Tag Archives: Island Classic

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Aaron Morris takes pole for Island Classic International Challenge

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2019 Island Classic Friday Report

Images by Rob Mott

Heat and wind. Those were the two words on everyone’s lips at Phillip Island today as they sweltered through oppressive conditions. Ambient temperatures nudging towards 40-degrees does not make for the nicest weather to be working on highly tuned air-cooled machines, it was downright tortuous in fact.

That did not stop more than 500 historic motorcycles taking to the track today though with 15-minute qualifying sessions for all classes of racing. Seven races were also on the card for the opening day of Island Classic 2019. There had been a practice session attended by almost all riders on Thursday, but Friday was the first official day of the event.

Plenty of spectators also made the pilgrimage down to Phillip Island to check out all the action and the Island was buzzing with the huge influx of tourists here to celebrate the Australia Day long weekend. Those not taking shelter from the heat, were instead enjoying the dazzling blue waters of Western Port Bay.

The stiff north-westerly breeze, the gusts of which did cause some riders a few problems, did have the useful side-effect of keeping track temperatures a lot more manageable that they might otherwise have been.

One crew that had not got much sleep overnight were the guys twirling spanners for Team America’s Steve Rapp. The 47-year-old took a hefty tumble yesterday with a stuck throttle pitching him and the CMR prepared and FJ1100 powered Yamaha down the road. The bike was a mess, and his mechanics worked through the night in order to repair the machine for today.

As first qualifying for the International got underway just after midday, track temperatures were already starting to nudge their way towards 50-degrees celsius.

That did not stop Aaron Morris dropping in a 1m37.943 on a Suzuki Katana to top the timesheets ahead of David Johhnson, the South Australian recording a 1m38.518 on an XR69 Suzuki.

America’s Josh Hayes proved his pedigree by adapting quickly to the Phillip Island layout to finish Q1 in P3 ahead of Shawn Giles and Jason Pridmore.

Team America have really stepped things up a level in regards to team strength this year. That has helped to partly fill some of the void left by the absence of Team UK and their brace of star riders, along with the beautiful Roger Winfield prepared machinery that had become a much loved staple of the Island Classic. Still, the absence of a credible Team UK is keenly felt and they are sorely missed.

Some riders were suffering carburettor problems in the heat and fuel boiling issues as the oil-air-cooled machinery struggled to maintain their composure in the conditions.

The wind picked up much more force in the afternoon and switched to a south-westerly. This was met with sighs of relief by everyone up and down pit-lane as it helped to take the sting out of the heat and temperatures started dropping back to a much more manageable 28-degrees.

Ahead of the second and final International Challenge qualifying session Aaron Morris took to the circuit again to claim pole in the New Era Formula 1300 category with a 1m37.685. Before that final International Challenge Qualifying was to get underway though we had some races on the schedule.

Pre-War / 125 P-CL & FE / 250 P-CL and Classic

The opening race of the 2019 Island Classic was the combined Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic and Classic.

The somewhat strange combination forced by a limited number of entries across these categories.

Murray Seabrook and Roly Orr quickly broke away from the pack on their 1972 Yamaha TD3 machines but Seabrook then ran off the track at turn four and his chance of a race win went down the slip road with him. Terry Morris recovered from a bad start to chase down Roly Orr and by lap two was tussling with Orr for the lead. A mistake by Orr on the final lap gave Morris the advantage he needed to take the win at the chequered flag.

Pre-War / 125 P-CL & FE / 250 P-CL & CL R1 Results
  1. Terry Morris
  2. Roly Orr +0.256
  3. Greg Roberts +43.765
  4. Lorraine Crussell +45.991
  5. Marco Vittino +61.047
  6. Bruce Meredith +66.482 (2CL)
  7. Fred Schafer +67.535 (2CL)
  8. John Imrie +73.140 (2CL)
  9. Ben James +84.528
  10. Stacey Heaney +85.674 (1PC)
250 FE / 125 New Era / 350 Classic

Lachlan Hill started the combined 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era and 350 Classic from pole position on his Rotax powered machine that is backed by Ron Angel Classic Racing. Hill immediately streaked away from the field and was in a class of his own onboard that machine.

R2 – 250 FE / 125 New Era / 350 CL R1 Results
  1. Lachlan Hill (2FE)
  2. James Doddrell +3.117 (1NE)
  3. Mark Laing-Hughes +19.077 (1NE)
  4. Grant Boxhall +21.870 (2FE)
  5. Ben Bramich +21.998 (3CL)
  6. David Manson +36.290 (1NE)
  7. Phil Paton +37.092 (3CL)
  8. Robert Heather +60.276 (2FE)
  9. Colin Meredith +105.239 (3CL)
  10. Ross Hollands +1 lap (3CL)
500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic

This one was shaping up to be a much closer battle with little separating Dean Oughtred on a CR750 Honda and Tom Bramich on the Ron Angel baked Paton during qualifying.

It was the indomitable Laurie Fyffe though that scored the holeshot on his CB750 Honda.

Beau Beaton’s Irving Vincent has suffered numerous problems which had led to a poor qualifying performance but the big booming Melbourne built machine was quickly into the lead and streak away from its pursuers. If anyone would know how to ride it defensively though it would be Beau Beaton, who was now in his tenth year of ridiing the Horner built machines, would it hang together for the four-lap race distance…?

