State of Superbike in NZ

**Shaun P** · 15th August 2008, 16:08

With comments from Mr Shirriffs on Speed TV about not being able competitive on superbike and when he is one of the front runners how is anyone else going to be? Where does that leave the series if people of his caliber are turning away from the class? It is normally only a 2 or 3 horse race these days, are there any ways to fix it thru regs/control tyre etc??

**Sketchy_Racer** · 15th August 2008, 17:59

There's not a big enough sponsorship 'pool' in NZ to support a bunch of true fully equiped Superbike teams. It's the way the cookie crumbles. Every day it gets harder for job blog to get out there on a older bike and be comeditive if they are a awesome rider. It is becoming quite a bit more machine focused with more tyre technology and suspension tech. Don't get me wrong, it's not by any means taking away from the riders, they have huge skill, but even huge skill can't compensate for a 'budget' team anymore imo

**svr** · 15th August 2008, 19:39

125s, protwins, 600 production, 600 supersport, open superstock.

**kickingzebra** · 15th August 2008, 19:49

Originally Posted by Sketchy_Racer

There's not a big enough sponsorship 'pool' in NZ to support a bunch of true fully equiped Superbike teams.

If you say so...

I agree trimming down regs is a great idea, control tyres is a BS idea in NZ, flag that.
In saying that, cutting down the amount of tyres we are allowed to use simply levels the field out, as the non pointy guys run shagged tires anyway.

Think twice before dismissing F classes out of hand though, eg aftermarket valve trains, how much does an engine rebuild generally cost when stockers let go at 2500 kms, because the valve train can't handle the stress? who of the broken arsed riders out there can afford to strip down and check/adjust valve clearances every 5 - 10 hours?
Simple titanium springs etc cuts the maintenance interval by a large factor, for a premium price of under a grand. pays for itself in no time.

**CHOPPA** · 15th August 2008, 21:04

600 sp is looking mean this year!

A few fast guys i can think of....

Craig Sherriffs
Jarad Love
Sam Smith
Nick Cole
Sadowskis...?
Dennis Charlett
James Smith
Scotty Moir
Johnny Burkhart
Jay Lawrence
Midge Smart
Jason Hulme
Kyle Key?
Chris Sucich
Karl Morgan

Those are just the guys i can think of and i dont know any of the s/i guys! Pretty much on the right day any of those riders could be battling for the lead, Superbikes aint lookin so bad!!

**kickingzebra** · 15th August 2008, 21:25

And Me!
me like racing.

**CHOPPA** · 15th August 2008, 22:08

haha yeah man theres plenty more! Id be keen to see everyone thats intending racing 600s this year its gonna be tough!

**kickingzebra** · 15th August 2008, 22:29

is gonna be a larf alright,
see what happens with superbike though, still the usual die hards going at it, but what fresh meat can we see?

As to the general costs, thinking about it, why on earth should racing be a bastion of communism, and be fair and even for both those with and those without money? hell, everywhere else, he with money wins, why should we try and swim against the tide?

For the average NZer, pray tell, what is the difference between $40,000 to run a cheap 600 and $80,000 to run a cheap thousand? it is all more money than they will hope to spend in the year.

I am lucky that I share costs with others for my ride, buts lets be sensible here, we just need to figure out how to inject more money into the game for the broke out there.

**brads** · 16th August 2008, 10:16

Giday all,this season is shaping up to be a good one,cant indulge just yet but have heard some rather tasty rumours of riders changing brands etc,silly season in NZ has started.

**bistard** · 16th August 2008, 10:22

Originally Posted by brads

Giday all,this season is shaping up to be a good one,cant indulge just yet but have heard some rather tasty rumours of riders changing brands etc,silly season in NZ has started.

Tell us more!! you cant come on here & tease us like that,its just not
fair

**Matt Bleck** · 16th August 2008, 10:49

The sport needs to get better coverage on the TV I reckon. NZ street races seem to draw the punters along, maybe if NZ had a NW 200 / Ulster GP type race where top speeds are reaching 180-200mph in the 1000 class's and death is but a moment away, then maybe the big NZ networks would be interested in some decent coverage.

The other thing that I think is adding to the lack of support, is there is no kiwi's in the WSBK or MotoGP, sure we have Anstey doing well in the UK Road Racing but that seems to be over looked by NZ sports media......

**scrivy** · 16th August 2008, 10:49

Originally Posted by brads

Giday all,this season is shaping up to be a good one,cant indulge just yet but have heard some rather tasty rumours of riders changing brands etc,silly season in NZ has started.

Get outta the closet brad..... tell us more....

**brads** · 16th August 2008, 10:58

Gee guys love to tell you more,but you know the saying,"if I told ya............"

**Maido** · 16th August 2008, 11:45

i hear that Brad Self guy is gunna be riding a Cagiva sponsored by Cadbury Chocolate, the only catch is he has to wear the Gorilla suit and play druns inbetween races.