<Back

Suzuki Taupo 4 Hour

Kicks Off This Weekend



Final information for riders.

Hey well we have 330 entrants which is brilliant for year one of the event.  One News reckons there will be sunshine all day which is cool too.  We have some very fast riders in the mix including these teams; Karl Power/Jason Davis, Chris Power/Heath Howlett, Brad Groombridge/Rennie Johnston, Nick Saunders/Rhys Carter.
 
Stepping up to Ironman are Adrian Smith, Rory Meade, Steven Bird and Greg Ngeru.  In total there are 110 Ironmen and Iron Woman- good on ya! - We have some Red Bull to give you wings!
 
I think there are at least a handful of Iron men and teams that could take the overall and the $1000 so that is going to make it an interesting race.
 


Stuff you need to know;
The track is 25km long.  This includes 2.5km of farm paddock track that is heaps of fun to ride. 
The course is fairly open, but with a good mix of bush trail.  Fitness will count at the end.
The start will be dead engines and hands on rear mudguards.
First in, first served on the start line.
There will be about 3-4 rows of bikes.
Pit speed is first gear and slow and will be enforced.
Refueling must be done only in the pits
Rider changes can only be done in the pits.
Riders can have assistance in the pits including refueling.
Walk the first 1.5km of grass land so you are familiar with the track.
You can put up a tent in the pit area, but can not park your vehicle or a trailer in the pits.  However the rider's car park is right next to the pits so if you get to the event early, then you can park as close as 5 metres from your tent.
Everyone must stay off the track during the race.
You may place your fire extinguisher on your bike or carry it on you.
If you cheat or break any rules we will add 2-30 minutes to your time or disqualify you.
Near the end of the lap there is a ramp jump option over a fence or a gate option.  This is not a big jump, but is also not suitable for novices.  Taking the gate option will take an extra 5 seconds per lap.
Neil Ritchie (Turbo Sounds) is coming to the event to add some music, commentary and atmosphere.
All riders must complete registration, but only one rider needs to pick up the transponder.
Female teams will have one transponder and if using 2 bikes, will have to swap the transponder over when changing bikes.
The location is 10 minutes from the Taupo lake front on the Taupo - Napier road.  From Taupo, it is on the right side of the road.  We have graveled the paddock lane so there should be no traction issues.
'H Contracting' has built the grass track and graveled the vehicle entrance with a 4.5 tonne Mustang Mini Loader.  'H' is the man when it comes to earthmoving and can be contacted on 0272 741125.

Schedule

Friday 21 August 2009
5:30-9pm Registration and pick up transponder at Daryl August motorcycles, 78-80 Tuwharetoa St, Taupo.

Saturday 22 August 2009
8:00am Gates open to event
8:00am Registration at event (can also pick up transponder now)
10:30am Registration ends
11:00am RACE START
3:00pm Race finish
6:00pm Dinner and drinks at the Shed Bar, Tuwharetoa St, Taupo
7:00pm Prize giving at the Shed Bar.



We have increased the prizes and trophies. Trophies will now awarded to all class winners.  18 trophies in total for the 6 Ironmen classes and 6 Team classes.  In addition there are 3 large trophies for the first Ironman overall and first team overall. You must be at the Shed Bar by 7pm and attend prize giving to collect any prizes

I want to wish you all the best and hope you enjoy our first off road endurance race.

Nick Reader