Hang together it did and Beaton rewarded his crews efforts with a clear win over Dean Oughtred by over ten seconds while Simon Cook got the better of Laurie Fyffe to round out the Unlimited Post Classic podium.

In the 500 Forgotten Era sub-category it was Tom Bramich on the Paton BM3 who claimed the win from Keo Watson and Chris Hayward. Bramich had also claimed an outright podium ahead of the Unlimited Post Classic bikes of Cook and Fyffe.

500 FE & Unlimited Post Classic R1 Results
  1. Beau Beaton
  2. Dean Oughtred +10.589
  3. Tom Bramich +13.414 (5FE)
  4. Simon Cook +27.751
  5. Keo Watson +28.576 (5FE)
  6. Laurie Fyffe +31.092
  7. Chris Hayward +31.478 (5FE)
  8. Jock Woodley +36.609 (5FE)
  9. Steven Brown +36.755 (5FE)
  10. Robert Wallace +42.964

Unlimited Forgotten Era Premier

Beau Beaton was quickly back in action after his victory in the Unlimited Post Classic to take another win in the Unlimited Forgotten Era category.

He had to work harder for this one though as Marty Craggill made life hard for Beaton with Craig Ditchburn also dipping his TZ750 oar in from time to time.

In fact Ditchburn managed to get the better of Craggill late in the race to take second place. Glenn Hindle was fourth ahead of Bernie Leen and Justin Mellrick while young Drew Sells took seventh ahead of Scott Webster.

Unlimited Forgotten Era Premier Race One Results
  1. Beau Beaton
  2. Craig Ditchburn +0.860
  3. Marty Craggill +1.027
  4. Glenn Hindle +14.472
  5. Bernie Leen +15.769
  6. Justin Mellrick +16.508
  7. Drew Sells +17.307
  8. Scott Webster +18.725
  9. Duncan Coutts +23.951
  10. Steve Stanwix +27.557
  11. David Crussell +29.073
  12. Matthew Ineson +36.061
  13. Martin Hodgson +36.089
  14. Denis Ackland +38.450
  15. Albert Tehennepe +43.463

Unlimited Forgotten Era Minor

Due to a massive entry list in the Unlimited Forgotten Era class the field had been separated in to two with the slower machines in the field put into another sub-category. Pete Byers the victor ahead of Dave Fuller and Dan Sandler.

Unlimited Forgotten Era Minor

  1. Pete Byers
  2. Steve Dobson +10.950
  3. Dave Fuller +16.391
  4. Daniel Sandler +26.237
  5. Bruce Andrew +31.146
  6. Garry Kellalea +31.180
  7. Wade Boyd +36.352
  8. Allen Bromley +41.336
  9. Neil Howard +46.687
  10. Tim Wotton +48.530

International Challenge Final Qualifying

The temperature had dropped quite dramatically ahead of the second and final qualifying session for International Challenge competitors got underway at 1545 on Friday afternoon. This certainly suited not only competitors, but also their tyres, and their machinery.

Jed Metcher certainly welcomed the cooler conditions as his T-Rex Honda Harris had not coped at all well with the more oppressive heat earlier in the day.

IIC Phillip Island Rob Mott Friday Jed Metcher
Jed Metcher

Aaron Morris and Jason Pridmore were the first men to dip into the 1m37s this afternoon.  A 1m37.341 the early benchmark from Morris to Pridmore’s 1m37.642. Those laps stood the test of time to see Morris take pole and Pridmore P2 on the grid for tomorrow’s first International Challenge bout.

IIC Phillip Island Rob Mott Friday Jason Pridmore Josh Hayes
Jason Pridmore and Josh Hayes are the fastest qualifiers for Team USA

Paul Byrne would also score a front row start position courtesy of a 1m38.056 ahead of David Johnson, Jed Metcher and Josh Hayes.

IIC Phillip Island Rob Mott Friday David Johnson
David Johnson

Cam Donald was nowhere to be seen, more problems with the Irving Vincent we believe preventing the two-time Isle of Man TT winner to join the circuit in the second session and having to rely on his 1m44.5s from QP1 for his grid position. That QP1 run had also been troubled for Donald as he managed only two laps and was far from his potential pace.

International Challenge Qualifying Results

  1. Aaron Morris 1m37.341
  2. Jason Pridmore 1m37.642
  3. Paul Byrne 1m38.056
  4. David Johnson 1m38.104
  5. Jed Metcher 1m38.122
  6. Josh Hayes 1m38.202
  7. Beau Beaton 1m38.286
  8. Steve Martin 1m38.454
  9. Shawn Giles 1m38.642
  10. Larry Pegram 1m38.819

500 Post Classic

Tom Bramich quickly cleared out from the field in the 500 Post Classic four lap race to the tune of more than ten-seconds a lap better than any of his competitors. Bramich and the Ron Angel Paton on another level.

