Aren't we lucky that the Australians invented Bucket racing

[Kickaha]

Pinched from http://www.teammaddogracing.com/shrine.html



The Origins of Bucket Racing

In around 1988 a group of Australian racing enthusiasts conceived a code of road racing that they jokingly named Bucket Racing. The name itself was derived from the descriptions of the race bikes themselves, buckets of rubbish.

The original idea was to take a low powered commuter motorcycle with a maximum capacity of 150cc and remove all of the road going gear, thus creating absolutely the cheapest form of motorcycle racing in the country

And so began one of the most enduring forms of motorcycle racing that NSW and Australia has seen in the post war period. At it’s height in the mid 90’s NSW race meetings enjoyed up to 60 competitors at every meeting, divided into Amateur and Pro classes – essentially, junior and senior riders based on experience and ability.

But bucket racing evolved very quickly into an accessible form of budget motorcycle racing for the everyman.

This form of racing has spread to Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, The Northern Territory, Tasmania and New Zealand and continues to the present day

Strange that if they invented it "around" 1988 that I would have a program dated January 1985 from the Sydenham street race with Buckets in it

That year that meeting was Rd4 of the New Zealand National Championship and NZGP

[gav]

Well I think Wikipedia is closer to the truth!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucket_racing

[FJRider]

never let the truth stand in the way of a good story ...

[speedpro]

maddogracing have been round for ages, something like 15years. We used to chat a bit and I actually joined the Oz bucket racing club for a bit to get their newsletter. I sent them a few photos of sidecars on the wharf at Wellington which got them interested in sidecars but I don't think it went anywhere.
He writes an hilarious story about the race meetings and getting there and back.

[jasonu]

Shit Mike, I thought I invented it or atleast that is what I have talked myself into believing.
Dissappointed in the Taupo results dam four strokes!

[onearmedbandit]

Fucking convicts through and through eh. Is there anything the Aussies haven't tried to steal? They are like that delinquent cousin at family get-togethers, stealing your shit and being generally loud and obnoxious.

[Skunk]

Well I think Wikipedia is closer to the truth!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucket_racing
I fixed the Wikipedia version. It used to be the same as teammaddogracing's. It could do with a little more correction I think but I just didn't know enough at the time.
If anyone has the true story I'll put it there and on www.bucketracing.co.nz

[marsheng]

After a phone around of some members (28 in all ) here in Christchurch, the consensus was that they would prefer to be called F4. The average price of a bike and mods was $2700.

The F4 name was mainly because the 150cc class needs to be seen as race bikes and not bitsa bikes that clubs use to fill their coffers. If we were in Wellington, Buckets is ok as they race by themselves and therefor no slant. Here in ChCh, we race with the 'big' boys and it makes a difference.

The fast F4's are close to the Motard lap times.

On the full track, less F4's break down than other categories and I can't think the last time someone was take off in an ambulance.


Happy new Year. Make your New Years resolution to ride safely and if you loose a second or two, no problem. He He.
Cheers Wallace

[Kickaha]

After a phone around of some members (28 in all ) here in Christchurch, the consensus was that they would prefer to be called F4. The average price of a bike and mods was $2700.

What was the number of votes for and against?

If I had been called I would have voted Buckets, I personally think a name change is showing a lack of respect for the history of the class, I would hope they will always be know as Buckets


Here in ChCh, we race with the 'big' boys and it makes a difference.

How does it make a difference?, will being called F4 get us more laps? more prize money? more meetings?

Oh yeah similar discussion re name change for this forum back here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/79195-Should-this-forum-name-be-changed-to-Formula-4-and-5-instead-of-Buckets?highlight=Buckets

[timg]

I ride a F4 race bike, not a bucket of shit (& if I call it F4 or Buckets I still have to explain wot it is to those not in the know) I might ride like shit :facepalm: but thats another matter.

Yes, they will always be 'Buckets' due to the history and the history will always be there but if we can improve the perception of the class today we may improve the 'its only Buckets' attitude and treatment we sometimes receive, e.g. often the Buckets get less laps than other classes running, despite lap times being similar to some other classes given longer races, or if there's a class going to get cut because of time constraints its inevitably the buckets that get the axe etc.

Despite being treated like second rate racers at times, the Buckets are often the biggest field.

Having said that, I think things are improving over what they were when I first got involved 3 years ago. CAMS look after the Buckets well, and the BEARS ran a class at their (last minute) prize giving meeting for 4 or 5 Buckets which was great.

Our F4/F5 bikes are every bit serious race bikes like the big boys :yes: The quality of some of the engineering and bike preparation/presentation is first rate, and in general the quality of the Bucket field is improving. F4/F5 should be treated as 'proper' race bikes/racers - we pay our way and our entrance fee is the same so we should be treated the same.

Rant over :)

[Kickaha]

I ride a F4 race bike, not a bucket of shit. I might ride like shit :facepalm: but thats another matter.

