Bring back the Castrol Six Hour....

**roogazza** · 6th November 2007, 15:12

I would have thought Manfeild over Taupo any day , just the whole layout ?
A Manfeild with pits and re sealed has to be better , doesn't it ? Gaz.

**Hitcher** · 6th November 2007, 15:40

Mrs H got very excited by the prospect of competing in an endurance racing event, probably spurred by her past experiences with the Grand Challenge and a track day at Manfeild. Maybe there could be a 24-hour event?

**scrivy** · 6th November 2007, 20:09

Frosty, as per my Taupo Road Race Spectacular thread, I would love to see an endurance race happen at Taupo.
I think we need to talk it over, and see what we would need to do. I'm as keen as mustard to get it rolling!!

NZSRA - New Zealand Sidecar Racing Association is affiliated too.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...t=55904&page=2

I would even be keen to sponsor it too..........

**codgyoleracer** · 7th November 2007, 07:07

Hey Frosty , Maybe best to move this thread to a more open forum & get the day-to-day motorcyclists point of view also. (as many dont check out the race thread). After some time on line it may well be an impressive thread to present to a potential sponsor as a direct gauge of interest in the motorcyling community ?
There is a bunch of stuff to consider/discuss on this subject - but public support is what sponsors are really intersted in.

**denill** · 7th November 2007, 07:23

Vince Sharpe and Richard Driver staged a 6 hr (I think) production race at Pukekohe just a few years ago. They had considerable support from all the importers and they intended it to be an annual event - but that didn't eventuate.

But hey, my bum will be on a seat in Taupo if this one flies. It sure won't be there for another A1 bore session.

**denill** · 7th November 2007, 07:29

Originally Posted by denill

Vince Sharpe and Richard Driver staged a 6 hr (I think) production race at Pukekohe just a few years ago. They had considerable support from all the importers and they intended it to be an annual event - but that didn't eventuate.

A LINK to the "NZ Motorcycle Distributors 300":

**Goblin** · 7th November 2007, 07:30

Fantastic idea! I remember the 6 hour well. Does anyone remember Buster Saunders? Little legend he was.

**codgyoleracer** · 7th November 2007, 07:30

Originally Posted by denill

Vince Sharpe and Richard Driver staged a 6 hr (I think) production race at Pukekohe just a few years ago. They had considerable support from all the importers and they intended it to be an annual event - but that didn't eventuate.

But hey, my bum will be on a seat in Taupo if this one flies. It sure won't be there for another A1 bore session.

Vinces thing was to be a 300kay race, but revolved totally around TV coverage (as demanded by the key chosen sponsor). This couldnt be afforded - so it was canned.
Unless funding is underwritten in the first instance - it is possible that you would need to run the event for a few years (& gain in main only print media coverage, which is a lot easier to get) & build up the public & industry interest. Then when you have a "callender event to sell" the telly people become more convivial to negotiating lower costs of coverage with you a s they themselves can sell advertising spots within the event coverage & make their money back to a greater extent that way.

**timorang** · 7th November 2007, 07:44

20+ years ago I went to the castrol 6hr at Manfield (over several years) and it was always a good event that provided good racing a variety of bikes and riders, drama's along the way. If I recall correctly there was always a good crowd that were participative and entertaining. Bikes are back. There should be a strong following for such an event. Taupo would be best. Someone do it and I will be there to watch.

**slowpoke** · 7th November 2007, 08:23

Hmmmm, Hampton Downs is slated to be finished within 2 years of the start of construction which was February this year. A major motorcycle race could be a good drawcard for them and the palaver around opening a new track could be good for a proposed event and sponsorship exposure.
If they are on schedule then the end of the Nationals could fall nicely in line with track availability.

**denill** · 7th November 2007, 09:35

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Hmmmm, Hampton Downs is slated to be finished within 2 years of the start of construction which was February this year. A major motorcycle race could be a good drawcard for them and the palaver around opening a new track could be good for a proposed event and sponsorship exposure.
If they are on schedule then the end of the Nationals could fall nicely in line with track availability.

Worthy of merit. Does Hampton Downs feature much change of elevation in the track?

Personally, I am not a fan of the Taupo track and call me old fashioned but spectator wise, I would prefer the original Manfield circuit.

Am I in the minority here?