By 72 years since race first took place on the Cemetery Circuit, another top draw, high-class entry will embark upon New Zealand’s most acclaimed, active roads circuit.
Foremost favourites for the coveted Robert Holden Memorial feature race crown, include lap record holder Mitch Rees.
Dominant last year, the Honda powered pilot knows his capabilities at the Southern Hemisphere’s Isle of Man and the opposition is only to aware that faultless, near perfect displays will be needed to dethrone him.
Father, event legend Tony Rees, might now be considered a racing veteran but his performances at the opening Suzuki International Series in Conjunction with the New Zealand Superbike series rounds, show that the drive, ambition, hunger for wins remains in bucket loads.
An eighth Robert Holden Memorial feature race success in sub four days’ time? Don’t be surprised.
Lots of focus is also guaranteed to be on notable NZ streets first-timer, 2019 IRRC Superbike Champion, 2022 King of The Roads Champion, triple Northwest 200 winner Davey Todd.
Astride the M1 Motorsport BMW for the big bike races, Todd is also looking forward to racing Suzuki tackle in the Supermoto races alongside main sponsor, anticipated class front-runner Richie Dibben.
Bolstering the entry with additional star quality include 2022 feature race runner-up, Rogan Chandler, Jordan Burley, former UK National Superstock Championship runner-up Shane Richardson, Jesse Stroud.
Daniel Mettam, Scott Moir, Morgan McLaren Wood, Luca Durning, Dennis Charlett, Shanon Dellow, Sloan ‘Chopper’ Frost.
Sidecar aces Adam Unsworth/Bryce Rose, Barry Smith/Stu Dawe, Taupo’s Chris Lawrance/Richard Lawrance, Spike Taylor/Kendal Dunlop, and local heroes Peter Dowman/Lucy Dowman.
In total 19 races are set to take place on Boxing Day with F1 Superbike, F2 Supersport, yesteryear solo, Sidecars modern & classic, Formula Sport, Super Twin, Super Moto, Supersport 300 class exponents each having two race stints.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
