It has just been announced that the 2020 Festival of Speed has been cancelled at the direction of the ARDC (Sydney Motorsport Park), with the decision handed down just before midday today.
2020 Festival of Speed cancelled
Further announcements are to come on refunds and more details, with event organisers apologising for the inconvenience, as the Festival of Speed becomes the latest event to be effected by the coronavirus outbreak, with guidelines over the weekend released limiting public gatherings of any size.
2020 would have marked the 15th running of the Festival of Speed, with the 2019 event a shortened affair after atrocious weather caused the cancellation of a number of races.
The 2020 Festival of Speed was scheduled to run from March 20 to March 22 at Sydney Motorsport Park, hosted by the Post Classic Racing Association of NSW.
Sometimes a bike’s looks strike you so strongly that any interesting history is just a happy addition. This Montesa 125 Sprint is a case in point.
Montesa 125 Sprint
Montesa 125 Sprint without fairing
The 1954 125 Sprint was Montesa’s first catalogue race bike and was based on the company’s road model, first introduced in 1945.
The Montesa 125 Sprint offered a catalogue racer
Montesa 125 Sprint
Factory racers were also campaigned successfully, notably finishing second, third and fourth in the Ultra Lightweight TT at the IOM in 1956.
Factory racer versions of the Montesa 125 Sprint also saw IoM success
Montesa 125 Sprint
The motor featured a six-speed bolt-on gearbox with needle-roller bearings throughout. It also had “plugs” mounted on the crankcase mouth that protruded up inside the interior of the piston to assist in transferring the intake charge to the combustion chamber.
The Montesa 125 Sprint produced 18 hp
Overall weight was just 55 kg
The petrol fuel mixture could be added to (for those demanding sections of track) by oil held in the frame that was bleed into the carburettor bell-mouth. The 55 kg bike made 18 hp and had a top speed of 150+km/h.
A top speed of 150km/h was also possible on the Montesa 125 Sprint
Montesa 125 Sprint
The dolphin fairing was introduced in late 1954, replacing the handlebar unit fitted prior – it was one of the first full fairings to be offered on a race bike.
The Montesa 125 Sprint ‘dolphin fairing’
Montesa 125 Sprint
This bike was bought directly from the factory, then the second owner, Swedish racer Leigh Smeadh passed it on to the current owner a few years ago.
The remarkable career of John Surtees – one of the greatest names in motorsport – will be celebrated at this year’s Classic TT, as the only man to ever win two and four-wheel World Championships.
A celebration lap will also be run featuring some of the bikes that are inextricably linked with his name, and will be ridden by well-known TT riders and guests connected to John’s motorcycle racing history.
John Surtees
The 2020 event will mark the 60th anniversary of John’s final TT appearance, where he won his sixth and final TT Race claiming the Senior TT title. In total John Surtees won seven motorcycle world championships including consecutive 350 and 500cc doubles in 1958, 1959 and 1960.
The 1960 MV Agusta that John rode to victory in the World Championship and Senior TT will take centre stage for the celebration lap and feature in a one off display in the Classic TT Paddock along with a number of other iconic machines from the Surtees family collection.
Other bikes include the 1949 Vincent Grey Flash that John won his first race on – a machine, which he considered the most important of his life and a Black Lightening Vincent from the same year. John’s time riding Nortons is also reflected with three bikes from the family collection – an F Norton 500cc Experimental Prototype, a 1959 Manx Norton and a 1953 Works Norton.
Riders confirmed to appear in the parade lap on Saturday 29th August include 23 time TT Race winner John McGuinness, Mick Grant who has ridden a number of John’s bikes over the years, Paul Hollywood, who became a firm friend of John’s after filming the BBC Legends documentary, Steve Parrish, Steve Plater and Ian Skinner, John’s team mechanic for over 35 years.
Count Domenico Agusta with John Surtees
John’s record on the Isle of Man included six TT race wins – four of which were in the blue riband Senior TT with a further four podiums from only 15 race starts – and only one DNF – before moving to four wheels and Formula 1 in 1961, clinching the World Championship in 1964 with Ferrari.
The event has been organised with the Surtees family to celebrate John’s life and career and John’s wife Jane and daughter Edwina will be attending. The celebration will also highlight the work of the TT Riders Association of which John was a former president.
The overnight noise curfew expired at 0900 this morning and immediately the Phillip Island air exploded as a cacophony of engines fired in to life.
A quartet of Keihin carburettors feeding an RC30
Air-cooled, water-cooled, two-stroke, four-stroke, singles, twins, triples and four-cylinder engines all singing their different notes as last-minute fettling took place up and down pit-lane.
A Matchless being worked on between races
The interesting mix of the machines continued into the public parking areas where many spectators had dusted off their prize jewels for the ride to Phillip Island. I have never seen so many six-cylinder motorcycles in the one place. There was as much fap fodder coming through the public entry gates as there was to be seen in the pit garages.
Dieter dusted off his immaculate Yamaha ZJ650 Turbo for his ride down to the Island Classic
The eclectic range of machinery here helps to make the Island Classic something really special with motorcycles being raced in anger that date as far back as the 1939 350 Velocette of Philip Price in the Pre-War support category.
A 350 Velocette from 1939
Once again today the weather was simply magnificent. Beautiful blue skies were revealed as dawn broke to signal we were in for another treat at what is arguably the world’s most beautiful racetrack.
Jordan Szoke
“It’s amazing (Phillip Island) and I never want to go home! When you get to go around here, and if you look where we are, obviously the ocean is right there, it is so beautiful. The fans are amazing, and everyone is so friendly, in the paddock, and then they all just want to win on the track.”
Jordan Szoke is loving his first visit to Phillip Island. The 18-time Canadian Superbike Champion is here racing for Team America in the 2020 International Challenge. He is pictured here animatedly discussing proceedings with four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes
The morning was indeed so gorgeous it made me wish I had camped at the track this weekend to really enjoy all of it to the full. A great day to be alive!
American competitor Michael Gilbert is racing a machine that is twice as old as him and was all smiles during his racing island holiday
The sun had really started to warm things up before International Challenge competitors headed out of pit-lane for their third six-lap bout of the weekend just after noon. The ongoing battle to get these aging tuned-to-the-limit machines to the grid is almost non-stop. Spanners are spun on the motorcycles almost all the way to the start line.
The spannering never stops at a historc race meet…
Some of the mechanical and engineering skills present here this weekend are enough to make rocket scientists feel a bit inadequate. The collective breadth of knowledge within these pit garages is so large that it would be impossible to document. When a lot of these guys eventually pass on, so much of this knowledge will unfortunately die with them.
The delectable Irving Vincent is a good example of the type of engineering skills present here in Australia. Pretty much this entire machine was made from scratch right here in Melbourne.
While that is indeed quite sad, we can at least celebrate their skills while they are here with us fettling and tuning these glorious beasts. As fine as the riding talent present here this weekend is, I think it is fair to say that the talent behind the bars is much more easily replaced and replenished as time marches on than the font of mechanical knowledge inside the minds of many of the mechanics here this weekend. So many of these guys are here not only giving up their time for free, most are more often than not actually spending thousands of their own dollars to be here working their arses off.
The T-Rex Yamaha prepared by Rex Wolfenden and ridden by Jed Metcher
Well now we have given the spanner twirlers their moment of glory, it’s time for them to hand over the motorcycles to the riders and leave the rest of the job up to them!
International Challenge Race Three
While the morning had been quite warm, some cloud cover moved in just after midday and the temperature dropped quite markedly as a result. Due to the problems experienced by David Johnson over the weekend Team Australia had chosen to promote Shawn Giles to the head of the second row in Johnson’s place, demoting the South Australia back to the fourth row.
Jed Metcher led the field through the opening turns ahead of Steve Martin and Michael Gilbert but Larry Pegram and Josh Hayes wasted no time in moving past their countryman, relegating the youngster back to fifth as they approached turn four.
