By Since first running in 1951, the ‘Southern Hemisphere’s Isle of Man’ the Cemetery Circuit races has played a crucial role in driving popularity, interest in pure road racing across New Zealand.
Over the past ten years, there has been many a star roads name travelling to the Whanganui based meeting including most recent Robert Holden Memorial feature race winners, Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper.
Hickman (48.817), Cooper (48.705) are respectively the current fifth, fourth quickest event exponents in history.
The three racers who have registered better lap times than the world’s fastest road racer and multi National Superstock 1000 Champion are Scott Moir (48.525), Ashcourt Racing’s Damon Rees (48.468) and outright lap record holder Mitch Rees (48.370).
Others to record sub 50 second lap times during the modern era include:
Tony Rees (49.052), 2017 TT Privateers Champion Horst Saiger (49.055), Daniel Mettam (49.168), Buildbase Suzuki pilot at TT 2019 Jay Lawrence (49.218).
Back to back Steve Henshaw Gold Cup winner Lee Johnston (49.269), Shane Richardson (49.308), Hayden Fitzgerald (49.523).
Andrew Stroud (49.546), Jared Love (49.959), Richard Dibben (49.453), rising talent Zak Fuller (49.628) and Sloan ‘Chopper’ Frost (49.687).
Famous racers to as yet not dip under the 50 seconds barrier, during their NZ road racing ventures include:
19 times TT winner Michael Dunlop (50.578), Guy Martin (50.680), Conor Cummins (50.804), Roman Stamm (51.487) and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Champion Rennie Scaysbrook (51.526).
Fingers crossed all goes to plan and the Cemetery Circuit races return in style next year, as the saying goes, what else would you do on Boxing Day?.
Personal best lap times located near racers name
Photo credit: Craig Dawson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
