A tight street circuit lined with hay bales through a small town reverberating with the sounds of motorcycles ridden to the limit - the Wyndham Street Race was praised by competitors for capturing the spirit and excitement of grass-roots racing and paying tribute to the man who inspired the event.
Now in its third year, the street circuit is the culmination of the three-day Burt Munro Challenge, during which 748 entrants raced on Otatara beach, in sprint races at Teretonga, at Oreti Park Speedway, and through the small Southland town.
Organiser Garry Jamieson, of Invercargill, who also competed on a 1981 1000cc Moto Guzzi yesterday, said 248 riders took part, 70 more than last year.
Organisers estimated more than 6500 people attended yesterday.
"The biggest success was it was a real family day.
This is one of only five countries in the world where you can run street races like this and we are the only place silly enough to run five or so events at once so it really is unique," he said.
Masterton rider Jamie Galway enjoyed his first time on a street circuit, competing in the pre 1961 classic section.
Galway (19), the New Zealand open modified classics 2008 champion, said riding his (1961) 750cc Norton Atlas over the circuit was challenging, but operating the bike's right-hand gear change was good for his skills.
Christchurch mountain bike mechanic Keith McLeod (58) had a close battle with fellow "girder fork" riders on his 1928 AJS.
He said the 80-year-old rigid rear-ended bike was "skittery" on the uneven streets, and operating the gears change level by hand, often meant his "eyeballs rattled a bit".
McLeod's AJS was constructed out of parts he had spare, and runs a 500cc motor in a 350cc frame.
He cunningly stopped a leak in fuel tank solder with soap.
"It's really in the spirit of racing.
There are only a few girder fork bikes left racing now, and we love street circuits.
But the beach stuff scared me stiff."
Paul Carr of Auckland, had brought his 1962 BSA B40 to the event for the first time, and "couldn't understand why more don't riders don't have a go".
Christchurch rider Lee Munro set the fastest lap of the day at 40.829sec.
Munro's grandfather was a cousin of Burt Munro, but was not aware of the significance of the contribution he made to New Zealand motorcycle racing until 2005, when family told him about the history behind the film, The World's Fastest Indian.
But going fast on motorcycles must be hereditary.
"Mate, for me it's bikes, bikes, bikes.
I love the adrenaline, the speed, and the sensation when the rear wheel [of his 999S Ducati] starts to skip out under heavy braking into the corners."
The bike has clocked 276km on the Ruapuna circuit near Christchurch.
Munro said the event was his second street race, and he was pleased and surprised to win an F1 race before noon.
"Every time you take on a street circuit, whether you win or just finish, you learn something . . ."
Christchurch Motard rider Nigel Curtis has found a unique way to overcome limited use of his left arm, injured in a motocross accident.
The "Bandit Racing" rider has fitted a brake and clutch in front of the throttle of his 510cc KTM.
The South Island street events were an important part of the annual racing calender, andwere gaining popularity, he said.
Results. - Bears: Chris Huddlestone, Christchurch, 75pts, 1; Lee Munro, Christchurch, 66, 2; Stephen Wells 56, 3.
Super Motard 450: Malcolm Wells, Lower Hutt, 70, 1; Trevor Chapman, Christchurch, 69, 2; Brent Scammell, Winton 62, 3.
Pre 82: Chris McMeeken, Invercargill, 75, 1; Terry Galway, Masterton, 66, 2; Shane Livingstone, Invercargill, 56, 3.
Super Motards Open: Scott McMurray, Auckland, 75, 1; Gavin Veltmeyer, Auckland, 60, 2: Darcy Prendergast, Ashburton, 58, 3.
Formula 3: Eric De Boer, Westport, 75, 1; Richard Newbury, Geraldine, 64, 2; Bryan Hill, Ashburton, 60 points.
Pre 72 (over 350cc): Jamie Galway, Masterton, 75, 1; Colin Tate, Wanganui, 66, 2; Tony Campbell, Hawera, 60, 3.
Pre 72 (under 350cc): Rob Attrill, Christchurch, 69, 1; Shayne Worboys, Mosgiel, 64, 2; Ian McDonald, Tuakau, 62, 3.
Classic Pre 63: Jamie Galway, Masterton, 68, 1; Sid Chanoler, Te Anau, 67, 2.
Colin Tate, Wanganui, 64, 3.
Formula 2: Chris Huddlestone, Christchurch, 72, 1; Scott McMurray, Auckland, 69, 2; Aaron Scott Christchurch, 58, 3.
Formula 1: Lee Munro, Christchurch, 75, 1; Daniel McKenzie, Christchurch, 66, 2; Stephen Wells, Lower Hutt, 60, 3.
Girder Forks: Bill Veitch, Dunedin, 69, 1; Bryan O'Hara, Methven, 56, 2; Chris Frisken, Christchurch, 50, 3.
