Pukekohe Alterations... Coming Soon!

**GSVR** · 6th August 2006, 09:12

Its very hard to tell just looking at a drawing that doesn't actually show the true width of the track.

The new short track at taupo has a chicane that comes onto the back (long) straight that may slow cars down alot but for bikes theres a very narrow straight raceline through it. This actually has the effect of making the track very narrow at this point if you want the good line where you don't have turn the bike.

I've never riden on Puke but this makes the track more interesting and appealing to have a ride around. Most of what I've heard about it is its a very simple track to learn and horsepower is what you need and plenty of it.

**paturoa** · 6th August 2006, 09:42

It will prob cause more bins coming up over the right hand sweeper onto the front straight as will be on the gas and changing gears. As opposed to now being shit scary but constant-ish speed.

The bins should be lower speed but... I've always thought it would be cheap to put a bull dozer thru the front of the bleachers and make a bigger run off / sand trap there.

**RiderInBlack** · 6th August 2006, 09:58

I too would have thought it was the exit of the Hill corner that is the main problem, not the entry. Would be happier if they had a better run-off exiting that corner with the armco not as close.

How about this imsead? (see green bit on attached pic).

But at the end of the day putting time and money into finnishing Hampton Downs would be smarter, IMHO.

**paturoa** · 6th August 2006, 10:08

Thats excellent RIB and solves the run off problem too.

I was always a fan of the old track too - in blue, should do all 3 mods.

Now all we need is some good rate payers to front up with $s -- oh silly me.

**GSVR** · 6th August 2006, 10:44

Originally Posted by RiderInBlack

I too would have thought it was the exit of the Hill corner that is the main problem, not the entry. Would be happier if they had a better run-off exiting that corner with the armco not as close.

How about this imsead? (see green bit on attached pic).

So where do you propose you put the huge expensive drainage channel where your idea for the track runs over?

**Two Smoker** · 6th August 2006, 12:27

Originally Posted by Cleve Brown

Dunno Chris. If it is a slow 2nd gear left hand corner now on a 600 we may be lucky to get up enough speed to put your knee down coming onto the front straight. Agree that it is not the speed of the corner that is the problem but the lack of run off.

I guess the only way we will know is when it is finished and we actually get to go around the place.

and yes as Bruce says.. BRING ON HD. Quickly!!

I tend to disagree... Second gear through the tight left hander, hook third on the short straight before the hill then hook 4th coming up the hill... Speed will be about the same, maybe a touch slower... But as Paturoa said, the likelihood of bins is increased as you will be on the throttle through the corner, rather than carrying a constant speed through it...

Also as Bruce said, it is too late for people like me... That one crash has serverly stuffed my racing up, and im only now just getting back into the swing of things financially, physically and on the racing side of things too...

Dont know about you guys, but when i race at the nationals im there to go hard and race hard... Not pose and pussy foot around...

**Two Smoker** · 6th August 2006, 17:18

Originally Posted by Speedie

Aww c'mon, chris, what with those pretty new leathers and gear!! And that doll, of a girlfreind you got, damn, I would sure be posing bro!

But i roughed up the leathers..... hehehe just wait till you see the paint job i have in mind and the new promo clothes Chloe is getting...

**loosebruce** · 6th August 2006, 21:32

Originally Posted by Garry H

The new short track at taupo has a chicane that comes onto the back (long) straight that may slow cars down alot but for bikes theres a very narrow straight raceline through it. This actually has the effect of making the track very narrow at this point if you want the good line where you don't have turn the bike.

In regards to that chicance ever taken the time to look straight ahead of you at that nice concrete wall on the other side of the straight, with the speed of the big bore bikes bearing down on that chicane that wall isn't very far away at all if a mistake was too happen, two bikes fighting for the racing line one shoved on to the grass and............

Yea the new puke alteratin will slow speeds down but as chris said, instead of carrying a reasonable constant throttle through the hill, obviously not constant but coming out of a slow(sih) corner and being hard on the gas all the way up the hill, even at the "slower" speeds that wall is still not that far away.

**trev** · 7th August 2006, 08:52

2 questions if anyone knows the answers :-

- when are these changes happening ?
- how long will the track be shut during the changes ?
- is Puke now part of the nationals again ?

O.K. - so I can't count

**Quasievil** · 7th August 2006, 09:23

Well here is my pennies worth for easy changes

**keza** · 7th August 2006, 11:43

ive had two goog mates die their now they think of fixing things not that it would be that different should redue the whole track or forgrt it go to taupo

**Two Smoker** · 7th August 2006, 19:34

Originally Posted by keza

ive had two goog mates die their now they think of fixing things not that it would be that different should redue the whole track or forgrt it go to taupo

Completely agree...

**Kickaha** · 7th August 2006, 19:46

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Well here is my pennies worth for easy changes

They don't adress the issue of speed and insufficent runoff over the hill and neither do the proposed alterations,if it wasn't for the fact a National round is held there I wouldn't ever bother with the place.

I thought the place was shithole when I first went there in 1989 and the last few visits certainly haven't changed my opinion

**racer6** · 7th August 2006, 21:41

I think we've just about reached the "wait and see" time. It's only when it's done that everyone will know how fast or slow it is, how much run-off there is, how much it affects speed over the hill etc. etc.

My understanding is they may even be sealing a larger area than necessary and (believe it or not) using cones to mark variations for people to test before the final shape is finalised. At that stage the excess seal will be removed. This sounds a bit unscientific to me but if that's what they decide/need to do to achieve the desired result then why not...

None of us will really know until it's done...