Nominate the greatest Kiwi racer.

[Big Dave]

We have polls on the Kiwi Rider web site now.

The next one I would like to set up will ask

'Who is NZ's greatest ever motorcycle racer?'

But as an import I want to make sure I get the right names - up to 8 of them. More if needed - but say 8 is target.

So help an aussie out here - who are they and why?

I would like to put profiles together on the site as well - any info, pointers, links, interesting pics I can legally use appreciated - and duly credited too.

Anderson, Mauger....your turn.

[Ixion]

SkidMark .

[Big Dave]

At this point in time he's third.

[Tony.OK]

I'm an Aaron Slight fan..........................Might've taken the WSBK title if he hadn't had a brain tumour.
He's a good down to earth dude as well.

[Big Dave]

John Britten

Kim Newcombe

Burt Munro

?

[Big Dave]

He's a good down to earth dude as well.

Top bloke.

[jrandom]

I reckon me mum would've been great at that roadracing shit.

You could put her on the list, nobody'd know, s'only dirt riders that read KR anyhow, right?

[laserracer]

bert munro,
ivan major
robert holden

[Big Dave]

I reckon me mum would've been great at that roadracing shit.

You could put her on the list, nobody'd know, s'only dirt riders that read KR anyhow, right?

New Zealand's top selling motorcycle publication according to the Sales Manager.

[jrandom]

New Zealand's top selling motorcycle publication.

Lot of dirt riders out there.

[boomer]

Lot of dirt riders out there.

and cock smokers

;)

[Big Dave]

Lot of dirt riders out there.

More than you probably realise. Surprises me, the size of the field in events like the bel ray last weekend.

Many of them have road bike interest too - lots of the kids actually turn into the good road riders.

[Big Dave]

Ben Townley

[Motu]

Ginger Molloy - 2nd in the 1970 World Champs behind Ago....as a privateer.Still winning today.

Graham Crosby - 2nd behind Barry Sheene in 1982.

[98tls]

As much as i dislike stralians,Newcombe,Slight,Briggs,Crosby,Ireland,Mo ore,Anstey..........etc

[Big Dave]

bert munro,
ivan major
robert holden

robert holden - ?

[Big Dave]

As much as i dislike stralians,

Eight years and I still can't say six.

[98tls]

Eight years and I still can't say six. Six is ok its when you say chups thats a worry.

[98tls]

Shame on me for leaving him out,Shaun Harris.

[Big Dave]

and cock smokers

;)

I notice you still roll your own.:rofl:

[98tls]

I notice you still roll your own. Bet you didn't complain at the time,more a satisfied stretching of unused muscles and pondered life across the ditch.

[Big Dave]

Bet you didn't complain at the time,more a satisfied stretching of unused muscles and pondered life across the ditch.

Ah - not really.

I'm pondering 500 words about riding a V-max on Meremere drag strip and how to make said poll article interesting/worthwhile.

[Forest]

Stefan Merriman

Four time world champion Enduro rider. Born in Tauranga, later stolen by a dingo and raised in Australia.

http://canada.aprilia.com/magazine_dettaglio.asp?id=383

[vfxdog]

Keith Turner (even though he has never been too good at acknowledging the folk who helped him get 2nd in the 500 World Champs behind only Agostini, back in 1971).

[Kickaha]

Hugh Anderson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Anderson_(motorcyclist)) National champion, Isle of Man winner and World GP winner

[nudemetalz]

Also Dr Roger Freeth, RIP.
He was a force to be reckoned with aboard that big McIntosh Suzuki in the '80s.

[tri boy]

Richard Scott deserves a mention.

[vfxdog]

Andrew Stroud too- understated and underrated.

[scorry]

josh coppins??

[merv]

Graham Crosby - 2nd behind Barry Sheene in 1982.

Just remember to spell his name Graeme and it was second to Franco Uncini not Sheene as Sheene never won another championship after Roberts took it from him '78.

Dave Hiscock has to make the list of great Kiwis too, though my vote for best would probably go to Anderson or Crosby. Anderson really stands out having been a NZ champion on the road and in Motorcross and he's still going.

Mauger (speedway) was a legend in his time for sure and before him Barry Briggs and before him Ronnie Moore as named above.

Geoff Perry has to be there too, he was really starting to make a name for himself when tragically taken from us in the plane crash. I am sure he could have gone on to greatness.

