Hampton Smashes Hill Climb Record

Ryan Hamton on the Hampton Honda CBR1000RR
destroys the Hill Climb Record.

Showery conditions prevailed for the running of 2nd event in the Burt Munro Challenge.

It was also warm and humid on the southern tip of the mainland as competitors tackled the Maverick Bluff NZ Road Hill Hill Climb Championships.

The twisty road time trial climbs 1.4km from start gate to finish line and riders were further challenged by the conditions that started wet and dried out somewhat as the event progressed.

None of this seemed to make any difference to Christchurch flyer (and 'winging south sponsors) Ryan Hampton who knocked almost three seconds off the existing record with a 46.21 ET on his third run on board the Hampton Honda CBR1000RR.

'The bike performed very well and I'm very happy to get the win and the record as well' said the rapidly rising star. 'We ran Metzler full wet weather tyres all day. We could have gone to a slick or a cut slick later in the event, but it's only a 50 second run, and the wets are nice and soft and sticky' he continued.

We'll be following Ryan's progress at Teretonga and the Wyndham street races closely.

In the other classes, the Under 600cc was won by Chris Manson from Omaru on a Honda CR500 and the Quads were again won by Tim George in 49.38.

In the classics categories the Pre-63 event was won by Chris Swallow (54.12) on a Velocette Venom. The Pre-82's were won by Chris McMeeeken (54.08) on his GS1000. The Pre-89 class went to Kevin Orr (53.20) on his FZR600.

It was another fascinating day's motor sport with the crowds up close to the action and feeling 'part of it'.

The event was largely without incident except for one reported errant stoppie in the car park at the end of the course.

Action now moves to the sand at Oreti Beach and the next round of the challenge.