The New Zealand enduro and cross-country race scene will be hit hard and fast as Chris and Karl Power join forces with Honda Motorcycles New Zealand.

Cousins Chris and Karl, along with race team manager Trevor Power, are now officially racing Honda together in both Enduro and Cross Country, ‘Power Racing’ backed by Honda Power.

The teams first outing at the Hawke’s Bay 6 Hour race at the beginning of October netted the first of their victories, 1 out 1 wins; great start, more to come.

Chris and Karl riding the fuel injected CRF450R9 and CRF250R9 respectively took part in Round 1 of the Grand National Cross Country on October 10 in Matata on Bert’s Farm.

The torrential rain the night before proved to make the track nice and grippy reported Chris. Despite the muddy conditions, the preparation, teamwork, planning and riding skills brought podiums to Power Racing on their joint team Cross Country debut.

Chris is pleased with the handling of the CRF450R9. “I’m really starting to get used to the change from the CR125R and my results are improving” said Chris. “Apart from set up adjustments and sprockets the bike is standard spec power”. Chris got the holeshot and went into the bush first and emerged from the forest with a 20 second lead with Rory Mead hard on his tail. Rory managed to pass Chris on a tricky section but kept 2nd through to the pit stops, where after a quick gas Chris got back to lead. A seesaw battle took place between the two over a few laps – but after a stall for Chris, Rory got ahead to win.

It was the first time in four years since Karl had ridden a Honda, taking some time to get used to the set up. Karl commented “The suspension was set for Chris (10kg heavier) so I was getting some big hits from time to time but after a while I adjusted and settled into the race”.

Overall for the day was Rory 1st, Chris 2nd and Karl following in 3rd.

Chris (28 years old) and Karl (24 years old) are both very experienced riders with 20 years and 15 years experience respectively. Chris has always ridden Honda while Karl has ridden for Husaberg and KTM. They are both wrapped to be riding Red, and pleased to officially return to the top of Enduro and Cross Country for Honda.

Chris said “Its really good to have the full backing from Honda as it gives you confidence and also real motivation because you are now riding for someone so you want to do really well. Also having Karl now onboard it’s great being able to have a team mate that is not only fast but reliable too, we’ll make each other faster as a team”.

Karl (who won his first championship on a Honda) is stoked with the support from Honda commented “I really like the Honda CRF250R. It’s got heaps of power and I can’t wait to try out the 2010 fuel injected CRF250R – it’s going to be wicked!”

Honda Motorcycles NZ General Manager Phill Haynes comments: “We are delighted to have Chris and Karl on board representing Honda”. “Both Chris and Karl are excellent riders and we are looking forward to having a presence in the Enduro categories at the events.”

Phill also added “We believe that we have combined the best machinery with leading riders and we know that our team will have a professional, totally focused approach to the challenge – and at the events they will be happy to help the other Honda teams with advice and support” Phill added.

Team manager Trevor and supporter Greg Power have been working flat out behind the scenes getting everything organised, training and practice have been key to this early success.

The new team structure is part of Honda Motorcycles NZ increased involvement in Enduro/Cross Country in New Zealand where Honda is usually the largest brand representation by far, with more riders choosing to ride red than the rest of the rainbow of colours.

Chris and Karl’s experience competing in New Zealand and Australia has given them a real insight into the standard professionalism required to race at the top level, and to successfully promote and represent the Honda name among loyal Honda fans.

You will find the Power Racing team flying the Honda Wing flag at over 30 events over the next 12 months. The next event is the second round of the North Cross Country series held in Hikurangi Saturday 14 November.

Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com