Tag Archives: Motorsport

Ken Lucas still racing at 88 years young

Veteran racer of 70 years Ken Lucas has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for his services to motorcycle racing … and he’s still racing at 88 years young!

He was accompanied by his wife, Brenda, when he was awarded the OAM on 3 April 2019 by Victorian Governor Linda Dessau.

Ken and Brenda Lucas OAM
Ken and Brenda

Long-time trend and motorsport photographer Colin Rosewarne supplied all the photos in this article and wrote this tribute to a racer who is still going strong:

Kenny Lucas – the Octogenarian Racer

Kinda got a nice ring to it hey?  For those that don’t know Kenny, he is not your typical, irascible old bike racer.  Far from it.  As a lover of all things beautiful on two, three and four wheels, Kenny can be seen taking up the rear of the field at most classic races regularly on his trusty 90-year-old Douglas together with either a very rare 250cc Manx Norton, G50 Matchless or one of his many other lovely classic racing bikes.

Ken Lucas racing OAM
Ken on one of his Norvins

If you were lucky enough to be at this year’s Island Classic, he raced one of his two magnificent blood red Norvins. This time the all-conquering 1300cc monster that at some time held every unlimited classic racing title in this country ably ridden by Mildura’s Peter Guest. Riding such a beast is a great effort in itself for Kenny considering he weighs not much more than the front wheel of one of these monsters.

Yeah so what you say, another old bloke with a few toys.  Well, yes you would be right he’s an oldie but golden oldie. Kenny, 88 years young, has raced all over the world with and against some of the greatest names in so many eras. 

Yes, good but here’s the kicker – he’s raced his toys for over 70, yes 70 years!  There’s barely a classic race meeting without a Ken Lucas race or the like in its race program to honour a great racer and truly lovely human being.

Those fortunate enough to meet and get to know the bloke will readily tell you of his cheekiness, generosity and love of a medicinal scotch after his race day. With his loving wife of many years Brenda, their motorhome has played host to countless racers, legends of the sport, officials, sponsors and the odd tired out photographer looking for a seat where there’s always a yarn, a cuppa and a chunk of Brenda’s homemade fruit cake on offer.  This man as is Brenda are pure history and for those interested to learn, a bottomless pit of racing, racer history and practical engineering knowledge.

Ken Lucas racing OAM
Ken at right on his 90-year-old Douglas

Walk past his motorhome at your peril when he’s unpacking for a race as if you are within earshot you will often get a cheeky yell and be asked to push one of his beautiful racing collection up to the pit shed for him or vice versa at the end of the day and join him for a quiet scotch. Old school, trusting but sharp as a tack.

As one would expect at 88 years young, he’s a tad deaf, can’t find his hearing aids and as a consequence has introduced many fellow racer pit campers nationwide with an early morning Sunday wakeup call to ABC Radio’s Macca’s All Over Australia while he gets his toast on.  At home – he’s absolutely no different.  Every day out in the shed with his harem of 60 plus beautiful, rare and exotic racing wives – all with a story – all with a yarn or six.

The generosity of this man literally sees busloads of eager bike club members and enthusiasts visiting his home to get an insight into the man, a tour of his magnificent garages and if he really likes you a ride on one of his steads. Something largely unheard of in this day and age.Ken Lucas racing OAM

Well, what more can this man achieve?  Good question!  He got to do a Lap of Honour at this year’s Island Classic with Isle of Man champion Cam Donald in Cam’s sidecar.  An honour itself as Kenny raced IOM himself way before the majority of readers were even thought of.   So what else can this modern day octo-superman achieve? Kenny was quite rightly recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia on April the third this year for his immense contribution to our motorcycling industry, our sport and for helping, mentoring and befriending countless participants over many decades. A big win for the common man!

Congratulations Kenny John Lucas OAM – you’re a legend in so many ways to so many people and we look forward to seeing you (and hearing you) for many years to come!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Dakar Rally relocates to Saudi Arabia

Aussie Toby Price (pictured above winning the 2018 Morocco rally) will be heading to the dunes of Saudi Arabia next January to defend his Dakar Rally title when the famed event moves from South America to the Middle East.