500 Post Classic Race One Results

  1. Tom Bramich
  2. Paul Smith _+39.154
  3. Tony Logan +65.198
  4. Eric Salmon +73.832
  5. Brendan Burns +90.453
  6. Danny Ahern +90.932
  7. Dean Marsh +109.076
  8. Shan Nicholas-Oliver +109.184
  9. Ben James +116.495

New Era Formula 750

Son led father in qualifying for the New Era Formula 750 with Scott Campbell besting famous father Malcolm (Wally) Campbell on their pair of beautiful RC30 Hondas. In fact the top four qualifiers were RC30 mounted with Nathan Spiteri also on the front row ahead of James Doddrell.

Scotty also led dad away when the lights went out and pulled away to the tune of more than a second a lap on his way to a clear six-second victory over his father while Nathan Spiteri rounded out the podium.

No luck for Ben Burke in this one as he rolled to a stop at turn one on his CBR400 with two laps to run.

New Era Formula 750 Race One Results

  1. Scott Campbell
  2. Malcolm Campbell +6.075
  3. Nathan Spiteri +9.114
  4. Quentin Blazley +15.446
  5. James Doddrell +18.004
  6. Bernie Leen +19.775
  7. Scott Findlay +26.031
  8. Michael McGuire +35.871
  9. Rob Ruwoldt +37.114
  10. Andrew Relph +37.541

The massive program of qualifying and racing all ran quite smoothly despite the challenging conditions and we actually finished racing at 1630, half-an-hour ahead of schedule. Tomorrow we have a huge program of 22 races beginning at 0900, and then we do it all again on Sunday!

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

Three days of non-stop historic motorcycle road racing at P.I.

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Island Classic 2019 Ready to Rumble

If you love bikes, there’s nothing closer to pure heaven than immersing yourself in a world of motorcycles, mechanics and memorabilia at the iconic historic event, the International Island Classic at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

Now in its 26th year, the Classic presented by Visit Phillip Island, hits the island this Australia Day long weekend from Friday to Sunday January 25-27, with 56 races on the agenda and tickets available at www.islandclassic.com.au or at the gate from Friday.

Island Classic 2018

Celebrating a century of motorbikes, the Island Classic has over 450 bikes racing and on display from old Indians, Nortons and Vincents through to vintage Triumphs, Harleys and Ducatis. There’s six historic categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.

Island Classic

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
AUS VS TEAM USA VS NZ

They all race hard, but when it comes to the dog-eat-dog competition the focus is on the International Challenge. Now in its 15th year, the Challenge will see defending champion Australia take on the USA and New Zealand on bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1985, piloted by riders boasting loads of experience and exceptional talent.

Team Australia Island Classic
Island Classic International Challenge – Team Australia 2018

Each team will feature the top 13 riders from their nominated squads based on qualifying times, contesting four, six-lap races over Saturday and Sunday and running MA approved fules, Roo 99 and Elf LMS, after federal legislation banning the use of AVGAS in Australian racing from 2019.

Australia has a top-notch team led by Adelaide’s David Johnson – the star of the 2018 campaign that saw the Aussies win back the International Challenge trophy from the UK after a three-year drought.

David Johnson Island Classic
Island Classic International Challenge – David Johnson

Also on the roster is Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald; world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin; three-time Australian superbike champion and Island Classic champion Shawn Giles; and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who last year won the Phil Irving Trophy.

But the locals will need riders of this calibre, along with plenty of purpose, pace and guile, as the Americans and New Zealanders are returning in better shape than ever.

Jason Pridmore - 2018 Island Classic - TBG Image
Jason Pridmore – 2018 Island Classic – TBG Image

America – which alongside Australia was a pioneer of big-bore superbike racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s – has pulled in some extra big guns to assist Jason Pridmore in 2019: four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes as well as Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Larry Pegram and Dale Quarterley.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race One - Start - Image by Kris Hodgson
2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race One – Start – Image by Kris Hodgson

A late entry is the versatile Mark Miller, who is an old team mate of Australia’s Johnson, and has raced everything from Isle of Man to Macau Street Race to Pikes Peak. Aussie expatriate journalist Rennie Scaysbrook is also a part of the American team, which predominantly has a mix of oversized Yamaha FJ1100 four-strokes and TZ750 two-strokes at its disposal.

Clive Warner’s TZ750

The Kiwis have capitalised on their long-term relationship with gun racer, Alex Phillis, and the Taupo-based Carl Cox Motorsport – the motorsport arm of international DJ Carl Cox – to strengthen their ranks. Cox brings with him three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, ‘modern’ and classic racer Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves, the senior road tester at iconic UK publication MCN.

John Reynolds BSB Donington
John Reynolds seen here at Donington in 2005

The Kiwis have also sought dispensation for two 1985 Suzuki GSX-Rs for the Carl Cox camp to run. One year outside the Island Classic eligibility, the two Suzukis will be subject to agreed performance restrictions- comprising of a reduction in RPM limit, an overall weight increase and a reduced rear tyre width to eliminate any possible traction advantage.

2017 Island Classic - Pablo's Motorcycle Tyres Period 6/New Era Formula 1300 - Chas Hern, Dean Oughtred - Image: Cameron White
2017 Island Classic – Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres Period 6/New Era Formula 1300 – Chas Hern, Dean Oughtred – Image: Cameron White

To be campaigned by Reynolds and Neeves, the duo’s performance will be counted in International Challenge points, but not in the tally for the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy that’s awarded to the rider with the highest individual points.

