Rider quotes from the ’77 Six-Hour
Don Wilson: on the winner’s rostrum, replying to a question from the ABC-TV commentator about what the team wil do now: “We might play up a bit, I think”.
Joe Eastmure: “It’s take me a long time to win it, there’s been a few near misses, but it’s nearly worthwhile.”
Ken Blake: “The revs were over the limit near the end.”
Lindsay Walker on the two huge erections in the pits (The Team Avon refuelling towers): “We had to get DA approval for them. Any higher they’d have needed flashing lights on the top.”
Ken Blake (early in the race): “The new BMWs have more torque, more low down grunt out of corners. Joe seems to be getting faster as the race goes on.”
Joe (after 10 laps of practice): “The bike is great, better than last year. I’m going fast, I can go faster. I’m going home.”
Brian Martin: “We expected to do a wheel change, it depended on the temperature just when. After that if there’s still tread on the tyre at the end we’ll give it all it’s got.”
Jim Budd (on riding in the rain): “I spent a few laps waiting for a slide, it didn’t happen, so I powered on.”
Gary Thomas: “My front wheel was taken out by Crosby.”
source: Revs Motorcycle News, November 4 – 11, 177
Want to view more images of the ’77 6-Hour? Check out our friend DeeJay’s site.
Mark ‘Atcho’ Aitchison joins Team Pedercini for 2011 World Superbike Championships
The Pedercini Team has made a decision regarding the 2011 season in the World Superbike Championship. Lucio and Donato Pedercini reached an agreement with Mark Aitchison who will join the Pedercini Team starting from the next Phillip Island test that will take place on February 21st and 22nd before the first World Superbike Championship round. Twenty-seven year old Australian rider will be team-mate to the Italian rider Roberto Rolfo.
Aitchison’s started his professional career competing in the World Superstock Championship 
with Suzuki Italia. He completed his campaign finishing fifth in the World Superstock Championship and was named 2007 Rookie of the Year. In the 2008 season Mark partnered with Triumph to enter the World Supersport Championship entering into the Top 10 on several occasions.
In 2009 he teamed up with the Hanspree Honda Althea Team for his second full season in the World Supersport Championship. The 2009 season was very competitive and Aitchison reached the podium on one occasion and scored a number of excellent Top 5 finishes, culminating 8th overall in the championship standings. Last year he participated to the last four races of the World Supersport Championship with Kuja Racing Team.
Donato Pedercini: “I’m very satisfied with the agreement reached with Mark Aitchison and I’m delighted to welcome him on board with our team. He’s an excellent addition to the team, I appreciated his riding qualities and his determination. Mark is full of enthusiasm and with a passion for racing. Together we will take on this new challenge and we firmly believe he will quickly grow. Mark is strongly motivated and he’s on the same wavelength as we are in terms of projects and targets. He’ll test the new Kawasaki ZX 10R during the next Phillip Island test and of course the first two races will not be easy for him, but I’m sure that all our technicians will help him to be competitive very soon “.
Mark Aitchison : “To say I am excited now about my season ahead is a major understatement. To race in the World SBK class has always been a dream of mine and to be given this opportunity with a team that has such long history in World Superbike racing is something I am very proud of. I would like to thank all the Pedercini family for giving me such a wonderful chance to be a part of their team and I look forward to repaying their faith in me by giving all my motivation and dedication toward this project. In Phillip Island I’ll be riding and racing the bike for the first time, so even though it will not be easy, I understand that this is a long season. The new Kawasaki package looks amazing, the bike is relative in size to its 600cc counterpart and after I have some laps under my belt I’m sure my technicians and I will have a much clearer understanding for the development of the bike and how we need to improve to reach our goals. I’m extremely looking forward to this new challenge, and I’m especially looking forward to getting back onto the Phillip Island circuit, which I love to race on”.
All Australasian media and sponsorship enquiries need to be directed to:
Laynie Kelly, the Marketing Muscle
m. +61 403 534 521 e. laynie@themarketingmuscle.com.au
2010 a year in review
The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how our blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:
The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads This blog is on fire!.
Crunchy numbers
A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 3,700 times in 2010. That’s about 9 full 747s.
In 2010, there were 41 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 43 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 4mb. That’s about 4 pictures per month.