Dakar organiser ASO has signed a five-year deal from 2020 with the tainted nation criticised for human rights violations including the murder of American newspaper reporter Jamal Khashoggi.

The Muslim nation also has a poor record on its treatment of women which could have been an issue with the rally organisers as many women now compete.

However, last year Saudi women were finally permitted to ride motorcycle and drive trucks.saudi arabia women muslim

Saudi bid

The rally was moved from Africa to South America in 2009 after threats of terrorism in Mauritania forced the cancellation of the 2008.

It has since been held in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, but this year was run in Peru only after the other countries failed to reach an agreement with the organisers.

It is believe a bidding war followed with Saudi Arabia, Chile and South Africa with the event eventually going to the highest bidder.

The oil-rich country reportedly offered the ASO $15 million per year, compared with $3 million proposed by Chile for 2020.

Saudi Arabia features 2.25 million square kilometres of desert, plus the Asir mountains where temperatures range from -2 to 30 degrees Celsius in January.

Organisers hope to include other Mid-East countries such as Oman, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Egypt in following years.

No Aussie Dakar

It is a shame that Australia was not considered.

We contacted the Federal Sports Minister’s office and Motorcycling Australia to find out if they had considered a bid but received no response from the Minister’s office.

Motorcycling Australia Events Manager – Off-Road Matthew Falvo confirmed they had not been approached about running the Dakar Rally in Australia.

Dunes suit Toby

Toby Price honour saudi
Toby wins his sixth Finke Desert Race in 2018

However, Australia’s first Dakar winner, Toby Price, who won his second rally this year will be well suited to the Saudi terrain.

Toby, who is also the first Aussie to win the Cross Country Rally World Championship, won the Rally du Maroc in the Sahara dunes of Morocco last year.

His 2018 championship also included rounds in the Middle East dunes in Qatar and Abu Dhabi .

Toby is also the king of the Aussie sands, scoring a record sixth victory in the Finke Desert Race last year.

We organised a petition to get official honours recognition for the double Dakar champion. The petition is now approaching 15,000 signatures.

Click here to sign the petition

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP 2019 Season Preview

Sponsored post  (Photo by Rotatingmass, License)

February-April time is the traditional start to a number of racing series around the world, as the winter weather beginning to fade and race tracks becoming usable again. With this in mind, the 2019 MotoGP Season has just begun, with the first race of the season in Qatar. The season will run through to mid-November, with the final race being run in the Spanish city of Valencia on 17th November. These 9 months will see the riders and their teams travel to 16 different countries, over 19 races to battle it out for the MotoGP championship titles.

The 2019 MotoGP season will span all continents (except Antarctica), travelling as far south as Australia, as far west as Argentina, as far east as Japan and as far north as the Netherlands. The championship will also return to Thailand after the inaugural race in the country won “GP of the Year” in 2018.

Rider Lineup

With such a strong line up amongst the 22 MotoGP riders this year, it will be a closely-fought battle for the title. For those looking to wager on the outcome of these exciting 2019 races, Oddschecker provides a list of the main bookmakers with a number of bonus bets offers for new players. As always, the winter break has seen a number of rider changes, with promotions from the junior championships and existing riders moving between teams.

Jorge Lorenzo vs Marc Marquez

MotoGP 2019 Season Preview
Photo by Rotatingmass, License

The retirement of Spanish rider Daniel Pedrosa at the end of the 2018 season left a space at Repsol Honda; he will be replaced by 3-time MotoGP champion, and fellow Spaniard, Jorge Lorenzo. Although he only has 3 titles to his name, Lorenzo has also finished the season in second place on a further three occasions. With 47 wins to his name from 189 starts, he wins 25% of his races on average, so expect him to pick up a solid number of victories this year. Joining Repsol Honda, Lorenzo joins fellow Spanish rider Marc Marquez: between the two of them they have won 8 of the last 10 MotoGP world championships.

At just 26, Marc Marquez is one of the most successful motorbike racers in the world. He has won 5 world championships at the top MotoGP level, winning all but one titles between 2013 and 2018. The only year he didn’t win, 2015, he was beaten by his new teammate. Marquez has 44 wins from 109 starts, meaning he’s won around 40% of all his races. Based on the dominances that these two riders have shown in the last decade, expect sparks to fly as they battle it out to prove who is number 1.

