Registrations now open for Methven’s Mountain Thunder Race

26 February 2014

Registrations now open for Methven’s Mountain Thunder Race

Registrations have just opened for the Ride Forever Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Street Racewhich transforms the sleepy mountain village of Methven in Canterbury’s foothills into a street racing Mecca each Easter Saturday (19 April 2014).

This year’s event will be even more spectacular with the reintroduction of the Super Motard class and a new fly-over walkway for spectators provided by South Fuel Ltd, says event co-ordinator Sue van den Heuvel.

The one kilometre race is unusual within New Zealand as the circuit loops the town centre and spectators can view action from within the course perimeter, which includes Methven’s iconic Blue Pub.

The Spring Lynne circuit sees riders taking one practice run before six laps of racing where speeds of more than 200kph are reached. Last year more than 80 riders entered on 110 motorcycles ranging from classics to formula one. This year, with Motards included and strong interest already, Mrs van den Heuvel estimates more than 100 riders could turn up with 130 different bikes.

Improvements this year include more fencing and less hay bales to boost spectator safety and the fly-over walkway will allow spectators to quickly change position without waiting for race end.
Methven Lions, who run the race in conjunction with the Classic Action Motorcycle Sport club in Christchurch (CAMS), estimate Methven will see in excess of 5000 spectators with visitors in previous years coming from across New Zealand and Australia.

Principle sponsor Ride Forever spokesperson Alisa Davies says while the race is well managed, and race organisers take great care to ensure the safety of the competitors, accidents do happen.

“There's no-one looking after riders out on the road. That's why all riders should take advantage of the ACC subsidised Ride Forever training courses. No matter how much experience you have there’s always room for improvement. Ride Forever offers a full day’s training for novice through to experienced riders. For a maximum of $50 riders can get the skills they need to be safe and expert riders.”

In 2014 the Ride Forever Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Street Race is open to eight motorcycle classes (seven in 2013), and registrations can be made on the CAMS website www.cams-racing.org.nz for the following classes;

• F4/F5 Buckets
• CAMS Junior Clubmans (up to 150cc two stroke singles and twins, up to 250cc four stroke singles and twins)
• Pre 1963 Classics
• Pre 1972 Post Classic
• Pre 1982 Post Classic
• Pre 1989 Post Classic
• Super Motard
• Formula Methven (invite only modern bike class).

The course rules that apply are the MNZ Manual of Motorsport and class specific rules for the classic, post classic and bucket classes. Supplementary regulations are in effect for the CAMs classes, Formula Methven and Junior Clubmans.

More information on the rules can be found at www.mnz.co.nz/regulations/rules/generalrules or riders wanting more information about the event can view the CAMS website www.cams-racing.org.nz or www.mountainthunder.co.nz

Gates will open at 9am with racing going through to around 4pm. Adult spectators are $20 with children and youth(16 years and under) free this year.

ENDS

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