In 1993 the first 'Bel Ray' was held on a farm on the Awhitu Peninsular owned by Grant and Miles Dickey The event evolved from a 'Club of Origin' Tri series between the Rodney , Pukekohe and Huntly clubs run several years earlier.
Bel Ray oils through importer Northern Accessories came on board that year to help lift the series to the next level. Mike Ramsey (who was the MNZ Off Road Commissioner) and his team from Pukekohe M.C.C ran the first few events
The Taumaranui and Paeroa clubs also hosted rounds before the Huntly Club took the reins in 1997 using natural terrain tracks based around the North Waikato
This year will see the Cambridge Club co-hosting the third round expanding the series and bringing some new terrain
The main focus of the series has always been to provide free flowing natural terrain and well marked tracks that can be enjoyed by all levels of riders. A wide range of classes allow for competitors to make their way through the grades with a good chance of collecting a prize or two.
The Experts class has always attracted NZs top talent with many of our overseas based riders competing during their summer break back home.
The Juniors and Ladies classes were added later and these now account for a third of the riders. A separate Mini track is run at each event so the whole family can enjoy the day.
John Rushworth and Trish Smith among others providing reliable lap scoring and early results so a prize giving and social activities could follow the event.
To commentate 20 years the organizing committee have introduced some new initiatives:
The first round is at Starks property just north of Huntly on Sunday 1st December