Across the stripe for the first time Metcher had a few bike lengths over his pursuers, the first of which was now Larry Pegram followed by Josh Hayes, Steve Martin, Alex Phillis and Michael Gilbert.
Hayes started to challenge Pegram for second place and that American duo started to pull away a little from Steve Martin.
Alex Phillis then started his charge forward, taking fourth place from Steve Martin, followed by third place from Pegram and then second place from Hayes after the young Victorian put in a 1m36.743 scorcher to storm through the field.
Jed Metcher #22 leads as Alex Phillis closes in on Josh Hayes
Josh Hayes tried valiantly to stick with Phillis but the youngster had his measure, a 1m36.552 the next benchmark set by Phillis on his way to reeling Jed Metcher in.
Alex Phillis #20 got the better of Josh Hayes #4
Alex Phillis moved through to the race lead with two laps to run then extended his buffer to half-a-second as they got the last lap board. Josh Hayes was coming along for the ride though, the fierce competitive streak in him coming to the fore as he hunted down the young competition.
That leading trio then all ran wide at turn four on the final lap and Metcher sneaked past Phillis as a few drops of rain started to fall around the back of the circuit…
Josh Hayes rounds turn 12 as Metcher and Phillis fight for victory
Metcher led them around the back of the circuit and Phillis shadowed his countryman through turn 12 before powering past on the line to steal a narrow victory over Metcher.
Alex Phillis #20 powered past Metcher on the run to the flag #22
Hayes had to settle for third place but had three-seconds over fourth placed Steve Martin.
Josh Hayes
“It was a tough race, I was a bit of a slow starter this morning so that definitely hurt me and Jed got out there pretty far and Larry (Pegram) rode good for a few laps. It took me a little while with Steve (Martin), and Larry (Pegram) and Michael Gilbert, and a handful of guys there in the beginning. When I got to 2nd, I was just taking such little pieces out of Jed (Metcher) and then I couldn’t believe how fast Alex (Phillis) went by, I was like shit that guy must be doing 35’s as fast as he went by me! He just rode right up to him, and again they got together and brought me back a little bit, racing up with each other. When we got the mist on I was having this real internal battle, because I wanted to get in there and I wanted to win that race so bad, but I didn’t feel like with the cooler temperatures my bike was quite where I wanted it to be like it was yesterday, so you start thinking about the team aspect and a 3rd is a lot better than me screwing up. I was a little too cautious, and they did give me a chance to get back in it, but I just played my cards a little too cautious and ruined a good opportunity, hopefully the sun will come back out and we can work hard for it again.”
Phillis pipped Metcher at the line while Hayes rounded out the podium
Aaron Morris scored a fifth place finish ahead of Larry Pegram and Michael Gilbert. Eighth went to Beau Beaton ahead of Taylor Knapp and Jordan Szoke.
Five Australians and five Americans in the top ten but with Shawn Giles, Cameron Donald and Craig Ditchburn filling places 11-12-13 that contributed to Australia extending their three-point lead over Team America out to 12-points. 530 plays 518 with one race remaining.
International Challenge Race Three Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Alex PHILLIS
AUS
1980 Suzuki XR69 1100
9:52.346
2
Jed METCHER
AUS
1984 Yamaha FJ 1200
+0.077
3
Joshua HAYES
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+0.704
4
Steven MARTIN
AUS
1982 Sukuki Katana 1294
+3.739
5
Aaron MORRIS
AUS
1980 Suzuki Katana 1300
+4.176
6
Larry PEGRAM
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+4.906
7
Michael GILBERT
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+4.981
8
Beau BEATON
AUS
1982 Irving Vincent 1300
+11.105
9
Taylor KNAPP
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+11.192
10
Jordan SZOKE
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+16.287
11
Shawn GILES
AUS
1982 Suzuki Katana 1294
+17.410
12
Cameron DONALD
AUS
1982 Irving Vincent 1300
+29.817
13
Craig DITCHBURN
AUS
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
+41.011
14
Brendan WILSON
UK
1980 Suzuki Harris 1170
+42.717
15
Scott WEBSTER
AUS
1982 Suzuki Harris 1200
+50.465
16
Alexander SINCLAIR
UK
1982 Suzuki XR69 1080
+1m00.239
17
Joe PETHOUD
USA
1984 Yamaha Harris 1250
+1m02.122
18
Damien KAVNEY
UK
1982 Suzuki XR69 1260
+1m14.392
19
David CRUSSELL
USA
1978 Yamaha TZ 748
+1m14.874
20
Brian FILO
USA
1978 Kawasaki Z1 1260
+1m14.941
21
Tony HART
UK
1982 Suzuki Harris 1085
+1m16.073
22
Robert RUWOLDT
USA
1980 Kawasaki Harris 1200
+1m17.886
23
Roger GUNN
UK
1982 Harris F1 1170
+1m18.863
24
Richard LLEWELLIN
UK
1982 Ducati TTF1 750
+1:30.470
25
James AGOMBAR
UK
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
+1m30.917
26
Hasse GUSTAFSON
UK
1972 Ducati 750
+1m31.289
DNF
Jorge GUERRERO
USA
1982 Suzuki XR69 1200
2 Laps
DNF
David JOHNSON
AUS
1982 Suzuki Katana 1100
2 Laps
DNF
Melissa PARIS
USA
1978 Yamaha TZ 748
3 Laps
International Challenge Race Four
The crowd had been quite good throughout the weekend but many spectactors headed home before the final International Challenge bout. This event is a lot more than just about the racing for many, plenty instead come to simply oogle the machinery in the pits, to drink in the sights, sounds and smells, then head for home once those senses have been suitably satisfied.
Alex Phillis, Jed Metcher and Josh Hayes have consistently displayed superior speed all weekend and been the men to beat but would a wildcard find some extra pace in this final bout…?
Hayes had taken the opening victory on Saturday, while Phillis took top honours both yesterday afternoon and this morning, sneaking past Metcher on the line to deny his team-mate victory.
Metcher has been chasing front end set-up all weekend while Phillis had a few gear selection problems this morning. Riders do have to somewhat nurse these fickle machines throughout the six-lap races, riding a fine line between all-out attack and mechanical sympathy.
International Challenge Race Three gets underway
Josh Hayes, Larry Pegram and Jordan Szoke all got away well but not well enough to beat Jed Metcher to turn one as the Rex Wolfenden prepared Yamaha wound up.
Jed Metcher led the field towards turn one
Around the back of the circuit on the opening lap it was Metcher from Hayes, Phillis, Martin, Pegram, Gilbert and Beaton.
The field heads towards turn one in the International Challenge decider
Hayes took the lead at the end of lap one after slipping past Metcher before turn one. Phillis was in third as again it was this trio proving quickest. Steve Martin was the best of the rest at this stage of the race ahead of Pegram.
Next time around Alex Phillis took his turn at the front after putting in a 1m36.655s. Hayes was back through to the lead by turn four and Metcher then pushed Phillis back to third place once again. Hayes pulled away over the second half of that lap and by the stripe had half-a-second over Phillis and Metcher.
Phillis ran wide on the next lap and lost second place to Metcher, he then lost yet more time through the next few turns, grip perhaps now going away from him.
At the last lap board Josh Hayes had a buffer of seven-tenths over Metcher who had a similar advantage over Phillis. Michael Gilbert had moved up to fourth place, Jordan Szoke was in fifth and Aaron Morris sixth in what was a tightly packed group.
Josh Hayes the victor from Metcher with Phillis coming home third in the fourth and final International Challenge bout of the weekend.
Josh Hayes
“I knew with the sun coming out it played a little bit of an advantage for tyres with us in the Dunlop’s, and finally I got a pretty decent run off line and didn’t let Jed just go. I wasn’t trying to play catch-up for the whole race, being able to get up close to him right off the bat, I thought if I could push and pressure the pace for race distance, every lap works in my favour a little bit. I made a few mistakes late in the race and they got back a little close to me, but I was just trying to be steady and just hit my marks and fortunately we had a clean race. We had four great races and I really enjoyed riding in them, with the boys (Alex & Jed) all of us together, all weekend, every race, it was so much fun! It’s good to leave on a high note!”