Valentino Rossi

At 40 years of age, Rossi is one of the oldest riders on the grid. He holds 7 MotoGP titles, with only fellow Italian Giacomo Agostini holding 1 more title than him. Rossi is also the only rider in history to win at least one championship in four different classes (125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MotoGP). Since his dominant years in the 2000s, Rossi hasn’t won a title for a decade, although he did come second in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Whilst he certainly isn’t favourite to take the title this year, only a fool would count out Rossi this early on.

MotoE

2019 is set to be the inaugural season of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. It is a new class of motorbike racing that uses motorcycles that are powered only by electric motors, making it the two wheeled equivalent to the FIA’s Formula E championship for single seater car racing. However, unlike Formula E, MotoE will follow the main MotoGP championship for five rounds in Europe, holding support races on the same weekend like Moto2 and Moto3. Unfortunately, a fire broke out at the Jerez race track in Spain during a test session, with all 18 bikes destroyed in the fire. Whilst MotoE has confirmed the championship will still begin in 2019, it has not yet announced a revised calendar as it is expected replacement bikes will not be ready in time for its planned first race on 5th May.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle racing boosted at two tracks

Motorcycle racing has received a major boost at two Aussie tracks with a big cash injection into a second circuit at Bathurst and the reopening of Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway to motorbikes.

Bathurst tracks

Bathurst Regional Council has received an extra $2.5 million in funding from the Federal Government for its proposed second circuit at Mount Panorama.

The Feds have now funded $12.5 million toward the $52 million FIM/FIA accredited “Velocity Park precinct” which would be suitable for MotoGP and World Superbike racing.

bathurst mt panorama circuit tracks
Bathurst second circuit design

The 668-hectare Velocity Park to the east of Conrod Straight will have capacity for up to 50,000 spectators.

It will also feature accommodation and hospitality facilities.

Bikes raced at Bathurst from the 1940s to the 1980s and it even hosted several pre-world-title Australian GPs.

Forrest’s Elbow is named after motorcycle racer Jack Forrest who scraped his elbow away after laying down his bike on the corner.

Racing at Mt Panorama tracks
Motorcycle racing at Mt Panorama

Hell Corner is named after a tree stump at the apex where it was believed motorcyclists who misjudged the corner would die.

In the 1980s, the Easter Races were marred by riots until council imposed an alcohol ban.

Motorcycle racing at Bathurst finished in the late ’80s.

Since then, concrete safety barriers for car racing have made the existing circuit unsafe for motorcycle racing.

Barbagallo Raceway

Barbagallo Raceway Barnsiesphotos tracks
Barbagallo Raceway (Image: Barnsiesphotos)

Motorcycle racing has returned to Perth with the Barbagallo track now re-licensed for competitive racing after significant safety upgrades.

The Wanneroo track last weekend hosted the first round of motorcycle racing for more than two years.

Motorcycle racing was suspended at the venue in November 2016 over safety concerns, after several fatal accidents and the publication of a safety audit which highlighted risks. 

Since 2017, the WA Sporting Car Club, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling Western Australia have worked to formulate track realignment and resurfacing upgrades to improve track safety.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Signatures support Toby Price for awards

Our petition to get recognition for double Dakar Rally champion Toby Price is now approaching 15,000 signatures.

Click here to sign the petition

Toby has now been put forward to the Australia Sport Hall of Fame Selection Committee and Board for consideration or The Don award named after Don Bradman.

Toby’s manager Matty Macalpine says the number of signatures on the petition is “crazy”. 

“It is amazing to hear the amount of support he has received,” Matty says.

“Appreciate what you’re doing for Toby to give him that additional coverage he deserves.” 

Our petition is also calling on state (Queensland and NSW) and federal sports ministers to also consider Toby for a state or national sportsperson of the year honour.

Each time you sign, an email goes to the ministers’ offices, so they would be well aware of Toby’s community support.

We approached Queensland and NSW sports ministers because Toby was born in NSW and now lives on the Gold Coast.