I can't say that in 10 years of hanging around them I've ever heard them called that except by the Bucket racers themselves



Yes, they will always be 'Buckets' due to the history and the history will always be there but if we can improve the perception of the class today we may improve the 'its only Buckets' attitude and treatment we sometimes receive, e.g. often the Buckets get less laps than other classes running, despite lap times being similar to some other classes given longer races, or if there's a class going to get cut because of time constraints its inevitably the buckets that get the axe.

I doubt calling it F4 will change any of that

[jasonu]

How does it make a difference?, will being called F4 get us more laps? more prize money? more meetings?

Apparently not. After looking at mylaps from Taupo I see there was more than 50 bikes in the F4 GP. Shit, that race was for a national title and they lumped 40ish F4 bikes in with god knows what other class and gave them 12(ish) laps!
So no, being called F4 doesn't give you more laps, not even a race of your own to determine a national champion FFS. The 50's looked to have recieved similar treatment.
I think the bucket entrants got short changed at that meeting. I am guessing there was more than 50 total bucket entries. The motards (I guess there was about 10 after looking at mylaps) got at least the same track time as the buckets.

If I have my facts (from mylaps) wrong then I withdraw the above and will sit in the corner for an hour.

Slightly off topic, I wonder if it would be doable to join up with the classics and sidecars, maybe 150's and or 125gp bikes, fuck the big bikes, and run a meeting of your own for the next GP? Would that be enough entries to cover costs. That would mean more track time for all and (in my view) allow for proper length GP races. 12 laps is a sprint race, not enough time to test bike reliability and rider stamina. The Ohakea GP's were close to 40 minutes and you were really fucked after that!

[Kickaha]

Slightly off topic, I wonder if it would be doable to join up with the classics and sidecars, maybe 150's and or 125gp bikes, fuck the big bikes, and run a meeting of your own for the next GP? Would that be enough entries to cover costs. That would mean more track time for all and (in my view) allow for proper length GP races. 12 laps is a sprint race, not enough time to test bike reliability and rider stamina. The Ohakea GP's were close to 40 minutes and you were really fucked after that!

Battle of Buckets has been run like that before with it being primarily a Bucket meeting but with other classes invited with 55 minutes + 1 lap being the main race

[jasonu]

Battle of Buckets has been run like that before with it being primarily a Bucket meeting but with other classes invited with 55 minutes + 1 lap being the main race

So with the increased Buckets interest and current entry levels, would there be enough entries to run a meeting at Taupo?
By the way, what was the entry fee for this weeks Taupo meeting?

[Moooools]

I am unsure of its validity, but I heard another take on the origins of bucket racing the other week from a family friend and ex racer.

Apparently the air force used to set out tracks marked with buckets on the airfield and race their commuters around them.

Anybody else heard of this/ could verify/ deny?

[speedpro]

The tracks were marked out with cones and tyres typically. The name refers to the type of bike - "buckets of bolts/shit". As far as I know the very first meeting was at Woodbourne, then Ohakea or possibly Wigram, then a while later at Whenuapai or Hobsonville. No licence or permit required which used to get up certain NZACU people's noses, particularly Errol. He was never allowed on base so couldn't do anything about it.
Each base except Whenuapai, used to run a GP with Ohakea at Easter being the biggest with guys from both Islands racing. Pretty sure there would have been over 100 100cc buckets and 40+ 50cc buckets at some meetings. Whenuapai never ran a GP but did run a 6-hour race one year, '85 or '86.
I don't think changing the name will make any difference. Presentation and performance are what makes the difference. Having said that some people will always view buckets as the smallest class and therefore least important.

[speedpro]

I know the guys who started bucket racing, Steadman, Ram, the Woods(civvies). Otang, Frank, and Ziffle plus others. The name referred to the bikes.

[jasonu]

I know the guys who started bucket racing, Steadman, Ram, the Woods(civvies). Otang, Frank, and Ziffle plus others. The name referred to the bikes.

Mike would know. He may be the closest link to the founders of Buckets still actively competeing (except in the wet).
Happy New Year

[Buckets4Me]

Apparently not. After looking at mylaps from Taupo I see there was more than 50 bikes in the F4 GP. Shit, that race was for a national title and they lumped 40ish F4 bikes in with god knows what other class and gave them 12(ish) laps!
So no, being called F4 doesn't give you more laps, not even a race of your own to determine a national champion FFS. The 50's looked to have recieved similar treatment.
I think the bucket entrants got short changed at that meeting. I am guessing there was more than 50 total bucket entries. The motards (I guess there was about 10 after looking at mylaps) got at least the same track time as the buckets.



ha ha the 50's (all 3 of them) ran with 125 and 250 gp bikes :facepalm:

the organisers got a bit of stick about putting the buckets with the 150 street stock ( poor buggers got lapped ) and if they try that again i'm sure a lot of poeple will pull out :angry: (but in there defence a lot of the racers didn't know where they should be on the grid) :shutup:

Buckets ( F4 )is by far the biggest field of bike at the TRRS

[Rick 52]

It is a shame to step away from the name Buckets but people do think of buckets as not a real sport and this includes racers from other classes and we all know they would be not as fast as they think if they tried it ! The sport should have more respect getting big numbers for entry's and attracting big names and as people have said the bikes are looking and performing very well and the engineering that goes in to the bikes would shame bigger cc classes.. F4 I Think !!