Josh Hayes after taking the final victory on Sunday afternoon
Michael Gilbert won the battle over fourth place ahead of Szoke and Morris.
Third place was good enough to see Phillis take the overall individual honours for the weekend by two-points over Metcher.
Team Australia won the International Challenge by a slender seven-points over the USA.
International Challenge Race Four Results
Pos
Name
Class
Machine
Time/Gap
1
Joshua HAYES
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
9m47.879
2
Jed METCHER
AUS
1984 Yamaha FJ 1200
+1.414
3
Alexander PHILLIS
AUS
1980 Suzuki XR69 1100
+3.292
4
Michael GILBERT
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+6.538
5
Jordan SZOKE
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+7.019
6
Aaron MORRIS
AUS
1980 Suzuki Katana 1300
+7.125
7
Steven MARTIN
AUS
1982 Sukuki Katana 1294
+7.788
8
Taylor KNAPP
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+11.296
9
Beau BEATON
AUS
1982 Irving Vincent 1300
+14.011
10
Shawn GILES
AUS
1982 Suzuki Katana 1294
+19.237
11
Cameron DONALD
AUS
1982 Irving Vincent 1300
+24.861
12
Brendan WILSON
UK
1980 Suzuki Harris 1170
+38.600
13
Craig DITCHBURN
AUS
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
+40.509
14
Larry PEGRAM
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
+41.419
15
Scott WEBSTER
AUS
1982 Suzuki Harris 1200
+43.315
16
Damien KAVNEY
UK
1982 Suzuki XR69 1260
+1:06.063
17
Joe PETHOUD
USA
1984 Yamaha Harris 1250
+1:06.469
18
Roger GUNN
UK
1982 Harris F1 1170
+1:08.030
19
Brian FILO
USA
1978 Kawasaki Z1 1260
+1:11.464
20
Robert RUWOLDT
USA
1980 Kawasaki Harris 1200
+1:14.018
21
Hasse GUSTAFSON
UK
1972 Ducati 750
+1:34.608
22
James AGOMBAR
UK
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
+1:35.352
23
Richard LLEWELLIN
UK
1982 Ducati TTF1 750
+1:40.880
DNF
David CRUSSELL
USA
1978 Yamaha TZ 748
2 Laps
DNF
Jorge GUERRERO
USA
1982 Suzuki XR69 1200
3 Laps
DNF
Tony HART
UK
1982 Suzuki Harris 1085
4 Laps
DNF
Alexander SINCLAIR
UK
1982 Suzuki XR69 1080
5 Laps
2020 Island Classic International Challenge Team Points
Pos
Name
Total
1
AUSTRALIA
704
2
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
691
3
UNITED KINGDOM
423
2020 Island Classic Race Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy Individual Points
Australia lead after day one but things are tight at the top
By Trevor Hedge – Images by Rob Mott
Phillip Island turned on magnificent weather here today for the opening day of International Challenge competition.
The first of today’s two lap races saw Team America shrug off some of their mechanical gremlins and rise to the fore.
Saturday though saw problems for Craig Ditchburn whose TZ750 cried enough on the opening lap at turn two. That failure resulted in Michael Neeves, Scott Webster, Brendan Wilson and John Allen all ending up on the deck in the melee.
There was carnage in race one
While there was some significant machine damage the riders somehow got away with all their bits still working.
Island Classic International Challenge
Officials brought out the red flag and after a delay riders were again under starters orders for a full six-lap re-start.
Island Classic International Challenge
The pace was very hot amongst the leading trio in the opening stanza with Alex Phillis recording the fastest lap of the race on the final lap, but it was not enough to prevent Josh Hayes from taking the win by a tenth of a second over Phillis. Metcher only another bike length behind in third after what had been a great contest.
Island Classic International Challenge – Race One
Larry Pegram got the better of Steve Martin for fourth place while David Johnson scored a sixth place finish on the Carl Cox backed Katana.
The fastest top speeds were recorded by the fast but fickle CMR FJ Yamaha’s of Team America with Michael Gilbert topping the speed charts at 280 km/h.
Clearly it was game on for International Challenge honours with Team America having a great start in the event and 44-year-old Josh Hayes showing his fine pedigree had not lost much of its shine. The wily four-time AMA Superbike Champion also showed his race-craft had not deserted him as he managed to edge out both Phillis and Metcher for victory in the final stages of the race.
Riders gridded up for the second and final six-lap bout of the day just after 1400 on Saturday afternoon. The weather was glorious with blue skies and ambient temperatures in the mid 20s and track temperature hovering around 45-degrees. Perfect.
Island Classic International Challenge – Race Two
Jed Metcher scored the holeshot ahead of Alex Phillis and David Johnson and that Aussie triumvirate were being closely pursued throughout the opening lap by American’s Josh Hayes, Michael Gilbert and Larry Pegram.
Hayes put a fantastic move on Johnson for third place around the back of the circuit. As they crossed the stripe for the first time Phillis was leading the way from Metcher and Hayes. David Johnson then retired at turn four with yet more problems with the Carl Cox Katana.
Josh Hayes closed his younger Aussie foes down – Island Classic International Challenge – Race Two
Phillis and Metcher then pushed each other hard throughout lap two, no quarter given by each and no team orders, any doubt as to whether they were going to put it all on the line for glory was clearly dispelled as it was elbows out.
Island Classic International Challenge – Race Two – Jed Metcher and Alex Phillis tussled hard
Josh Hayes dropped in a 1m36.957s to close up to the Aussie duo and it was again going to be these three men that would fight for the win. Fourth placed Larry Pegram was three-seconds behind at half-race distance but was going to score a 15-second penalty for a jump-start, Shawn Giles also copping the wrath of the stewards for the same offence.
Josh Hayes hits the front – Island Classic International Challenge – Race Two
Hayes got the better of both Phillis and Metcher with two laps to run and immediately pulled a couple of bike lengths over his much younger foes.
Josh Hayes got the last lap board with his lead now a full-second over Phillis after the American dropped in yet another 1m36s lap, a 1m36.913 to be exact, the race was now his to lose…
Hayes though got a false neutral heading down the box towards turn four and had to take the escape road, allowing both Phillis and Metcher to pass him unchallenged. Larry Pegram and Steve Martin also sneaked past the recovering Hayes to rub yet more salt into the wounds, pushing Hayes back to fifth.
Phillis the eventual winner by almost four-tenths of a second over Metcher and while Pegram crossed the line in third place that jump-start penalty would relegate the American back to 11th place, promoting Steve Martin on to the race podium which made it an Aussie 1-2-3.
After the race Team America successfully protested the jump-start penalty for Pegram and he had his third place reinstated.
Ales Phillis #20 and Jed Metcher #22
Hayes was gutted with his result, telling me he had been so careful with his shifts all race and had been extra cautious on that final lap as he knew he had a reasonable lead. After getting the machine stopped and trying to recover he then found the machine still stuck in top gear! Not one of his many attempted downshifts had been successful thus he lost yet more time getting go again.
The remaining two six-lap races that will decide the results of the International Challenge will be staged on Sunday with yet another perfect day forecast by the weather gods that are clearly blessing the 2020 Island Classic. Hayes has shown he has the speed to win on Sunday and there are only three-points separating Team America from International Challenge leaders Australia heading in to the final two bouts tomorrow. Game on.
Josh Hayes looks like the man to beat to tomorrow in regards to outright pace is his machinery stands up to the rigours of competition all the way to the flag
2020 Island Classic Race Results International Challenge Saturday
The never ending battle between man and the vagaries of historic machinery played out in earnest under clear skies at Phillip Island today during qualifying for the 2020 Island Classic.
