FIVE NATIONS RETURN FOR INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
If you’re a lover of motorcycles of all age and stages, then we’re sure the AMCN 24th International Island Classic for historic bikes at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit is high on your bucket list.
Now is the time to make the January 27-29 event your New Year reality, with entry tickets and camping on sale from today at www.islandclassic.com.au
Heralded motorcycle title, Australian Motorcycle News, has supported the event since day one and for good reason. It has grown to become one of the largest historic motorcycle racing events in the world. There are few historic meets that could boast well over 500 machines taking to the race track and dicing for titles like the fiercely contested International Challenge and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.
Now in its 13th year, the Challenge features defending champion, the United Kingdom, returning to fight for the 2017 crown against a motivated Australia (who held the title for ten years), New Zealand, Ireland and the USA.
Some of the motorcycles are nearly a century old with bikes classified in one of 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.
There’s 56 races on the agenda, all between four and six laps, and if they are not racing, the historic machines bring their colour to the paddock with displays or hit the track on parade.
“It goes without saying that Australian Motorcycle News is proud and excited to continue its association with this great annual event,” said Chris Dobie, AMCN editor.
“While the International Challenge between teams from Australia, United Kingdom, Ireland, United States and New Zealand remains the event’s main drawcard, the classic bikes and exciting racing on display across all the categories is the reason why fans flock to the circuit and why AMCN loves being involved.”
The event is a true bike fest with everything from old Indians, Nortons and Vincents through to vintage Triumphs, Harleys and Ducatis.
They all race, but when it comes to the International Challenge, the dog-eat-dog event is reserved for the bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984 and most of the riders come loaded with experience and exceptional talent.
After ten years of Australian domination, the UK team led by Roger Winfield and Keith Higgs eventually broke the Aussie stronghold in 2015 and backed it up with a thumping victory in 2016.
We’ve a sneak peek at the UK line up and it is once again formidable, led by the highly talented former MotoGP star, Jeremy McWilliams – who has won the individual Ken Wootton trophy on three occasions – and his Isle of Man compatriot, John McGuinness.
Australian captain, Rex Wolfenden, is deep in negotiation with leading Australian riders with the prospective line up to include Shawn Giles, Steve Martin, Cam Donald and Jed Metcher who topped the International Challenge individual point score with McWilliams in 2016.
Mike Meskell will return for his second bash at the title with his Irish squad; Dave Crussell will captain the US team while the New Zealanders will have Duncan Coutts at the helm.
Fergus Cameron, Phillip Island managing director, says the event is pure heaven for bike lovers and is chuffed that people come from all over the globe to spend a long weekend immersed in bike-lore.
“We love that 95% of the bikes that travel to the event actually are in tip-top condition, in fact in such good spec, that they can compete in fierce racing on one of the most demanding circuits in the world,” said Fergus Cameron, managing director of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
“It is a credit to the owners. Their mechanical knowledge, their passion for racing, and the love and attention they put into race-preparing their bikes is impressive.”
Tickets are on sale now (Friday Nov 11) at www.islandclassic.com.au with an advance three-day adult pass for $80* and children 15 and under free. Add on-circuit camping for four nights for just $75* per person, purchased in advance.
VIP options are available in the Club Classic Hospitality suite above pit lane. Club Classic offers the flexibility of a single day starting from $150* or weekend package from $235*.
Gates open at 8am each day with qualifying and racing from 9am. Save by buying tickets in advance on www.islandclassic.com.au or call the circuit direct on (03) 5952 2710. Tickets also available at gate.
*All ticket prices quoted are in advance. Book in advance and Save!