Avant to race in Indonesia

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33534, 15 May 1974, Page 26

Avant to race in Indonesia

(By

R. O. DEW)

S. Avant (Christchurch), winner of the 1974 New Zealand senior and junior titles, is to compete in the Indonesian international grand prix at Djakarta next month.

And although he has not previously visited SouthEast Asia, his chances of success are good. Avant will be fully sponsored by Tommy’s Suzuki Centre, Ltd, on a new threecylinder Suzuki 750 liquidcooled racer, identical to the 180 miles-an-hour machines which performed with such promise at this year’s Daytona 200 classic. Strong prospect Avant, aged 19, and one of the finest road racing prospects in the country, hopes to take delivery in Indonesia and afterwards bring it back to New Zealand. The former multiple New Zealand senior grand prix champion, Mr T. R. McCleary, jun., the principal of the sponsoring firm, is at present in Japan arranging purchase of the big Suzuki two-stroke.

In the domestic season just completed, Avant was outstanding, winning the 350 c.c. championship series by a handsome margin and finishing runner-up in both the 500 c.c. and 250 c.c. Gaining experience All his racing has so far been on machines of less than 350 c.c. and he is keen to gain experience on a 750 racer before he leaves for Indonesia. Arrangements are being made to provide him with the 750 Suzuki used by the Arne-

Irican international, P. Hen. [nan. in the Marlboro series. Avant plans to use this to prepare himself for 750 c.c. racing before making his debut in Indonesia and hopes Ito use it in the "King of Ruaipuna” meeting on May 26.

In Indonesia, Avant will face a particularly strong challenge from three other leading New Zeaiand inter, nationals — J. Boote (Christ, church), T. Discombe and W. Molloy (both Hamilton) — all on four-cylinder TZ7SO Yamahas. But this does not worry him.

Solid preparation

“I intend to make sure that I am properly prepared. I believe in practising. We will see if that makes a difference,” he said. The Indonesian grand prix will mark Avant's second trip outside New Zealand. Last year he partnered another Christchurch rider, I. Miles, on a 350 street Yamaha in the Castrol six-hours production race in Australia. They were unplaced after both had fallen. After Indonesia, Avant will turn his attention to major New Zealand events and is keen to compete in the second Marlboro international series, scheduled to begin at Christmas. He has no immediate plans for further racing trips overseas, although admits that he would like to go to Europe eventually.