Work in the pits is an ongoing frenzy of trying to keep antiquated machinery, generally being pushed to make more horsepower than was ever intended, from dropping their guts somewhere around the fast and flowing 4445 metres of tarmac that is the magnificent Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Many of the internationals are having their first taste of Phillip Island this weekend after a lifetime spent watching MotoGP and WorldSBK broadcasts from what is widely recognised as one of the best motorcycle racing circuits in the world.
Jed Metcher
Australian riders filled the top four places in opening qualifying with Jed Metcher leading the way with a 1m38.728s lap on the T-Rex 1984 Yamaha FJ1200 based machine ahead of Alex Phillis on an XR69 Suzuki. Steve Martin wound up the big TBR Katana to third place ahead of Beau Beaton on the 1300cc Irving Vincent. Josh Hayes had some mechanical problems with the CMR Yamaha FJ1250 that prevented him from putting in a competitive time thus it was Larry Pegram leading the way for Team USA in the opening qualifying session on an almost identical machine to that of Hayes. Pegram also suffered an engine failure in the session in a sign that does not bode well for the Team USA machines. I can see a mad scramble for parts unfolding overnight with the generosity of the Australian hosts being called upon at times to help search for parts and/or machinery to ensure that Team America can successfully complete their mission.
Some serious open heart surgery has been going on in the Team USA pit garage…
In the couple of hours between the opening session for the international challenge and the final qualifying session in the afternoon it was all hands on deck in many pit garages. Engines out, carburettors being disassembled, some complete engine changes already taking place after some blew motors. And all this before even final qualifying got underway! Clearly it is going to be an uphill battle trying to get a lot of these machines to hold together over the course of the race weekend.
In the final qualifying session it was again Jed Metcher leading the way, the 29-year-old dropping his benchmark to 1m37.248 to sneak pole position by a nose over countryman Alex Phillis while Steve Martin was in P3 yet again. Metcher has chosen to race the T-Rex FJ over the much stiffer Harris framed Honda this weekend, the more compliant Yamaha giving him more feedback and confidence.
David Johnson
David Johnson improved to P4 while an engine change saw Aaron Morris move up to fifth to make it an all Aussie top five.
Larry Pegram and Josh Hayes both got in five laps during Q2 with Pegram leading for Team USA on a 1m38.388s to Hayes’ 1m38.575s. Hayes had to resort to using Jordan Szoke’s bike to qualify after continuing problems with his machine.
Michael Gilbert was next best on 1m38.966s while Australia’s Shawn Giles and Beau Beaton rounded out the top ten. Giles is getting his head around Pirelli rubber after a life-time competing on Dunlop.
Shawn Giles and Steve Martin on Suzuki Katana machinery
International Challenge Combined Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time
1
Jed METCHER
AUS
1984 Yamaha FJ 1200
1m37.248
2
Alexander PHILLIS
AUS
1980 Suzuki XR69 1100
1m37.354
3
Steven MARTIN
AUS
1982 Sukuki Katana 1294
1m37.870
4
David JOHNSON
AUS
1982 Suzuki Katana 1100
1m38.260
5
Aaron MORRIS
AUS
1980 Suzuki Katana 1300
1m38.266
6
Larry PEGRAM
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
1m38.388
7
Joshua HAYES
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
1m38.575
8
Michael GILBERT
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
1m38.966
9
Shawn GILES
AUS
1992 Suzuki Katana 1294
1m39.152
10
Beau BEATON
AUS
1982 Irving Vincent 1300
1m39.344
11
Taylor KNAPP
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
1m39.513
12
Craig DITCHBURN
AUS
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
1m39.688
13
Jordan SZOKE
USA
1983 Yamaha CMR FJ 1250
1m40.597
14
Cameron DONALD
AUS
1982 Irving Vincent 1300
1m41.152
15
John ALLEN
AUS
1978 Yamaha OW31 750
1m41.736
16
Brendan WILSON
GBR
1980 Suzuki Harris 1170
1m43.729
17
Michael NEEVES
GBR
1984 Suzuki Harris 1230
1m44.301
18
Scott WEBSTER
AUS
1982 Suzuki Harris 1200
1m45.498
19
Jorge GUERRERO
USA
1982 Suzuki XR69 1200
1m46.523
20
Joe PETHOUD
USA
1984 Yamaha Harris 1250
1m47.066
21
David CRUSSELL
USA
1978 Yamaha TZ 748
1m47.436
22
Damien KAVNEY
GBR
1982 Suzuki XR69 1260
1m48.174
23
Robert RUWOLDT
USA
1980 Kawasaki Harris 1200
1m48.324
24
Melissa PARIS
USA
1978 Yamaha TZ 748
1m48.325
25
Alexander SINCLAIR
GBR
1982 Suzuki XR69 1080
1m48.884
26
Brian FILO
USA
1978 Kawasaki Z1 1260
1m49.782
27
Roger GUNN
GBR
1982 Harris F1 1170
1m49.842
28
Tony HART
GBR
1982 Suzuki Harris 1085
1m49.911
29
Richard PEERS-JONES
GBR
1979 Yamaha TZG 347
1m51.992
30
Hasse GUSTAFSON
GBR
1972 Ducati 750
1m52.012
31
James AGOMBAR
GBR
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
1m52.784
32
Richard LLEWELLIN
GBR
1982 Ducati TTF1 750
1m53.679
33
Laurie FYFFE
AUS
1980 Suzuki GSX 1166
1m54.198
34
Johnny NORDBERG
GBR
1972 Ducati V2 Imola 748
1m54.572
35
Bruce LIND
USA
1975 Yamaha TZ 748
2m03.544
36
Paul GASKIN
GBR
1978 Suzuki GS 1000
2m08.372
Pre-War / 125 PC / Forgotten Era / New Era / 250 Classic & PC Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Tait COGHILL
1NE
1990 Honda RS 125
1m53.165
2
Stephen KAIRL
1NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+3.055
3
David MANSON
1NE
1990 Honda NF4 125
+4.898
4
Simon OLIVER
1FE
1980 Waddon WD 124
+7.091
5
Shane WILCOX
1NE
1989 Honda RS 125
+9.532
6
John SEDY
1NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+11.157
7
Roland ORR
2PC
1972 Yamaha TR2/3 250
+11.830
8
Brian FILO
2PC
1968 Kawasaki A1R 250
+14.547
9
Jonathan
2CL
1962 Motobi GP Rep. 250
+20.910
10
Lorraine CRUSSELL
2PC
1967 Honda CB 200
+20.976
11
Edward MARSDEN
1NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+23.511
12
Paul MANSON
1NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+27.171
13
Philip PRICE
VNT
1939 Velocette KTT 350
