New generation Stroud lines up
The name Stroud is synonymous with New Zealand motorcycling success , and this year the first of a new Stroud generation is joining Helicraft Racing to chase dual national honours . Jacob Stroud , eldest son of Kiwi racing legend Andrew , is to race the Helicraft Racing MV Agusta 675 F3 in the 2018 NZ Supersport Championship . The talented 18-year-old is also aiming to reclaim his national Superlite title aboard a specially imported Krämer HKR Evo2 single . “ I just can ’ t believe how all this has come about ,” said an excited Stroud . “ I was fortunate enough to win the Superlite title in 2016 , but a knee injury ruled me out of serious title contention last season . “ These are both really special bikes and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to race them ,” the Palmerston North-based Honda Cars Manawatu dealer receptionist said . The MV won the New Zealand TT title in the hands of Australian Alex Phillis earlier this year , and the Krämer , owned by Don and Rodney O ’ Connor , of Eurobike Wholesale , the New Zealand Krämer importers , will be one of the first examples to be raced outside Europe . “ I like riding lightweight motorcycles and the Krämer looks like it will be very competitive in the New Zealand series ,” Stroud said . He ’ s also equally enthused about the MV , “ This bike is something special . It ’ s a winner so I ’ m getting a really good race bike ”. Wanaka-based Helicraft Racing team owner Rod Price is enthusiastic about Jacob joining the team . Price knows the family name carries with it expectations , but says the first priority is to get Jacob comfortable and confident in the team environment . “ Jacob ’ s a winner , otherwise he wouldn ’ t be on the bikes . But now he ’ s got to get used to working with us as we help to give him two bikes he can win on . Jacob realises it ’ s all about the big picture , the future , so we ’ ll be easing him into the coming season . “ Saying that , he ’ s a Stroud ! His Dad didn ’ t win nine New Zealand titles by saying
‘ no , please , after you ’,” says Price . Pre-season testing will begin with the MV shortly , and in October when the Krämer arrives from Europe . As part of his build-up to the NZ Championship rounds in January and March , Stroud will contest the threeround Suzuki Series in December .
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