Hundreds of readers shared their fondest Island experiences for a chance to be there
FOR DECADES, fans have flocked to the Island to watch legends battle it out on one of the world’s most spectacular circuits. For a chance to win double passes to this year’s event, plus a copy of the shiny new MotoGP25 video game, we asked readers to share their fondest memory of the Aussie round.
Winner (Double Pass + MotoGP25 video game): Sarah Roffey
“My fondest memory is from 2019. But not because of the MotoGP directly, because of the trip to get there. Everyone raves about the racing at Phillip Island, but let’s be honest – half the magic is in just getting there. Nothing ever goes to plan – lost luggage, saddle bags disintegrating (thanks, super glue and gaffer tape), roadside stoppages, wrong turns… and that’s before we even hit Victoria. But that’s what makes it an adventure!
“Looking back at my Instagram and Facebook memories that logged our trip. Day 2 I noted ‘big holes in the bottom of my saddle bags – nothing some wood, super glue, gaffer tape, gardening gloves and zip ties couldn’t fix’… Then Day 4 ‘Smooth sailing – Dad offered to take my wet weather gear and hoodie since I’ve been having trouble with my bags. Few hours later – my belongings are in the bushes beside some remote stretch of road. Thanks Dad!’
“I often look at these posts with the photos and reflect on how great it was to be able to travel on my bike with my parents and mates and have such a great time. I wish I could do it every year – riding roads like Putty, Dead Horse Gap, Wiseman’s Ferry, Mount Hotham and many more. I am usually the one that has the drama – and wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Runner-up (Double Pass): Cindy McCulloch
“My fondest memory of the Aussie MotoGP is yet to come! Hopefully! Every year my partner yells at the TV like the riders can hear him, and I’ve just started watching too (I’m even doing my first track day this weekend!). Winning tickets would mean we finally swap the lounge-room commentary and spilled chips for our very first MotoGP memory together at Phillip Island – and that would top them all.”
Consolation prize (MotoGP25 video game): Alan Orchard
“In 2012 sitting at Lukey Heights with my mum, who is now 104 years old, and my wife and daughter cause it was her 10th birthday and my mum asking me why the bikes don’t fall over when they are leaned over so much as we watched Casey Stoner on the gas out in front winning his last outing at Phillip Island. I had to explain to Mum about the sticky tyres they were riding on.”
Consolation prize (MotoGP25 video game): Brian Taylor
“When Wayne Gardner overcame all sorts of issues, one being his fairing nearly falling off, then on the podium he comes out with ‘I rode my f**king balls off for you folks today’. What a bloody legend!”
Consolation prize (MotoGP25 video game): Will Glazebrook
“Taking the day off school and going down with my grandpa and brother to the 2019 MotoGP at the Island, buying a Dovi (Andrea Dovizioso) shirt and being amazed at the speed and sound of the bikes down the straight, and then getting to meet Dovi and get him to sign my shirt! It was the best day ever for a 12-year-old to meet my idol.”
