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Photo - Jared Love #69 (Honda) at Teretonga.
Courtesy - Euan Cameron:
JaredLove.com: - Press Release:
Round one of the SsangYong Battle of the Streets takes place at Wanganui’s historic Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day. Over the past 50 years several generations of riders have been racing on Wanganui’s tight, bumpy and twisting circuit - which doesn’t reward error. Did I mention the slippery railway lines or steel manhole covers?
Many of New Zealand’s and indeed worlds greatest riders have fought tough battles with like-minded competitors. Wanganui hosted the Marlboro Series in the seventies, with the likes of Randy Mamola, Pat Hennen, Jeff Sayle, Greg Hansford, and 1981 world champ Marco Lucchinelli. Many New Zealand riders came to fame at the Cemetery Circuit, such as John Woodley, Stu Avant, Dennis Ireland, Graeme Crosby, Dale Wylie, Robert Holden, Dave Hiscock, Aaron Slight, Jason McEwen, Tony Rees and a great many others. This year 1950s world championship rider Rod Coleman, of Wanganui, helps celebrate half a century on the same circuit with a special Legend Lap of Honour on an AJS 7R.
Sunday’s event is likely to be even more competitive with all four Japanese manufacturers entering the big-bore Formula One class. Hamilton rider Jared Love relishes street racing and will be gunning his Castrol Honda CBR1000RR for all its worth to stay ahead of likely rivals Brian Bernard, and UK-based Isle of Man winner Bruce Anstey, who both ride Suzuki GSX-R1000s. GSX-R750 rider Shaun Harris is always fast there too. For the riders, it is difficult to pass at the speeds they ride, so the holeshot into the first corner could ultimately decide the race winner. Both legs of the feature Robert Holden Memorial carry a $100 per lap leaders bonus, so the racing’s going to be tight.
After two National Championship meetings with fickle weather, Love is hoping for fairer skies come Sunday. “I’m going to Wanganui to win!” Love said. “I think I have a realistic chance of finally taking out this prestigious event. I’ve always done well at Wanganui and just love the new Fireblade.”
Ben Townley and Josh Coppins will attend to ride a lap of honour, apparently on motorised skateboards.
2005 New Zealand Road Race schedule;
December 26, Battle of the Streets Rnd 1, Wanganui (Cemetery circuit).
February 20, Battle of the Streets Rnd 2, Paeroa (Hacksaw circuit).
February 26-27, 2005, Manfield, Fielding.
March 5-6, Pukekohe (includes TT titles).
March 19-20, John Britten Memorial, Ruapuna, Christchurch. (Superbike and 600 Sports Production classes only)
Stop Press: Due to his commitment to the BoP SummerCross, Tony Rees will not be at the SsangYong NZ "Battle of the Streets" on Boxing Day.
