2012 Phillip Island Classic

[Nelso]

Sorry I missed this but I've been out riding for the last couple of days. I've run Pirelli, Pilot Powers, M3's, Q2's and M5's on my ZRX and the best all-round tyre by far is the M5 (ask the oracle Phil for his advice and he will say the same thing). The Q2's were very grippy but you will only get the trip to PI and back out of them. Mine were shagged after 2000kms. Out of the rest of the tyres on the market, if you ride the ZRX hard, the M5's are hard to go past. They have an awesome profile, the grip level is excellent and you get decent mileage out of them. Also, don't even think about putting a 190 on the back of a ZRX. Stick with the 180 on the rear.

[Nelso]

OK, forget what BG said about tyres and my interesting night . He's got a ZX7R and A ZX10R. Both of which can run 190's. The ZRX is way better with a 180 on the rear. A 190 pulls around on the rim too much and gives less ctc patch at full lean.

If you need to ride home on the tyres you use at the track day, then don't put soft compound race rubber on it. It won;t get you home to Brisvegas. Well I wouldn't make it, that's for damn sure.

As far as what to run, I'm not gunna suggest anything as whatever I suggest will be boohood by some. Just work out what you like and get them. I'm sure if they are round, black and hold air, they will be fine.

whats wrong with my ZX7R and ZX10R???? Hey marty, at least there green
And do tell about ur interesting night???

Nothing is wrong with them, it's just that they are completely different to a ZRX and have a wider rear rim, so your advise is not really suited to a Rex.

[born green]

OK, forget what BG said about tyres and my interesting night . He's got a ZX7R and A ZX10R. Both of which can run 190's. The ZRX is way better with a 180 on the rear. A 190 pulls around on the rim too much and gives less ctc patch at full lean.

If you need to ride home on the tyres you use at the track day, then don't put soft compound race rubber on it. It won;t get you home to Brisvegas. Well I wouldn't make it, that's for damn sure.

As far as what to run, I'm not gunna suggest anything as whatever I suggest will be boohood by some. Just work out what you like and get them. I'm sure if they are round, black and hold air, they will be fine.

whats wrong with my ZX7R and ZX10R???? Hey marty, at least there green
And do tell about ur interesting night???

Nothing is wrong with them, it's just that they are completely different to a ZRX and have a wider rear rim, so your advise is not really suited to a Rex.

Yes i know.. just taking the piss with marty..
What i said at the start, was not to run a 200 at P/I, its a 190 tyre track. wouldnt have a clue what size rims are on a REX as ive never owed one and never will prob...

[Nelso]

wouldnt have a clue what size rims are on a REX as ive never owed one and never will prob...

They all will eventually. Don't even ride one as it will plant a seed that will grow over time and will eventually consume you. Every ride that ends with you feeling sore, you will crave that smooth, relaxed riding (that can still keep pace with sports bikes) more and more.

[Coop]

Thank's Nelso, the biggest thing is to much to chose from,

[Phil]

I got 7500K's out of my last set of M5's on the ZRX, I have NEVER had a tyre last that long on any bike.

And yeh, 180 is the size to go for.

[the kid]

wouldnt have a clue what size rims are on a REX as ive never owed one and never will prob...

They all will eventually. Don't even ride one as it will plant a seed that will grow over time and will eventually consume you. Every ride that ends with you feeling sore, you will crave that smooth, relaxed riding (that can still keep pace with sports bikes) more and more.

Geez Nelso , its old karns like You Glen and Marty that need zimmers and REX's . Phil really wants a 9 .

[the kid]

Oh yes I will be at the Island Classic this year . Hanging around the bottom pit sheds as far as I know .

[Gosling1]

.....Oh yes I will be at the Island Classic this year . Hanging around the bottom pit sheds as far as I know.....

not racing this year mate ? I will be down for the Sat/Sun but not doing an overnighter..........yet

[the kid]

Not racing Gos , just going round and round I hope , not getting in anyones way
Look forward to seeing you there

[Coop]

Hopefuly catch up and meet a few of you guys.

[Gosling1]

BUMP !!

Here is all the info you need on the 3rd-largest domestic motorcycle race meeting in Oz - behind only the WSB and MotoGP events.