[racerhead]

Bruce Anstey
Hes been doing well the last few years and has a tt win under his belt
and hes still there and in with a shout at most races.

[Kiwi Graham]

Aaron Slight
Rob Holden
Simon Crafar
Paul Pavlotitch
Andrew Stroud
Shaun Harris

To name but a few

[scracha]

I would have said Simon Crafer but I think part of being the greatest Kiwi Racer means putting something back into the sport.

[Oscar]

Simon Crafar - the last guy to beat Doohan in a fair fight.

[Taz]

Shayne King
Darryl King
Aaron Slight
Ginger Molloy
Graeme Crosby
Josh Coppins
Ben Townley
Katherine Prumm

[k14]

Kim Newcomb, made his own bike and then bet the greatest ever (Ago) on it!

[boomer]

I notice you still roll your own.:rofl:

No i gave up, i'm just subjected to passive smoke now... thanks ! When you gonna quit maaaaaate?

[Big Dave]

Thanks.

So far I think

Anderson
Mauger
Townley
Prumm

Because the are world championship winners.

Britten
Munro

For 'contributions' - YKWIM

Then by frequency of nominations here so far

Crafar
Slight
Molloy
Crosby
Harris
Anstey

Flaws in that logic? (Apart from 10 and other is the maximum on the poll)

[Big Dave]

There is a hall of fame too - anyone know where to find the list of whom has been inducted?

[k14]

Townley??? What about Shane/Darryl king? Dominated MX1 for 5+ years.

[ElCoyote]

Geoff Perry
Keith Turner

[Oscar]

Thanks.

So far I think

Anderson
Mauger
Townley
Prumm

Because the are world championship winners.

Britten
Munro

For 'contributions' - YKWIM

Then by frequency of nominations here so far

Crafar
Slight
Molloy
Crosby
Harris
Anstey

Flaws in that logic? (Apart from 10 and other is the maximum on the poll)

Also Speedway World Champs:

Barry Briggs
Ronnie Moore

[Big Dave]

No i gave up, i'm just subjected to passive smoke now... thanks ! When you gonna quit maaaaaate?

The only thing smokin' around me is the hot wimmen, sunshine.

[Big Dave]

Townley??? What about Shane/Darryl king? Dominated MX1 for 5+ years.

He's got the hardware though.

[Big Dave]

Geoff Perry
Keith Turner

Can you give me a bit more insight there please? What where when?

[lostinflyz]

crafar. considered the the absolute king of the front wheel slide. and could beat the guy considered unbeatable on a 500. on a yamaha no less (once the yamaha got shitty too)

[Richard Mc F]

Len Perry, seemed to be around forever

[kiwifruit]

Andrew Scrivener

[slowpoke]

Isn't it Shayne King? And winning a 500MX championship on a bike most people consider terrifying is a huge achievment.

Dave Hiscock was brilliant, and campaigning a Kiwibuilt bike (plastic fantastic) has to be worth points.

Croz was successful across a variety of formula's and would be at the top of my list.

I thought this was a racer poll? Britten built a great bike but didn't have the same success riding himself.

Good luck Dave, it's a nightmare comparing riders from different era's.

[scott411]

Dirt,
Katherine Prumm (only kiwi to win 2 world titles in MX)
Shayne King
Ben Townley, only Kiwi to win in the states, and is like 24 still alot ahead of him

titles do not lie,

honourable mentions
Josh Coppins,
Darryl King


Speedway
Ivan Mauger (15 world titles is pretty impressive)
Barry Briggs
Ronnie Moore

Road
Hugh Anderson, so many world titles,

Keith Turner
Ginger Malloy,
Kim Newcombe,

all three of these guys raced Ago, on basic equipment,

Graham Crosby was awesome in the early 80's
Aaron Slight, so close so many times to titles,
Simon Crafer, won a 500gp,


for best every,

my vote would come down to Anderson or Mauger, they domintated there side of the sport for long periods of time,

[ElCoyote]

Can you give me a bit more insight there please? What where when?


Geoff died in a plane crash on his way to the states to race. Keith is still alive and has bike shops in Hawkes Bay. Google him.

I deliberately omitted Ginger, and Hugh as they are sure to get a big following, likewise Ivan, Ronnie and Barry.

[merv]

There is a hall of fame too - anyone know where to find the list of whom has been inducted?

Don't forget that Croz was a twice world champion in the TT Formula One category which was limited in its races but still called a world championship.

