Lending a hand to communities affected by Victoria’s recent bushfire disaster, Suzuki Motorcycles has announced it will conduct an online auction, with net proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross.

An extensive range of experiences and motorcycle merchandise and memorabilia signed by Aussie stars Chad Reed, Chris Vermeulen, Mat Mladin and Shawn Giles and Suzuki World Champions of the past, including Kevin Schwantz, Roger DeCoster and Joel Robert will be available to enthusiasts around the world to bid on.

“Everyone at Suzuki Australia has been moved by the Victorian bushfire tragedy, but inspired by the way Australians and the international community have rallied to help those in need,” Perry Morison, General Manager Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia, said.

“It’s an honour to launch the Suzuki Victorian Bushfire Charity Auction; we’ve collected a sensational range of items which will help raise valuable funds for a truly worthwhile cause.

“Through their donations and promotional efforts, the assistance we’ve received from the international Suzuki family has enabled us to take a global approach to the auction, which will maximise our ability to raise funds for the affected communities.

“Now that residents are returning to their affected townships, we at Suzuki feel it’s important that the fundraising efforts and support offered since Black Saturday continues.”

The Suzuki Victorian Bushfire Charity Auction, will run on eBay from Thursday 23 April until Sunday 3 May and is open to bids from all around the world.

One of the most appealing items on offer is the opportunity to spend a weekend with Suzuki’s MotoGP team as a ‘Mechanic for the Day’.

The lucky winner will go behind the scenes at a round of their choice in the 2009 World Championship, meeting riders Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi and spending Friday as a crew member.

The prize also includes full paddock access for two people for the entire event, full range of team clothing, all meals with the crew and riders and professional photos of the experience. The winner will need to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements for their chosen Grand Prix.

Other items up for grabs include signed gear from Suzuki’s champion Australian racers such as a pair of leathers worn by Chris Vermeulen at a recent MotoGP test and a helmet and leathers used by six-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin.

Off-road fans can bid for a jersey and nylons worn and signed by two-time World and AMA Supercross Champion Reed, along with uniforms from 2008 Australasian SuperX Pro Lites Champion Matt Moss and his Team Shift Motul Suzuki team-mate Cameron Taylor.

Suzuki Victorian Bushfire Charity Auction also features rare pieces of memorabilia signed by Suzuki World Champions and international legends Schwantz, Peter Goddard, five-time 500cc Motocross Champion DeCoster and six-time 250cc Motocross World Champion Robert.

More exciting additions to the auction will be announced in the coming weeks, before bidding opens at 8:00pm on Thursday 23 April.

Further details and a running list of items in the Suzuki Victorian Bushfire Charity Auction, proudly supporting the Australian Red Cross, can be found at www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au.