New Trophy class proving popular

NZSBK promoter Mike Marsden is pleased with the uptake.

"Track day riders especially have welcomed the new class, which features its own grid at rounds one, three and four. 

"They will also be slotted into the programme at round 2, the Burt Munro Challenge," Marsden says.

"Up to 10 riders will contest round one and we have 14 registered to race in the two North Island rounds."

Marsden says the new class has attracted a mixture of riders not ready or wanting to contest the Superbike and Superport 600 championships but looking to enjoy a competitive track experience among equals.

Lap times will be strictly monitored to ensure equality on the grid.

"It's a great concept and it's still not too late to enter round 1, and certainly not too late get their name down for rounds three and four.

"We welcome all and what better way to be part of a championship series," Marsden says.

The man driving the concept, class co-ordinator John Webster is enthusiastic about the entry numbers.

"I wanted to see more guys on the grid but lining up without feeling threatened by fast championship racers," Webster says.

"It's a nice format, especially for guys who have not raced before."

He is hopeful it will encourage more track day riders to come out and enjoy racing among their peers.

"We need to get more people on the track."

He believes it could be the start of a great entry level competition for those older riders with bigger bikes.

It could also lead to seeing some rare race bikes not usually seen in the Superbike and Supersport Championship line-ups.

Webster, who will be racing his Aprilia RSV4, hopes the class will encourage entries from more owners of exotic bikes.

He cites the example of early entrant Queenstowner Mark Tylden and his Ducati V4R.

Caption:

Image 1: New Superbike Supersport Trophy Category Manager, John Webster in action at MotoFest last year on his 2017 Aprilia RSV4, is looking forward to contesting the podium spots among peers this season.