It’s been several decades since the Castrol 6 Hour production race drew the crowds to Manfeild in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Since the demise of the annual production classic, there have been only a few ‘endurance’ road-race events staged around New Zealand – but that is about to change, when Auckland Motorcycle Club in association with Playday on Track Ltd bring the Hampton Downs 6 Hour Endurance Race to the North Waikato circuit on the 8th November.
The event will comprise of “teams” – three riders and three bikes, with a single team transponder; effectively becoming a relay race, where the baton (transponder) is passed from team member to team member. Each rider will have to complete a minimum of 90 minutes, with the Supplementary Regulations outlining the protocol in the event a rider falls and/or a machine becomes damaged.
Teams may consist of any number of motorcycle types, so it is possible that a team could comprise a Superbike, Pro-Twin and a Superlite bike for example. This mix of categories, and the variation available in a rider’s race contribution, will see a wide scope of strategies in play – in what will be a very tactical and interesting six hours.
All bikes will race under a single class for the event – the Hampton Downs Endurance Class (HDEC) – so a wide variety of racing machinery is expected.
This unique event will provide learnings that hopefully will see a return of regular endurance road-racing to New Zealand shores.
Mark your calendar – it’s going to be outstanding.
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