+31.216
14
Bruce MEREDITH
2CL
1961 Ducati Diana 250
+33.053
15
Miles VICARY
1FE
1980 Moto Villa TT4 125
+33.323
16
Andrew COGHILL
1NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+33.799
17
Darrell BAILEY
2CL
1961 Ducati Diana 250
+34.104
18
Philip BRISTOW
2PC
1972 Yamaha TD3 249
+37.474
19
Hunter JONES
2PC
1972 Yamaha TD3 250
+38.885
20
Davey KEENAN
2PC
1970 Yamaha TD2 250
+48.470
21
Stacey HEANEY
1PC
1971 Honda CB 125
+50.167
22
Allan MURRAY
2PC
1972 Suzuki GT 250
+1:21.414
23
Keiron REES
2PC
1970 Yamaha 125
+1:52.834
250 Forgotten Era / 250 New Era Production Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Keo WATSON
NE
1990 Honda CBR 250
1m53.321
2
Adam HARDING
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+1.534
3
Mitchell KUHNE
NE
1998 Honda CBR 250 RR
+3.894
4
David BANBURY
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+5.729
5
Christopher DUFFY
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+6.097
6
Sandy MARTIN
NE
1990 Suzuki RGV 249
+7.968
7
Gregor ROBERTSON
NE
1990 Honda CBR 250
+8.018
8
David HALL
FE
1979 Rotax N’Bakker 250
+8.321
9
Grant BOXHALL
FE
1984 Armstrong Rotax 250
+8.592
10
Mark FLETCHER
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+8.698
11
Clodagh HENNESSY
NE
1990 Honda CBR 250
+10.846
12
Louis PITMAN
FE
1981 Yamaha RDLC 250
+11.239
13
Luke MACGREGOR
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+12.101
14
Andy PITMAN
FE
1981 Yamaha RDLC 250
+13.860
15
Anthony SARA
FE
1980 Yamaha RDLC 250
+14.193
16
Paul GREENUP
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 249
+14.975
17
Stephen WARD
FE
1980 Armstrong CM35 250
+15.410
18
Dean NICHOLLS
NE
1988 Honda NSR 250
+16.117
19
Luke HURST
NE
1988 Suzuki RGV 250
+16.370
20
Francesco BIETTO
NE
1992 Honda CBR 250 RR
+16.553
21
Rocco IORLANO
FE
1981 Yamaha RD 250
+16.882
22
Wayne GOW
FE
1977 Yamaha TZE 248
+21.843
23
Damien MEREDITH
NE
1988 Honda CBRR 250
+22.743
24
Melanie CROCKFORD
NE
1989 Suzuki RGV 250
+22.771
25
Patrick POVOLNY
FE
1980 Yamaha RDLC 250
+23.441
26
Dick LODGE
NE
1989 Honda CBRR 250
+24.087
27
Stacey HEANEY
NE
1988 Honda CBR 250
+24.710
28
Rhet ARMSTRONG
FE
1980 Yamaha RDLC 250
+30.751
29
Terrence LISTON
FE
1980 Yamaha RDLC 247
+32.719
30
Mark GRAY
FE
1980 Yamaha RDLC 250
+34.393
31
Bruce WILKINSON
NE
1989 Suzuki RGV 250
+37.711
32
Des HEANEY
NE
1990 Honda CBR 250
+52.619
33
Rebekah PEARCE
NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+55.863
34
Daniel WILLIAMS
NE
1983 Suzuki RG 250
-1:53.321
500 Forgotten Era / Unlimited Post Classic Qualifying Results
Pos
Name
Class
Vehicle
Time/Gap
1
Dean OUGHTRED
UPC
1970 Honda CR 1000
1m53.948
2
Hasse GUSTAFSON
UPC
1972 Ducati 750
+1.905
3
Jason EASTON
5FE
1976 Yamaha TZ 350
+2.342
4
Paul SMITH
5FE
1979 Laverda Alpino 500
+2.963
5
Robert WALLACE
UPC
1972 Honda CB 985
+3.178
6
Brian FILO
UPC
1972 Yamaha XS 750
+5.225
7
Owen WARD
UPC
1972 Honda CB-K2 970
+5.356
8
Grant BOXHALL
5FE
1980 Yamaha TZG 350
+5.921
9
Andy PITMAN
5FE
1981 Yamaha TZ 350
+6.603
10
William SAYER
UPC
1972 Triumph Triton 750
+10.647
11
Murray OGILVIE
5FE
1978 Yamaha TZE 350
+13.446
12
Geoffrey MARTIN
UPC
1969 Honda Drixton 500
+14.406
13
Colin MEREDITH
5FE
1982 Ducati TT2 500
+16.149
14
Stacey HEANEY
UPC
1971 Yamaha XS 650
+17.749
15
Kent JRNEVALL
UPC
1972 Ducati Imola 748
+19.214
16
Daniel AHERN
5FE
1962 Matchless G50 500
+20.417
17
Paul COUGHLAN
UPC
1972 Norton Fastback 750
+21.962
18
Neil STUART
UPC
1972 BSA B50 500
+25.841
19
John STUART
5FE
1977 Yamaha TZ 350
+44.344
NC
Keo WATSON
5FE
1981 Yamaha TZH 350
-1:53.948
NC
Laurie FYFFE
UPC
1972 Honda CB 1100
-1:53.948
Unlimited Forgotten Era Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Michael NEEVES
1984 Suzuki Harris 1230
1m43.446
2
Craig DITCHBURN
1978 Yamaha TZ 750
+0.228
3
Martin CRAGGILL
1979 Yamaha TZ 750
+1.268
4
Scott WEBSTER
1982 Suzuki M’Martin 1200
+5.020
5
David CRUSSELL
1978 Yamaha TZ 748
+5.482
6
Stephen STANWIX
1982 Kawasaki GPZ 1100
+6.168
7
Glenn HINDLE
1980 Suzuki Katana 1260
+6.238
8
Dean CASTLETON
1981 Honda CBR 1100
++7.236
9
Robert RUWOLDT
1980 Kawasaki Harris 1200
+7.737
10
Glenn CRUTCHLEY
1979 Kawasaki P&M 1200
+8.679
11
Albert TEHENNEPE
1982 Kawasaki Harris 1200
+9.078
12
Denis ACKLAND
1979 Kawasaki Z1 1260
+9.370
13
Steven DOBSON
1978 Kawasaki Z1R 1000
+10.294
14
Richard LLEWELLIN
1982 Ducati TTF1 750
+10.754
15
Paul SMITH
1979 Laverda Alpino 500
+10.952
16
Hasse GUSTAFSON
1972 Ducati 750
+11.589
17
Mark RODDA
1979 Suzuki GS 1100
+11.594
18
Michael MOLONEY
1980 Suzuki GSX 1170
+11.686
19
Patrick POVOLNY
1979 Suzuki GSX 1166
+12.086
20
Paul WALSH
1980 Kawasaki Egli 1100
+13.037
21
Johnny NORDBERG
1972 Ducati V2 Imola 748
+13.180
22
Gary NAYSMITH
1981 Kawasaki Z1J 1166
+13.471
23
Laurie FYFFE
1980 Suzuki GSX 1166
+14.219
24
Anthony LOGAN
1980 Suzuki GSX 1166
+14.961
25
Paul RIGNEY
1982 Kawasaki Harris 1075
+15.941
26
Allen BROMLEY
1980 Suzuki GSX 1170
+16.091
27
Daniel POWELL
1981 Suzuki Katana 1100
+16.847
28
Daniel SANDLER
1976 Kawasaki Z 1075
+16.971
29
Garry KELLALEA
1976 Kawasaki Z 1015
+18.849
30
Darren LARK
1980 Suzuki GSX 1150
+24.105
31
Bruce LIND
1975 Yamaha TZ 748
+24.490
32
Ross DOBSON
1982 Suzuki GSX 1290
+24.527
33
Bruce ANDREW
1981 Suzuki GSX 1190
+25.417
34
Paul GASKIN
1978 Suzuki GS 1000
+26.589
35
Ryan McLAUCHLAN
1983 Ducati TT2 750
+26.871
36
Glen FOSTER
1980 Suzuki GSX 1166
+28.981
37
Stephen LEEMBRUGGEN
1981 Kawasaki Z 1286
+35.084
38
Craig HUNTER
1981 Yamaha XV 1000
+49.959
39
Marc CRICHTON
1979 Suzuki GS 1085
+50.044
500 Post Classic / 250 New Era GP / 350 Classic Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Colin SLEIGH
2NE
1990 Yamaha TZA 249
1m48.263
2
Tait COGHILL
2NE
1989 Honda CBR 250
+4.745
3
Levi DAY
2NE
1990 Yamaha TZ 250
+4.821
4
Adam HARDING
2NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+7.400
5
Alexander SINCLAIR
5PC
1969 Vincent Grey Fl. 500
+8.685
6
Shaun RUGEN
2NE
1990 Yamaha TZ 250
+8.823
7
David MANSON
2NE
1990 Honda NF4 125
+9.386
8
Gregor ROBERTSON
2NE
1990 Honda CBR 250
+9.959
9
David BANBURY
2NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+10.396
10
