The 24th Huka Honda Labour Weekend Labour Extravaganza is set to happen this weekend with more than 400 of New Zealand’s elite motocross riders heading to Taupo for the big event.

They’ll be out to claim their share of the $20,000 prizemoney and hopefully walk away with the prestigious feature race which has been won in the past by top New Zealand riders including Kiwi internationals Ben Townley and Josh Coppins.

Taupo riders expected to be up front include Cam Dillon, Nick Saunders and Brad Groombridge.

Groombridge, who won last year’s main event at Taupo and who is also fresh from his international experience at this year’s Motocross of Nations in Denver, where he competed alongside Townley and Coppins as part of the New Zealand team, will be among the favourites

Saturday, October 23, will see the North Island Mini Nationals, women and junior riders competing at the world class Digger McEwen track. This is the track which has just hosted the World Junior champs and it will be prepped to its highest quality and should prove a great challenge to New Zealand’s best.

Sunday, October 24, the senior riders will hit the circuit, competing in the same classes as the senior nationals format with the top 12 from each of the three classes being invited to the prestigious feature race. This race carries the overall title for the weekend and has with names on it sucxh as Daryl Hurley, Darryll King, Townley and Coppins, it’s the one that all the riders want to win.

The Digger McEwen track is the home of the Taupo Motorcycle club and is situated right in the heart of Taupo, just off Miro Street. The circuit is easily found just off the new state highway at the Broadlands road flyover. The circuit features many obstacles which will see the riders flying high in the air, jumping through the legendary sawdust pits as they battle for their respective titles.

Racing starts Saturday and Sunday from 10am both days with the Feature Race on Sunday set to start at 4pm. Spectators can buy tickets at the gate over the weekend , under five years free, 5-15yrs $5, adults $10 per person.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com