Suzuki Grid Kids Duathlon Races Into Timaru

Rain did not hamper the spirits of the 110 kids who participated in the Suzuki Grid Kids Duathlon at Timaru International Motor Raceway on Sunday 22 January.

Television presenter Erin Simpson and the film crew from The Erin Simpson Show joined parents and Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Drivers in cheering on the 6-13 year olds who lined up for the first South Island round of the 2011/2012 series.

Ms Simpson, who was their filming for her 2012 series of The Erin Simpson Show which resumes in March, was impressed by the effort and commitment “especially when the rain came in”.

Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Drivers were on hand to attend an autograph session post-race for all the grid kids.

The event had a 50% increase in participant numbers from 2011 and given kids and parent feedback is only going to increase next time.

“It was brilliant”, said Vanessa, a Timaru parent, “there will definitely be more kids next year.”

“We all really enjoyed it and my son will definitely be back next year. It was run extremely well and several parents were commenting on how they loved their day at the race track.”

Adding to the excitement was the chance to be a grid kid. Dotted amongst the racing cars were excited faces as the youngsters stood next to the race vehicles on the starting grid.

Organised in conjunction with the New Zealand Motorsport Series, the Suzuki Grid Kids Duathlon coincides with the Sunday racing of the Motorsport championship and enables children to be part of the motorsport action.

Duathlon participants received free tickets to the motor racing, Suzuki caps, t-shirts, Pita Pit voucher and Arnott’s Shapes along with other goodies in their race pack.

All entries also go in the draw to win a Suzuki Quad Bike supplied by Castrol.

Suzuki Grid Kids is now preparing for the Manfeild and Taupo rounds on 12 February and 11 March. These rounds are typically the largest for the entire series and with kids back at school the Suzuki Swift race car will be visiting classrooms prior to the event.

The Duathlon distances are all achievable and suitable for the different age groups with 6-9 year-olds completing a 0.5km run and approx 2.8km bike and 10-13 year-olds completing a 1.0km run and approx 5.6km bike.

The series provides a great motivator for kids and families to stay active.

Remaining Events for 2012 Suzuki Grid Kids:

Manfeild Circuit, Feilding – 12 February 2012
Taupo Motorsport Park – 11 March 2012

For further information or to register visit www.gridkids.co.nz