Have you got the Zoom Factor?

For immediate release

10 August 2012

Have you got the Zoom Factor?

Have you got the ability, talent and determination to make it on the international motorcycle road racing circuit?

If you believe you do, and can prove it in action on the track, then the organisers of Zoom Factor want to meet you!

Zoom Factor is a programme designed to find and identify talented young Kiwi riders, provide the right tools, guidance and support to develop their skills to a level where they will be given the opportunity to compete internationally.

The programme is the brainchild of motorcycle racing legend Graeme Crosby, based on his experience with young Auckland racing star Jaden Hassan, after they travelled to Japan to compete in October 2011. Although only 17 at the time, Jaden competed and fared well despite riding an unknown bike and tyres, unfamiliar track and with minimal practice and setup time.

Since returning home, Jaden has emerged as a more mature and experienced rider. He recently broken lap records at Hampton Downs, Taupo and Manfield and has just returned from Queensland where he competed in round five of the Australian Superbike Championships with encouraging results.

Says Graeme, “We’re looking for talented young riders with solid potential. They need to show maturity, be competitive by nature, intelligent, articulate and good communicators – all essential qualities needed to progress in what is now a highly competitive and high profile sport.”

So what is Zoom Factor?

A programme designed to identify talented young Kiwi motorcycle road racers, provide them with the tools required to develop their skills, and ultimately give riders showing real potential the opportunity to compete at selected offshore events from which they can establish an international racing career.

The team behind Zoom Factor
The driving forces behind the programme are Graeme Crosby and Murray Bolton. Crosby, having won the Formula One World Championship, Isle of Man Senior TT and placed second in the 500cc World Championship, is one of NZ’s most famous and successful motorcycle racers. Murray is funding the programme initially taking the view that it has been far too long since a New Zealand rider competed at International level. This is his way of changing the situation.

Zoom Factor is also supported by private individuals and suppliers to the local motorcycling industry. All are keen to see more Kiwi’s achieving international racing success, as we had twenty years ago, so have committed their long term support to this development programme.

The bike

A Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R 600 has been imported from Japan, built to Japanese race specifications, and includes a data acquisition system that will allow accurate rider evaluation and comparison as well as a basis for individual improvement.

The concept
Young riders are invited to submit a comprehensive personal and racing CV to the programme organisers. Those accepted for consideration will be invited to participate in a series of evaluation days which will be held at either the Hampton Downs or Taupo circuits.

Riders selected for a try out (based on their recognised skill and application and results to date) will be “benchmarked” on the same bike, and on the same track by using the bikes data acquisition system. The system will show not only how fast, but how well each rider is performing and can translate feedback into improvements.

Ongoing development sessions will take place for riders showing outstanding potential and, once they have reached a suitable level, will get the opportunity to race internationally. The costs for the overseas travel and racing experience will be covered by the programme.

This programme is proudly supported by the following New Zealand businesses, all of whom are keen to see Kiwi racers competing – and winning – internationally.

Ricoh New Zealand Yoshimura Northern Accessories

ENDS

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