Huge Grand Prix for Mini bikes

11 October 2010

Huge Grand Prix for Mini bikes

An expected field of more than 200 riders from 24 schools, from as far afield as Murchison and Mercury Bay, will contest this year’s New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Mini Moto Grand Prix at Manfeild Park later this month.

The Grand Prix field has at least doubled in size each year since its inaugural meeting in 2008.

Palmerston North UCOL is a major sponsor for the event and current Motorsport students will act as flag marshals. Motorsport Lecturer Lance Funnell says, “UCOL is proud to sponsor this event which helps us build links with secondary schools as well as providing students with an opportunity to continue their trade training with us”.

The competition may have grown exponentially but the size of the machines remains at 50cc.

The students are supplied with a $380 kit that delivers wheels, an engine and brakes. Their challenge is to design and build a competitive 50cc racing mini-bike. Some students have built side car racing bikes with larger engines for double the racing experience.

Their racing mettle and engineering skills are then tested on the main circuit at the Manfeild Park track.

The students earn NCEA credits for their endeavours.

The Grand Prix will take place over three days with scrutineering and registration on the first day and racing on the second and third days.

Racing for the top schools racing competition is being overseen by Motorcycling New Zealand.

The annual event takes place at the Manfeild racing complex in Feilding on 18 - 20 October. $2 entry.
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