Them damn Yankee's are a comin' Yeee Hawww!

[oyster]

4 years ago, before the young ones in Streetstock were a support class in the South Island Nationals there were about 15 nervously lined up as a demonstration class at Teretonga. (This is where this Junior RR movement started). They looked in awe at this big championship meeting with all it's famous riders. So we put a little flyer around all the riders and teams to encourage them to just go up to any of these kids and just "say hello".
As far as I know, only one person made the effort. Brian Bernard. He and KC welcolmed the group into the team area at lunchtime for a great presentation all about the team, the bikes and what a valued inspiration it was to these youngsters. So Brian was the first to show an interest, and still remains a helpful supporter. Of course the second was Shaun Harris. A few weekls later I overheard him on the Ruapuna pit wall saying to someone, "I'm out here spotting young talent" (riders that is...)
A big thanks to you BOTH

[slowpoke]

.
I know Brian is trying to talk the place up to get these guys down here but statements like this are just completely misleading:
"Yamaha NZ team owner Brian Bernard, who raced against Sadowski Sr. and Vlasblom in America for 8 years, tells me it's extremely competitive, with nearly all the top riders in the South Pacific competing in it."

Midge Smart from the UK is riding Sam's R6 from last year. Then you've got Chris Seaton, pretty good auzzie. Possibly Scott Charlton again and then the likes of Jay Lawrence, Chris Sucich, Nick Cole and the likes. I would by no means class that as second rate.

I just see on roadracingworld.com that Damien Cudlin is coming over to ride for Brian in place of Scott Charlton apparently.

I am by no means denigrating anyones effort or talent but I'm afraid Chris Seaton and Scott Charlton are not the best in the South Pacific. No, I'm not calling them second rate but in the cold hard light of day, minus the nationalistic fervour, Chris finished the Aussie supersport season in 8th place. Scott won the Nakedbike class but this is a support class without any of the top level riders competing. Top 10 results and support class championships are great but it's a long way from "nearly all the top riders in the South Pacific".
Damian Cudlin on the other hand is definitely a top level rider, with some solid Australian and International results for his young age. He's been here before as a youngster so he knows what he's in for.
I just worry that the Ski boys will being coming here under a false impression. If it was me (yeah, right) I'd rather have someone be straight up with me, not blow sunshine up my arse and then be disappointed at the situation I find myself in.
Hey, we'll wait and see how it goes......fingers crossed they like our beer rather than that Bud shite.

[BarryG]

It sounds to me the press release is aimed in a marketing/sponsorship direction - hyperbole not in short supply, in other words! It's the American way, after all.
I'd have to believe the Sadowski boys have some sort of idea of the reality - but if they're on the roads at Wanganui or Paeroa (will they be, I wonder?) they'll not be prepared for that sort of reality!
I went to the last round at Puke earlier this year, and have to say the quality of racing was excellent, and just because you're from Oz or America or Britain doesn't mean to say you'll be as quick or determined as the locals. No cherry picking opportunities, that's for sure.
I hope they have a good time - they seem like regular blokes, like the old man - he's a bit of a card. I think you'll enjoy them.
Cheers
Barry