Freddy Merkel: anyone know how to contact him?

[RentaTriumph]

I have been contacted by an old time friend of 2 time World Superbike Champion Freddy Merkel. He heard a whisper that he now lives in NZ and I see there was a recent posting that he helped out at a track days recently in Taupo.

I tried a google search which came up lacking. Any help appreciated.

[Pixie]

I heard he lives in Taupo:
This is an old 2003 post by Blackbird,PM him he may still know details.

Blackbird
12th July 2003, 14:29
Hi Bluninja - try this!


He (Merkel) runs an engineering business at Taupo and his rider coaching is a bit of a sideline, or at least a separate business.  I haven't attended one of his courses, but I know someone who has and they really rated it.  I think he requires 30+ people to run a course.  I've heard that sometimes, some of his top racebike mates turn up and help out just for the fun of it, so you get more bang for your buck.

I did the Hamilton advanced course with Ward Fischer last year.  It was 1:1 instruction - about $120 for 3 hours.  It was good value to sharpen my roadcraft up as unfortunately, I only get a decent ride in 2 or 3 times a month and standards are bound to slip.  I found that on past occasions when I've done the Rusty Nuts 1000 miles in under 24 hours ride, I'm shit hot for a couple of weeks, then I start to tail off again!!  I think we all need refreshers from time to time.

[Danger Dave]

He runs a company called MERKEL Engineering in Taupo this the contact number from the white pages 0-27-440 3927

[RentaTriumph]

Thanks for that. I have informed his mate from Arizona.