Sandy MARTIN
2NE
1990 Suzuki RGV 249
+12.381
11
Robert WALLACE
5PC
1972 Yamaha Zeger 500
+12.409
12
Roland ORR
5PC
1969 Yamaha TR2 350
+13.833
13
Anthony LOGAN
5PC
1970 Honda Drixton 350
+13.986
14
Shane WILCOX
2NE
1989 Honda RS 125
+14.261
15
John SEDY
2NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+14.313
16
Keith CAMPBELL
5PC
1972 Honda CB 350
+14.567
17
Luke HURST
2NE
1988 Suzuki RGV 250
+15.626
18
Philip PATON
3CL
1962 Bultaco TSS 270
+16.496
19
David WOOLSEY
5PC
1971 Seeley G50 500
+17.149
20
Geoffrey MARTIN
5PC
1969 Honda Drixton 500
+17.307
21
Luke MACGREGOR
2NE
1990 Honda CBRR 250
+17.863
22
Neil MAY
3CL
1961 Norton Manx 350
+18.041
23
Paul GREENUP
2NE
1990 Honda CBRR 249
+19.432
24
Melanie CROCKFORD
2NE
1989 Suzuki RGV 250
+19.766
25
Edward MARSDEN
2NE
1990 Honda RS 125
+20.038
26
Robin WILLIAMS
5PC
1972 Honda CB 500
+21.764
27
Shaun OLIVER
5PC
1972 Honda CB 350
+21.885
28
Adam DONOVAN
3CL
1961 Honda CB72 350
+22.934
29
Anthony TAYLOR
5PC
1968 Triumph Daytona Rep. 500
+24.619
30
Colin MEREDITH
3CL
1961 Ducati Diana 341
+29.270
31
Neil STUART
2NE
1988 Yamaha TD3 250
+29.452
32
Michael McCORMICK
5PC
1972 Honda CB 498
+35.653
33
Brendan BURNS
5PC
1971 Honda CB 500
+38.426
34
Ross HOLLANDS
3CL
1955 Norton Manx 350
+1:02.321
NC
Mitchell KUHNE
2NE
1998 Honda CBR 250 RR
-1:48.263
NC
Eric GANT
2NE
1990 Honda NSR 250
-1:48.263
NC
Allan MURRAY
5PC
1970 Suzuki T 500
-1:48.263
New Era Formula 750 Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Scott CAMPBELL
1987 Honda RC30 750
1m42.600
2
Nathan SPITERI
1989 Honda RC30 750
+0.413
3
Malcolm CAMPBELL
1987 Honda RC30 750
+0.982
4
Ryan McLAUCHLAN
1989 Ducati 926
+2.885
5
Quentin BLAZLEY
1989 Suzuki GSXR 750
+4.808
6
Benjamin BURKE
1988 Honda VFR 750
+4.954
7
Phillip BURKE
1988 Honda RC30 750
+6.237
8
Keith MULCAHY
1992 Honda CBR 400
+7.468
9
Peter BELLCHAMBERS
1988 Suzuki GSXR 750
+8.060
10
Russell BAKER
1990 Honda CBR 400
+8.280
11
Michael JOHNSTON
1987 Ducati TTF1 985
+8.590
12
Kurt GRAINGER
1989 Ducati 851
+8.647
13
John RILEY
1988 Honda VFR 750
+9.164
14
Christopher DUNSTER
1995 Honda RVF 400
+9.336
15
Anthony CARROLL
1990 Honda VFR 400
+9.409
16
Adam STOCKDALE
1990 Honda CBR 400
+9.479
17
Richard EASTON
1990 Suzuki GSXR 750
+9.680
18
Anthony BANN
1989 Kawasaki ZXR 750
+9.963
19
Stacey VAN WETERING
1989 Honda VFR 400
+10.802
20
Matt BROWN
1989 Kawasaki ZXR 400
+11.035
21
Rodney SCHMIDT
1985 Suzuki GSXR 750
+11.199
22
Michael MORALEE
1990 Suzuki GSXR 750
+12.124
23
John CHIODI
1988 Suzuki GSXR 750
+12.606
24
Andrew GARRETT
1987 Suzuki GSXR 750
+12.822
25
Paul JOSHUA
1988 Suzuki GSXR 750
+13.187
26
Damion DAVIS
1989 Honda CBR RR 400
+13.488
27
Brad LOPATEN
1989 Suzuki GSXR 771
+13.686
28
Karen WEBB
1989 Suzuki GSXR 749
+13.831
29
Steven HARLEY
1985 Yamaha FZ 750
+13.863
30
Christopher COONEY
1989 Kawasaki ZXR 400
+14.133
31
David O’CONNELL
1990 Honda VFR 399
+14.329
32
Aaron LINHAM
1989 Suzuki GSXR 750
+14.342
33
Mark POWELL
1989 Ducati 851
+16.156
34
Warren McWHIRTER
1986 Bimota DB1 985
+16.240
35
Tony OLIVER
1989 Honda VFR 400
+17.905
36
Robert FRY
1990 Honda VFR 399
+18.036
37
Malcolm ENGLAND
1985 Suzuki RG 500
+18.799
38
Daniel WILLIAMS
1988 Suzuki GSXR 750
+19.637
39
Thomas NASH
1989 Honda VFR 399
+21.535
40
Wayne WOODS
1990 Honda VFR 400
+23.789
41
Jonathan BYRNE
1990 Honda VFR NC30
+24.162
42
Bruce WILKINSON
1988 Suzuki RGV 750
+41.004
350 Forgotten Era / Unlimited Classic Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Lachlan HILL
3FE
1979 Yamaha TZ 350
1m48.840
2
Keo WATSON
3FE
1981 Yamaha TZH 350
+0.613
3
Richard PEERS-JONES
3FE
1979 Yamaha TZG 347
+2.757
4
Alexander SINCLAIR
3FE
1980 Yamaha TZ 350
+4.632
5
Stephen KAIRL
3FE
1979 Yamaha TZF 350
+6.425
6
Jason EASTON
3FE
1976 Yamaha TZ 350
+6.943
7
Garth FRANCIS
UCL
1962 Norton Atlas 750
+8.038
8
Kane BURNS
UCL
1962 Norton ES2 500
+9.485
9
Andy PITMAN
3FE
1981 Yamaha TZ 350
+10.726
10
Grant BOXHALL
3FE
1980 Yamaha TZG 350
+10.993
11
Louis PITMAN
3FE
1981 Yamaha RDLC 250
+15.382
12
Murray OGILVIE
3FE
1978 Yamaha TZE 350
+16.658
13
Shaun RUGEN
3FE
1976 Yamaha TZD 350
+17.859
14
Bruce MARCHETTI
3FE
1981 Yamaha RDLC 350
+18.401
15
Rocco IORLANO
3FE
1981 Yamaha RD 250
+19.656
16
Andrew MAJERNIK
UCL
1961 Harley XLH 900
+21.100
17
Ian HOULDER
3FE
1978 Yamaha TZE 349
+22.245
18
Stephen WARD
3FE
1980 Armstrong CM35 350
+22.463
19
William SAYER
UCL
1962 Norton Atlas 750
+23.031
20
Anthony TAYLOR
UCL
1962 Norton Mane 500
+23.589
21
David WEATHERHEAD
UCL
1958 Triton Triumph 6T 750
+24.224
22
Ryan FRANCIS
UCL
1962 Norton Triton 828
+27.026
23
Mark GRAY
3FE
1983 Yamaha RDLC 350
+29.615
24
Terrence LISTON
3FE
1980 Yamaha RDLC 347
+31.319
25
Stephen MAJERNIK
UCL
1958 Harley KRTT 750
+40.736
26
William MOONEY
UCL
1958 Harley KR 900
+41.873
500 Classic / 350 Post Classic Qualifying Results
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Time/Gap
1
Glenn HINDLE
3PC
1972 Maxton TR3 350
1m52.583
2
Kane BURNS
5CL
1962 Norton ES2 500
+0.922
3
Adam DONOVAN
5CL
1962 Norton Manx 500
+5.504
4
Jason EASTON
5CL
1962 Matchless G50 500
+6.089
5
Bob ROSENTHAL
5CL
1962 Matchless G50 496
+6.196
6
Anthony LOGAN
3PC
1970 Honda Drixton 350
+7.485
7
Garth FRANCIS
5CL
1962 Norton Manx 500
+7.549
8
Keith CAMPBELL
5CL
1962 Honda CB77 500
+7.820
9
Roland ORR
3PC
1969 Yamaha TR2 350
+10.269
10
Jonathan HOUSTON
5CL
1962 Ducati Dayt. 500
+12.324
11
Neil MAY
3PC
1972 Honda CBF 350
+14.703
12
Michael NEASON
5CL
1962 Norton Manx 500
+14.752
13
Daniel AHERN
5CL
1962 Matchless G50 500
+16.490
14
Anthony TAYLOR
5CL
1962 Norton Mane 500
+20.948
15
Shaun OLIVER
3PC
1972 Honda CB 350
+21.614
16
Hunter JONES
3PC
1972 Yamaha TR3 350
+24.298
17
Bruce MEREDITH
3PC
1971 Ducati MK3 350
+24.941
18
Lloyd CROOK
5CL
1962 Norton Manx 500
+26.432
19
Gregory KENNEDY
5CL
1961 Matchless G80 500
+28.742
20
Davey KEENAN
3PC
1969 Yamaha TR2 350
+33.909
New Era Formula 1300
Ryan Taylor took pole on the Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres 1986 Suzuki GSX-R1100 in the New Era Formula 1300 class ahead of Scott Campbell on an RC30 and Dean Oughtred on a 1990 FZR1000.
