Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon 2009
The Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon will return in 2009 on the Gold Coast.
The fifth Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon is confirmed to be run at the Parklands complex on the Gold Coast. The event, which will be run over 24 hours – noon on Saturday February 14, 2009 to noon on Sunday February 15 2009.
Hailed as the world’s longest and most gruelling scooter reliability test, a full field of riders will grid up to determine which manufacturer and 50cc model has the reliability and fuel efficiency to go the distance. In 2007, 18-year-old Jake Dolan eclipsed the existing Guinness World Record by covering 1178.76km in 24 hours on a TGB 101S.
When the event returns, both individuals and teams of up to three riders will attack the existing benchmark, vying to write themselves into the record book. To do so they will need to turn over 1500 laps of the 660m track on showroom-spec scooters.
Mark Petersen of Exhibitions and Trade Fairs said the had been inundated with enquiries about the popular event. "Over the years Le Minz has generated a strong following from within the industry and receives plenty of mainstream exposure as well – it’s a unique concept and one of the most demanding events of its kind in the world," said Petersen.
"Scooter reliability is becoming more and more relevant as it is becoming a popular method of transport for those wishing to beat the rising costs at the petrol bowser – the average 50cc model uses just 2-4 litres per 100km. We’re pleased to be returning to the Gold Coast Parklands in 2009 and the event will kick off all the excitement of the Australian Motorcycle Expo and Australian Scooter Festival to be held a week later at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 20-22. We’re moving from September to February, so the hotter temperatures will make the going tough for riders, and make scooter reliability even more important."
"We’re expecting another huge line-up of popular identities and are hoping to get a number of local personalities on board as well."
The Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon is open to any manufacturer exhibiting at the Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne or Gold Coast (also incorporating the Australian Scooter Festival).
The field will be separated into 3 classes – A Class (LA Moped) , B Class and C Class. The LA Moped class includes scooters that do not exceed 50km/h and is open to both teams of up to three riders or individuals on two or four-stroke models. B and C class allow the entry of scooters that travel faster than 50km/h.
