This February 21-23, as well as soaking up all the on-track action at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, there’s a swag of other activities and attractions to keep you entertained!
It’s hard to believe 35 years have passed since local stars Peter Goddard and Robbie Phillis beat the world’s best in front of an adoring home crowd. A fitting result for the circuit’s first time hosting the WorldSBK Championship in 1990, with Goddard (Yamaha) winning Race One and Phillis (Kawasaki) Race Two. The Island’s fast and flowing layout, picturesque location and one of the quickest first turns on the calendar brings out the best in racers. It consistently throws up heart-stopping action and is unsurprisingly responsible for four of the closest finishes in the three-and-a-half decades of WorldSBK racing.
And there’s no reason why this year will be any different: Toprak Razgatlioglu will be looking to defend his crown in his unique and spectacular style; Aussie Remy Gardner will have a barrel of confidence after his strong showing in 2024; and all four Superbike rookies will be looking to make an early first impression… but that’s just the on-track action. The three-day WorldSBK getaway from 21-23 February also offers plenty of other memorable options and events to fill in the hours. Let’s check them out.
Your pick of tix
Tickets at this year’s round range from $35 for a Friday-only general admission pass through to $1029 for a three-day pass for Club Superbike, a Pit Roof VIP Hospitality package. The options are listed below.
Free paddock access
No longer just the domain of VIP guests and corporate ticket holders, everyone who purchases a three-day general admission ticket or better gains instant access to the paddock. That’s right: walk over the bridge on Gardner Straight and you won’t be tapped on the shoulder and asked to produce a VIP lanyard. Once in the paddock, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in autograph sessions, on-stage entertainment and paddock shows where all the top riders – across both the international and local classes – will be interviewed. A great way to see your heroes up close. The national paddock is just to the right after you cross the bridge, so another good chance to check out the Aussie-spec Superbikes and grab an autograph from your favourite rider.
Show stoppers!
As well as Podium and Parc Ferme, the WorldSBK Paddock Show will once again be one of the event’s big drawcards. Hosted by ‘the face of WorldSBK’ Michael Hill, the Paddock Show offers fans an up-close and immersive way to connect with the series. The Paddock Show gives you opportunities to meet riders, get autographs and hear exclusive interviews. There are podium celebrations, team presentations and candid rider Q&As, all making for a lively, festival-like atmosphere.
As AMCN went to press, Phillip Island advised the schedule of what to expect wouldn’t be released until just before the event.
Under the stars
Camping has been part of the Phillip Island landscape since, well, Donna Gardner ran down the straight in her high-heels to congratulate Wayne on his maiden Aussie Grand Prix victory. For every GP and WorldSBK since, the Phillip Island campground has been a rite of passage for many – albeit more strictly controlled and monitored these days than the laidback expanse of fun and tomfoolery it once was. There are bikes-only areas as well as areas where you can get your car into to unpack and pack-up. Visit www.worldsbk.com.au/get-tickets/campground-packages/ for answers to all your common camping questions, and to book.
Camping tickets
Thursday-Monday $223.00
Thursday-Monday – Bar SBK $420.00
Powered sites Sold out
Walk and talk
If you haven’t done a walking lap of the 4.448km grand prix circuit, now’s the time. There will be plenty of vendors to keep up with your sustenance requirements, and you’ll also gain a new-found appreciation for the level of commitment required to bang out a fast lap on the fastest circuit on the WorldSBK calendar. And you can tune into SBK Radio (87.6FM) while you’re at it. There will also be superscreens placed strategically around the circuit, so you can get your steps in while keeping up to date with the on-track action.
Expo! Expo!
If bikes doing 300km/h down Gardner Straight aren’t enough, there’ll be a range of the latest road and off-road bikes on display inside the purpose-built Expo hall, as well as vast amounts of merchandise, apparel and accessories. In terms of any new models making their Australian debuts, the organisers are keeping their cards close to their chests. So expect a few surprises. The expo is open between 9am and 5pm across all three days.
Centre of excellence
The Visitor’s Centre is a beauty, quite possibly the circuit’s best-kept secret, where you can eat, drink, gawk, game and even go-kart! As well as a fully licensed cafe, tables and chairs, merch for days and a hugely impressive collection of 25 Aprilia and Cagiva grand prix racebikes, the circuit has updated the centre’s History of Motorsport Museum with a new dedicated Giacomo Agostini display room. It has five rare bikes including four of his championship-winning MV Agustas plus wonderful tribute images and videos.
Breakfast starts at 7am, after which you can race your mates on the 750m replica Phillip Island go-kart track – but you need to blow zero on the breathalyser. From there, you can have a whirl on what is the largest slot car track in the country (yes, really!), have some lunch, then have a good meander through the centre’s museum section. Sounds like a beaut day out, with or without the on-track action!
Away action
Sometimes the planets just don’t align and it’s impossible to get to the circuit. Fear not, as Foxtel has the exclusive rights to broadcast WorldSBK and WorldSSP action in Australia. The pay TV provider will be broadcasting every practice and qualifying session live, as well as the five races: three WorldSBK and two WorldSSP. You can view the coverage on Foxtel, Foxtel Now or Kayo Sports on your TV, computer, tablet or phone. Or alternatively, head to www.worldsbk.com to purchase a one-event video pass.
