Sound of Thunder - John Britten Tribute

British, European, American Racing (BEARS) paid tribute this weekend to the passing 20 years ago of one of it's most inspirational members, John Britten.

Seven Britten motorcycles were on display, along with various memorabilia.

When the chips were down and it came time to pull on the racing gloves the event attracted 170 competitors, both nationally and internationally.

 Once again the Galway clan were riding those quick machines from Bob Nesbitt's stable up there at Classic Cycles in Upper Hutt.

That's Terry the Dad on the left with son's Jaden and Jamie next to the maestro himself Big Nes!

They all rode well with Jamie taking out 2 wins and three seconds at my last count anyway. The '62 Atlas 750, #515 above, literally flew and Jamie, riding the Speed Triple below, came a close second to Andrew Stroud.

Terry got his gloves wet when he stepped off his 850 Commando coming out of the sweeper when we think he hit the white line...he was up and running after the bike as it was still skidding along the track!

Skope Classic at Ruapuna 2015

Did you wear your driving gloves to this event because it had everything.

Muscle Cars, F5000's, Historic Touring Cars, Single Seaters and Vintage Racing Cars.

Visiting the pits and talking to the drivers and crew is always a treat at Ruapuna.

Up close and dirty!

The Mighty Muscle Cars are always impressive with their predominant raucous burble.

Chevy provides the awesome force behind the Formula 5000's of the sixties, seventies.

Race bred Porsches are synonymous with leather driving gloves and speed

 

The Ford GT 40 was originally built to win long distance sports car races against Ferrari.

Pre 65 provided inter-island rivalry

Historic Tourers was supported by many sports and racing saloons.

The world's tallest mechanic made an appearance!

"If it is at all possible, then relaxation was a state of pure excitement."

Excite yourself with leather driving gloves at:-

www.leatheronhand.com

GSX

Helmet, motorbike gloves, keys and a packet of cigarettes!

And a.....

GSX-750

Not an ordinary GSX-750...

Leon's GSX-750

Yes, it's a road bike suitable for racing. About 120 hp (1992 model), 11 second standing quarter at about 130 mph, top speed of about 160 mph. Not bad for the water cooled DOHC in-line 4 cylinder, 4 stroke,  4-valve engine.

Stunning lines for a '92 road racer...nice one Leon!

Jenny thinks so too!

Oh well, back to business...put the gloves on and outta here!

View some gloves at:- www.leatheronhand.com

Superbikes at Ruapuna 2015

What a hectic weekend.
Soul searching, late nights, broken toes and fingers, stripping one bike to make the other run - the Red Baron Team.

Last minute adjustments

A dedicated effort by dedicated racers and their teams

NZ Superbike Champ Denis Charlett broke a finger and a toe on the Friday, but came out of it with two wins and two seconds on the Sunday. A long weekend in anybody's standards! 

The final superbike race of the weekend was also the NZ Grand Prix. 

James Smith on a Honda CBR-1000RR started well and held the lead for the first 4 laps. Charlett on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 slowly pulled him in and took the race in trying conditions.

Christchurch boys James and Alastair Hoogenboezem dominated the 600 Supersport class.

Bike gloves at
http://www.leatheronhand.com/motorcycle_gloves/