A Man with the Answers
Get Yourself a New Challenge for 2011
Road-Racing Challenge
Ever wanted to have a go at road racing but lacked 1. the bike and 2. the know how about exactly how to get started ? Well, Graeme Billinghurst is the man with the answers.
“Billy”, as he is known, is passionate about road racing and races a CBR250 multi cylinder and a Formula 3 bike himself. However, his current big focus is getting riders onto bikes, onto the racing scene and, in particular, onto a bike to compete in the Pro-Lite 250cc Production class. This is a new racing class that will be on the start line at each round of the 2011 National Road Racing Champs Series starting in January.
Some of you will remember the Street Stock 150 class that started up in the 90s and the enormous fun riders of all ilk, size, age and experience had on the RG150s and KR150s that were plentiful back then. The restrictions on the machinery meant that the emphasis was on rider performance and not on mechanical modifications or dollars spent. That class was extremely popular at club rounds throughout the country but never managed to acquire the MNZ “homologated” status that meant it could be part of a National Series.
The ProLite 250 class offers the same fun and level-playing-field starting point as the Street Stock 150s but this time, the class has been homologated. When the minimum of six 250cc production bikes line up on the grid for Round 1, there is the added bonus of a NZ title up for grabs.
So where does “Billy” fit into the picture?
“Billy” has the bikes. In fact he has a small fleet of race-prepped Hyosung 250s looking for riders. He is trying to make it easier for young and not so young people to get into road racing. By leasing out his bikes, he allows potential riders to have a “taster” ride or rides, to dip their toe in the water, before they decide to invest seriously in the sport.
For $350 per round, you get a fully competitive, race ready machine, built to fit the class and delivered to the track with slip on muffler, fibreglass fairings & race compound tyres, dot approved. And Billy is there too, to give you tips and advice. (Frankly, it’s cheap at the price.) The rider pays his/her own entry fee as well and for any crash damage. Billy looks after the rest - brake pads, chains and other consumables and a full service between rounds. A special price can be discussed for a complete series.
“All the bikes are painted in black primer,” says Billy. “This provides a blank canvas should a rider get some sponsorship money to help out with the cost.” “It’s also easier to do touch ups, if required,” he adds.
Billy’s lease system is proving popular. He has riders, both male and female (eg Rachel Price and Sarah Elliot), from Auckland to the Manawatu. He does have one bike left that is available for the National Series but several for the Club rounds at Taupo, Manfield and Auckland or for track days.
If are interested, the contact details for Billy are on www.racefairings.co.nz
Have a go, it's worth it.
