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Australia vs America for 2020 Oceania Historic Road Race Cup

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2020 International Island Classic Preview

Australia will take on America in the 2020 FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup over the Australia Day long weekend held on January 24-26, and for 2020 the Cup’s competition will focus on the International Challenge, with the top five performers from each country combining their points in a bid to win the crown.

Island Classic preview Img R Colvin Morris Metcher Hayes

Island Classic preview Img R Colvin Morris Metcher Hayes

The Island Classic returns in 2020 – Image by Russell Colvin

Both Australia and America are campaigning strong teams with decades of race experience between them, with America to boasts the likes of four-time AMA Superbike champion Josh Hayes, 13-times Canadian champion Jordan Szoke, the first female to ever contest the International Challenge Melissa Paris, plus Larry Pegram, Michael Gilbert and AMA front-runner Taylor Knapp.

The bike of choice for the majority of the Americans will again be the Mojo Yamaha based CMR FJ 1250 prepared by captain Dave Crussell and his crew, and three potent Yamaha TZ750’s.

Dave Crussell – American Team Captain

“We are excited to be part of the Oceania title for the first time this year and we’re expecting a tough fight. In 2020 we have our strongest core team ever to challenge the Aussies on their home turf. 2019 was a non-stop year for us, with bike improvements and supplementing the core of our riders. Our top 3 riders from 2019 are returning to the Classic in 2020 and we have added to this base. Big thanks to Larry Cook (LC Racing), Denis Curtis (CMR Racing) and Dunlop for their continued support of our team.”

Dave Crussell Captain and commander of Team American Image Russell Colvin

Dave Crussell Captain and commander of Team American Image Russell Colvin

Dave Crussell – American Team Captain – Image by Russell Colvin

Australia though is not to be outdone with machinery prepared by Australian captain, Rex Wolfenden, and dominated by a raft of Suzuki Katanas and a XR60. There’s also an Irving Vincent in the fleet, a Honda Harris, and two Yamaha TZs.

The local team will benefit from home circuit advantage, with a field of ace riders who know Phillip Island intimately and between them have amassed several historic racing titles. The Aussie riders include Island Classic stars of recent years – Steve Martin, Dave Johnson, Jed Metcher and Shawn Giles – plus a roster boasting the speed and experience of 2019 pace-setter Aaron Morris, Cam Donald, Beau Beaton and Alex Phillis.

Rex Wolfenden – Australian Team Captain

“I am expecting a tight contest. The Americans have a very strong team. The Aussie boys are up for it, as always. They just want to win and get the FIM Oceania Cup back with us. Close hard racing is what the fans come to see and I am sure this title fight will produce just that.”

Australian Team Captain Rex Wolfenden with his machines to be raced this weekend by Michael Dibb and Paul Young

Australian Team Captain Rex Wolfenden with his machines to be raced this weekend by Michael Dibb and Paul Young

Australian Team Captain Rex Wolfenden back in 2015

The FIM Oceania title was launched in 2017, with Australia winning the first two years, but being knocked from their pedestal in 2019 when the format changed to non-International Challenge events and New Zealand took the prize.

In 2020, the Oceania title-fight returns to the original format as the majority of Americans travelling to Australia for the Classic are racing in the International Challenge.

The southern hemisphere’s largest historic meet, the International Island Classic, will be held this Australia Day weekend, January 24-26, at Phillip Island. Go to www.islandclassic.com.au for tickets and on-circuit camping, and get planning an action-packed and affordable Australia Day long weekend away with your mates.

Team USA with Phil Hall

Team Australia

Race Name Bike Cap
37 John Allen Yamaha TZ750 1978 750
31 Craig Ditchburn Yamaha TZ750 1978 750
76 Scott Webster Suzuki XR69 1982 1200
186 Beau Beaton Irving Vincent 1982 1300
86 Cameron Donald Irving Vincent 1982 1300
19 Shawn Giles Suzuki Katana 1992 1294
3 David Johnson Suzuki Katana 1982 1100
99 Steve Martin Suzuki Katana 1052
22 Jed Metcher Yamaha FJ1200 1984 1200
64 Aaron Morris Suzuki Katana 1980 1300
20 Alex Phillis Suzuki XR69 1980 1100

