10 super things to do at the Island

There’s way more happening than just the world’s best riders fighting for the same piece of tarmac at this month’s curtain raiser of the World Superbike Championship. Here’s a heap of other cool things you can see and do

  1. Do a full lap of the track

If you’re riding to this year’s round of the Supers, there’s worse things you could do than to join up with the Black Dog Ride to the Supers which, in its second running this year, has departure points in both Victoria and New South Wales. As well as helping depression and suicide prevention, attendees will get a lap of the famous 4.45km circuit at the conclusion of the ride and a welcome dinner in the circuit’s Visitor’s Centre which will be attended by some yet-to-be announced special guests, on top of admission to the three-day event. For more information or to register your participation, head to www.blackdogride.com.au.

  1. Pit walks

Thirty minute pit walks will be held during the world Superbike event and are the best way to get an up-close squiz at what goes on inside the riders’ pit boxes. They’ll occur between 11.35am and 12.05pm on Friday, 11.40am and 12.10pm on Saturday and between 12.15pm and 1pm on Sunday. Passes can be purchased from the Event Information Office located at the base of the pedestrian overpass on Gardner Straight.

  1. Go racing

Grab one of the Island’s f Sodi RT8 go-karts and race your mates on the 750m scaled replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Available in either solo or tandem-seat arrangements, the European-designed karts are powered by a 9hp Honda engine, offer fully adjustable ergonomics and surround protection. And make sure you grab a printout of lap times at the end of every one of your 10-minute sessions for full bragging rights at the pub or around the campfire later on.

  1. Ogle and eat

It might be the Supers, but the circuit’s impressive collection of 24 race-winning Italian-made Grand Prix motorcycles is a must see. There’s Cagiva and Aprilia machinery ridden to glory by the likes of Valentino Rossi,  Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Randy Mamola, Alex Barros, Marco Melandri and John Kocinski. It’s located at the Visitor’s Centres, where there’s a licensed cafe serving good food and an indoor table to consume it. And while you’re there, check out the History of Motorsport Display which celebrates over 80 years of motorsport at the Island through a beaut display of memorabilia.

  1. Relive your youth

How long has it been since you’ve raced slot cars?! The circuit’s enormous slot car facility is a fun and genius way to escape the elements and still get your trackside racing fix. Like the karts, you’ll race on a scaled replica of the Grand Prix circuit which features four lanes and is currently the country’s biggest GP slot car track! Sessions are 10 minutes and prices start at just eight bucks. Actually, why wouldn’t you?

  1.  Kids free Superzone

That’s a free Superzone for kids, not a Superzone free of kids. Like a pop-up inflatable fun park, the superzone is completely free and boasts slides and activities that’ll keep the littlies entertained for hours. Yamaha will have a swag of PW50 and TTR-50 models in a test arena, too, so the kids can have a squirt on a bike, too! And all the required safety gear will be provided.

         7.The expo!

A great place to get out of the sun for a while, catch up with some old faces and cop an eyeful of the latest in new bikes, gear and accessories on display and under one big roof. It’s free and open over all three days; 9am to 6pm on Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and from 8am to 5pm on Sunday.

  1. Aerial views

The scenic helicopter flights at Phillip Island is one of those things you always say you’re going to do but never get around to actually doing it. Those who have done it rave about it so maybe this year should be the year you stick to your guns and get up there for the very best vantage point of the circuit. Tickets can be purchased from the helipad behind the Expo.

Helicopter, Australian WSBK 2012

  1. Go camping

Bike racing and camping goes together like Johnny Rea and Kawasaki. A three-day admission and camping pass starts at $155 and kids under 15 get to camp for free with a full-paying adult. You also beat the crowds at the gate and ensure a good viewing spot, since it’s just a short stroll from your campsite to the fence.

  1. Take Hallliday’s

Cru Halliday’s YZF-R1, that is, for a virtual reality lap around the Phillip Island Circuit. Yamaha will have its bLU cRU truck set-up outside the expo where you can jump on the factory-backed Aussie Superbike contender, slip on a pair of 360-degree VR goggles and take off.

ON TRACK

FRIDAY

1030    WSBK  FP1

1130    WSS    FP1

1500    WSBK  FP2

1600    WSS    FP2

SATURDAY

1000    WSBK  FP3

1035    WSS    FP3

1215    WSBK  QP

1255    WSS    QP

1500    WSBK  RACE 1

SUNDAY

0930    WSBK  WU

0955    WSS    WU

1200    WSBK  Q RACE

1315    WSS    RACE

1500    WSBK  RACE 2

On screen!

Foxtel’s sports channel FoxSports has exclusive television rights for this year’s World Superbike Championship, broadcasting live, ad-free racing and qualifying. Alternatively, you can watch it live and on demand through Dorna’s official WorldSBK VideoPass, which will set you back €69.90 ($110) and will give you access to the entire 2019 season. Alternatively, you can buy a monthly pass for €14.90 ($23) and watch a race or, well, three!