Three days of non-stop historic motorcycle road racing at P.I.

Island Classic 2019 Ready to Rumble

If you love bikes, there’s nothing closer to pure heaven than immersing yourself in a world of motorcycles, mechanics and memorabilia at the iconic historic event, the International Island Classic at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

Now in its 26th year, the Classic presented by Visit Phillip Island, hits the island this Australia Day long weekend from Friday to Sunday January 25-27, with 56 races on the agenda and tickets available at www.islandclassic.com.au or at the gate from Friday.

Island Classic 2018

Celebrating a century of motorbikes, the Island Classic has over 450 bikes racing and on display from old Indians, Nortons and Vincents through to vintage Triumphs, Harleys and Ducatis. There’s six historic categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.

Island Classic

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
AUS VS TEAM USA VS NZ

They all race hard, but when it comes to the dog-eat-dog competition the focus is on the International Challenge. Now in its 15th year, the Challenge will see defending champion Australia take on the USA and New Zealand on bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1985, piloted by riders boasting loads of experience and exceptional talent.

Team Australia Island Classic
Island Classic International Challenge – Team Australia 2018

Each team will feature the top 13 riders from their nominated squads based on qualifying times, contesting four, six-lap races over Saturday and Sunday and running MA approved fules, Roo 99 and Elf LMS, after federal legislation banning the use of AVGAS in Australian racing from 2019.

Australia has a top-notch team led by Adelaide’s David Johnson – the star of the 2018 campaign that saw the Aussies win back the International Challenge trophy from the UK after a three-year drought.

David Johnson Island Classic
Island Classic International Challenge – David Johnson

Also on the roster is 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.

But the locals will need riders of this calibre, along with plenty of purpose, pace and guile, as the Americans and New Zealanders are returning in better shape than ever.

Jason Pridmore - 2018 Island Classic - TBG Image
Jason Pridmore – 2018 Island Classic – TBG Image

America – which alongside Australia was a pioneer of big-bore superbike racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s – has pulled in some extra big guns to assist Jason Pridmore in 2019: four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes as well as Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Larry Pegram and Dale Quarterley.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race One - Start - Image by Kris Hodgson
2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race One – Start – Image by Kris Hodgson

A late entry is the versatile Mark Miller, who is an old team mate of Australia’s Johnson, and has raced everything from Isle of Man to Macau Street Race to Pikes Peak. Aussie expatriate journalist Rennie Scaysbrook is also a part of the American team, which predominantly has a mix of oversized Yamaha FJ1100 four-strokes and TZ750 two-strokes at its disposal.

Clive Warner’s TZ750

The Kiwis have capitalised on their long-term relationship with gun racer, Alex Phillis, and the Taupo-based Carl Cox Motorsport – the motorsport arm of international DJ Carl Cox – to strengthen their ranks. Cox brings with him three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, ‘modern’ and classic racer Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves, the senior road tester at iconic UK publication MCN.

John Reynolds BSB Donington
John Reynolds seen here at Donington in 2005

The Kiwis have also sought dispensation for two 1985 Suzuki GSX-Rs for the Carl Cox camp to run. One year outside the Island Classic eligibility, the two Suzukis will be subject to agreed performance restrictions- comprising of a reduction in RPM limit, an overall weight increase and a reduced rear tyre width to eliminate any possible traction advantage.

2017 Island Classic - Pablo's Motorcycle Tyres Period 6/New Era Formula 1300 - Chas Hern, Dean Oughtred - Image: Cameron White
2017 Island Classic – Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres Period 6/New Era Formula 1300 – Chas Hern, Dean Oughtred – Image: Cameron White

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

David Johnson – Ducati 750 Imola – TBG Image

In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and post-produced into a two-hour television program set to be broadcast around the globe. Screen agreements have been reached with networks in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Locally, the event will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS, later in February.

XR69 Suzuki

TICKETS

The 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, is the perfect Australia Day getaway without breaking the bank. A three-day adult ticket for the January 25-27 event, is just $82 purchased in advance, and free for children 15 and under (accompanied by a full-paying adult). You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 per night (with kids once again free) which is a bargain in anyone’s language.

Island Classic

Add it up and you can have a four-day weekend away, with four nights of on-circuit camping, and three days entry to one of the world’s great historic bike meets for the grand total of just $164* per adult and you can bring your kids for free!

Tickets for the largest historic bike meet in the Southern Hemisphere, the 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, are available on islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.

Island Classic pits always hold plenty of surprises and eye candy

*All prices quoted are advance tickets which end midday Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Buy advance and save. Gate ticket prices are additional.


Event Schedule

25th – 27th January 2019

Island Classic

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

Island Classic

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

Island Classic

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

img logo island classic

SuzukiKatana821100

YamahaCMR F1841250

YamahaFJ831250

1100

KawasakiHarris821250

HarrisKawasaki801200

2019 International Challenge Entry List
January 25-27 2019
australia

Team Australia

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

Team New Zealand

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

Team USA

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

Source: MCNews.com.au

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