Australia out for glory at Island Classic International Challenge

Island Classic International Challenge 2019

Adelaide racer David Johnson has enjoyed some stellar moments in his motorcycle racing career, but being part of the victorious Australian team in the 2018 International Challenge at last January’s Island Classic historic race meeting was a stand-out.

With the 2019 Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, this weekend – January 25-27 – Johnson is itching to return to the grid as Australia attempts to overcome super competitive teams from the USA and New Zealand with qualifying Friday morning, and racing Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the gate from 8am each day.

David Johnson Island Classic Beau Beaton
Beau Beaton and David Johnson – Island Classic 2018

“The Aussie victory in 2018 is probably one of the greatest feelings I have had in my racing career, and I have won a lot of races in England and Europe,” said Johnson, who was the leading individual scorer in 2018 after winning two of the four races and finishing second in the others. He’ll campaign the same Suzuki XR69 F1 bike in 2019.

“In 2018 I just rode that XR69 and it was mint, which is a full credit to the guys who built the bike and prepared the suspension. The engine and chassis are just awesome.”

Dave Johnson Island Classic Image Russell Colvin
David Johnson – Image Russ Colvin

Johnson, who finished fourth in the Superbike TT at the 2018 Isle of Man, knows that winning the International Challenge isn’t just about one man’s effort: it’s a function of multiple riders finishing well inside the top 10.

His 2019 Australian team includes a batch of stars who are now International Challenge staples: Aussie superbike champions Steve Martin and Shawn Giles, Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald, Jed Metcher and Beau Beaton.

Paul Byrne, Aaron Morris, Matthew Fyffe, Craig Ditchburn, Justin Mellerick, Scott Webster and Dean Outghtred complete the 13-rider squad, with Byrne particularly impressive last year in finishing fourth in the individual standings (aka the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy since 2013) behind Johnson, Jeremy McWilliams and Corser.

Martin, Metcher and Giles have all won the Ken Wootton trophy, the latter on multiple occasions.

“Hopefully there will be a handful of us out in front with a chance of winning races,” continued Johnson. “We just have to be smart about it, as we don’t want to take each other out.

“The young guys want to win pretty badly, as do I. However, if I feel that I’m not fast enough to win, I’m not going to do anything stupid to jeopardise another one of my team members from winning.”

International Challenge ImageRussColvin
2018 International Challenge – David Johnson leading – Image Russ Colvin

Twelve of the Aussie riders are on booming four-strokes, with Ditchburn taking the two-stroke route on the blazing Yamaha TZ750.

Big names galore from Kiwis and Team USA

All teams are allowed a maximum of 13 riders in the four six-lap International Challenge races, with New Zealand and Team USA boasting super competitive outfits in 2019.

Suzuki-strong, the Kiwis have recruited gun rider, Alex Phillis and aligned with Taupo based Carl Cox Motorsport. The international DJ’s racing arm brings three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, modern and classic racer Jay Lawrence and MCN road tester, Michael Neeves, into the silver fern fold.

David Johnson - Image by TBG
David Johnson – Image by TBG

“The Australian team is going to have to work together to get the job done. The Kiws will have riders dicing for the race win, and Alex (Phillis) and John (Reynolds) will definitely be up there,” warned Johnson.

“Then the American team. Josh Hayes will be very hard to tame. He’s a four-time AMA Superbike champion. And Jason Pridmore was the fastest American rider last year, and I expect their bikes should be a lot more competitive this year. Looking at their fleet of Yamaha FJs is quite intimidating! Then with Larry Pegram, Dale Quarterley and Steve Rapp, and now my old team mate Mark Miller, the Americans will be very strong.”

David Johnson wins race two
David Johnson – 2018 – TBG Image

Rules & Regs

The International Challenge is reserved for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984, the only exception being two 1985 Suzuki GSX-Rs models granted dispensation to race under the Kiwi flag in 2019. One year outside the Island Classic eligibility, the two Suzukis will be subject to agreed performance restrictions- comprising of a reduction in RPM limit, an overall weight increase and a reduced rear tyre width to eliminate any possible traction advantage.

