BIKETIQUE KILLARNEY ALL BIKE RACE DAY - Posted: 09/12/2009

The WPMC will be hosting its annual ALL BIKE RACE DAY at Killarney on Wednesday 16th December 2009 with racing action from 10am till 6pm.

Racing attractions include the Regional Main Circuit Motorcycle racers competing on various class’s such as the Classics, Vintage, Powersport, BOTTS, 800 Cup and an All Comers race for the Superbikes. Our Short Circuit Racing 150cc class will also join promising close action packed racing. There is also a “Breakfast Run” race class for anyone who has never held a Main Circuit Motorcycle competition licence before, this gives street bikers a chance of being in a race on their own. The day will end off with a 2 hour endurance race while other attractions will include a wheelie competition, some stunts as well as some parades during the lunch break. The lunch break will also include a scooter demo. Various exhibitors will be promoting their products and food vendors will operate from the pit facility while a great sit down meal and bar facility will be available in the upstairs part of the WPMC clubhouse located near the subway.

Enduro World is hosting the first ever Adventure bike trail at Killarney on the MX circuit and surrounding dirt roads. For more info on this contact Richard at Enduro World on 083 777 4096.

Prize giving will be in the WPMC clubhouse one hour after the last race and we will be lighting some fires as all are welcome to braai and use the facility adding to the atmosphere.

Admission is only R40 per adults, under 16 pay R10 while under 12 enter free of charge. Gates open at 7am with the first practice from 8am.

RACING INFO FOR COMPETITORS:

All entries will be required to have a valid 2009 MSA licence. Entries will be accepted until 1pm on Monday 14th December whereby after that the R100 late penalty fee will apply. For entry forms, SR’s and timetable please visit www.wpmc.co.za or contact the WPMC office on 021 557-1639.

“BREAKFAST RUN” RACE INFO FOR COMPETITORS:

This event is open to any biker that has never had a Main Circuit Motorcycle MSA licence. Dispensation has been granted by MSA for the sale of a R100 ONE EVENT licence for these competitors and the medical cover is optional – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED or your own medical cover for high risk sports (MSA office 021 556-1026). Sun 13th Dec is a WPMC Suzuki South Motorcycle Track day (9am till 1pm) FREE of charge for those that have entered the Breakfast Run race and there will be some tips and instructions on hand for these competitors. The entry fee for the Breakfast Run race is R400 making the total experience only R500 including a track day.

MOTORCYCLE HISTORY

Motorcycle racing had a large following in South Africa during the late seventies and early eighties due to the increasing vogue of motorcycles following the oil crises of the time. In the mid-eighties, oil got cheaper and motorcycles became less popular. Up to this point, there were strong provincial and national racing programs. Thereafter, motorcycle racing died in Cape Town and diminished around the country.

Early in 1991, a group of enthusiasts led by a local motorcycle shop, got together and held a "riding school" to encourage track racing as opposed to the dangerous "breakfast runs" which take place on the local passes.

From this first school, a three-race series was held to measure rider's enthusiasm for the real thing. This series was very successful, with 30 riders on the grid for the first race. In 1992 a club championship was started. The growth in the Section lead to the formation of a Regional Championship in 1996.

Part of the success of our Section must be attributed to the "run what you brung" formula. Over the years the most astonishing machines have been raced at Killarney. However, the advent of "grey" bikes has seen an upsurge in the popularity of the 400cc class. These wonderful little machines now represent 50% of the grid and they hold a championship within the regional series.

Competitors with more money available to them race 600cc or larger machines. Different motorcycles have different strengths and consequently, the variety at Killarney means lots of overtaking, which is the essence of exciting racing.

Since 1992, we have used the "time-based" formula for deciding the classes (A to D), into which competitors are placed. This method combines the talents of the riders with the capability of their machines to fit the combination into a lap-time slot. As they improve, they are able to move from one class to another. After each race, riders are awarded points for position in their class. At the end of the season, Motorsport South Africa declares the rider with the most points Regional Champion. Individual Class Champions are declared by the Section.

The Motorcycle Section has grown in strength from the early days when we had to telephone each other for encouragement and assist in repairing bikes just to make the minimum requirement for the grid. The smallest number of entrants on the grid in the past year was 32 riders and our average for this season was 37 riders. We now offer exhilarating and colourful racing which is very popular amongst the spectators, as evidenced by the number of telephone calls the WPMC receives requesting motorcycle race times on a race day.