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As the festive season concludes, the streets of Whanganui will come alive with excitement on Boxing Day, December 26. For 70 years, this city has emerged as a vibrant racing hub, hosting the final round of the Suzuki International Series. Motorcycle enthusiasts and racers will gather for a day filled with speed and competition at the renowned Cemetery Circuit.
The thrill of the race
On this unique occasion, public roads will be transformed into a closed racing circuit, allowing riders to showcase their power and skill. Spectators can expect breathtaking speeds as competitors race down Ridgeway Street, navigate Wilson Street, and curve through Taupō Quay and Heads Road, before looping back via Guyton Street. With speeds often surpassing 200 km/h, the atmosphere will be charged with adrenaline as racers push the limits of conventional road rules.
A storied tradition
Since its inception in 1951, the Boxing Day races in Whanganui have become a cherished event. Each year, the city transforms into a vibrant stage for a thrilling motorcycle street race, one of the last of its kind still held globally. This year’s course will take racers past the local cemetery, adding an element of intrigue to the high-speed spectacle.
Mitch Rees and the family legacy
Leading the pack this year is Bay of Plenty’s own Mitch Rees, the reigning champion in the 1000cc Formula One class. As he aims for an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory in the series, the stakes are considerable. Mitch has previously secured the title in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, with the series being paused in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Family rivalries and challenges
The Rees family has a storied history in this prestigious event. Mitch Rees aims to secure personal glory while honoring the family legacy. He has won the esteemed Robert Holden Memorial race three consecutive times. His late brother, Damon, claimed the title in the past, while their father, Tony Rees, boasts seven victories in this event. Unfortunately, Tony will not compete this year due to a recent injury. He sustained a broken ankle during the second round at Manfeild.
Exciting competition awaits
With Tony sidelined, the competition heats up. Upper Hutt’s Rogan Chandler has emerged as a formidable contender, trailing Mitch by just three points. The excitement of the races extends beyond the premier class, with various categories set to deliver thrilling action on the technical Cemetery Circuit.
The initial two rounds of the series, conducted at Taupo and Manfeild, delivered exhilarating performances and drew enthusiastic crowds who appreciate the essence of the competition. Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy, the series organizer, expressed his contentment with the events thus far, highlighting the favorable weather conditions and robust attendance. “We have experienced remarkable racing, and both local and international competitors have provided a fantastic spectacle,” he stated.
A community celebration
The Boxing Day races represent more than just a contest of speed; they signify a celebration of the motorcycle community in New Zealand. Enthusiasts from various regions converge to witness the series’ climactic event, establishing it as a significant occasion on the motorsport calendar. As racers gear up for their final confrontation, excitement escalates for what is anticipated to be a thrilling day of racing.
Whanganui gears up for boxing day motorcycle racing
Motorcycle racing enthusiasts should prepare for an exhilarating experience on Boxing Day. The engines will roar as Whanganui transforms into a bustling hub of competition and excitement.