To win Suzuka, Imola, Daytona and Isle of Man TT is very impressive putting him right up there.

Can only find this comment on hall of fame so far http://www.motorcyclingnz.co.nz/ceo%20newsletter%2037.aspx

[laserracer]

Dirt,
Katherine Prumm (only kiwi to win 2 world titles in MX)
Shayne King
Ben Townley, only Kiwi to win in the states, and is like 24 still alot ahead of him

titles do not lie,

honourable mentions
Josh Coppins,
Darryl King


Speedway
Ivan Mauger (15 world titles is pretty impressive)
Barry Briggs
Ronnie Moore

Road
Hugh Anderson, so many world titles,

Keith Turner
Ginger Malloy,
Kim Newcombe,

all three of these guys raced Ago, on basic equipment,

Graham Crosby was awesome in the early 80's
Aaron Slight, so close so many times to titles,
Simon Crafer, won a 500gp,


for best every,

my vote would come down to Anderson or Mauger, they domintated there side of the sport for long periods of time,

I like :niceone: this list it seems about right

[merv]

Geoff died in a plane crash on his way to the states to race. Keith is still alive and has bike shops in Hawkes Bay. Google him.


This was just as Geoff was really making a name for himself winning races on the TR500 and later TR750 Suzukis in the States, bikes he would punt around the street circuits of NZ and I have mentioned somewhere ages ago on this forum seeing him race the TR750 at Gracefield beating Ginger on his H1R by a country mile duirng the summer before his death.

I showed you the odd photo on this thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41166 of the bikes when they displayed them at Wanganui. Geoff had Air New Zealand sponsorship because he worked for the company.

As for Keith the HB guys could confirm but I thought the bikeshop days are well back in history now when he last had a place over by the estuary.

[Shaun]

Hugh Anderson
Ginger Malloy
Tim Gibbs
Robert Holden
Richard scott
Bob Toomey
Aarron Slight
Andrew Stroud
Simon Crafer
Jason Mcewan
Craig Shirrifs

Just a few

[SPman]

in no particular order.....
Trevor Discombe
Rod Coleman
Len Perry
Hugh Anderson
Ginger Molloy
Graham Crosby
Kim Newcombe
Aaron Slight
Keith Turner
Simon Crafar
Robert Holden
Roger Freeth
There are loads more,
scott 411's list is a good one..............

[Big Dave]

Good luck Dave, it's a nightmare comparing riders from different era's.

Interesting conversation though. Leaning a lot.

Feels weird talking about Shaun behind his back and in front of him. But thanks for the input all.

[imdying]

Anderson
MaugerAgree on those for sure.

[pritch]

I'd want Rod Coleman in there somewhere down the list , I think he was an AJS factory rider in the fifties... Won in the IoM

If we are getting down and dirty, Ronnie Moore and Barry Briggs. Both World champions, Briggs three times?

[pritch]

There were also the two guys, Russell Wright and Bob Burns,
who set outright world motorcycle speed records in Canterbury with a Vincent in the fifties.

Not as well known now as Burt M but their efforts were probably more meritorious in a way.

[Wingnut]

Kim Newcombe is my pick. Shame he passed away so early in his career.

[vfxdog]

SPMan's list is good.
Discombe could have been a World Champ if he had been bothered. I had the pleasure of prepping a racewinning bike for him, and haven't met a nicer guy since.
But there's also Tania Satchwell- certainly way more respected in the US than in her homeland.
And John Boote; Dale Wylie; and a crazy guy called Phil Richards (I think) who raced one of the first Kawasaki triples in NZ and walked over everyone.

[Ivan]

Shaun Harris. Great guy and gives back to the sport in lots of ways with helping riders out so they can hopefully be as good as him

[pete376403]

This was just as Geoff was really making a name for himself winning races on the TR500 and later TR750 Suzukis in the States, bikes he would punt around the street circuits of NZ and I have mentioned somewhere ages ago on this forum seeing him race the TR750 at Gracefield beating Ginger on his H1R by a country mile duirng the summer before his death.

