“It only seemed right considering that the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter has come to our aid more than once, the last time earlier this year when a young rider suffered concussion and a suspected neck injury,” says club vice president Shayne McNaught.

“Our track is inland at Whangara, more than 30 minutes’ drive from town, and that’s a long trip if you are injured so we’re really grateful to have had that support.”

The club doesn’t have a big budget . . . its rural track is constructed and maintained by club members.

“But we really wanted to do something for EHRT and an end-of-season fun day was a great way to do it,” says Shayne.

“On the day we had more than 50 fee-paying riders ranging from five-year-olds right up to the over-60s.

“The seniors had the track for half-hour slots, as did the juniors, and the minis had their own track so they could just cut loose for the whole day.

“A few got into race-mode but mostly it was a chance to do some laps, have a laugh, and raise some money for a great cause.”

And Shayne says it wasn’t just riders who contributed to the fundraiser.

“Nanny’s Purple Pantry supports us by catering for our events and she dropped a bit in the pot, as did some riders who couldn’t make it on the day.”

As the club goes into summer hiatus Shayne, club president Daniel Fogarty and the rest of the committee keep an eye on the track to make sure it is race-ready when the 2025 season opens in March.

“It’s been a busy season and we work year-round to maintain the track, so the fundraiser was a nice, relaxed way to go into the summer break.”

CAPTION: SPEED DEMONS: At the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust hangar to mark the Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club donation are (from left) club vice president Shayne McNaught, Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter pilot Shaun Stewart, club president Daniel Fogarty, and GMSC’s 2024 Warren Keen Memorial Trophy winner, Jack McNaught.