Team Australia may have its stable of superstars competing in the 2020 International Island Classic at Phillip Island this Australia Day long weekend (January 24-26), but America arrives with a seriously strong line-up including American husband and wife duo Josh Hayes and Melissa Paris – the first woman to compete in the multi-nation International Challenge.
The potent road racing combo – Hayes is a multiple AMA superbike champion and Paris has competed in world supersport and endurance events – will combine with riders like Jordan Szoke, Taylor Knapp and Larry Pegram as America attempts to seize the International Challenge trophy from Australia across the four six-lap races.
Josh Hayes #4 – Image Russ Colvin
Hayes and Paris will also bring their young son, two-year old Hawk, to Australia with the youngster destined to be a mascot for the American effort.
Paris made her professional debut in 2009 at Daytona – the same year she became the first woman to qualify for a world supersport event – admits she was a “bit jealous” about all the fun that Josh had during his Island Class debut in 2019.
“Josh knows I get a bit grumpy hanging around the race track when I don’t get to ride,” says Melissa. “So when (American team captain) Dave Crussell offered to let me ride one of his Yamaha TZ750s in 2020, it was really a no-brainer.”
Melissa Paris
Paris tested the TZ750 at Willow Springs Raceway in California earlier this year, and she’s looking forward to riding it at Phillip Island.
“Secretly, two-stroke road racers have always been my jam,” says Melissa. “That being said I was pretty intimidated to test the TZ750… but when I actually got on track it wasn’t as overwhelming as I expected. I think it’s going be a big challenge for me to figure out how to go fast on it… but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to! “
Paris made headlines when she competed in the 2017 Le Mans 24-hour world endurance race while in her early pregnancy with son Hawk.
“We realised I was pregnant about five minutes before I left to the airport to go to Le Mans,” Paris continued. “My mid-wife told me I was safe to race as long as I fitted into my leathers… so yeah, I was able to race until about four months.
“I think Hawk thinks motorcycle noises are lullabies because most nights he goes to sleep watching MotoGP races. He loves going for rides on motorcycles, too.
“Josh and I both genuinely love riding, whether it’s at a world-class circuit or just goofing off in the backyard on dirt bikes, so to get to share that with Hawk has been really cool.“
Melissa Paris
Meanwhile, Hayes is delighted to be returning in 2020 after finishing the 2019 event on a high with victory in the final race.
“The 2019 Island Classic was awesome,” Hayes said. “The views coming onto the front straight were incredibly distracting at first, and in the first race I was quite taken back by the level of competition on these classic era bikes. Even got my feelings hurt a few times!
“But when I was able to win the final race, and returned to our pit to find the captains of all the other teams there to celebrate alongside us, I knew this was a special event – more about two-wheel passion than business, and something that I wanted to continue to be a part of!
“America got close in 2019, and I definitely see room for improvement and have high expectations for 2020. We missed a little on consistency in our results, which I know we can improve, but Dave Crussell and the rest of the American contingent have worked hard to improve our equipment also, so we are looking for big things.
“I’m looking to build on that first American team win for 2020, and hopefully put a lot of pressure on Australia and the returning UK team.”
Unlike his wife, Hayes is going down the four-stroke route at Phillip Island on a Mojo Yamaha FJ-based machine housed in a CMR F1 chassis.
Josh Hayes #4 – Image Russ Colvin
“I will definitely be a little more prepared for this upcoming Island Classic verses last year,” Hayes said. “I hadn’t ridden competitively in over 14 months for the last one. This time I’ve got some laps under my belt, and I’m familiar with the bike and the track.
“Hopefully it shows in my riding, and for Melissa and Hawk to get to experience Australia with me is just icing on the cake.”
The United Kingdom completes the 2020 International Challenge roster, with practice and qualifying beginning on January 24 ahead of the four races across Saturday and Sunday.
Qualifying begins on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Close to 400 solo bikes will compete at Phillip Island, where the six classes will face one qualifying session and five races.
Individual accolades will also include the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points outside the International Challenge races.
Tickets at the gate
Tickets are available at the gate from 8am Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Children 15 and under are free, accompanied by a full-paying adult. On circuit camping is also available with 24 hour check-in from Thursday at 7am with entry via gate 2.
For an Australia Day long weekend getaway with a historic high-horsepower twist and a spot of seaside camping thrown in, head to Victoria’s spectacular Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for January’s International Island Classic.
Team Australia returns to defend their International Challenge in 2020
The highlight will be the bar-banging International Challenge battle when Australia takes on America and a new-look UK.
Australia is the defending champion, and the ace up the locals’ sleeve is that they are going in with close to an unchanged line-up in 2020, so the likes of 2019 individual winner Steve Martin, David Johnson, Aaron Morris, Jed Metcher, Shawn Giles, Alex Phillis, Cameron Donald and Beau Beaton will all hit the ground running when practice begins on Friday ahead of qualifying and the four six-lap races on Saturday and Sunday.
Steve Martin, Shawn Giles, Aaron Morris – Image by Russell Colvin
However, that home ground advantage will only serve as motivation for America and the UK, especially the former which on paper has the means to seriously test the Aussies.
An American victory will depend a lot on the form of Josh Hayes, who won last year’s final race and is an out and out superstar with multiple AMA superbike titles to his credit.
Josh Hayes – Image Russ Colvin
Canadian superbike legend Jordan Szoke and Taylor Knapp are the new – and extremely fast – members of the America team, and other guns include Larry Pegram, Michael Gilbert and Hayes’ wife, Melissa Paris – the first female to compete in the International Challenge.
Jordan Szoke – Image by Brian Couture
The UK returns in 2020 after sitting out last year’s event, and is packed with classic racing devotees from the British racing ranks – as well as a machine that was previously ridden at the event by the indomitable Jeremy McWilliams.
Team captain Tony Hart will ride that bike, and some of the UK big names include 30-year-old Alex Sinclair, who claims several Classic TT and Manx titles to his name, and chief tester for British motorcycle weekly MCN, Michael Neeves.
Classic history in a packed three-day schedule
Now in its 27th year, and the largest historic motorcycle racing event in the Southern Hemisphere, the weekend honours a century of motorcycling in three action-packed days, celebrating the splendour of historic racing across so many levels, from the exotic machines to the people who race and prep them.