David Johnson – Ducati 750 Imola – TBG Image

In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and post-produced into a two-hour television program set to be broadcast around the globe. Screen agreements have been reached with networks in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Locally, the event will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS, later in February.

XR69 Suzuki

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.

Island Classic

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, are available on islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.

Island Classic pits always hold plenty of surprises and eye candy

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

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

img logo island classic

SuzukiKatana821100

YamahaCMR F1841250

YamahaFJ831250

1100

KawasakiHarris821250

HarrisKawasaki801200

2019 International Challenge Entry List
January 25-27 2019
australia

Team Australia
Name Sponsor Make Model Year Cap
D Johnson DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services Suzuki XR69 82 1100
S Giles T Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering Suzuki Katana 82 1294
J Metcher T-Rex / Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres / Race Centre Honda Harris F1 82 1100
L Fyffe Laurie Fyffe Ag-Spray Pty Ltd Suzuki XR69 80 1200
C Ditchburn Consortium Racing / TCWeld Pro / RKR Hydraulics Yamaha TZ750 78 750
P Byrne DMR Motorspor / Purgetec Pty Ltd Suzuki McIntosh 84 1260
J Mellerick Mellerick Drainage Honda CB 80 1200
A Morris Corish Motorsport, TBR, VP Race Fuels Suzuki Katana 82 1294
S Webster T & K Carney Suzuki Harris 82 1200
C Donald K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/ K-Tech Suspension/ HRD Apparel Irving Vincent 82 1300
D Oughtred Carl Cox Motorsport /  Dynoverks Suzuki GSX11 Kat 82 1260
S Martin T Birrell Rac/ D&D Industries/Light Alloy Engineering/QBE Suzuki Katana 82 1294
B Beaton K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/K-Teck Suspension/HRD Apparel Irving Vincent 82 1300
J Allen Custom Coatngs & Maintenance / C &M Motorcycle Repairs Yamaha TZ 78 750
new zealand

Team New Zealand
Name Sponsor Make Model Year Cap
J Reynolds Carl Cox Motorsport / Team Classic Suzuki Suzuki GSXR 85 1100
D Castleton T-Rex Racing Honda CB1100R 81 1100
Phillis Arnolds Fruit Market, Phillis Racing Suzuki XR69 80 1170
M Ineson
M Neeves Carl Cox Motorsport Suzuki GSX1100 80 1100
J Lawrence Carl Cox Motorsport / TSS Red Baron / Shoei Helmets Suzuki Katana GSX 81 1100
G Hindle Goulburn Power Centre / Old Gold Motorcycles Suzuki XR69 82 1170
B Wilson Moto Xtream NZ / Stainless Steel Products / DeWith Moto Suzuki XR69 80 1170
D Coutts
G Crutchley Kallista Electrical Kawasaki P&M 78 1200
R Gunn Spice Consulting Group | Sunset Racing Harris F1 82 1260
C Stevenson Stevenson Earthworks Ltd Suzuki GS1000E 79 1000
Richards Motoxtreme Racing Suzuki GSX1100 81 1170
P Byers Silkdene Australia / Motoextreme Kawasaki Suzuki Katana 82 1100
P Jones Lindsay Pinker Racing Team / Techmoto Honda CB1100 82 1123
united states

Team USA
Name Sponsor Make Model Year Cap
J Hayes
D Quarterley Dunlop SBC Maxima VP Fuels Millennium Van Dyk Suzuki XR69 84 1250
S Rapp Mojo Yamaha / Dunlop Yamaha CMR FJ 1100
D Crussell Mojo Yamaha / CMR Racing Yamaha TZ750 78 748
M Miller Hypercylce USA / Dunlop USA / Bito R&D Harris XR69 84 1200
B Long
J Pethoud Vicious Cycle / Ten Moto Racing Yamaha Harris F1 84 1250
R Scaysbrook Cycle News / Austwide Homes Suzuki GSX11XR69 80 1170
J Pridmore Dunlop / Dainese / AGV Yamaha FJ1200 83 1298
M Gilbert Cycle World Magazine Yamaha FJ1100 83 1250
E Lindauer Guzzi Power / Racetech Suspensions / Mammoth Motor Kawasaki KZ 80 1000
R Ruwoldt
L Pegram Pegram Racing Yamaha FJ1100 83 1250
M Morrison Morrison Racing Suzuki RGB500 82 500
B Lind Bruce Lind Racing Yamaha TZ750 75 749
J Guerrero Island Racing Service / Motul / Michelin Suzuki XR69 82 1200
W Boyd Sportcroft / Guzzi Power / Racetech M Guzzi Le Mans 80 1000

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Video | Onboard with Jason Pridmore at 2018 Island Classic

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Island Classic Onboard Video

We recorded this video last year (2018) at the Island Classic onboard with Team America star Jason Pridmore.

The American came through the pack to finish fourth in this bout and carded a 1m37.482 on lap four.

Jason Pridmore - 2018 Island Classic - TBG Image
Jason Pridmore – 2018 Island Classic – TBG Image

Unfortunately his Yamaha cried enough in the next race and he didn’t get a chance to improve on that result on Sunday.

