- Graeme Crosby confirmed for the NZSBK Ruapuna opener
- Legends Garage line-up expands with riders, authors and photographers
- Yamaha YZR500 Grand Prix bikes to be displayed alongside modern NZSBK racing
The Star Insure NZSBK season opener at Ruapuna is shaping up as more than just Round One. It’s becoming a celebration of New Zealand motorcycle racing, in all its forms.
The Legends Garage at the NZSBK Ruapuna opener grows again, with Graeme Crosby and more Kiwi racing icons confirmed for January 31–February 1.
The opening round of the Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship at Ruapuna is already shaping up as one of the most significant motorsport weekends of the summer, and the Legends Garage continues to grow with the addition of some of the biggest names in New Zealand motorcycle racing.
Headlining the latest confirmations is Graeme Crosby, who will join the Legends Garage at Ruapuna across January 31–February 1. Crosby, one of New Zealand’s most successful international racers, is currently touring the South Island on a golfing safari with wife Helen, but will park up the campervan to be part of the NZSBK season opener.
“Between the Legends Garage, historic GP machinery and modern superbike racing, Ruapuna is shaping up as one of the most significant NZSBK openers in years.”
Crosby’s appearance adds further weight to a Legends Garage concept that has already generated strong interest, combining historic machinery, iconic riders and a tangible link to New Zealand’s racing past — all alongside modern superbike competition.
More racing history on display
Joining Crosby in the Legends Garage will be former production racing hard charger Peter Waters of Timaru, along with respected author and BRM contributor Kerry Swanson, and long-time motorsport photographer Brian Hopping.
A strong Canterbury flavour will also be present, with Christchurch identities Lindsay Williamson, Jungle McGregor and Wayne Graves all confirmed to attend, each bringing bikes from their own racing pasts to display.
Their inclusion builds on what is already a formidable line-up of legends confirmed for the opening round.
A fitting backdrop for a landmark weekend
As previously reported by BRM, the Legends Garage will also feature a number of historically significant machines, including a pair of Yamaha YZR500 Grand Prix bikes that have recently been restored to track-ready condition. Those bikes will be overseen by Paul Treacy, who joins an already stacked list of confirmed legends including Aaron Slight, Stu Avant, Mike Sinclair, Paul McLachlan, Owen Galbraith and Mike Pero.
With Ruapuna already confirmed as host of a motorcycle legends showcase and historic machinery displays — including the celebrated YZR500 and Britten stories — the Legends Garage adds another layer to what is fast becoming a must-attend event for race fans.
More than just racing
The opening round at Ruapuna Raceway isn’t just about the on-track action. Between the Legends Garage, historic bikes, rider appearances and modern NZSBK racing, the weekend offers fans a rare chance to see New Zealand’s motorcycling past and present collide in one place.
For long-time supporters of the sport, it’s a chance to reconnect with the riders and machines that helped shape Kiwi road racing. For newer fans, it’s an opportunity to understand just how deep New Zealand’s racing heritage runs — all while watching the current generation battle it out on track.
Event Info
Event: Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship – Round 1
When: January 31 – February 1
Where: Ruapuna Raceway, Christchurch
Feature: Legends Garage with historic bikes and racing icons
Tickets: www.nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz/iconicmotorbikesgp