As well the International Challenge, the Island Classic includes 50 other races for machines across the six historic racing categories: Veteran (up to 1919), Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990).
2020 International Island Classic returns to Phillip Island over the January 24-26 weekend
Up to 400 solo bikes will take to the 4.445km Phillip Island circuit over the three days, where each class will be decided after one qualifying session and five races and riders also vying for the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy for the highest scorer in non-International Challenge events.
Qualifying will begin on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing from late Friday through Saturday and Sunday. For more event info and tickets go to www.islandclassic.com.au
An affordable Australia Day Long-Weekend Away
The circuit opens its grounds for camping for ticket holders, and suddenly four nights camping in a spectacular seaside location, is yours for a fraction of the cost you would normally pay, especially on a long weekend, and the weather is looking good!
Phillip Island Weather Forecast – Australia Day long weekend 2020
The trick is to buy in advance and secure your camping spot early.
Wrap your three-day event ticket in with four nights of on-circuit camping, and the cost for your Island Classic getaway – entry to three days of on-track action and camping with views over Bass Strait – will be just $167 booked in advance.
Even better, bring the family, because children 15 and under are free for camping and event entry, if they are accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Bookings for pre-purchased general admission and camping tickets close at 12:00pm on Thursday, January 23. You can buy at the gate from 8am Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings but it will cost you a little more.
18-time Canadian Road Race Champ for Island Classic
Multi-time Canadian superbike champion Jordan Szoke is embracing the big chill ahead of his maiden appearance at the International Island Classic, with the 2020 event to be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on the Australia Day long weekend (January 24-26).
2020 Island Classic
Far from being confined to the indoors during a typically stinging Canadian winter, the man from Ontario has instead been practicing on his ‘ice’ bike to keep himself in the groove ahead of joining the American team for the showpiece International Challenge teams event at the Island Classic, which will also feature squads from Australia and the United Kingdom.
The 18-time Canadian road racing champion – 13 in superbike and five in 600 supersport – will also be competing at the 4.445km Phillip Island circuit for the first time, so his enthusiasm ahead of the Island Classic is palpable.
“I’ve always wanted to race on Phillip Island,” said Szoke. “It’s a great event at a wicked race track. And I’ve always wanted to race the big classic bikes because it looks like fun. So when (American team captain) Dave (Crussell) approached me I was excited to go.”
Jordan Szoke pictured here when racing AMA in 2003
Szoke still competes full-time at 40-plus years of age and continues to give the younger generation plenty to think about. Aboard a Kawasaki, he finished second in the 2019 Canadian superbike title, winning two of the five rounds outright.
“I am looking forward to having a race in the middle of our Canadian winter when we aren’t actively racing in our schedule,” continued Szoke. “I am looking forward to riding at this particular event while still at the top of my game.”
Jordan Szoke in action – Image by Brian Couture
Szoke won’t get a chance to ride the Yamaha-based CMR FJ 1250 until he lobs at Phillip Island, but despite the truncated lead-up, and the vexing issue of learning a new and blindingly fast circuit, he’s still expected to be one of the lynchpins for Team America alongside the likes of Josh Hayes, Larry Pegram, Michael Gilbert and Taylor Knapp. Hayes is a superstar, and was victorious in the final International Challenge race last year.
The American team also features Josh Hayes’ wife, Melissa Paris – the first woman to compete in the International Challenge – as well as Brian Filo, Michael Gilbert, Jorge Gurerro, Bruce Lind, Joe Pethoud, Robert Ruwoldt and riding captain, Crussell.
Josh Hayes #4 – Image Russ Colvin
Team America is expected to push defending champion Australia all the way in the 2020 International Challenge, with the Aussie outfit featuring David Johnson, Shawn Giles, Jed Metcher, Craig Ditchburn, Aaron Morris, Scott Webster, Cameron Donald, Steve Martin, Beau Beaton, John Allen and Alex Phillis.
Meanwhile, the UK is returning to the Island Classic in 2020 after a one-year hiatus, with Alex Sinclair and Michael Neeves expected to be their major point scorers.
The Island Classic, is now in its 27th year, is the largest historic motorcycle racing event in the Southern Hemisphere. The weekend honours a century of motorcycling in three action-packed days, with the International Challenge just one element of an event that celebrates the splendour of historic racing across all levels.
As well the International Challenge, the Island Classic includes 50 other races for machines across the six historic racing categories: Veteran (up to 1919), Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990).
Josh Hayes #4 – Image Russ Colvin
Qualifying begins on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Close to 400 solo bikes will compete at Phillip Island, where the six classes will face one qualifying session and five races.
Individual accolades will also include the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points outside the International Challenge races.
Discounted pre-purchase tickets and on-site camping will be available until Thursday, January 23 at www.islandclassic.com.au Alternatively buy tickets at the gate from 8am each race-day morning.
Save by purchasing in advance with a three-day adult pass at $84.00* and packaged with four nights camping at the circuit just $167* for a great Australia Day long weekend away. Children 15 and under are free.
Australia will take on America in the 2020 FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup over the Australia Day long weekend held on January 24-26, and for 2020 the Cup’s competition will focus on the International Challenge, with the top five performers from each country combining their points in a bid to win the crown.
The Island Classic returns in 2020 – Image by Russell Colvin
Both Australia and America are campaigning strong teams with decades of race experience between them, with America to boasts the likes of four-time AMA Superbike champion Josh Hayes, 13-times Canadian champion Jordan Szoke, the first female to ever contest the International Challenge Melissa Paris, plus Larry Pegram, Michael Gilbert and AMA front-runner Taylor Knapp.
The bike of choice for the majority of the Americans will again be the Mojo Yamaha based CMR FJ 1250 prepared by captain Dave Crussell and his crew, and three potent Yamaha TZ750’s.
Dave Crussell – American Team Captain
“We are excited to be part of the Oceania title for the first time this year and we’re expecting a tough fight. In 2020 we have our strongest core team ever to challenge the Aussies on their home turf. 2019 was a non-stop year for us, with bike improvements and supplementing the core of our riders. Our top 3 riders from 2019 are returning to the Classic in 2020 and we have added to this base. Big thanks to Larry Cook (LC Racing), Denis Curtis (CMR Racing) and Dunlop for their continued support of our team.”
Dave Crussell – American Team Captain – Image by Russell Colvin
Australia though is not to be outdone with machinery prepared by Australian captain, Rex Wolfenden, and dominated by a raft of Suzuki Katanas and a XR60. There’s also an Irving Vincent in the fleet, a Honda Harris, and two Yamaha TZs.
The local team will benefit from home circuit advantage, with a field of ace riders who know Phillip Island intimately and between them have amassed several historic racing titles. The Aussie riders include Island Classic stars of recent years – Steve Martin, Dave Johnson, Jed Metcher and Shawn Giles – plus a roster boasting the speed and experience of 2019 pace-setter Aaron Morris, Cam Donald, Beau Beaton and Alex Phillis.
Rex Wolfenden – Australian Team Captain
“I am expecting a tight contest. The Americans have a very strong team. The Aussie boys are up for it, as always. They just want to win and get the FIM Oceania Cup back with us. Close hard racing is what the fans come to see and I am sure this title fight will produce just that.”
Australian Team Captain Rex Wolfenden back in 2015
The FIM Oceania title was launched in 2017, with Australia winning the first two years, but being knocked from their pedestal in 2019 when the format changed to non-International Challenge events and New Zealand took the prize.
In 2020, the Oceania title-fight returns to the original format as the majority of Americans travelling to Australia for the Classic are racing in the International Challenge.
The southern hemisphere’s largest historic meet, the International Island Classic, will be held this Australia Day weekend, January 24-26, at Phillip Island. Go to www.islandclassic.com.au for tickets and on-circuit camping, and get planning an action-packed and affordable Australia Day long weekend away with your mates.
