getting faster and more competitive each year.”
Looking back through the entry lists from day
one of the GIXXER Cup in 2017 at least 12
individuals can be spotted who could trace their
road-racing heritage to the GIXXER Cup contest,
and who have now also gone on to race in
different bike categories – Timaru’s Harry Parker,
Taupiri’s Zak Fuller, Paeroa’s Blake Ross, Levin’s
Justin Maunder, Paraparaumu’s Matt Brough,
Dunedin’s Olivia Goddard, Wellington’s Juan-
Peter Siebrits, Pukekohe’s Thomas Newton and
Whanganui quartet Tarbon Walker, Luca Durning,
Caleb Gilmore and Hunter Stoneman-Boyle.
“It’s probably fair to say that these people may
not have even considered motorcycle road-racing
as a sporting career if it hadn’t been for their
introduction to the sport and subsequent
learning experiences enjoyed on the GIXXER
scene over the past three seasons,” said
Goldfinch.
“As with the previous years, we have uncovered
some fresh new talent, just one of the stand-outs
being Nelson’s Tyrone Kuipers. Of the previous
year’s riders who showed up again this season too,
Jesse Stroud, Caleb Gilmore, Hamish Simpson,
Lucy Dowman, Shane Miller, Luca Durning and
Taupiri’s Zak Fuller (Suzuki GSX150F, No.4), leading Hamilton’s
Jesse Stroud around the public streets of Whanganui on
Boxing Day 2019
28 KIWI RIDER
Cameron Goldfinch all showed excellent
progress. Along with newcomer Tyrone (Kuipers),
these are names to watch out for in future.
“With the inclusion of three superbike riders, it
was exciting to see how well the young riders
competed with them, with several of the GIXXER
riders getting the better of each of the superbike
riders at times. The decision to bring in the
experienced riders paid off, as I think all the
young riders learned techniques, tips and line
selections from them.
“Hats off to Jesse Stroud and Caleb Gilmore, as
these guys showed the talent and consistency to
finish the series ahead of all three superbike
champions. To come out ahead of current
national No.1 superbike rider Daniel Mettam,
nine-time national champ Andrew Stroud and
multi-class champion Dennis Charlett is a massive
achievement and, at this stage of their racing
careers, it shows that there’s some real talent in
those boots.
At Suzuki, we are really proud of what has been
achieved with the GIXXER Cup so far and we’re
particularly pleased to have had eight women
competing in the series this season too. We’re
looking forward to next season.”