If you want to be the best, it pays to be coached by the best and that’s just what is being offered in the lead-up to the Mike Pero MotoFest at Hampton Downs in just two weeks’ time.

The Pirelli Legends Rider Clinic and track day, set for Thursday, February 28, and hosted by Kiwi international bike legend Simon Crafar, is the perfect warm-up to the big Mike Pero MotoFest event at the North Waikato track on the weekend of March 2-3.

MotoFest promises excellence on all fronts, with leading riders from across the entire motorcycling spectrum, all coming together for a spectacular two days of action at Hampton Downs, a weekend that will also feature the third round of five in the 2019 New Zealand Superbike Championships.

Crafar, who is now globally renowned for his comprehensive and insightful rider training, along with several other MotoFest legends, will host rider clinics two days before the event proper, a great opportunity for those wanting to hone their skills on track and learn about bike set-up, maintenance, sponsorship, media and all other aspects of the sport. 

Crafar – co-ordinating with fellow international motorcycling stars Graeme Crosby, Aaron Slight, Paul Treacy, Kevin Magee, Stu Avant, Steve Parrish, Chris Vermeulen and Karel Pavich – will run a number of workshops throughout the day and riders will have access to the international circuit to put into practice what they have learned.

Crafar said he was definitely looking forward to MotoFest.

“The organisers have gone to great lengths to put many very experienced people together in one place, which rarely happens, really only once in a blue moon. I’m talking about legends of our sport, some I haven’t seen for a decade or more. I look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends which is always a result of this type of event,” said Crafar. “Regarding the classes I’ll be doing for riders on February 28, I’ve put together the information I believe suits each level of rider and will explain in detail how best to apply each skill. I also like some interaction in the classroom – that’s when I get to find out what skills people are struggling with the most.”

Riders are guaranteed at least five 15-minute sessions on the track. In between track sessions, they will attend all of the various clinics being offered, to be conducted in a suite or garage.

All riders will also get a complimentary copy of Simon Crafar’s Motovudu DVD/memory stick.

The clinics are:

1.      Riding fast – Motovudu style with Simon Crafar
2.      Making it to the top – Graeme Crosby and Aaron Slight
3.      Bike set-up tips – Paul Treacy, Kevin Magee and Stu Avant
4.      Media & Life After Racing – Steve Parrish & Chris Vermeulen
5.      Rider Safety – Karel Pavich, Pro Rider

The price is $349 per person for the day.

Crosby said he was thrilled to be a part of the MotoFest Legends Clinic.

“After last year’s inaugural MotoFest, this year’s event is promising to be bigger and better,” said Crosby. “Apart from Kiwis being treated to a full line-up of the highly competitive national championship races, I am excited to be part of the Legends section within MotoFest. We will have a display of bikes rarely seen in this part of the world. These will be a line-up of bikes that I have raced during the 1980’s, including a 1981 Factory Suzuki 500cc XR35, my old XR69 GS1000 plus two Moriwaki Kawasaki bikes courtesy of both Steve Wheatman and Chris Wilson, from the UK. He will also have on display a 1980 RSC1000 Factory FI Honda, so it’s going to be a busy weekend. However, living this far away from all the MotoGP action has not meant ordinary Kiwis miss out on the action because Simon Crafar, a true legend, is bringing a Motovudu race training program to Hampton Downs. That’s an opportunity not to be missed.”

For more information on the Mike Pero MotoFest weekend, go to www.hamptondowns.com

Words by Andy McGechan

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