But - don't forget - Geoff had a damaged ankle (or leg) in that race, so was allowed a pusher to start (this was in the days of push starts) - and Gingers bike didn't fire off the line and he pushed the thing damn near to the first turn before it fired up. And IIRC it wasn't that much of a country mile between them at the finish, more like a country yard or two. (I was in the pits entrance, near the start/finish line, for this race) One thing that sticks in my mind is the amazing "thump" noise Gingers bike made as it went over the railway line down the main straight. Not a huge amount of exhaust noise -unmuffled chambers notwithstanding - just this noise it made over the crossing. He (Ginger) was totally soaked in sweat after the race

[roadracingoldfart]

Hugh Anderson
Ginger Malloy
Tim Gibbs
Robert Holden
Richard scott
Bob Toomey
Aarron Slight
Andrew Stroud
Simon Crafer
Jason Mcewan
Craig Shirrifs

Just a few

I was wondering when Tim Gibs was going to get a mention.
Also Bill Wetzel was a runner in the 60s .
Also worth a mention is Russel Josiah , Brian Bernard.

No 1 pick for me is Rob Holden , he started me racing back in 1982.

Paul.

[scrivy]

Robbie Dean & Tony Rees need a mention too.
What about chair teams? Leppard and Goodin - lots of titles!!

[vfxdog]

Well, if you're going to mention Bill Wetzel, then you need to include Doug Hemi....

It's going to be difficult to keep this list to 8 or 10.

And yes, Geoff Perry was well on the way to being a star.

[Big Dave]

Well, if you're going to mention Bill Wetzel, then you need to include Doug Hemi....

It's going to be difficult to keep this list to 8 or 10.

And yes, Geoff Perry was well on the way to being a star.


Cheers.

The poll host allows 10 and 'other'.

I'll list the names nominated here and take it to my executive editor for the final call.

[merv]

But - don't forget - Geoff had a damaged ankle (or leg) in that race, so was allowed a pusher to start (this was in the days of push starts) - and Gingers bike didn't fire off the line and he pushed the thing damn near to the first turn before it fired up. And IIRC it wasn't that much of a country mile between them at the finish, more like a country yard or two.

To add to that though what I remember is Geoff spending the last half of the race looking behind and just cruising under no pressure at all. Ginger's bike was hopping badly under power in the corners stepping the back wheel out while Geoff's was smooth and it was 500 versus 750 after all.

[pete376403]

So how come we can remember things that happened thirty years ago as though it was yesterday, but can't recall the name of a person (usually to do with work) that we met five minutes ago?

[RentaTriumph]

Christchurch breeds World Champion motorcyclists. Ivan Mauger, Ronny Moore and Barry Briggs.

[Rhino]

SPMan's list is good.
Discombe could have been a World Champ if he had been bothered. I had the pleasure of prepping a racewinning bike for him, and haven't met a nicer guy since.
But there's also Tania Satchwell- certainly way more respected in the US than in her homeland.
And John Boote; Dale Wylie; and a crazy guy called Phil Richards (I think) who raced one of the first Kawasaki triples in NZ and walked over everyone.
This brings back memories. I raced at Ruapuna and Levels in the early-mid 70's against John Boote in the 125 class and also remember Dale. I can still see John on a Kawasaki 90 cleaning up the 125 class.

Do you remember Ian Miles, Clint Cattermole (Nudemetalz father), Warren Guy and Owen Galbraith? They were all racing in that era.

I had many a battle against Ian and Warren in the 250 and 350 production classes.

[Robbo]

Roger Freeth, Robert Holden and Dave Hiscock. Just three of my favourites that used to race in the Castrol Six Hour at Manfield back in the eighties. Along with many others who's names i can't remember at the moment.

[vfxdog]

This brings back memories. I raced at Ruapuna and Levels in the early-mid 70's against John Boote in the 125 class and also remember Dale. I can still see John on a Kawasaki 90 cleaning up the 125 class.

Do you remember Ian Miles, Clint Cattermole (Nudemetalz father), Warren Guy and Owen Galbraith? They were all racing in that era.

I had many a battle against Ian and Warren in the 250 and 350 production classes.

I departed NZ for a few years at the end of 1970 so missed the bulk of the Japanese onslaught. There's certainly been a lot of talent come out of these small isles though. Has anyone mentioned Stuart Avant, btw?

[Big Dave]

http://www.graemecrosby.com

[Dave_G]

Hugh Anderson or Ivan Mauger. You don't dominate your respective classes on the world stage without being seriously talented. Honourable mention John Woodley - for several seasons ranked the number one privateer in the 500 GP class, I have no doubts he would have been very successful on a factory machine.

[ElCoyote]

Robbie Dean & Tony Rees need a mention too.
What about chair teams? Leppard and Goodin - lots of titles!!

