An Alexandra motorcyclist will be competing in the Burt Munro Challenge at Teretonga Raceway this weekend riding the new bike on which he recently won three formula 3 races.
Kirk Pritchard (26) has been racing for the past four years in the 125GP class, but an accident on his bike in November 2008, set him in a new direction.
"I've just changed to formula 3,'' he said.
"After the crash and injuries and that, I kind of lost enthusiasm for the 125 class and I decided to change.''
He raced the new bike - a Suzuki GSXR450 - at Manfeild Raceway in Feilding in late September.
"I qualified first and won all three races for my class.
"I was pretty pleased with the way I went, especially with a new bike.''
Invercargill's Burt Munro Challenge from November 26 to 29, will be part of his build-up for the five-round series of the New Zealand Championships beginning in Christchurch on January 16, at Ruapuna.
"It [The Burt Munro Challenge] would easily be the biggest motorcycle racing in New Zealand encompassing all disciplines.''
Events include a rally, Bluff hillclimb, Oreti Beach Racing, Teretonga Sprint Racing, Oreti Speedway Spectacular and the Wyndham Streetrace.
Pritchard's bike has been re-painted especially for the upcoming nationals and its first show will be at Teretonga.
"I've got pretty high expectations for this weekend but I don't want to set myself up for a fall.
"I honestly have no idea who my competitors will be, definitely South Islanders, but there will probably be some guys that make it down from the North Island.''
Last year in the New Zealand Championships at Teretonga he came third overall in the 125 class. - Lee Jamieson.
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