Racer breaks Bluff Hill record

IAIN McGREGOR/The Press

REVVING UP: Born-and-bred Southlander Jason Feaver powers up Bluff Hill on his Honda CR 600 during the opening event of the Burt Munro Challenge.

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Southland's Jason Feaver made a dream start to the Burt Munro Challenge yesterday by breaking the outright record for the Bluff Hill climb – which he previously held.

Feaver drew on all his hill climb experience at the opening event of the Burt Munro Challenge, clocking up the fastest time in the Hill's history.

On his third run of the day, he dashed up the 1.4km course in his 2007 Honda CR 600 in 49.01 seconds, which eclipsed his record time of 51.05 seconds from 1997. That magical effort also helped him win the up-to-600cc class from second-placed Brent Scammell, who gave him a close run all afternoon and also rode impressively, with his quickest time being 49.69 seconds. Each rider had four timed runs on the day with only their fastest run counting.

Feaver, who grew up in Invercargill, but now lives in Christchurch has raced up the Bluff Hill before, but said he had not competed at the iconic landmark in 12 years.

He said the secret to doing well on the day was keeping cool, calm and collected.

"It was probably just relaxing and enjoying the event. That's what it's about and not getting too tense. Obviously I've been racing up this hill too." Blustery winds and periods of light rain made racing difficult yesterday, but Feaver said he did not have too many problems with the tricky Bluff Hill road.

"It's only 50 seconds. Before you know it, it's over. After having a good two or three runs, you get an idea of what's going on." Yesterday was the first time the Bluff Hill climb had been raced as part of the Burt Munro Challenge. Feaver said he was delighted with the support on day one of the four day motorcycling celebration.

"I was surprised by how many people turned up (yesterday). It was a really big turnout ... Once you've seen (The World's Fastest Indian) you've got to come down. It's rude not to." Feaver has been involved in motorcycling since he was 15 and said he mainly concentrated on motocross events during the year.

He will back in action tonight when he races in the beach racing at Oreti Beach and will also compete in the Wyndham Street Race on Sunday.

The talented rider was optimistic about doing well in the beach racing – which was one of his favourite events of the Burt Munro Challenge. "I should be winning the beach race hands down. Last year, I had too many bike problems," he laughed.

"If the bike stays together it should be good."

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