The busiest day of the year was June 23rd with 109 views. The most popular post that day was Jim Budd.
Where did they come from?
The top referring sites in 2010 were networkedblogs.com, facebook.com, stumbleupon.com, deejay51.com, and en.wikipedia.org.
Some visitors came searching, mostly for nicky hayden, warren willing, jim budd, nicky hayden 2010, and oran park.
Attractions in 2010
These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.
Jim Budd January 2010
2 comments
Castrol 6-Hour January 2010
3 comments
MotoGP: cool advertisement March 2010
4 comments
Jim’s Legacy February 2010
5 comments
The Control Tower January 2010
4 comments
As you can see, we’ve done pretty good in our first year. Thank you to everyone who has visited, commented, and contributed to the success of this site. JB would be humbled, but I’m pleased.
Let’s make 2011 even better, together.
~ Laynie ~
Where are you now Graeme Crosby?
You’ve been living under a rock, in a well, at the back of a cave, if you’re not aware that Croz has released his book “The Larrakin Rider”. Known for his wheelstanding antics on-track, Croz carved his way into the bike racing history with a flair and bravado that was unique to him. He won a few titles, and a lot of fans with his style. Far from being vanilla, Croz certainly was the Larrikin Biker.
I’m slowly reading, savouring and devouring the book and the memories. I’m not finished yet, but by what I’ve read so far, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you were into motorbikes and racing back in the 70′s and the 80′s, then this is a must read book for your collection. There’s even a brief mention of a race at Bathurst with Jim, too.
Get your own copy, as I’m not lending mine to anyone – ever, you order direct through Croz’s website. Just tell him that Mrs Budd sent you, he’ll look after you.
Off topic – Anyone want a Corvette
This ’69 Corvette was for sale – 427 Tri Power 4 speed – $61,000. 2 owners. NICE!!
Perhaps it’s just me but yes please! Where’s my wallet?
What’s a lap Bathurst in a XY GTHO like?
Imagine being in an Escort or a Mini with this monster looming up behind you in your rearview mirror. The sound must be awesome. Back to the glory days!!
Video: Wanganui Boxing Day 1983
The names … Robert Holden, Dave Hiscock, Rodger Freeth, Robbie Phillis, Farrow, Avant, Feeney, Magee.
Kim Newcombe – Love, Speed & Loss
2009 NZ Classic Motorcycle Festival featuring Kevin Schwantz riding a Manx Norton, The Britten, Kim Newcombe’s Konig and Norton Cosworth motorcycles.
The documentary – Love, Speed & Loss (click here to view Part 1 of 3)
A documentary about motor-racer Kim Newcombe, who turned heads in the 70s on a König motorbike he developed and designed himself. He was killed racing in 1973 and posthumously came second in that year’s World 500cc Grand Prix. The film mixes interviews and underdog triumph on the track scenes, with Super 8 footage of family life on the circuit, and poignant wife-of-maverick reflections from his widow Janeen. Love, Speed and Loss won best documentary at the 2007 Qantas TV Awards and Air NZ Screen Awards for best documentary, directing, and editing.
source: NZonscreen
Round Australia Trial Reunion
Mobil1, Redex Trial, Ampol Trial, Mobilgas, Repco … Calling all competitors and interested persons to attend the Round Australia Trial Reunion.
The programme for the day includes a vast display of memorabilia, photos and stories from the Round Australia Trials over the years. Famous as the event where “Gelignite” Jack Murray from Bondi began his antics of blowing up outback dunnies, its legendary stories leave a lingering nostalgia among buffs for motoring of a more primitive era.
Motoring writer and Round Australia competitor, Barry Lloyd will share some of his stories, talking on the day. An informal chat is also scheduled at the club on Saturday night at 5pm.
Want to join in the fun? Here’s how. Tell ‘em Harry Budd sent you!! LOL
| When: | Sunday, 6 March 2011 |
| Venue: | Beresfield Bowling Club, Anderson Street, Beresfield |
| Cost: | $20 pp entry |
| $30 pp 2-course lunch (optional) | |
| Bookings: | direct to Hal & Faye Maloney: 4966 1763 or halmaloney@gmail.com |
Bookings are essential, by 4 March 2011.