To be campaigned by Reynolds and Neeves, the duo’s performance will be counted in International Challenge points, but not in the tally for the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy that’s awarded to the rider with the highest individual points.

David Johnson won outright overall honours with the most points across the four races to claim the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy - Image by TBG
David Johnson won outright overall honours with the most points across the four races to claim the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy in 2018 – Image by TBG
One of the world’s great historic bike meets

The 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, is one of the world’s great historic bike meets. Riders and fans from around the globe converge to celebrate a century of motorcycling with more than 450 bikes on display or competing in 56 races across classes from pre-WW1 bikes through to Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes.

Tickets at the gate

Tickets are available from Friday to Sunday at the gate from 8am. Friday features practice and qualifying across all classes, with racing from Saturday morning to Sunday late.

Children 15 and under are free, accompanied by a full-paying adult.

Camp at the circuit for an ultra-affordable Australia Day long weekend, with four nights for $84 per adult (with children 15 and under free to camp and enter the circuit). Campground opens at 8am Thursday, with 24/7 access via Gate 2.

For event information go to www.islandclassic.com.au or ring the circuit on 03 5952 2710.


26th International Island Classic

Event Schedule

25th – 27th January 2019

Island Classic

Friday 25th January 2019
9:00 am Start
 Q1 Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 15 min
 Q2 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 15 min
 Q3 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 15 min
 Q4 Unlimited Forgotten Era – Odds 15 min
 Q5 Unlimited Forgotten Era – Evens 15 min
 Q6 Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 15 min
 Q7 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 15 min
 Q8 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 15 min
 Q9 Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 15 min
 Q10 International Challenge – Slowest 50% 8 min
 Q11 International Challenge – Fastest 50% 8 min
 Q12 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 15 min
 Q13 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 15 min
 Q14 500 New Era 15 min
E1* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E2* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E3* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E4* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 4 Laps
E5* Unlimited Forgotten Era  – Minor 4 Laps
Q15 International Challenge – Slowest 50% 8 min
Q16 International Challenge – Fastest 50% 8 min
E6* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E7* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
5:00 pm Finish 
* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy

Island Classic

Saturday 26th January 2019
9:00 am Start
E8* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E9* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E10* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E11* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E12* 500 New Era 4 Laps
E13* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E14* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E15* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E16* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 5 Laps
E17* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor 5 Laps
D1 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E18 International Challenge 6 Laps
E19* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E20* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E21* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
E22* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E23* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E24* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E25* 500 New Era 5 Laps
D2 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E26 International Challenge 6 Laps
E27* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E28* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E29* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E30* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 4 Laps
5.00pm Finish
* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy

Island Classic

Sunday 27th January 2019
9:00 am Start
E31* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor 4 Laps
E32* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E33* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
E34* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E35* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E36* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E37* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E38* 500 New Era 4 Laps
D3 Demonstration 2 Laps
E39 International Challenge 6 Laps
E40* Pre-War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E41* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E42* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E43* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier 5 Laps
E44* Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor 5 Laps
E45* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E46* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E47* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
Parade Shannons Insurance Parade Lap 1 Lap
E48 International Challenge 6 Laps
E49* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E50* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E51* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E52* 500 New Era 5 Laps
5.00pm Finish
* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy

