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Photo - Paeroa
From - Ray Whitham:
Tune into `Motor Sport Half Hour`
A new format for the Robert Holden Memorial Trophy race and the return of the Formula Three class are two of the highlights of the new look “Battle of the Streets” series for next summer.
The BOTS organising committee, which met in Taupo last weekend, have reverted to the original class format after changes last year proved too controversial. The core classes for next season will be Formula Open, Formula 2, Formula 3, Post-Classic, BEARS, Super Motard and Sidecars. The 600cc Sports Production riders will have the option of entering either Formula Open or Formula 2, but not both.
With only Wanganui and Paeroa once again providing the two-round series Wanganui will run two RHM heats and Paeroa just the one, making it a three-race championship. All races will be of 15 laps and the Wanganui ones will be subject to a 10-minute pre-start procedure providing an opportunity for pre-race introductions and build-up, under the shade of umbrella’s, and on a staggered grid.
Qualifying for the RHM will be on lap times recorded in the preliminary races and the field will be restricted to the fastest 25 bikes on the day from whatever class. All RHM races will carry a $50/lap leader bonus.
In 1954 Wanganui’s Rod Coleman became the first Kiwi to win an Isle of Man TT and special celebrations are planned for the Cemetery Circuit this year to mark the 50th anniversary of that historic win. By chance this year will also be the 50th running of the event on the Cemetery Circuit.
Other changes and improvements being planned for the series will be made public once they are finalised.
There is unprecedented TV interest in the event and it is almost certain that there will be TV coverage of the series.
In keeping with 50 years of tradition the Wanganui meeting will run on Boxing Day 2004 and the Paeroa meeting will be held on Sunday 20 February 2005.