Your signatures on the petition will help sway the ministers, so keep sharing the petition with your friends.

Why Toby deserves more signatures 

Toby Price Dakar Rally consistency honour
Toby in action

Australia has a long history of Dakar entries, most notably rookie and privateer Andy Haydon who placed third in 1998, Simon Pavey who competed 10 times and the late Andy Caldecott who competed from 2004 to 2006 when he tragically died during the race.

The Dakar is a gruelling rally that has claimed the lives of 24 competitors since it started in 1978. It is referred to as the toughest motorsport event in the world.

Toby started racing the lethal Dakar in 2015, finishing an astounding third on debut.

The following year he rode for the KTM Factory team and became the first Australian to win the rally.

He broke his leg in 2017 and last year finished third despite not racing for a year due to injury.

Just a month before this year’s Dakar, Toby broke his wrist in training. His second victory while nursing a “burning wrist” is all the more brave and worthy of an honour.

In fact, has been in for more surgery after the screw in his wrist wore away at the bone like a ‘windscreen wiper’ during the race.

Last year Toby also became the first Australian to win the FIM World Cross Country Championship and scored a record sixth win in Australia’s toughest motorcycle rally, the Finke Desert Race.

Toby Price honour
Toby wins sixth Finke

In fact, he won that race on debut, a feat he also achieved in the Hattah Dessert Race.

Toby has also won two Australian Junior Motocross Championships and the Australian Off-Road Racing Championship.

Dakar’s most prolific winner, Stéphane Peterhansel, scored his sixth win the year he turned 33. Marc Coma won his fifth Dakar Rally at the age of 39. So Toby, aged 31, still has several years of racing ahead of him and is hopeful of more Dakar wins.

The Don

Toby Price FIM Cross Country Champion Australia's first Dakar Rally winner and newly crowned Cross Country Rallies World Champion Toby Price is urging riders to get their bikes out of the garage for Ride to Work Week. honour
World Rally Champion

The Don would be a fitting honour for Toby since it is awarded to a sportsperson who “inspires the nation” like Don Bradman.

The award began in 1998 when five-time world GP champion Mick Doohan was a finalist. The Don was shared that year by cricket captain Mark Taylor and athlete Heather Turland.

It will be difficult for Toby to win The Don as no motorsport identity has ever won.

Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner is a three-time nominee and two-time finalist, but never a recipient of The Don. Last year F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was a finalist on his second nomination, joined by Indy driver Will Power.

Maybe it’s time for a motorcycle racer to win.

The Don is announced each October, so there is plenty of time to impress the selection panel with petition signatures.

Click here to sign the petition

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Petition to honour Dakar legend Toby Price

We have launched a petition to show community support for two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price to receive a state or national sportsperson of the year honour and/or The Don award for “inspiring the nation”.

Click here to sign the petition

State and national sportsperson of the year awards are made by the Sport Minister while the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is decided by a selection committee.

It’s too late for this year’s sportsperson of the year awards announced on Australia Day (Saturday, January 26, 2019).

However, we have initiated nominations for the state and national awards with the relevant Ministers for next year. Toby was born in NSW and now lives on the Gold Coast, so nominations will be lodged in both states.

A nomination for The Don honour has been lodged and we are told the selection committee will research our nomination.

These nominations will have more impact if our petition garners a lot of support from the community, so make sure you share the link with all your friends!

Results of the petition will be forwarded to the Ministers and Hall of Fame.

Why Toby deserves honour

Toby Price Dakar Rally consistency honour
Toby in action

Australia has a long history of Dakar entries, most notably rookie and privateer Andy Haydon who placed third in 1998, Simon Pavey who competed 10 times and the late Andy Caldecott who competed from 2004 to 2006 when he tragically died during the race.

The Dakar is a gruelling rally that has claimed the lives of 24 competitors since it started in 1978. It is referred to as the toughest motorsport event in the world.

Toby started racing the lethal Dakar in 2015, finishing an astounding third on debut.

The following year he rode for the KTM Factory team and became the first Australian to win the rally.

He broke his leg in 2017 and last year finished third despite not racing for a year due to injury.