Tombstone Leppard was indeed a legend

[ElCoyote]

Well, if you're going to mention Bill Wetzel, then you need to include Doug Hemi....

It's going to be difficult to keep this list to 8 or 10.

And yes, Geoff Perry was well on the way to being a star.

Doug Hemi was the nicest guy racing at the time, not necessarily the best but a fantastic guy. Is he still in Wgtn?

[ElCoyote]

Also Bill Wetzel was a runner in the 60s .


Bill was from memory the first person in NZ to race the YDS2 Yamaha, certainly he was first on the beach. After many seizures it finally ran faultlessly on Castrol. Read into that what you will.

[ElCoyote]

Roger Freeth, Robert Holden and Dave Hiscock. Just three of my favourites that used to race in the Castrol Six Hour at Manfield back in the eighties. Along with many others who's names i can't remember at the moment.


Try Alan Collinson and Bill Byber.

[enigma51]

Bruce ansteen should be on the list as well

He has one at least one tt for every year he has entered with exception i think to last year .... or is it this year

[merv]

http://www.graemecrosby.com

Yep man was a legend and I'd still pick him or Anderson or call it a dead heat.

[Big Dave]

OK here's the page so far: The Ed and the Publisher had the final say on the list.

http://www.kiwirider.co.nz/greats/kiwigreats.html
Any links or additions welcome

[Houseman]

Crafar was an absolute legend. Wasn't it awesome in the mid-late 90s to have Crafar, Slight, and Stroud all racing at the same time?! (two of them at the front more often than not).

Found this on youtube today, thought some may appreciate it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIXp0Bc7-Gk&feature=related

[PeteJ]

Len Perry won 42 NZ championship titles. His first race was a NZ championship, and he won it. No-one else has even got near to that record locally.

But as for world titles, in road race has to be Hugh Anderson, with 3. Hugh also raced MX at World level, when other Kiwis including our then national champion could not even go fast enough to qualify

[Mystic13]

Agree with Hiscock, Holden etc and would also add Glen Williams (the first of the two) the guy would jump from one bike class to another and win all day long.

So who fished this thread up. I'm guessing it may already be up at kiwi Rider.

[Big Dave]

Agree with Hiscock, Holden etc and would also add Glen Williams (the first of the two) the guy would jump from one bike class to another and win all day long.

So who fished this thread up. I'm guessing it may already be up at kiwi Rider.

Been and gone actually mate - it was up for a month - now is on the past polls page.

http://www.kiwirider.co.nz/pastpolls.html

I had it set so that it only set a cookie to stop more than one vote per IP address. If you cleared cookies you could vote more than once. As such 20 of the votes for Bruce Anstey happened overnight.

As stated - it's just fun. But future polls log IP addy as well. Still not accurate or anything else but entertainment.

The favourite brand poll went viral on Buell and Triumph groups and they got 200 votes to Suzuki 5 before I reset it.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Stefan Merriman

Four time world champion Enduro rider. Born in Tauranga, later stolen by a dingo and raised in Australia.

http://canada.aprilia.com/magazine_dettaglio.asp?id=383

And an ex flatmate of mine while I was in Brissie. Could've EASILY been a world class roadracer too. Top bloke to boot!

[cantilever]

As much as i dislike stralians,Newcombe,Slight,Briggs,Crosby,Ireland,Mo ore,Anstey..........etc

Would have to be Hugh Anderson who won 3 or 4 world championships -albeit on tiddler 50s and 125s

[Stylo]

John Boote, first in the world to race the TZ700 in 1974 and 'suitcased' his bike to the states afterwards and ( beat Kenny Roberts ? ) ...Legend.

Shayne King , 500 MX Two Stroke

Roger Freeth

Andrew Stroud

Ivan Mauger

Barry Briggs

and...agree with all the others but, ...not the Black Caps....Am I the first to mention John Boote ?? Hmmmm

[Stylo]

John Boote, first in the world to race the TZ700 in 1974 and 'suitcased' his bike to the states afterwards and ( beat Kenny Roberts ? ) ...Legend.

Shayne King , 500 MX Two Stroke

Roger Freeth

Andrew Stroud

Ivan Mauger

Barry Briggs

and...agree with all the others but, ...not the Black Caps....Am I the first to mention John Boote ?? Hmmmm

Well, maybe a couple of suitcases but it was a case of re-assembling the Bike and winning the race ...google works best...