First run as “Thunder On The Plains” on February 23, 1992 – last Sunday saw the 27th edition of the annual Honda “Battle of the Streets” event, on the iconic “hacksaw” circuit – located within the confines of the streets of the sleepy Thames Valley township of Paeroa.
Organised and promoted by Paeroa Promotions Trust Inc, the event is a collaboration of the local community – Clubs, Groups and Organisations in the immediate area provide the required volunteer manpower, in return for a share of the profits the event generates.
And since year one, Auckland Motorcycle Club have partnered the Trust, providing the required administrative & technical resource, and flag marshals, to support the operational requirements of running the actual meeting on-the-day.
It has been a successful partnership; with the Paeroa Street Race the largest sporting fixture in the Thames Valley, and one of the largest motor sport meetings in New Zealand.
Last Sunday was no exception, and as Paeroa sweltered in the February sunshine, it was just as hot on-track, with a number of AMCC members in the thick of the action.
Taupo’s Scott Moir secured the overall Formula Paeroa (F1) title, as well as taking out the “King of the Streets” feature race. However Jay Lawrence and AMCC’s Daniel Mettam provided stern competition, particularly in Race Three where Mettam secured the victory by 0.4 seconds, to secure second overall for the day.
Additional successes for AMCC members included Toby Summers (Formula Two), Gavin Veltmeyer (SuperLite), and Neil Martin (Pre-82 Post Classic), in what was a varied programme that included classic motorcycles and sidecars, as it always does.
There are few countries in the world where an event such as “Battle of the Streets” is possible, and New Zealand is fortunate to retain it.
Mark your calendar, for the third Sunday in February.
Comments