Just a month before this year’s Dakar, Toby broke his wrist in training. His second victory while nursing a “burning wrist” is all the more brave and worthy of an honour.

Last year Toby also became the first Australian to win the FIM World Cross Country Championship and scored a record sixth win in Australia’s toughest motorcycle rally, the Finke Desert Race.

Toby Price honour
Toby wins sixth Finke

In fact, he won that race on debut, a feat he also achieved in the Hattah Dessert Race.

Toby has also won two Australian Junior Motocross Championships and the Australian Off-Road Racing Championship.

Dakar’s most prolific winner, Stéphane Peterhansel, scored his sixth win the year he turned 33. Marc Coma won his fifth Dakar Rally at the age of 39. So Toby, aged 31, still has several years of racing ahead of him and is hopeful of more Dakar wins.

The Don

Toby Price FIM Cross Country Champion Australia's first Dakar Rally winner and newly crowned Cross Country Rallies World Champion Toby Price is urging riders to get their bikes out of the garage for Ride to Work Week. honour
World Rally Champion

We believe The Don would be a fitting honour for Toby since it is awarded to a sportsperson who inspires the nation.

The award began in 1998 when five-time world GP champion Mick Doohan was a finalist. The Don was shared that year by cricket caption Mark Taylor and athlete Heather Turland.

It will be difficult for Toby to win The Don as no motorsport identity has ever won.

Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner is a three-time nominee and two-time finalist, but never a recipient of The Don. Last year F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was a finalist on his second nomination, joined by Indy driver Will Power.

Maybe it’s time for a motorcycle racer to win.

The Don is announced each October, so there is plenty of time to impress the selection panel with petition signatures.

Click here to sign the petition

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing

One of the best ways to celebrate the Australia Day weekend is with three days of classic racing at the magnificent Phillip Island circuit.

More than 450 bikes will compete in 56 races at the 26th Phillip Island Classic from January 25-27.

A three-day adult ticket costs $82 bought online before noon tomorrow (January 23) and free for children 15 and under accompanied by a full-paying adult. Gate prices are more.

You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 a night with kids free.Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge

Classic racing categories

There are six classic racing 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 fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.

A highlight will be the 15th International Challenge between New Zealand, the USA and defending champions Australia for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1985.

In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and post-produced into a two-hour TV program in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia where it will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS in late February.

Each team will feature the top 13 riders from their nominated squads based on qualifying times. They will compete in four, six-lap races.Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge

Australia’s team is led by Adelaide’s David Johnson, the star performer of the 2018 team that won back the International Challenge trophy from the UK after a three-year drought. 

He will be supported by Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald, world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin, three-time Australian superbike champion and Island Classic champion Shawn Giles and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who last year won the Phil Irving Trophy.

America will be represented by Jason Pridmore, four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes, Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Larry Pegram, Dale Quarterley, Mark Miller and Aussie expatriate journalist Rennie Scaysbrook.

The Kiwis are represented by Alex Phillis, Carl Cox, three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves.

Classic racing on classic motorcycles!

Event schedule

Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge
Classic parade lap (Image: Andrew Gosling)

(* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy)

FRIDAY 25TH JANUARY 9am 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
  • 5pm Finish

SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY, 9am 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

5pm Finish

SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY, 9am 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

5pm Finish

International Challenge

Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge
(Image: Russell Colvin)

ENTRY LIST FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE 2019 – January 25-27 2019 (as at Jan 21)

AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE ENTRY LIST FOR JANUARY 25-27 2019 ISLAND CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY VISIT PHILLIP ISLAND (as at Jan 16 2019)

RaceNo

First Name

Sponsor

Make

Model

Year

Cap

3

David Johnson

DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services

Suzuki

XR69

1982

1100

19

Shawn Giles

Trevor Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1294

22

Jed Metcher

T-Rex / Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres / Race

Honda

Harris F1

1982

1100

23

Laurie Fyffe

AESC / Race Centre / MVTC

Suzuki

XR69

1980

1200

31

Craig Ditchburn

Consortium Racing / TCWeld Pro / RKR

Yamaha

TZ750

1978

750

52

Paul Byrne

DMR Motorspor / Purgetec Pty Ltd

Suzuki

McIntosh

1984

1260

56

Justin Mellerick

Mellerick Drainage

Honda

CB

1980

1200

64

Aaron Morris

Corish Motorsport, TBR, VP Race Fuels

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1294

76

Scott Webster

T & K Carney

Suzuki

Harris

1982

1200

86

Cameron Donald

K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/ K-Tech Suspension/ HRD Apparel

