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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 24, 10 November 1987, Page 5 (Supplement)

Pictured is Russell Josiah, with his companion Zeus, a Rhodesian Ridgeback (approximately 50cc). Russell is flanked by thousands of dollars worth of highly-powered motorbikes. On the left is the Suzuki 1 100 that is owned by "Bike Torque", and on the right is the 500cc Kawasaki that Russell races for the Kawasaki company. Kawasaki approached Russell to race the bike over the December to February season. Russell is hoping to gain a placing in these New Zealand Championships, and has already done well in previous races. Gaining a sponsorship is extremely hard in New Zealand and Russell is aware that without the financial backing of "Bike Torque" (which he jointly owns with his

father Roy), he would not be able to support his racing with costs being so prohibitive. Russell has been racing bikes since he was seven and his job in "Bike Torque" means he "lives and breathes bikes". Not that he seems to mind! Russell recently attended the "Cold Kiwi" motorcycle convention in Waiouru which he described as "a really good time" and "heaps of fun". This year has seen a big increase in the number of highly-powered road bikes in Taumarunui. Russell attributes this to the amount of television coverage that road-racing now receives and also thinks that the sheer good looks of the road-bikes prompts others to buy one of their own.