but also for KartSport and Motorsport nationally.

The Auckland Council have agreed in principle to grant a lease to the Trust, but as the Park has now been transferred
from the Otara/Papatoetoe local Ward to Parks, Events, Community and Arts (PACE) management, the matter is now
open for public consultation. This is where we need your support.

Above is the proposed layout of the proposed dummy grid, service parks, scales, parc ferme and tech areas plus
repair lane and mechanics stand.

Please consider making a submission as the number of submissions received will determine the eventual decision
and deliver a fantastic venue for everyone from grassroots karters to our international athletes.

Submissions close at 11.55pm on 7 May 2021.
Submissions can be made at https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/colin‐dale‐park

We greatly appreciate your assistance, thank you!

The complex will be the new home for KartSport Mt Wellington, formerly NZ's biggest KartSport club, which has
been without a home track since the closure of its complex in Tainui Road, Mt Wellington following the expiry of its
Council lease in October 2018.

The facility has been designed in New Zealand by some of our leading KartSport competitors and Academy Coaches,
with considerable technical input from Vaughan Crang of Crang Civil Consulting, to meet the latest international CIK‐
FIA Circuit Regulations and the KartSport New Zealand Sprint Complex Rating Code. The layouts are subject to final
approval following simulation conducted by the CIK‐FIA. This simulation will also confirm safety features including
run‐offs, internal barriers and kerb placement.

The circuit configurations include a:
• 1270m international circuit
• 959m club circuit A
• 770m club circuit B
• 387m tri‐oval
• Plus a separate 526m youth training/hire kart circuit

The Colin Dale Park KartSport Development Charitable Trust is affiliated to KartSport New Zealand.

Follow the Trust's Facebook Page here.
https://www.facebook.com/cdpkartsporttrust

Colin Dale Park ‐ Wiri

RACING CALENDAR / COMING EVENTS

May 2021
2 AMCC Buckets Rd 2 Hampton Downs
15/16 MNZ AGM & Conference Wellington

June 2021
19/20 AMCC Buckets Rd 3 Tokoroa

July 2021
25 AMCC Buckets Rd 4 Hampton Downs

August 2021
28/29 AMCC Buckets Rd 5 Tokoroa

September 2021
12 AMCC – Rd 1 Hampton Downs

October 2021
10 AMCC Buckets Rd 6 Hampton Downs (Final)
17 AMCC – Rd 2 Hampton Downs

November 2021
13/14 Bucket 2‐Hour Tokoroa
21 AMCC ‐ Rd 3 Hampton Downs (Final)

 **All events subject to current Covid‐19 restrictions

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2021 AMCC AGM in progress