It’s the homecoming of a Kiwi hero that will be one of the highlights when Mike Pero MotoFest repeats its spectacular celebration of motorcycling at Hampton Downs this weekend.
Taihape-born Kiwi international Simon Crafar will make a rare return to New Zealand as the headline act of the second annual MotoFest.
Mike Pero lauds MotoFest’s emergence into the ranks of the best motorbike events on the New Zealand calendar.
“It’s a huge event and nobody will go away disappointed. It was a major event last year and, this year, with ACC involved with their Shiny Side Up programme too, it’s going to be like a motorcycling Mardi Gras.
“There will be so many categories of motorcycles that it will appeal to the whole family. We are just so proud to be part of MotoFest, the biggest and most colourful event of its kind in New Zealand.”
This year’s second annual Mike Pero MotoFest promises to be another sensational motorcycling experience, two days of bike action that would be hard to match anywhere in the world.
The jam-packed weekend of racing will include in the action a swathe of exotic and classic machinery, with the Mike Pero Shoei GP and Post Classics an integral part of the programme.
With MotoFest also welcoming guests such as English author, commentator and former British champion Steve Parrish; Kiwi former GP winner and current MotoGP commentator Simon Crafar; Australia’s 2003 World Supersport Champion Chris Vermeulen and Kiwi superheroes Aaron Slight, Graeme Crosby, Stu Avant and nine-time former national superbike champion Andrew Stroud, among others, assembled for the event, it’s going to be difficult for fans to know which way to look.
Record eight-time former New Zealand moto trials champion and twice Australian moto trials champion Jake Whitaker and international X Games freestyle motocross favourite Levi Sherwood will also be among the “glitterati” in attendance at Hampton Downs, not to mention the current crop of road-racers who will be there contest the national superbike championship races, a vitally important part of the weekend’s bulging programme.
All you need to know about Mike Pero MotoFest…..
PIRELLI LEGENDS RIDER CLINIC & TRACK DAY hosted by Simon Crafar
On Thursday February 28th Simon Crafar, who is now globally renowned for rider training, and our MotoFest Legends will host a rider clinic for those wanting to hone their skills on track and learn about bike set-up, maintenance, sponsorship, media and all other aspects of the sport. The clinic caters to all levels of rider – novice to race. Price is $349 per person for the day. Spots still available
Click here for full day format and to book online
KAWASAKI PUBLIC TRAIL RIDE
If Trail Riding is your thing bring your bike and get out on the public trail ride (10-15km) on adjacent farmland, which will run on both days of the event. This will be open to all comers. The track will be family friendly. The track is open daily from 10am to 2pm. The pit area will be in the Mighway Motorhome Park, where families can set-up for the day. Head out onto the track when you like and enjoy all the MotoFest activities at your leisure.
Price (13 & over): $49 (includes unlimited access to trail ride & GA entry to MotoFest)
Child (12 & Under): $29 (includes unlimited access to trail ride & GA entry to MotoFest)
Family Pass (2 x A & 2 x C): $90 (includes unlimited access to the trail ride & GA entry to MotoFest)
Click here to book on online
STAR INSURANCE LEGENDS GARAGE & DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS
Enjoy free access to our MotoFest Legends garage thanks to Star Insurance. All our legends and the many bikes they are riding will be publicly accessible throughout the weekend. They will also do demos twice a day over the Motofest weekend. Public will also have access to pit lane for the daily warm up session where you will be able inhale the familiar fumes of the bikes from the past. In the afternoon the legends join the Superbikes for the daily grid walk – a crowd favourite. Look for Star Insurance outside garages 17, 18, 19 and 20 and make your way inside for a memorable MotoFest experience.
SHINY SIDE UP AT MIKE PERO MOTOFEST
This year’s Mike Pero MotoFest event will incorporate Shiny Side Up, a joint initiative between ACC and the NZ Transport Agency that focuses on rider safety. Shiny Side Up encourage motorcyclists to prioritise their safety, mainly by refreshing their skills with Ride Forever coaching, a training programme developed by ACC. Shiny Side Up will feature world-leading experts including – Brittany Morrow (Road Rash Queen, USA), Chris Hurren (gear safety expert, Australia), Dave Moss (suspension guru, USA), and Kevin Williams (Survival Skills, UK). It will be a rare opportunity to interact with these experts face-to-face.
Click here for timings and more info
SHOEI CLASSIC RACING
This year Shoei Helmets are delighted to be sponsoring a whole new race – the Grand Prix category which will consist of only two stroke racing machines from typically the 70s’ 80s’ and 90s’. For many in the grandstand it will be a new experience to hear the high-pitched scream of the bikes of yesteryear. The line up will include the very popular Yamaha TZ250 and 350 bikes as well as the legendary TZ750s. We’re also expecting Suzuki RG500s’ and a number of 125 two strokes. The separate Post Classic Class will consist of FI and FII machines which will be predominantly 4 cylinder four strokes (including a few triples and twins). Click Here if you are interested in entering
MOTUL STADIUM TRIALS
Stadium Trails will be a feature on the centrally located Skidpan. NZ’s best riders will battle for the title over both days, traversing six obstacles.
ALPINE STARS LEGENDS DINNER
Celebrate some classic moments on the big screen and a Q & A with all our Legends on Saturday night. The dinner is free for all to attend this year – food and beverage will be available to purchase. The night kicks off with a one-hour bracket from Steve Parish who brings his MAD show live to stage for the first time in NZ. Our MC Greg Rust will then take over and get all our legends up on stage throughout the night.
EVENT SCHEDULE, FREE CAMPING & TRACK MAP
We have set aside an area just outside Gate 3 for camping which is free. It is also free to park your self- contained motorhome in the same area. If you want to park your motorhome infield it is $120 for the weekend you can book a spot by emailing office@hamptondowns.com
CLICK HERE FOR THE EVENT SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR A VENUE MAP
EVENT TICKETS click here to purchase
Check out the HD Premium ticket option – this gets you access to the GT Lounge, a sumptuous lunch and cash bar facilities – most of all you will be in the best spot to view all the MotoFest action.
For more information on the Mike Pero MotoFest weekend, go to http://www.hamptondowns.com
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