Commentary On Competition

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33069, 9 November 1972, Page 18

Commentary On Competition

In the short time that the former New Zealand scrambles champion, A. Collison (Tauranga), has been racing production road motor-cycles he has established himself among the top men in this form of competition. However, he intends to continue to place his chief emphasis on scrambling and is keen to win the inaugural A grade Suzuki-New Zealand championship this season. “Road racing is just a sideline,” he said during a visit to Christchurch for last Sunday’s Guy Fawkes meeting at Ruapuna Park. “I decided to have a go at production racing because it looked a lot of fun. And, of course, it helps my motor-cycle business.”

Collison finished runnerup to the brilliant Christchurch production racer, O. Galbraith, in the 30 minute production race last Sunday and sixth in the 40-lap open racing class event. In this latter event he rode for the last quarter-of-an-hour without a rear brake, dropping

back through the field after holding fourth position with more than half the distance covered. He rode the same standard 750 Kawasaki threecylinder machine in both races. In scramble events this summer, Collison will again use a 380 C.Z. Unfortunately, he will not be a regular visitor to Christchurch now that he has moved north from Palmerston North. “It is a little too far from Tauranga,” he said. Nevertheless, he will be racing for the North in the annual inter-island scramble to be held this season in Canterbury by the Corsair club. # ❖ ❖ The talented Dunedin

road racer, J. D. Landrebe (350 Yamsei), has his sights set on the New Zealand 350 c.c. road racing championship series this season. And if the manner in which he led the 40-lap feature race at Ruapuna last Sunday was any indication of his form, he must be in with a chance. Back in New Zealand after a season racing in England, Landrebe has no plans for any further overseas trips. But he considers that the time he was in England was well spent. “I had to ride harder than I had ever done before. I am sure I am riding better now than before I went away.” « # * The experienced Christchurch road racer, K. J. McCleary, was unable to start in any of the races at the Guy Fawkes meeting last Sunday. The 750 Kawasaki racer which he had borrowed from M. Gibbons was sidelined when the gearbox failed during practice. The front brake was also giving trouble and McCleary contented himself with acting as pit crew for the Hamilton racer, T. Discombe. sis * * The leader of the American works Suzuki racing team, R. Grant, has written to the New Zealand Suzuki distributors, Percy Coleman, Ltd, indicating that he would like to compete in the Dominion this summer. Since his last visit some years ago, the standard in New Zealand has risen sharply and Grant might not have things all his own way. However, there is no guarantee that he will come. This will depend on whether acceptable financial arrangements can be agreed.