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img logo island classic

2019 International Challenge Entry List
January 25-27 2019  
australia

Team Australia 

Name Sponsor Make Model Year Cap
D Johnson DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services Suzuki XR69 82 1100
S Giles T Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering Suzuki Katana 82 1294
J Metcher T-Rex / Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres / Race Centre Honda Harris F1 82 1100
L Fyffe Laurie Fyffe Ag-Spray Pty Ltd Suzuki XR69 80 1200
C Ditchburn Consortium Racing / TCWeld Pro / RKR Hydraulics Yamaha TZ750 78 750
P Byrne DMR Motorspor / Purgetec Pty Ltd Suzuki McIntosh 84 1260
J Mellerick Mellerick Drainage Honda CB 80 1200
A Morris Corish Motorsport, TBR, VP Race Fuels Suzuki Katana 82 1294
S Webster T & K Carney Suzuki Harris 82 1200
C Donald K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/ K-Tech Suspension/ HRD Apparel Irving Vincent 82 1300
D Oughtred Carl Cox Motorsport /  Dynoverks Suzuki GSX11 Kat 82 1260
S Martin T Birrell Rac/ D&D Industries/Light Alloy Engineering/QBE Suzuki Katana 82 1294
B Beaton K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/K-Teck Suspension/HRD Apparel Irving Vincent 82 1300
J Allen Custom Coatngs & Maintenance / C &M Motorcycle Repairs Yamaha TZ 78 750
new zealand

Team New Zealand

Name Sponsor Make Model  Year Cap
J Reynolds Carl Cox Motorsport / Team Classic Suzuki Suzuki GSXR 85 1100
D Castleton T-Rex Racing Honda CB1100R 81 1100
Phillis Arnolds Fruit Market, Phillis Racing Suzuki XR69 80 1170
M Ineson Suzuki Katana 82 1100
M Neeves Carl Cox Motorsport Suzuki GSX1100 80 1100
J Lawrence Carl Cox Motorsport / TSS Red Baron / Shoei Helmets Suzuki Katana GSX 81 1100
G Hindle Goulburn Power Centre / Old Gold Motorcycles Suzuki XR69 82 1170
B Wilson Moto Xtream NZ / Stainless Steel Products / DeWith Moto Suzuki XR69 80 1170
D Coutts Yamaha CMR F1 84 1250
G Crutchley Kallista Electrical Kawasaki P&M 78 1200
R Gunn Spice Consulting Group | Sunset Racing Harris F1 82 1260
C Stevenson Stevenson Earthworks Ltd Suzuki GS1000E 79 1000
Richards Motoxtreme Racing Suzuki GSX1100 81 1170
P Byers Silkdene Australia / Motoextreme Kawasaki Suzuki Katana 82 1100
P Jones Lindsay Pinker Racing Team / Techmoto Honda CB1100 82 1123
united states

Team USA

Name Sponsor Make Model Year Cap
J Hayes Yamaha FJ 83 1250
D Quarterley Dunlop SBC Maxima VP Fuels Millennium Van Dyk Suzuki XR69 84 1250
S Rapp Mojo Yamaha / Dunlop Yamaha CMR FJ 1100 1100
D Crussell Mojo Yamaha / CMR Racing Yamaha TZ750 78 748
M Miller Hypercylce USA / Dunlop USA / Bito R&D Harris XR69 84 1200
B Long Kawasaki Harris 82 1250
J Pethoud Vicious Cycle / Ten Moto Racing Yamaha Harris F1 84 1250
R Scaysbrook Cycle News / Austwide Homes Suzuki GSX11XR69 80 1170
J Pridmore Dunlop / Dainese / AGV Yamaha FJ1200 83 1298
M Gilbert Cycle World Magazine Yamaha FJ1100 83 1250
E Lindauer Guzzi Power / Racetech Suspensions / Mammoth Motor Kawasaki KZ 80 1000
R Ruwoldt Harris Kawasaki 80 1200
L Pegram Pegram Racing Yamaha FJ1100 83 1250
M Morrison Morrison Racing Suzuki RGB500  82 500
B Lind Bruce Lind Racing Yamaha TZ750 75 749
J Guerrero Island Racing Service / Motul / Michelin Suzuki XR69 82 1200
W Boyd Sportcroft / Guzzi Power / Racetech M Guzzi Le Mans 80 1000

