The Westland Motorcycle Club hosted an extremely memorable 2026 Vet Nationals at the famous Waipuna Station, located approximately 26km south of Reefton, at the weekend.
The picturesque sheep and beef farm was transformed from a quiet rural property into a quality race venue, welcoming veteran riders from all over the country to battle it out for New Zealand titles in their respective age groups.
Along with the support classes, there were just over 100 competitors on hand for what turned into a prime weekend of racing, as well as a great chance to catch up with current and former riders and past New Zealand champions.
Among the standout performers over the weekend were Jack Robinson, Mason Wilkie, Justin McDonald, Clayton Yaxley, Brian Heaphy, Darren Capill, Simone Goodyer and Sharon McCann, all of whom clean swept their respective classes.
However, some of the most exciting racing of the weekend came in the 60-plus class, where former New Zealand champions, local legends, and even ex-rugby players battled hard for podium places.
It all came down to the final race, where Mitch Rowe went down while trying to make a pass on Graeme Allan for the lead (he is pictured here in a photo taken in 1988). Unfortunately for Rowe, the mistake cost him too much time and he had to settle for 2NZ, while Allan claimed yet another New Zealand title.
The Vets Champion of Champions race was another major highlight. Justin McDonald, Jack Robinson and Mason Wilkie crossed the finish line in first, second, and third respectively, but with the format factoring in the riders’ ages, there was some mathematics involved in deciding the final placings.
That age-based calculation gave some of the older riders a valuable advantage, and after the final count it was Steve Riordan who took the win, with Mitch Rowe finishing second and Dave Ollis third.
Overall, the riders appeared to thoroughly enjoy both the trip and the event, and the camaraderie on display at prizegiving was great to see. There was plenty of mutual respect among the competitors, which summed up the spirit of the meeting perfectly.
A special mention must also go to Dan Shallcrass for his commentary throughout the event, keeping the crowd entertained over the weekend.
A big “well done” must go to the small Westland Motorcycle Club committee for putting on such a successful event.
Words supplied by Hayden Simpson.
© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
Above is an archive photo of Parnassus rider Graeme Allan (Kawasaki), in action back in the 1980s and proudly displaying the 250cc class No.1 plate he achieved in 1987.
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