MULTIPLE Australian and Victorian historic road racing champion Chris Panayi says there are three things he loves most about historic road racing: the sounds, the smells and the nostalgia.
“It’s just fantastic history. The sounds that comes out of Norton Outfit sidecar, for example, is truly awesome,” Chris said.
Chris will be competing in the Post Classic up to 350cc class aboard a Honda CB350 in the 2016 Shannons Victorian Historic Road Racing Championships at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford this weekend, April 2-3 after being out of the sport since 2004.
He recently took part in the Eddington Sprints earlier in March to iron out any kinks in his bike before this weekend. “We were very happy with the bike. We found a few bugs that we need to get rid of, but we’re very excited and we hope it’s a great weekend,” Chris said.
Chris picks the Norton Atlas 750 Unlimited as one of his favourite older bikes going around. “They are definitely a lot of fun to ride,” he added.
Chris also selects winning an Australian Historic Road Racing title in 2008 in the Bears Formula 2 class as one of his most memorable moments in the sport. “I enjoyed that. It was a big achievement,” Chris said.
“It’s such a fantastic venue at Broadford because it’s so close to Melbourne. “My friends and I race there a lot so I’m experienced with the track,” Chris said. “It’s had a lot of upgrades since I started racing and I think it’s a fantastic track.”
He also hopes that his Dad, Michael Panayi, fixes his bike in time after experiencing technical issues at the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed earlier in March. “I’d really like to thank Rob Matheson who is lending me his bike this weekend,” Chris added.
The Shannons Victorian Historic Road Racing Championships takes place at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford on April 2-3. For further information please visit: www.hmrav.org.