img logo island classic

2019 International Challenge Entry List
January 25-27 2019  
australia

Team Australia 

Name Sponsor Model Year Cap
D Johnson DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services XR69 82 1100
S Giles T Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering Katana 82 1294
J Metcher T-Rex / Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres / Race Centre Harris F1 82 1100
L Fyffe Laurie Fyffe Ag-Spray Pty Ltd XR69 80 1200
C Ditchburn Consortium Racing / TCWeld Pro / RKR Hydraulics TZ750 78 750
P Byrne DMR Motorspor / Purgetec Pty Ltd McIntosh 84 1260
J Mellerick Mellerick Drainage CB 80 1200
A Morris Corish Motorsport, TBR, VP Race Fuels Katana 82 1294
S Webster T & K Carney Harris 82 1200
C Donald K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/ K-Tech Suspension/ HRD Apparel Vincent 82 1300
D Oughtred Carl Cox Motorsport /  Dynoverks GSX11 Kat 82 1260
S Martin T Birrell Rac/ D&D Industries/Light Alloy Engineering/QBE Katana 82 1294
B Beaton K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/K-Teck Suspension/HRD Apparel Vincent 82 1300
J Allen Custom Coatngs & Maintenance / C &M Motorcycle Repairs TZ 78 750
new zealand

Team New Zealand

Name Sponsor Model  Year Cap
J Reynolds Carl Cox Motorsport / Team Classic Suzuki GSXR 85 1100
D Castleton T-Rex Racing CB1100R 81 1100
Phillis Arnolds Fruit Market, Phillis Racing XR69 80 1170
M Ineson Katana 82 1100
M Neeves Carl Cox Motorsport GSX1100 80 1100
J Lawrence Carl Cox Motorsport / TSS Red Baron / Shoei Helmets Katana GSX 81 1100
G Hindle Goulburn Power Centre / Old Gold Motorcycles XR69 82 1170
B Wilson Moto Xtream NZ / Stainless Steel Products / DeWith Moto XR69 80 1170
D Coutts CMR F1 84 1250
G Crutchley Kallista Electrical P&M 78 1200
R Gunn Spice Consulting Group | Sunset Racing F1 82 1260
C Stevenson Stevenson Earthworks Ltd GS1000E 79 1000
Richards Motoxtreme Racing GSX1100 81 1170
P Byers Silkdene Australia / Motoextreme Kawasaki Katana 82 1100
P Jones Lindsay Pinker Racing Team / Techmoto CB1100 82 1123
united states

Team USA

Name Sponsor Model Year Cap
J Hayes FJ 83 1250
D Quarterley Dunlop SBC Maxima VP Fuels Millennium Van Dyk XR69 84 1250
S Rapp Mojo Yamaha / Dunlop CMR FJ 1100 1100
D Crussell Mojo Yamaha / CMR Racing TZ750 78 748
M Miller Hypercylce USA / Dunlop USA / Bito R&D XR69 84 1200
B Long Harris 82 1250
J Pethoud Vicious Cycle / Ten Moto Racing Harris F1 84 1250
R Scaysbrook Cycle News / Austwide Homes GSX11XR69 80 1170
J Pridmore Dunlop / Dainese / AGV FJ1200 83 1298
M Gilbert Cycle World Magazine FJ1100 83 1250
E Lindauer Guzzi Power / Racetech Suspensions / Mammoth Motor KZ 80 1000
R Ruwoldt Kawasaki 80 1200
L Pegram Pegram Racing FJ1100 83 1250
M Morrison Morrison Racing RGB500  82 500
B Lind Bruce Lind Racing TZ750 75 749
J Guerrero Island Racing Service / Motul / Michelin XR69 82 1200
W Boyd Sportcroft / Guzzi Power / Racetech Le Mans 80 1000

Destination Phillip Island naming sponsor for 2019 Island Classic

Source: MCNews.com.au

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