The 49-year-old will be out to make amends later this month when he visits Phillip Island for the International Challenge for the second time.

Island Classic Onboard Video
Race with Jason Pridmore at 2018 Island Classic

Island Classic 2018

David Johnson won the race from Glen Richards and Jeremy McWilliams, with Pridmore just missing out on the podium.

International Challenge Race Two Results
  1. Johnson – AUS
  2. Richards – UK +1.398
  3. McWilliams – UK +1.718
  4. Pridmore – USA +2.668
  5. Edwards – USA +3.347
  6. Corser – AUS +4.403
  7. Beaton – AUS +8.680
  8. Zemke – USA +11.312
  9. Martin – AUS +11.476
  10. Linfoot – UK +11.531
  11. Byrne – AUS +11.655
  12. Hickman – UK +18.238
  13. Giles – AUD +18.369
Jason Pridmore – 2018 Island Classic – TH Image
Out for more in 2019!

Alongside Pridmore, the Team America challenge will be much stronger this year with AMA Superbike hotshot Josh Hayes joining their ranks. He might be 43-years-old but Hayes won the American Superbike Championship as recently as 2014, and finished a close runner-up in both 2015 and 2016.

There is no Colin Edwards this year but the likes of Larry Pegram, Steve Rapp and Dale Quarterley also bring with them impressive CVs. Rennie Scaysbrook is also fronting for Team USA.

International Challenge 2019 – Team USA

  • Wade Boyd – Moto Guzzi Le Mans – 1988
  • David Crussell – Yamaha TZ750 – 1978
  • Michael Gilbert – Yamaha FJ1100 – 1983
  • Jorge Guerrero – Suzuki XR69 – 1982
  • Joshua Hayes – Yamaha FJ – 1983
  • Bruce Lind – Yamaha TZ750 – 1975
  • Eric Lindauer – Kawasaki KZ – 1980
  • Barrett Long – Kawasaki Harris – 1982
  • Martin Morrison – Suzuki RGB500 MK7 – 1982
  • Larry Pegram – Yamaha FJ1100 – 1983
  • Joe Pethoud – Yamaha Harris F1 – 1984
  • Jason Pridmore – Yamaha FJ1200 – 1983
  • Dale Quarterley – Suzuki XR69 – 1984
  • Steve Rapp – Yamaha – CMR FJ 1100
  • Robert Ruwoldt – Harris Kawasaki – 1980
  • Rennie Scaysbrook – Suzuki GSX1100 XR69 – 1980
Ken Wootton Memorial Trophy

The International Challenge is reserved for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984. There will be four six-lap races to decide the winner, with recognition for the highest individual scorer through the Ken Wootton Memorial Trophy.

Island Classic heading for TV

And in a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed for a two-hour television program to be broadcast in UK and Europe, USA and Canada, S.E. Asia, and in Australia on Foxsports and SBS in February.

A lot more than the International Challenge

The Island Classic, now in its 26th year, isn’t just about the International Challenge, though, with the event a pilgrimage for so many riders and spectators as they celebrate a century of motorcycling. 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.

Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy

The rider who scores the most points across the non-International Challenge races will be awarded the prestigious Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy. Over 500 bikes will either be racing or on display.

Island Classic Tickets

Tickets for the 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, are available at islandclassic.com.au. A three-day adult ticket, purchased in advance, is just $82, 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).

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate, but save by buying in advance.

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

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Triple BSB Champ John Reynolds turns Kiwi for Island Classic

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2019 Island Classic
Team NZ

Budget constraints mean that the Island Classic is missing an official Team UK this year for the International Challenge, but that doesn’t mean there will be no Brits present as Team New Zealand are again boosted by foreign interlopers…

The Kiwis have capitalised on their long-term relationship with young ASBK Superbike competitor, Alex Phillis, and the Taupo-based Carl Cox Motorsport – the motorsport arm of international DJ Carl Cox – to strengthen their ranks against defending champion, Australia, and Team USA.

Carl Cox’s Kiwi outfit brings with him three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, ‘modern’ and classic racer Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves, the senior road tester at iconic UK publication MCN.

John Reynolds

Reynolds, 55, is a true champion, winning three British superbike titles (in 1992, 2001 and 2004) in a career which also saw him compete in 500 GP and world superbike competition. He now works with Suzuki Great Britain (GB) as an ambassador, competing in the European Classic Endurance Series, testing for Suzuki Japan and teaching at corporate track days.

“We’re coming to the Island Classic, because Suzuki GB and Team Classic Suzuki have a great relationship with Carl Cox Motorsport and we think the Aussies will love seeing these Suzukis in action,” said Reynolds from his Nottinghamshire base.

“Carl was running the Katanas at the Classic TT last August with Jay Lawrence, we started talking about coming down under to compete with Carl’s Kiwi team, and it kind of snowballed from there.

“We’re ready to race. The Australian and US teams are strong, but I will be trying my hardest to rattle their cages.”

John Reynolds
John Reynolds – 2004

Reynolds won a world superbike race in 2000, finishing ahead of Aussie Troy Bayliss at a wet Brands Hatch. He also won a whopping 37 British superbike races, but called it quits from racing full-time after a big crash in the final stages of the 2005 season.

He’s competed at Phillip Island once: in 1996 when he finished with 11-10 finishes in the two world superbike races.