[Dutchee]

We've got F1, F2, F3 and F5 with buckets in between.

In some ways, it's almosst as though we're embarrassed to be called F4.
At Mt Welly somedays, A grade is called F4 and B is called buckets. I think I remember noticing that when we were having trophy races.

I thought it was awesome (naturally spelt with an o) when we had a bucket/F4 rider leading the 3 hour at TRRS for some laps, as it does show that there's some talented riders in F4 (other than ones like Morgan, Mettam, Hassan who have profile in their "real" chosen classes).

Being called buckets, though, could also mean that people come along and watch some good racing, and realise they can be doing it easily enough too. As for getting the bikes looking good (as well as running/handling good), it's nice to see the ratty bikes out there mixing it up also, as that could interest other riders, who can see a cheap form of motorsport they can partake in.

Basically, I'm on the fence, riding my bucket badly and having a ball (most of the time).
Michelle

[gav]

Mike would know. He may be the closest link to the founders of Buckets still actively competeing (except in the wet).
Happy New Year
I raced at Woodbourne air base in the early 80's, a few of us would make the trip from Nelson. The track would be laid out with tyres and cones as stated. The guys mentioned were racing then, they were very anti NZACU (as it was then) and made it quite known. :innocent: Ahhh the joys of getting pissed for $2 after the racing, hehe.

[koba]

I fixed the Wikipedia version. It used to be the same as teammaddogracing's. It could do with a little more correction I think but I just didn't know enough at the time.
If anyone has the true story I'll put it there and on www.bucketracing.co.nz

The article in "The Upper Hutt Star" was very similar to the wikipedia article.

Gotta love hardworking journalists!

[timg]

:innocent: Ahhh the joys of getting pissed for $2 after the racing, hehe. Yeah but back in them olden days you only earned $4 for your weeks labour :shutup:

[F5 Dave]

The race entry ($1 when I started) was to cover postage for the next mail out.

The booze on base was subsidised & a stubbie was like $1.50. Pissed on $2 Gav? Either you're considerably older or more pussylike than you look.:innocent:

[gav]

Nah, thought it was more full size jugs for a $1 or something, $5.00 was plenty to spend, after a full days racing on the track. Just glad I wasnt the one driving back over the hill. :innocent:

[speedpro]

Last trip I had to Woodbourne a civvy lined up various drinks on the bar. Barman said that'll be $3.50 or something like that. civvy replies "no, i'm paying for the lot". $3.50 was for the lot. Couple of bods throwing up in the carpark later in the night. It was a while ago but I can vaguely recall going to the bar with $2 and having serious trouble getting back to my room. Some time round '91 or '92
No tax, rostered barman, no cost premises. Take off all the overheads and all the tax, and booze gets a bit cheaper.

[Skunk]

The article in "The Upper Hutt Star" was very similar to the wikipedia article.

Gotta love hardworking journalists!Yeah, well. I wrote the article for them. I was meant to be giving them a 'profile' of the class/sport and they printed what I sent them. Pics included.

Shows how easy it is if you really want to get something in the paper.

[jasonu]

Yeah, well. I wrote the article for them. I was meant to be giving them a 'profile' of the class/sport and they printed what I sent them. Pics included.

Shows how easy it is if you really want to get something in the paper.

HAHA Koba Talk about 'foot in mouth'

[gammaguy]

Pinched from http://www.teammaddogracing.com/shrine.html



Strange that if they invented it "around" 1988 that I would have a program dated January 1985 from the Sydenham street race with Buckets in it

That year that meeting was Rd4 of the New Zealand National Championship and NZGP


i won the victoria motorcycle clubs bucket racing series,jointly with Chris Smith(ziffle)

the date?

1981:yes:

[Kickaha]

Last trip I had to Woodbourne a civvy lined up various drinks on the bar. Barman said that'll be $3.50 or something like that. civvy replies "no, i'm paying for the lot". $3.50 was for the lot. Couple of bods throwing up in the carpark later in the night. It was a while ago but I can vaguely recall going to the bar with $2 and having serious trouble getting back to my room. Some time round '91 or '92


I remember having the same problem at Woodbourne on my way through to the 6 hour one year, I'm pretty sure it was the "Purple Death" that did it

[koba]

Yeah, well. I wrote the article for them. I was meant to be giving them a 'profile' of the class/sport and they printed what I sent them. Pics included.

Shows how easy it is if you really want to get something in the paper.

They should probably have put your name on it then...

[all4A50s]

I fixed the Wikipedia version. It used to be the same as teammaddogracing's. It could do with a little more correction I think but I just didn't know enough at the time.
If anyone has the true story I'll put it there and on www.bucketracing.co.nz

I did add the bit about NZ buckets on Wikipedia as it had nothing at all about what happens here