Puke track Closing April 2023

[Grumph]

If neither of you have been to the SI circuits, you haven't seen the best in NZ.

[release_the_bees]

If neither of you have been to the SI circuits, you haven't seen the best in NZ.

Which ones specifically would you recommend?

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Grumph]

Which ones specifically would you recommend?

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

They're all good - but different. Ruapuna is very technical but can still produce close racing. Levels is short and produces very close racing with usually a lot of action. Teretonga is very like an old airfield circuit - flat and flowing. Speed and skill win there.
Depends if you want to watch nationals - or drink piss at a Burt.

[pete376403]

Do they ever run bike races at Cromwell (Highlands?)

[Grumph]

Do they ever run bike races at Cromwell (Highlands?)

I'm told there have been bike days there so presumably someone's looked at it and approved a circuit. No local club and I'd imagine from what I've heard that it would be too expensive an exercise to try and stage a race meeting there. Drawing a paying crowd would be bloody hard - and it's not laid out as a spectator friendly track anyway.

[Reckless]

Highlands-We were down there on Holiday month or so ago and looked at the museum and had a look on the virtual thingy they have there.
Quite tight in places and I am not sure the F1 and even the postie F1 bikes would stay on the ground over that bridge drop off.

To Add the North Island tracks (my opinion only)

Puke - prob the most dangerous (some of the Postie boys still won't race there). Fun and it feels fast. Over the hill and turn one not much room for error.
Hampton - a bit of everything - technical to go fast - always more to learn there- I still reckon it would be better going the other way around.
Taupo - the short track is all corners unfortunately the NZCMRR don't race the long track
Manfield - my favourite Just something about the layout and being able to power out of the turns makes it fun as. Your sort of either on the gas or the brakes most of it.

For me Manfield-Hampton-Taupo- (Puke left out but prob tie with Hampton) Really sad we only have 3 left in the North.

[jellywrestler]

I'm told there have been bike days there so presumably someone's looked at it and approved a circuit. No local club and I'd imagine from what I've heard that it would be too expensive an exercise to try and stage a race meeting there. Drawing a paying crowd would be bloody hard - and it's not laid out as a spectator friendly track anyway.

they've yet to have a flag fall event there, just some outside initiated track days

[jellywrestler]

Hampton - a bit of everything - technical to go fast - always more to learn there- I still reckon it would be better going the other way around.

it's dangerous enough as it is, there's not enough run off at the dipper, imagine running it the other way around entering that corner, and the current turn one would have zero run off and the entry to the big sweeper would be laughable

[Grumph]

they've yet to have a flag fall event there, just some outside initiated track days

Do you know or have you heard if the circuit is actually approved by MNZ for competition ? I remember getting Methven approved it was first ask MNZ for an inspection - then an inspector was sent. Hepburn as it happens. No idea who they'd use in the SI now for that job.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's not been approved. Track days often carry their own insurance.

[pete376403]

Do you know or have you heard if the circuit is actually approved by MNZ for competition ? I remember getting Methven approved it was first ask MNZ for an inspection - then an inspector was sent. Hepburn as it happens. No idea who they'd use in the SI now for that job.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's not been approved. Track days often carry their own insurance.

A friend was a navigator for a car on the Targa tour - they did several laps of the track as part of the event, but I think it was individual time trials. Apparently a real hoot in a Renault Megane 2.0 Turbo (Unsure what version but the rare, fast one)

[Grumph]

A friend was a navigator for a car on the Targa tour - they did several laps of the track as part of the event, but I think it was individual time trials. Apparently a real hoot in a Renault Megane 2.0 Turbo (Unsure what version but the rare, fast one)

Motorsport NZ - the cars - have their own inspector. Separate from Motorcycling NZ. Occasionally they do the same circuit together - as when marshalls posts are moved, They have to agree before it happens.
With no club local to Cromwell and an apparent lack of interest from the owner, I'd be very surprised if it has been approved for bike competition. Lot of very close walls there which IMO would need protection.

[jellywrestler]

Do you know or have you heard if the circuit is actually approved by MNZ for competition ? I remember getting Methven approved it was first ask MNZ for an inspection - then an inspector was sent. Hepburn as it happens. No idea who they'd use in the SI now for that job.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's not been approved. Track days often carry their own insurance.

I don't believe they have tried acknowledging that there's not enough run off and the bridge is a new thing for MNZ to run for cover from.