“I was with the Factory Suzuki team and it was a great weekend, but it ended with me punting Peter Goddard off the track on the last lap at Honda while he was 3rd and we were both desperate for a podium. My strategic manoeuvre did not work though. Peter as you can imagine was not very happy with me, and rightly so, but we soon made up.”

John Reynolds BSB
John Reynolds

The Kiwis have also sought dispensation for two 1985 Suzuki GSX-Rs for the Carl Cox camp to run, with approvals being given this week by team captains from arch rivals Australia and the USA.

One year outside the Island Classic eligibility, the two Suzukis will be subject to agreed performance restrictions – comprising of a reduction in RPM limit, an overall weight increase and a reduced rear tyre width to eliminate any possible traction advantage.

To be campaigned by Reynolds and Neeves, the duo’s performance will be counted in International Challenge points, but not in the tally for the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy that’s awarded to the rider with the highest individual points.

Suzukis dominate the Kiwi machinery line-up. The team features seven riders who rode for New Zealand at the 2018 International Challenge: team captain Duncan Coutts, Brendan Wilson, Glenn Hindle, Roger Gunn, Simon Richards, Matt Ineson and Campbell Stevenson. Pete Byers, Peter Jones, Glenn Crutchley and Dean Castleton make up the 15-rider list.

Alex Phillis

Phillis, 24, has a solid relationship with the Kiwis. He won the 2017 New Zealand TT on an MV Agusta as part of the Wanaka-based Helicraft Racing team, which also took the young Australian to compete in America that same year.

Of late, Phillis was the leading privateer in the 2018 Australian Superbike Championship, and tasted victory at Phillip Island’s International Challenge when he defeated UK star Jeremy McWilliams in a straight shootout in 2017’s fourth and final race.

Phillis then missed the 2018 International Challenge, but he will return to action on January 25 aboard the Suzuki XR69 F1 bike which he did so much damage on in 2017 – but this time he will race for New Zealand instead of his native Australia.

“New Zealand has given me a lot of opportunities to further my road racing career, so this is a good way to pay them back,” said Phillis. “I have also had Kiwi mechanics over the journey, I rode for Rod Price with Helicraft and I’ve got to know team captain, Duncan Coutts well in recent years. We’ve a strong team and we’ll be in the mix.”.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Three - Image by Andrew Gosling - Glen Richards, Alex Phillis, Derek Sheils
2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Three – Image by Andrew Gosling – Glen Richards, Alex Phillis, Derek Sheils

Island Classic 2019
Team New Zealand

  • John Reynolds – Carl Cox Motorsport / Team Classic Suzuki GSX-R 1985
  • Dean Castleton – T-Rex Racing Honda CB1100R 1981
  • Alex Phillis – Arnolds Fruit Market, Phillis Racing Suzuki XR69 1980
  • Matthew Ineson – Suzuki Katana 1982
  • Michael Neeves – Carl Cox Motorsport Suzuki GSX1100 1980
  • Jay Lawrence – Carl Cox Motorsport / Suzuki Katana GSX1100 1981
  • Glenn Hindle – Goulburn Power Centre / Old Gold  Suzuki XR69 1982
  • Brendan Wilson – Moto Xtream NZ / Suzuki XR69 1980
  • Duncan Coutts – Yamaha CMR F1 1984
  • Glenn Crutchley – Kallista Electrical Kawasaki P&M 1978
  • Roger Gunn – Spice Consulting Group | Sunset Racing Harris F1 1982
  • Campbell Stevenson – Stevenson Earthworks Suzuki GS1000E 1979
  • Simon Richards – Motoxtreme Racing Suzuki GSX1100 1981
  • Pete Byers – Silkdene  / Motoextreme Suzuki Katana 1982
  • Peter (PJ) Jones – Lindsay Pinker Racing  / Techmoto Honda CB1100 1982
Glenn Hindle Brendan Wilson Island Classic
Glenn Hindle and Brendan Wilson at the 2018 Island Classic
The Competition

Australia’s team includes David Johnson, Shawn Giles, Steve Martin, Cameron Donald, Beau Beaton and Jed Metcher, while America has bolstered its stocks with four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes, Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Dale Quarterley and Larry Pegram, who will join 2018 fast man Jason Pridmore.

New Zealand, Australia and Team USA can field a maximum of 13 riders in the four six-lap International Challenge races. After federal legislation banned the use of AVGAS in Australia, MA has homologated two new fuels for use being Roo 99 and Elf LMS.

In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and made into a two-hour television program set to be broadcast around the globe. Screen agreements have been reached with networks in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Locally, the event will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS in February.

The Island Classic, now in its 26th year, isn’t just about the three-nation battle, with the event a pilgrimage for so many riders and spectators as they celebrate a century of motorcycling. 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.

Close to 500 bikes will either be racing or on display.

Island Classic Tickets

Tickets for the 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, are available at islandclassic.com.au. A three-day adult ticket, purchased in advance, is just $82, 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).

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate, but save by buying in advance.

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

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Island Classic 2019 International Challenge | Yanks are coming!