Irving

Vincent

1982

1300

88

Dean Oughtred

Carl Cox Motorsport / Dynoverks

Suzuki

GSX 1000S Katana

1982

1260

99

Steve Martin

Trevor Birrell Racing/ D&D Industries/Light Alloy Engineering/QBE

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1294

186

Beau Beaton

K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/K-Teck Suspension/HRD Apparel

Irving

Vincent

1982

1300

371

John Allen

Custom Coatngs & Maintenance / C &M Motorcycle Repairs

Yamaha

TZ

1978

750

NEW ZEALAND

RaceNo

Name

Sponsor

Make

Model

Year

Cap

7

John Reynolds

Carl Cox Motorsport / Team Classic Suzuki

Suzuki

GSXR

1985

1100

9

Dean Castleton

T-Rex Racing

Honda

CB1100R

1981

1100

20

Alex Phillis

Arnolds Fruit Market, Phillis Racing

Suzuki

XR69

1980

1170

27

Matthew Ineson

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1100

33

Michael Neeves

Carl Cox Motorsport

Suzuki

GSXR

1985

1100

37

Jay Lawrence

Carl Cox Motorsport / TSS Red Baron / Shoei Helmets

Suzuki

Katana GSX1100

1981

1100

50

Glenn Hindle

Goulburn Power Centre / Old Gold Motorcycles

Suzuki

XR69

1982

1170

54

Brendan Wilson

Moto Xtream NZ / Stainless Steel Products / DeWith Motorsport

Suzuki

XR69

1980

1170

58

Duncan Coutts

Yamaha

CMR F1

1984

1250

73

Glenn Crutchley

Kallista Electrical

Kawasaki

P&M

1978

1200

107

Roger Gunn

Spice Consulting Group | Sunset Racing

Harris

F1

1982

1260

114

Campbell Stevenson

Stevenson Earthworks Ltd

Suzuki

GS1000E

1979

1000

211

Simon Richards

Motoxtreme Racing

Suzuki

GSX1100

1981

1170

427

Pete Byers

Silkdene Australia / Motoextreme Kawasaki

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1100

741

Peter Jones (PJ)

Lindsay Pinker Racing Team / Techmoto

Honda

CB1100

1982

1123

TEAM USA

RaceNo

Name

Sponsor

Make

Model

Year

Cap

4

Joshua Hayes

Yamaha

FJ

1983

1250

5

Dale Quarterley

Dunlop SBC Maxima VP Fuels Millennium Van Dyk

Suzuki

XR69

1984

1250

15

Steve Rapp

Mojo Yamaha / Dunlop

Yamaha

CMR FJ 1100

1100

17

David Crussell

Mojo Yamaha / CMR Racing

Yamaha

TZ750

1978

748

18

Mark Miller

Hypercylce USA / Dunlop USA / Bito R&D

Harris

XR69

1984

1200

29

Barrett Long

Kawasaki

Harris

1982

1250

32

Joe Pethoud

Vicious Cycle / Ten Moto Racing

Yamaha

Harris F1

1984

1250

34

Rennie Scaysbrook

Cycle News / Austwide Homes

Suzuki

GSX1100 XR69

1980

1170

43

Jason Pridmore

Dunlop / Dainese / AGV

Yamaha

FJ1200

1983

1298

55

Michael Gilbert

Cycle World Magazine

Yamaha

FJ1100

1983

1250

61

Eric Lindauer

Guzzi Power / Racetech Suspensions / Mammoth Motorsports

Kawasaki

KZ

1980

1000

62

Robert Ruwoldt

Harris

Kawasaki

1980

1200

72

Larry Pegram

Pegram Racing

Yamaha

FJ1100

1983

1250

95

Martin Morrison

Morrison Racing

Suzuki

RGB500 MK7

1982

500

178

Bruce Lind

Bruce Lind Racing

Yamaha

TZ750

1975

749

219

Jorge Guerrero

Island Racing Service / Motul / Michelin

Suzuki

XR69

1982

1200

273

Wade Boyd

Sportcroft / Guzzi Power / Racetech

Moto Guzzi

Le Mans

1980

1000

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aussie nears top 10 in solo Dakar Rally

As if the Dakar Rally isn’t tough enough, Australian rider James Ferguson (pictured above) is taking it on solo and unassisted and is closing in on the top 10 in his Original by Motul category.

