England ’ s Richard Cooper ( Suzuki GSX-R1000 ) celebrates winning the coveted Robert Holden Memorial feature race and the series overall at Whanganui ’ s Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day in 2019
expected placed an impossible strain on event management . But , undeterred by the set-back , a massive resurgence is being planned for 2022 , when it may also be possible to welcome back international racing stars to again light up the tarmac on the world-famous Cemetery Circuit . The popular three-round Suzuki International Series had to be put on ice for 2021 , but it will be thawed out again to mark its 13th season next December , with Taupo ’ s Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park again the traditional round to kick things off , with racing on Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon , in Feilding , the following weekend , and the Cemetery Circuit race meeting on Boxing Day the traditional final showdown . Every season ( except , sadly , this one ) the safety barriers have been put up alongside Whanganui ’ s world-renowned motorcycle “ street fight ”, with straw bales positioned and spectator fencing laid out along the gutters of the city ’ s public streets . “ We already have many internationals wanting to come back out in 2022 ,” said Suzuki International Series promoter and organiser Allan ‘ Flea ’ Willacy . “ Everyone , including the cream of Kiwi talent , world class riders in their own right , will be dead keen to get back to some action and our sponsors have stood by us , still generously on board for next year .” First started in 1951 , the Cemetery Circuit event should be another scorcher on Boxing Day next year , both in terms of the sun beating down and in terms of riders , unleashed from pandemic restrictions , once again frantically trying to beat each other to the chequered flag . Leading riders expected to challenge for the top honours include Taupo ’ s two-timer former Suzuki International Series champion Scott Moir , Glen Eden ’ s former national 600cc and superbike champion Daniel Mettam , Wellington ’ s two-time former national superbike champion Sloan Frost , Whanganui firebrand Jayden Carrick , Auckland ’ s Dave Sharp , powerhouse Whakatane brothers Mitch and Damon Rees , Whanganui ’ s multi-talented Richie Dibben and Te Awamutu ’ s Dave Hall . Damon Rees was champion at Whanganui last
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