Last year I visited the third edition of 'Street or Track' in Nieuwegein (NL). I was mainly positive about this Dutch specials and streetfighters event, except for the poor judging of the participating bikes. You can read my last years report here.
Organizer of the show, Maxx events' Jon Tober, contacted me afterwards and confirmed my remarks. He didn't want the same mistake made twice: this year he wanted the entries judged by experts, not by insurance folk.
So he asked me, Vicky 'Racing Girl' What's-her-name, Patrick 'Mr.7/11' Fonck and bikedesigner Bart 'B-Art' van den Boogaard. I suppose judging is like building a bike: if you think you can do better you'll have to prove it.
Here you see the three of them in our favorite armfolded judging-pose.
Unlike last year I left the CBX at home and came with the GSX-R. On the picture you see why: there isn't very much to ride on at this moment. I've taken the motor apart in preparation of the Essen Motorshow in November. It's proving to be quite a drastic operation. Soon I'll illustrate 'Phase III', as I call it.
This years' show was bigger than last year. The weather was perfect, the atmoshere relaxed.
A very good aspect of this event is the presentation of bikes and their builders on stage.
Being at a bigger location, there was more space for the bikes so the visitors could take a good look.
Last years winner showed up again.
Rob Veltmans 'Harley Fighter', bases on a 1200cc Sportster engine and selfbuilt frame did appeal to me at the previous Street or Track. I liked the original matt black more than this yellow-orange-flame paintjob. The jury rewarded it third place.
One of my favorites was this Kawa Z1000. We rewarded this classic-beauty-in-modern-trim second place.
This Blade took the first place: it's clean, frugal and yet powerful. Striking detail are both NOS tanks integrated in the fuel tank. The jury was unanimous; even Honda-hating Mr.7/11 ("I will be checking the functionality of self-retracting sidestands on every h*nda that gets on the podium.") agreed.
We chose this former Z1300 (now: nitrous Z1500) for Best Special. It's not perticalur pretty, but very impressive and muscular. The technical aspect is state of the art, as is the exhaust system. And, as you might suspect: it has a beautiful sound.
The event had some, well ... 'very special' bikes, like this Bakker Grizzly. Nice forks, nice wheels, nice engine. A pity the all-over design hurts the eye. Although it was on the Street or Track poster, fortunately it didn't keep all the visitors away.
Being an absolute Spondon fan it's always nice to see one at the show, like this Hayabusa.
Outside the hall eyes and ears were pleased with a horsepower shootout.
Like last year Antillian dragracers came to the event and enjoyed the crowd. This GSX-R's acceleration while injecting the nitrous oxide was so abrupt the tyre just slipped over the roll. But 230Hp and 252Nm are still impressive figures.
Sunday afternoon the prize giving ceremony took place.
I think Street or Track 2003 has now fully overtaken the KicXstart Streetfightershow.