McCleary Spreads Sponsorship

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31775, 4 September 1968, Page 17

McCleary Spreads Sponsorship

(By Our Motor-Cycling Reporter) One of the biggest problems in any motor sport is finance and motor-cycle road racing in New Zealand is no exception. However, the continued interest of the former New Zealand senior grand prix champion, T. R. McCleary, jun., ensures that at least a few riders have machines suitable to their ability.

In the last two seasons McCleary has concentrated on one rider, R. Clarke, but this year he plans to spread his sponsorship over at least four riders in varying degrees. Clarke has retired, and the rider chosen to carry the main McCleary banner is the little Christchurch road racer, K. Hanham. Hanham, who finished third equal with K. McCleary in the New Zealand 250 c.c. road racing series last season, will have a choice of two lightj weight machines throughout ithe season. One will be a water-cooled 250 c.c. Spanish Bultaco, j which will probably be used {for the faster circuits such as Wigram and Pukekohe, and a race-knitted 250 c.c.- air-

cooled Japanese T2O Suzuki twin for the tight circuits. These two machines will be provided and maintained by McCleary. One of the most successful motor-cycle racing mechanics in the country, Mr J. Banks, will prepare both machines throughout the sea. son and may accompany Hanham on the South Island section of the national circuit. McCleary also intends to attend all the main South Island events and take a personal interest in his riders. The other three riders who will receive assistance from McCleary are the experienced campaigner, I. McGregor, and two fine young prospects, P. Armstrong and N. Duncan. All three will race Japanese 250 c.c. Suzuki machines.

McGregor Is building his own machine in McCleary’s workshop. He will prepare the machine himself but McCleary will supply any parts he requires. The machine is now beginning to take shape and McGregor hopes that it will be capable of speeds well in excess of 100 miles an hour even on relatively short straights. Armstrong, who finished fourth in the national Rothmans championship last season, showed exceptional promise and expects to have his Suzuki going even faster in (he approaching season. Duncan’s machine was in stock trim last season but he has since bought a full factory race kit and should be

very competitive in the future.

his way of paying some of it back.

McCleary, who won the New Zealand senior grand prix a record four times in succession before retiring at the end of 1966, said yester. day that he regarded Hanham as a rider of considerable potential. “He has showed signs of brilliance at different times but poor maintenance has held him back.” He forecast that the 250 c.c. class would be a great spectacle in the coming season. “I wish I were 10 years younger and 201 b lighter," he said. “I would love to have a go.” Asked for his reasons for sponsoring riders, McCleary said that he had had a lot out of motor-cycling and this was

“I haven’t the time to dig toilet holes and knock in stakes or to take an administrative interest in the sport. By sponsoring riders I can help myself by publicising my business and help someone else,” he said. In previous years he has been mainly associated with big 500 c.c. machines and his debut with light-weight racers will be watched with interest. They will be fast and competitive, even in the bigger capacity classes. The photograph shows McCleary trying out McGregor’s new 250 c.c. road racer for size. McGregor is replacing a spark plug.