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Island Classic 2019
International Challenge
Team USA

Fans of January’s Island Classic, the big historic bike meet at Phillip Island, get ready because the Yanks are coming! An aggressive recruitment drive by Team America has bolstered its stocks for the three-nation shootout, the 2019 International Challenge, with first swords drawn in preparation for a battle royale come January 25-27.

Jason Pridmore - 2018 Island Classic - TBG Image
Jason Pridmore – 2018 Island Classic – TBG Image

After finishing third in 2018, Team America will be out to push defending champion Australia all the way with their crack squad announced today. Former AMA and FIM Endurance champion, Jason Pridmore, returns after his top five finishes last January, and he brings with him a massive talent bank led by four-time AMA Superbike champion, Josh Hayes.

Monster Energy Graves Yamaha's Josh Hayes talks tyres with Dunlop development engineer Tom Grolman during a two-day test at Thunderhill Raceway. Photo By Paul Carruthers.
Monster Energy Graves Yamaha’s Josh Hayes talks tyres with Dunlop development engineer Tom Grolman in 2015 – Image P. Carruthers

The US corner is strengthened further with a bunch of ace riders including Larry Pegram, Steve Rapp and Dale Quarterley.

AMAPegram
Larry Pegram when competing in the AMA Superbike Championship in season 2000

Aussie expatriate Rennie Scaysbrook – a motorcycle journalist who’s been living, and racing successfully, in America for a number of years has also joined the US squad. Turncoat bastard….  🙂 

Pegram AMA AN
Larry Pegram in 2009 – Image by AJRN

Josh Hayes, 43, dominated the AMA superbike title in the early part of this decade for the Yamaha factory squad, claiming the number one spot from 2010-2012 before winning again in 2014.

Josh Hayes
Josh Hayes on his way to Superpole at VIR in 2015

Hayes also finished seventh in the season-ending MotoGP race at Valencia in 2011 as a replacement for injured compatriot Colin Edwards, while Rapp has also tasted action in the biggest league of all when he rode in the 2012 Indy round of the MotoGP title.

Hayes GP AN
Josh Hayes finished seventh in the season-ending MotoGP race at Valencia in 2011 as a replacement for injured compatriot Colin Edwards – Image by AJRN

Rapp, Pegram and Quarterley were also staples of the AMA scene for many years, with Quarterley one of only a handful of riders to win a superbike race as privateer after also winning the AMA BOTT Wins Championship in 1988. The now 57-year-old turned his talents to car racing when he retired from two-wheel competition, but recently won a major classic motorcycle race at Sonoma in California.

A large contingent of the American squad will be riding machines prepared by Mojo Yamaha, which is a motorcycle racing team focused on classic Yamahas with engine builder, Larry Cook, and chassis expert, Denis Curtis, the helm. Fans can find out more at www.mojoyamaha.com

The engines are a mix of oversized FJ1100 four-strokes and TZ750 two-strokes, housed in frames produced by CMR Racing.

Mojo Yamaha
A line up of Mojo Yamaha machines on their way to the 2019 Island Classic

“Immediately following the 2018 International Challenge, the build and preparation of the bikes for 2019 got underway,” said Team America riding captain Dave Crussell. “The goal is to engineer the most reliable bikes while keeping them as close to identical in build as possible.

“For 2019, we have five CMR/FJs and two TZ750s. These Yamahas have proven to be the best possible fit for Mojo Yamaha and should offer the most competitive advantage in our quest to win the event.”

America will compete against Australia and New Zealand in the 15th running of the International Challenge, which has hosted some of the most cut-throat racing ever seen at the 4.45km grand prix circuit. Each team can field up to 13 riders for their national squad.

The International Challenge is reserved for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984. There will be four six-lap races to decide the winner, with recognition for the highest individual scorer through the Ken Wootton Memorial Trophy.

Australia has already named its team (Link): 2018 individual winner David Johnson, Jed Metcher, Steve Martin, Shawn Giles, Beau Beaton, Cam Donald, Dean Oughtred, Aaron Morris, Paul Byrne, Craig Ditchburn and Scott Webster. The New Zealand team will be named next week.

And in a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed for a two-hour television program to be broadcast in UK and Europe, USA and Canada, S.E. Asia, and in Australia on Foxsports and SBS in February.

The Island Classic, now in its 26th year, isn’t just about the International Challenge, though, with the event a pilgrimage for so many riders and spectators as they celebrate a century of motorcycling. 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.

The rider who scores the most points across the non-International Challenge races will be awarded the prestigious Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy. Over 500 bikes will either be racing or on display.

Island Classic 2019
International Challenge – Team USA

  • Wade Boyd – Moto Guzzi Le Mans – 1988
  • David Crussell – Yamaha TZ750 – 1978
  • Michael Gilbert – Yamaha FJ1100 – 1983
  • Jorge Guerrero – Suzuki XR69 – 1982
  • Joshua Hayes – Yamaha FJ – 1983
  • Bruce Lind – Yamaha TZ750 – 1975
  • Eric Lindauer – Kawasaki KZ – 1980
  • Barrett Long – Kawasaki Harris – 1982
  • Martin Morrison – Suzuki RGB500 MK7 – 1982
  • Larry Pegram – Yamaha FJ1100 – 1983
  • Joe Pethoud – Yamaha Harris F1 – 1984
  • Jason Pridmore – Yamaha FJ1200 – 1983
  • Dale Quarterley – Suzuki XR69 – 1984
  • Steve Rapp – Yamaha – CMR FJ 1100
  • Robert Ruwoldt – Harris Kawasaki – 1980
  • Rennie Scaysbrook – Suzuki GSX1100 XR69 – 1980

Tickets now on sale

Tickets are now on sale at islandclassic.com.au. A three-day adult ticket, purchased in advance, is just $82, and free for children 15 and under (accompanied by a full-paying adult). Packaged with four night camping the cost for a four-day weekend away is $164* for event entry and camping.