Team America

Race Name Bike Cap
17 Dave Crussell Yamaha TZ750 1978 748
136 Brian Filo Kawasaki Z1 1978 1260
55 Michael Gilbert Yamaha CMR FJ
219 Jorge Gurerro Suzuki CMRXR69 1982 1200
4 Josh Hayes Yamaha CMR FJ 1983 1250
44 Taylor Knapp Yamaha CMR FJ 1983 1250
178 Bruce Lind Yamaha TZ780B 1975 749
13 Melissa Paris Yamaha TZ750 1978 748
72 Larry Pegram Yamaha CMR FJ 1983 1250
32 Joe Pethoud Yamaha F1 Harris FJ100 1984 1250
62 Robert Ruwoldt Harris Kawasaki F1 1980 1260
101 Jordan Szoke Yamaha CMR FJ 1983 1250

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

New format for FIM Oceanic Historic Road Race Cup

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Trans-Tasman battle all set for International Island Classic

Phillip Island will welcome the 2019 International Island Classic over the January 25-27 weekend, with not just the International Challenge, but also the epic Trans-Tasman battle for the FIM Oceanic Historic Road Race Cup.

The format has been revamped by organisers from FIM Oceania and the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit for 2019, designed to create greater parity, more opportunity for all class riders, and a tougher spirit of competition between the nations.

FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup Unlimited Forgotten Era
FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup Forgotten Era

The title will now be fought out across four classes: 350cc Forgotten Era, 500cc Forgotten Era, Unlimited Forgotten Era and 500cc New Era. Forgotten Era bikes were built between 1973 and 1982, and New Era from 1983 to 1990.

The maximum number of riders that can qualify will be three from each country in each class. Upon completion of the qualifying sessions the closest lap times will be matched between three NZ and three Australian riders for each class.

Fergus Cameron – Managing Director of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

“The new format of the competition gives the club racer the chance to compete for their country and really creates a competition of true parity. And let’s face it – Australia and New Zealand love a friendly competition. There’ll be six spots in each class available via our 2019 qualification method, three for Aussies and three for New Zealand. Spots won’t necessarily go to the rider who sets the fastest time, but the group of riders that set final qualifying times in the closest proximity to another.”

FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup New Era
FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup Forgotten Era

The New Zealand and Australian teams will be announced Friday evening and all points accumulated by each team member over racing on Saturday and Sunday will be tallied to make the final team score.

Glen Williams – FIM Oceania President

‘’FIM Oceania is very excited to be holding the FIM Oceanic Historic Road Race Cup at the International Island Classic. This is a world class event and brings together a wide range of amazing bikes and riders from around the world. The battle between the Aussies and Kiwis will be closer than ever this year. It will be handlebar to handlebar and racing not to be missed.’’

2019 International Island Classic tickets

The 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, is the perfect Australia Day getaway without breaking the bank. A three-day adult ticket for the January 25-27 event, is just $82 purchased in advance, and free for children 15 and under (accompanied by a full-paying adult). You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 per night (with kids once again free) which is a bargain in anyone’s language.

Add it up and you can have a four-day weekend away, with four nights of on-circuit camping, and three days entry to one of the world’s great historic bike meets for the grand total of just $164* per adult and you can bring your kids for free!

Tickets for the largest historic bike meet in the Southern Hemisphere, the 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island on January 25-27, are available on islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.

*All prices quoted are advance tickets which end midday Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Buy advance and save. Gate ticket prices are additional.

26th International Island Classic

Event Schedule

25th – 27th January 2019

Island Classic

Friday 25th January 2019
9:00 am Start
 Q1 Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 15 min
 Q2 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 15 min
 Q3 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 15 min
 Q4 Unlimited Forgotten Era – Odds 15 min
 Q5 Unlimited Forgotten Era – Evens 15 min
 Q6 Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 15 min
 Q7 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 15 min
 Q8 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 15 min
 Q9 Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 15 min
 Q10 International Challenge – Slowest 50% 8 min
 Q11 International Challenge – Fastest 50% 8 min
 Q12 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 15 min
 Q13 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 15 min
 Q14 500 New Era 15 min
E1* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E2* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E3* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E4* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 4 Laps
E5* Unlimited Forgotten Era  – Minor 4 Laps
Q15 International Challenge – Slowest 50% 8 min
Q16 International Challenge – Fastest 50% 8 min
E6* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E7* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
5:00 pm Finish 
* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy

Island Classic

Saturday 26th January 2019
9:00 am Start
E8* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E9* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E10* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E11* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E12* 500 New Era 4 Laps
E13* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E14* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E15* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E16* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 5 Laps
E17* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor 5 Laps
D1 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E18 International Challenge 6 Laps
E19* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E20* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E21* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
E22* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E23* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E24* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E25* 500 New Era 5 Laps
D2 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E26 International Challenge 6 Laps
E27* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E28* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E29* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E30* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 4 Laps
5.00pm Finish
* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy

