Heading to WSBK & ASBK at Phillip Island on 23-25 February? When you’re not pressed against the fence glued to the on-track action, here’s some info to get the most out of your weekend…
If you’re going to watch the action of WSBK & ASBK at Phillip Island on 23-25 February, you need to read this…
It’s hard to believe, but Phillip Island has played host to more rounds of the Superbike World Championship than any other circuit and the 2024 event will mark the 33rd time the production-based world championship has battled on its hallowed ground.
There’s plenty to see and do around the place during the three-day weekend, too, and with much better weather – and far fewer rules! – than the MotoGP round in October, there’s really no excuse for not getting yourself to the Island next weekend.
Get yer tickets
There’s a range of general-admission ticketing options ranging from $40 for a pre-purchased Friday ticket through to $180 for a three-day pass purchased at the gate.
If you want a Bar SBK pass, you need to pre-purchase it and it’ll cost you $310, while a camping ticket will cost you $270 if you’ve pre-purchased or $310 if you make a last-minute decision and pay at the gate.
There are no grandstands this year, kids under 15 get in for free, while all three-day general admission, Bar SBK, campers and VIP Hospitality ticket holders gain access to the paddock (and the Paddock Show) for free. For everyone else, a pit walk pass will cost you $35 (pre-sale) or $45 on the day.
Tickets are non-refundable, though the circuit says a credit may be offered in the case of a medical condition. Oh, and parking is available for two- or four-wheeled vehicles – and it’s free!
The Expo
Open between 9am and 5pm daily, the expo is the place to check out some of the manufacturers’ latest machinery, importers’ latest parts and accessories and to bump into that old mate you haven’t seen since Robbie Phillis was racing the Mick Hone-prepared Suzuki. It can get busy, so choose your times wisely, and be kind to the people staffing the stalls.
The Black Dog Ride has been accepted again as the nominated Charity of Australia’s round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship. They’ll have a stall at the Expo, so pop in and show your support.
Australia’s finest
This year’s curtain raiser also plays host the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship. And with the Summer Night Series keeping most of the riders sharp during the off-season, it’ll be on like Donkey Kong when the lights go out on the opening bout of the Aussie championship at midday on Saturday.
Dogs, booze & cash
Leave your dog at home, buy your booze once you’re inside the gates and if you’ve been saving up your five-dollar notes for beer money at this year’s round of the supers, it’ll be no good to you, because the circuit no longer accepts cash.
There are only three banks in Cowes, too, so if you don’t bank with NAB, Commonwealth or Bendigo, you better deposit those fivers before you arrive.
On yer bike!
The fun police are yet to intervene and you can still ride your registered motorcycle around the outfield and service roads that surround the 4.45km circuit, as long as you’re always wearing a helmet.
If you’d prefer to walk around to see and hear more, choose the boots most suitable for walking, because the circuit doesn’t offer any locker facilitates to store your riding gear.
Worth the walk
As well as having a fully licensed cafe, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre has a History of Motorsport Display and a hugely impressive collection of 25 Aprilia and Cagiva grand prix racebikes, there’s merchandise, slot cars and even a 750m Phillip Island replica go-kart track.
It’s a little-known fact, but the cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Thursday through to Sunday with breakfast starting from 7am, dinner available for 6pm and the centre doesn’t close until 9pm.
If you want to race your mates on the go-kart track, there’s no need to book in advance. Just rock up, pass a breath test – 0.00%! – pay your money and, assuming you’re wearing closed-toe footwear and you’re not wearing a singlet, you’ll be good to go.
WORDS: KEL BUCKLEY PHOTOS: GOLD&GOOSE
