PIC: ROSSI'S NEW DUCATI GP12 UNVEILED AT SEPANG

New 1000cc Era ready to get underway in Sepang, Malaysia

The MotoGP testing schedule gets underway on Tuesday January 31st until Thursday February 2nd at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The first winter test of the 2012 season heralds a new era of MotoGP with the introduction of the new 1000cc machines in the premier class.

While the teams and riders prepare themselves for the three-day test at the track where Marco Simoncelli tragically lost his life in a racing incident less than five months ago, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on the Ducati Marlboro team and its heavily anticipated all-new GP12 machine. The Italian manufacturer has worked through the winter to produce the 1000cc bike for factory riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden.

37 POINTS IS NOT INSURMOUNTABLE FOR BENTLEY

Bentley Chases Bryan Hill at Timaru
Pic: Andrew Bright

Wellingtonian Dean Bentley on his SV650 Suzuki will be a fierce contender on the Pro Twin grid at the remaining two rounds of the New Zealand Superbike Championship in March .  




Bentley is currently sitting in second place in the series with 149 points , behind Bryan Hill who has 186 points and is confident on closing the gap using his experience on the more familiar North Island tracks.

Bentley admits doing the the South Island rounds for the first time was a huge learning curve for him, knowing only some of his fellow competitor’s abilities, learning the tracks in a very short amount of time whilst setting up the different gearing and suspension requirements which each track demanded and some fast tyre changing due to constant changeable weather conditions seeing him getting to the grid with only seconds to spare. “ At times it was stressful,  I have to thank Robert Taylor and Dennis Shaw from Kiwi Suspension Solutions for all of their help with technical advice and assistance, as well as Nick Southerwood who is one of my rivals and Superlite championship leader Glen Williams, for all their knowledge and support during each round, it’s been fantastic” Bentley says

The New Zealand TT - An event for the whole family.

Stroud leads Hampton ,Ross and Frost at Teretonga
Pic:Andrew Bright Championship Digital

The New Zealand TT (Tourist Trophy Races) which also includes the 4th round of the 2012 New Zealand  Superbike Championship will be held at  Hampton Downs Raceway on  Saturday March 17th/Sunday March 18th. Hampton Downs is the country's newest racing circuit located on state highway one between Auckland and Hamilton.

The event is being promoted and organised by the Auckland Motorcycle Club Inc who plan on making this a full on family event, catering for the children and the wife's/partners of the petrol heads.  

For the youngsters (Under 15's who will have free entry if accompanied by an adult) there will be a range of activities supplied by Cambridge company 'Event Fun' they will be bringing  surf board challenges, mazes and yet to be confirmed one of the biggest slides in the southern hemisphere , along with  a face painting artist and more. The emphasis for the spectator being on fun. In addition a  range of craft stalls from local artists within the North Island displaying and selling their work as well as trade/dealer/accessories stands from the motorcycle industry and stands from others displaying their business's wares from specialist camera suppliers, camping gear to tool suppliers and so much more.