The Burt Munro Challenge is an iconic event, a week of bike-related activity that will be marked off in big red letters on the calendars of many New Zealanders and not just by the motorcycling community.
With ticket sales and registrations going live today, Sunday, October 1, event organisers expect these to soar over the coming weeks with the excitement of a new racing programme for 2024.
Just when you thought the annual Burt Munro Challenge couldn’t get any better, this coming 2023-24 season the AON NZ Superbike Champs is taking place within the largest rally in the southern hemisphere, bringing a new calibre of racing.
This iconic addition to the event stays true to the core of the Challenge, enhancing and celebrating Burt’s real and innovative kiwi spirit and dogged determination. It will welcome new and returning riders, spectators and support crews from all over New Zealand and the globe.
Whakatane’s Tony Rees (Honda CBR1000RR), on his way to winning the New Zealand Hill Climb Championships at Bluff, an integral part of the 2023 Burt Munro Challenge in January. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Committee Chairman Bill Moffatt said: “We are very excited to include the AON NZ Superbike Champs with the E Hayes & Sons Sprint Races at Teretonga over three days.”
All traditional race classes will be run as well as the NZ Champs classes including more races for every class.
“The AON NZ Superbike Champs will bring the fastest riders from all over New Zealand and possibly even Australia, providing spectators with some of the most competitive racing around.”
Local youngster and 2023 NZ Supersport 300 and Supersport 600 Champion Cormac Buchanan will be back from Europe to compete.
“This year he broke the Teretonga lap record twice in both classes!” said Moffatt.
Engines will start on Wednesday, February 7, with the Southland Honda Track Day. The Challenge is held across five days of racing including the Star Insurance NZ Hill Climb Champs, Indian Motorcycle Twilight Drag Racing, Indian Motorcycle Beach Racing & NZ Champs, Super Seller Shelley Speedway, and of course the E Hayes & Sons Teretonga Sprint Races & AON NZ Superbike Championships.
Invercargill’s Conrad White is locked in battle during this race on Oreti Beach, the popular beach racing phase of the Burt Munro Challenge week in January 2023. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Moffatt said “Invercargill streets will be humming with motorcycles, visitors and locals, creating a busy week for businesses in the area”.
The famous rally site will have great entertainment across the Challenge and fantastic camping facilities to match. Keep an eye on the Burt Munro Challenge Facebook page for entertainment announcements.
Whether you’re looking for that pure adrenaline rush, having time to enjoy the city’s legendary hospitality, quality camaraderie with mates, the need to experience the mile-long beach circuit, or dreaming of being right in the thick of the screaming engines – design your own good time and you’ll be sure to never feel closer to a legend.
The Burt Munro Challenge is calling you.
Spectator tickets can be purchased and competitor registrations completed at Burt Munro Challenge
Spectator tickets can also be purchased at E Hayes & Sons.
Proudly brought to you by Southland Motorcycle Club – a group of motorcyclist enthusiasts encouraging like-minded people to participate in competitive and social events involving motorcycles.
Burt Munro Challenge 2024 Racing Programme
Southland Honda Track Day
8.30am: Wednesday, February 7
Teretonga Park, Sandy Point
Burt Munro Rally Site
Thursday 8 – Sunday, February 11
Oreti Park, Otatara
Star Insurance NZ Hill Climb Champs
10.00am: Thursday, February 8
Flagstaff Road, Bluff
Indian Motorcycle Twilight Drag Racing
6.00pm: Thursday, February 8
Teretonga Park, Sandy Point
Indian Motorcycle Beach Racing & NZ Champs
6.00pm: Friday, February 9
Oreti Beach, Invercargill
Super Seller Shelley Speedway
3.00pm: Saturday, February 10
Oreti Park Speedway, Otarara
E Hayes & Sons Teretonga Sprint Races & AON NZ Superbike Champs
9.00am daily: Friday, February 9 – Sunday, February 11
Teretonga Park, Sandy Point
© Action photos from the 2023 edition of the Burt Munro Challenge by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
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