It’s been an interesting time with a lot of healthy debate over rules for the future regarding premier road race classes.

I’ve been told by some Distributors and team manager that the ideas I suggested to cut costs were excellent and sensible. I’ve also been told by others that if riders had to race 600’s in near standard trim it would be dangerous.

I am an instructor for Track Time advance rider training that the Auckland motorcycle club runs. I get to ride a lot of new 600’s and 1000’s provided by the distributors. I can still punt a bike pretty fast around Pukekohe. I held lap records in many classes in the 80’s and 90’s around Pukekohe so when I get told that if the riders had to race these bikes in 10-15 lap sprint races it would be dangerous; I think to my self what a lot of BS. Not surprising most of the people who have said this to me are making a living out of selling performance parts to racers.

My job is to grow the sport and make it accessible to more people. I don’t want to see it turning into a rich man's sport and cheque book racing.

If the 600’s were standard other than a tail pipe dealers might be tempted to supply local riders a bike to represent their dealership as they use too in the past. Or supply one at their cost which could be around $11K or $12K to get profile for their shops.

At the moment it’s got to be double that expense to be completive at close to $30K. Plus hours of work and expertise to get the modified package working better than standard. Where is the logic in this as we speed towards a world wide recession? Some times it’s hard not to get frustrated when you see grids half what they could be.

Look at MX it’s booming. Why? Because it’s affordable. We get 350 kids turning up at the Nationals trying to qualify because it’s $6K for an 85cc bike and $10K for a 250 at retail and they're in the game on a bike that could win.

Currently on the MNZ Web site suggested rules for two premier classes in 2010 are up for comment. This is YOUR chance to make submissions.

If you are happy with what you read, write to your MNZ Commissioner supporting what is offered. If you are not and want to voice your views now is the time to do so. Please quote your membership number when you write to us.

I personally would like the cost to come down in the open class as well. I do believe that with the 1000cc machines there is more need for suspension upgrades. As I have previously suggested open rear shock, internal front fork mods and a steering damper. The engines should remain standard other than a tail pipe which would cap them at around 160 bhp at the rear wheel. The costs are running away and the fields are shrinking. It’s time to stop and rethink what we are doing.

What I am suggesting works really well overseas with super stock classes in Australia providing outstanding racing. We need to think about using performance treaded tyres that once used can be re used on road bikes instead of a mountain of used slicks that cost to dispose off.

Let’s grow this sport by getting the cost under control. It’s about affordable, close racing in these tough economic times.

Yours in motorcycling

Paul Pavletich

CEO MNZ

07 828 7852

021 556 416

www.mnz.co.nz