Island Classic

Sunday 27th January 2019
9:00 am Start
E31* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor 4 Laps
E32* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E33* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
E34* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E35* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E36* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E37* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E38* 500 New Era 4 Laps
D3 Demonstration 2 Laps
E39 International Challenge 6 Laps
E40* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E41* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E42* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E43* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 5 Laps
E44* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor 5 Laps
E45* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E46* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E47* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
Parade Shannons Insurance Parade Lap 1 Lap
E48 International Challenge 6 Laps
E49* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E50* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E51* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E52* 500 New Era 5 Laps
5.00pm Finish
* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

2019 Island Classic | Schedule | Teams | Sponsor

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Destination Phillip Island naming sponsor for 2019 Island Classic

The International Island Classic will be broadcast around the world in 2019, with Destination Phillip Island becoming the naming rights sponsor for the 2019 running, and the official name announced to be – “International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island”.

The January 25-27 event to be held next weekend at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit and should spread the holiday destination message of the idyllic seaside island that embraces nature and motorsport, worldwide.

Now in its 26th year and always held over the Australian Day long weekend, the International Island Classic is one of the largest historic bike meets in the world today with close to 450 bikes raced or on display, and over 300 riders journeying from all corners of the globe to compete.

Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit host WorldSBK season opener
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Further value lies in a new initiative for 2019 – a two hour television programme. Production will focus on the headline act, the International Challenge between teams from Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and the sponsorship ensures viewers are introduced to the myriad of experiences at Phillip Island that lie outside the circuit.

Interest in the television programme has been strong with MAVTV picking up screening rights for the USA and Canada; Fox Asia broadcasting to 14 million subscribers across the region; commitments from networks across UK and Europe, and Foxsports picking up the feed in New Zealand. The largest digital channel for motorsport content in the world today, MotorsTV/MotorTrend will also showcase the 2019 International Island Classic production.

David Johnson and Jeremy McWilliams - Image by Cameron White
David Johnson and Jeremy McWilliams – Image by Cameron White

In Australia the Island Classic broadcast will be screened on delay on SBS’s Speed Week and on Foxsports, plus a video streaming of the International Challenge will occur via the circuit website www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au (link) and other online platforms.

Kim Storey – General Manager of Destination Phillip Island

“The Island Classic celebrates the Island’s motorsport history with international teams from key markets staying multiple nights and contributing to the local economy. The program production will provide a unique opportunity for us to engage with viewers and share the many reasons why they should visit Phillip Island.”

Little penguins emerge from the sea at dusk at Phillip Island

David Bennett – General Manager of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

“Visit Phillip Island is a great alliance with the Island Classic. We welcome race fans and visitors from around the world to book a trip to our home and explore the idyllic beaches, nature reserves and breathtaking scenery. So many motorsport fans from around the world, will have seen the rugged coastline and rolling surf that surrounds the circuit on television. Those aerial views truly capture the beauty of this island, so put a trip to the island on your bucket list.”

Woolamai one of Phillip Island favourite beaches

The International Challenge line-up has just been confirmed with great names of motorcycle racing competing including Josh Hayes, Jason Pridmore and Mark Miller for Team USA; a New Zealand line-up including Alex Phillis and the Taupo based Carl Cox team including John Reynolds, Jay Lawrence and Michael Neeves; and racing for defending champions Australia, David Johnson, Jed Metcher and Cam Donald.

Celebrating a century of motorcycling, the Island Classic is a pilgrimage for so many riders and spectators. A myriad of characters and bikes converge on the island with some of the quirkier stories to also be featured in the Island Classic television broadcast. There will be 56 races held across the weekend, catering for pre-WW1 bikes through to Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes.

Tickets for the International Island Classic, held over the January 25-27 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, are available at islandclassic.com.au (link). A three-day adult ticket, purchased in advance, is just $82, and free for children 15 and under (accompanied by a full-paying adult). Event-goers can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 per night (with kids once again free). Tickets are also available at the gate, but save by purchasing in advance. *All prices quoted are advance tickets. Advance ticket sales end midday Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Buy advance and save. Gate ticket prices are additional.

David Johnson leads Jeremy McWilliams - Island Classic 2018 - International Challenge Race One - Image by TBG
David Johnson leads Jeremy McWilliams – Island Classic 2018 – International Challenge Race One – Image by TBG

Source: MCNews.com.au