unstuck
22nd April 2015, 19:26
BIG CHANGES AS BURT MUNRO CHALLENGE MARKS A DECADE
Southland’s famous Burt Munro Challenge will get a makeover when it celebrates ten years this November.
After fantastic support in the early years of the event, the Wyndham Street Races Committee, made up of members from the Wyndham community, has opted not to continue running the Wyndham Street Races which had become an iconic event as part of the Burt Munro Challenge. The committee cited stretching the limited resources of the small community combined with a harder economic environment (forcing increased costs over the past three years) as the major factors behind the decision not to continue.
BMC committee Chairman, Wayne Affleck, said that whilst it is disappointing to lose Wyndham from the racing line-up, he understood the community’s decision. “The Wyndham Committee, assisted by the wider community, has done an outstanding job in running the event since the Burt Munro Challenge began in 2006. Not only has the race developed a great reputation here and overseas, it has put Wyndham on the map for all the right reasons”, Mr Affleck said. “They have been a great group to partner with and we are full of praise for their efforts”.
The BMC committee is currently exploring ways to fill the gap on the final day of the Challenge, including the potential for a new Street Race event in Invercargill. “It’s early days but already the feedback is overwhelmingly positive from our major stakeholders, local council, and surrounding businesses. We are very excited to have the opportunity to develop another event around the knowledge we’ve gained during the past nine years in Wyndham”, Mr Affleck said. “All the necessary permits and consents need to be approved before the new Street Race event can be confirmed but everyone involved is committed to working together to make it happen".
Another enticing addition to the 10th BMC is the reintroduction of BEARS classes in the Teretonga Circuit Races and proposed Street Races. Cross entries in up to two classes will also be permitted this year, making the journey South more worthwhile for competitors.
Southland’s famous Burt Munro Challenge will get a makeover when it celebrates ten years this November.
After fantastic support in the early years of the event, the Wyndham Street Races Committee, made up of members from the Wyndham community, has opted not to continue running the Wyndham Street Races which had become an iconic event as part of the Burt Munro Challenge. The committee cited stretching the limited resources of the small community combined with a harder economic environment (forcing increased costs over the past three years) as the major factors behind the decision not to continue.
BMC committee Chairman, Wayne Affleck, said that whilst it is disappointing to lose Wyndham from the racing line-up, he understood the community’s decision. “The Wyndham Committee, assisted by the wider community, has done an outstanding job in running the event since the Burt Munro Challenge began in 2006. Not only has the race developed a great reputation here and overseas, it has put Wyndham on the map for all the right reasons”, Mr Affleck said. “They have been a great group to partner with and we are full of praise for their efforts”.
The BMC committee is currently exploring ways to fill the gap on the final day of the Challenge, including the potential for a new Street Race event in Invercargill. “It’s early days but already the feedback is overwhelmingly positive from our major stakeholders, local council, and surrounding businesses. We are very excited to have the opportunity to develop another event around the knowledge we’ve gained during the past nine years in Wyndham”, Mr Affleck said. “All the necessary permits and consents need to be approved before the new Street Race event can be confirmed but everyone involved is committed to working together to make it happen".
Another enticing addition to the 10th BMC is the reintroduction of BEARS classes in the Teretonga Circuit Races and proposed Street Races. Cross entries in up to two classes will also be permitted this year, making the journey South more worthwhile for competitors.