Meanwhile, click here for the latest on Toby Price, now leading the field.

James and countryman Ben Young are among a record field of novices in this year’s Peruvian rally.

Ben Young solo
Ben Young 20th in the rookie class

Ben is a commendable 55th overall and 12th in the rookie class.

In preparation for the Dakar, Ben has been training with Toby and finished 18th in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and 24th in the Morocco Rally on his KTM.

Click here if you would like to send your best wishes to Ben.

Solo rally

James Ferguson Dakar Rally rookies
James and his KTM

Meanwhile, James is 70th overall, 20th in the rookie class and 11th in the “Original by Motul” or solo and unassisted class.

That means he has no assistance from mechanics or support crew.

Only 30 riders are allowed in the gruelling category.

They are only allowed one trunk of spares, one set of spare wheels and tyres, a tent and a travel bag.

That’s it for 10 gruelling stages across thousands of kilometres of harsh conditions.

About 70% of the event is in the sand dunes, but James has plenty of experience in sand having competed in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge last year.

James says the toughest thing is the lack of sleep.

He finished one stage at 11pm and started the next day’s liaison at 2am.

Click here if you would like to send your best wishes to James.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Toby Price is Mr Consistency in Dakar Rally

Consistency is the key to Australian rider Toby Price’s fourth Dakar Rally, now sitting in third place after four stages and carrying the hopes of his nation for a second historic win.

Unfortunately, fellow Aussie Rodney Faggotter is out after mechanical failures on his factory Yamaha on stage three.Rodney Faggotter Dakar Rally consistency

It was the Queenslander’s fifth Dakar mission after finishing 16th last year.

Australia’s two other Dakar competitors are rookies Victorian Ben Young (#72 Duust Rally Team) and Canberran James Ferguson (#121 KTM).

Young is in a commendable 21st position among the rookies and 67th overall.

James was in 106th overall out of 149 starters at the end of stage 3 and 34th among the rookies.

So far, he has not come in, but at this point only 95 have finished the gruelling 406km fourth stage. We will update when James finishes.

Unique rally

This year’s Dakar is unique as it is being staged in only one country, Peru, and so far almost ll the racing has been in the dunes.

It’s also one of the most competitive with four different winner sin the four stages and three different bike brands.

Leaders

Ricky Brabec Faggotter Dakar Rally consistency
Current leader Ricky Brabec

KTM, which is chasing its 18th straight win, has only scored a win in the second stage for last year’s winner, Austrian Matthais Walkner.

Joan Barreda Bort won the firsts age on his Honda, Xavier de Soultrait won stage three for Yamaha and American Ricky Brabec scored Honda’s second stage win over night.

Ricky is now leading, ahead of consistent riders Pablo Quintanilla for Husqvarna just 2 minutes behind, ahead of Toby who is less than six minutes form the lead.

Consistency

Toby Price Dakar Rally consistency
Mr Consistency Toby Price

Toby, who is also the first Australian to win the World Cross-Country Rallies Championship with victory in the final round in Morocco last month, is nursing a mending broken wrist.

“The wrist is a little sore but I think I’ll make the distance, it’s all or nothing!” says Toby who won in only his second Dakar in 2016.

Toby started racing the Dakar in 2015, became a KTM factory rider in 2016 and was the first Aussie to win the rally. He broke his leg in 2017 and last year finished an unbelievable third despite not racing for a year due to injury.

Toby’s strategy in each event is consistency in the first half and attack in the second half which starts next week.

Click here if you would like to send him best wishes for a successful rally.

https://www.facebook.com/tprice87/

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com