*All prices quoted are advance tickets. Advance ticket sales end midday Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Buy advance and save. Gate ticket prices are additional. Kids classified as age 15 and under.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Team Australia | 2019 Island Classic International Challenge

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2019 Island Classic International Challenge

Team Australia

If you love bikes, there’s nothing closer to pure heaven than immersing yourself in a world of motorcycles, mechanics and memorabilia at the iconic historic event, the International Island Classic at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

Island Classic pits always hold plenty of surprises and eye candy

Now in its 26th year, the Classic will once again roll into the island for the Australia Day long weekend from Friday to Sunday January 25-27, with 56 races on the agenda and tickets available now from www.islandclassic.com.au.

Island Classic pits always hold plenty of surprises and eye candy

A celebration of a century of motorbikes, the event is a true bike fest with close to 500 bikes racing and on display, including old Indians, Nortons and Vincents through to vintage Triumphs, Harleys and Ducatis. There’s six historic categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.

Clive Warner’s TZ750

They all race hard, but when it comes to the dog-eat-dog competition the focus is on the International Challenge. Now in its 15th year, the Challenge will see defending champion Australia take on the USA and New Zealand on bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984, piloted by riders boasting loads of experience and exceptional talent.

Team Australia Island Classic
Island Classic International Challenge

Teams from Australia, the US and NZ will fill the International Challenge grid for four, six-lap races, with the Aussies ready to defend the title they wrestled back from the UK in last January.

Captain Rex Wolfenden has released his team of star recruits including the squad’s ace performer of 2018, Adelaide’s David Johnson, who led the Aussies back to the winner’s circle after three years lagging behind the Brits.

David Johnson Island Classic Beau Beaton
Beau Beaton and David Johnson – Island Classic 2018

Johnson will be back on the Suzuki XR69, hoping to emulate his 2018 performance which included two wins and two seconds en-route to being awarded the Ken Wootton Memorial Trophy for best individual performance.

Also back in the saddle after an Island Classic hiatus will be Isle of Man specialist Cam Donald and Melbourne’s Jed Metcher on the T-Rex Racing Honda. Metcher, who just took out the Australian Historic Championship at Broadford in November, will race the Honda he campaigned to victories at the Island Classic in 2016 and 2017.

Jed Metcher

“At Broadford my bike felt amazing, and we have a bit of further development for the island. I’ll be ready,” said Metcher who has taken a break from his international racing career to focus on his Race Center business in Melbourne’s Brunswick. I love the Island Classic, I just love the atmosphere. I love the enthusiasm of generations of people who are in love with their motorcycles and just enjoy everything on offer from the paddock to the track. And of course the racing is tough. But it is friendly competition. You know the sun shines, it’s Phillip Island, everyone who there is into it. The Island Classic is really a good place to be.”

Jed Metcher Trex Honda ImageRC
Jed Metcher

The Australian team boasts great depth and experience with world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin; three-time Australian superbike champion and Island Classic champion Shawn Giles; and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who in 2018 won the Phil Irving trophy.

In addition, there’s Dean Oughtred, Aaron Morris, Paul Byrne, Craig Ditchburn and, returning for his umpteenth appearance, long-time campaigner Scott Webster.

2017 Island Classic - Unlimited Forgotten Era - Scott Webster - Image: Cameron White
2017 Island Classic – Unlimited Forgotten Era – Scott Webster – Image: Cameron White

The Island Classic is the perfect Australia Day getaway without breaking the bank. A three-day adult ticket for the Island Classic, purchased in advance, is just $82, 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 26th running of the International Island Classic, the largest historic bike meet in the southern hemisphere, are available on islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.

2019 Island Classic International Challenge

Team Australia

  • Captain: Rex Wolfenden
  • David Johnson – Suzuki XR69 – 1982 – 1294cc
  • Shawn Giles – Suzuki Katana – 1982 – 1294cc
  • Steve Martin – Suzuki Katana – 1982 – 1294cc
  • Beau Beaton – Irving Vincent – 1982 – 1300cc
  • Cam Donald – Irving Vincent – 1982 – 1300cc
  • Jed Metcher – T-Rex Racing Honda Harris F1 – 1982 – 1150cc
  • Dean Oughtred – Suzuki GSX1100S Katana – 1982 – 1260cc
  • Aaron Morris – Suzuki Katana – 1982 – 1294cc
  • Paul Byrne – Suzuki XR69 – 1982 – 1294cc
  • Craig Ditchburn – TZ 750 Yamaha – 1982 – 750cc
  • Scott Webster – Suzuki XR69 – 1982 – 1200cc

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

Source: MCNews.com.au