Darryl Rayner/Jay Dibben Honda 600 (AUS)

On Labour Weekend 2012, we attended the return event of the Barry Sheene Trans-Tasman Challenge at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park just south of Auckland. Justin managed to go to two of the three days, and Andre and I were there on the Monday. I say “return event” because it has been an Australia vs New Zealand event held at Eastern Creek in NSW since 2002 and New Zealand has always performed well at that event, winning narrowly last year. So this year it was decided to hold an inaugural return event in New Zealand. The range of bikes was delicious to a lover of classic and post-classic bikes, and Justin is certainly one of those with his newly-restored Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica.

So this is a photographic diary of the Monday.

Firstly, Justin and Tony both participated in the Bike Parade at lunchtime. For Justin it was his first track ride on his newly-restored MHR and for Tony. his first track ride on his 748. There was a short burst of rain during the parade which kept the speed down, but all enjoyed the ride.

Justin’s first track ride on his recently restored Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica

Tony on his Ducati 748

We also met up with other enthusiasts and the whole day was very enjoyable.

Mike Loughran – Ducati 851

Michael Thompson – Laverda 750 SF

With such a good selection of bikes, walking through the pits and the “buzz” on pit straight was as enjoyable as the racing.

Justin (foreground), Andre and Tony by the starter’s gun

Kane Veltman – BMW R100 (NZ)

Chris Bridge – Ducati TT2 500 (NZ)

BMW R100  Boxer showing signs of wear

Ducati TT2 600

Nick Cole – Norton ES2 500 (NZ)

Martin Pearson Suzuki GT350 (AUS)

Ginger Molloy’s Bultaco 250

Williamson/Loveridge Triumph T110 (NZ)

Ginger Molloy- Runner Up to Agostini in 1970 GP250 World Championship

Ducati TT2 500

Chris Hyland – Triumph 3TA (NZ)

Bultaco 250

The racing included modern sidecars which provided excellent racing on beautifully prepared machines. It was great to see two women, Tracey Bryan and Jo Mickleson, champions in the F2 class, and other women competing.

Tracey Bryan and Jo Mickleson – Yamaha DMR 600 (NZ)

There was a tight battle between the top runners.

Unsworth/Dawe Windle F1 1000 (NZ)

Lovell/Simonsen Yamaha 1000 (NZ)

Unsworth vs Scrivener

Scrivener/Bryan Sowerby Hyabusa 1300 (NZ)

Chris and Richard Lawrance – Yamah 1000 (NZ)

A great day