Bound to be huge this year, best pommie side yet, and the Aussies have the following aussie and World champions in their ranks

Steve Martin (Katana)
Mal Cambell (CB1100R)
Rob Phillis (Katana)
Cam Donald (XR69)
Beau Beaton (Irving Vincent)
Shawn Giles (Katana)
John Pace (Katana) - John Pace won a number of Castrol 6-Hour races back in the day. Another legend returning to Period 5.

here is the email blurb I got today, minus the pictures......

Hi
NINE DAYS TO GO TO THE BIGGEST HISTORIC BIKE MEET IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WHERE KIDS COME AND CAMP FOR FREE!

Only nine days to go to the 19th AMCN International Island Classic – the BIGGEST historic race meeting in the southern hemisphere.

Hope you are raring to go because our January 27-29 date ties in perfectly with an Australia Day long weekend getaway, for you and your mates, or you and the family.

The Island Classic is priced to suit any budget, as from 2012 we’ve introduced on track camping in the Visitor Centre Gardens.

Even better…children 15 and under are FREE, FREE, FREE – with free gate entry and free camping for kids. All details and bookings on www.islandclassic.com.au and further details below…
In this Edition
Tahbilk International Challenge Field

McWilliams Returns to Defend his Individual Title

Teams Event

UK Squad

World 13

Kids Come and Camp for Free

Campbell and Phillis Rivalry takes on a Fresh Twist

Shannans Parade Lap

Entries have flooded in and next week you’ll see over 260 riders – and 350 separate machines – star in what is now an annual pilgrimage for bike lovers.

Solo classes will be held for bikes dating back to pre-WWI, right through to Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and the fledgling New Era (1983-1990) division. Sidecars will also compete.
We’re preparing for close to 20,000 spectators, and this year you’ll be able to sit back and soak up the action – and a healthy dose of motorcycle nostalgia -- across a whopping 44 races on Saturday and Sunday, headlined by the premier event – the 2012 Tahbilk International Challenge, a square off between teams from Australia, the UK and a ‘World 13’ entry including riders from AUS, NZ, USA and France. Click here for your event schedule.
Entry tickets are available in advance or at the gate from 8.00am, with on track action kicking off at 9.00am each day – but camping must be booked in advance. For information and bookings go to www.islandclassic.com.au or phone the circuit on 03 5952 2710.



Steve Martin celebrates


Tahbilk International Challenge Field

A quick glance over the Tahbilk International Challenge entry list upholds the adage that ‘once a racer always a racer,’ with illustrious names of the past such as Jeremy McWilliams, Shawn Giles, Steve Martin, Rob Phillis, Malcolm Campbell, Barry Ditchburn and John Pace all set to compete, alongside modern day flyers such as Cameron Donald and Irishman Ryan Farquhar.
Click here for the field for the three team battle.



McWilliams Returns to defend his Individual Title

McWilliams, who started the 2000 and 2002 MotoGP races at Phillip Island from pole position, was the leading individual point-scorer in the 2011 International Challenge, just pipping Donald after four colossal scraps – and at a searing pace which also saw Martin lower the historic lap record to a phenomenal 1min38.964secs.
Jeremy McWilliams accepts his 2011 International Challenge trophy for Individual performance


Teams Event - Australia wants to Uphold Undefeated Status

But the team spoils again went to Australia, which cantered to victory for the fourth successive year to maintain its unbeaten record against the United Kingdom and the World 13.

Martin enjoys the team element of the International Challenge, which has even more significance for the Australians in 2012 following the recent passing of motorcycle journalist Ken Wootton, who was a tireless champion of the concept – and the Island Classic in general.

“Obviously it’s a very special year for us with the passing of Ken,” said Martin. “In true Aussie spirit we will get the job done for him and everything he has done to improve our beloved sport.”

Martin also has a more pure motive for competing: he just loves 1980s Superbikes.

“I guess the first bikes I ever saw racing were these 80 model Superbikes, and I still remember the first time I ever saw a Katana I pretty much wet myself.

“To be able to race these bikes is one reason but also to be able to be part of a team racing to battle against the Kiwis, Poms and the rest of the world, well it’s something to be proud of.

“As for beating my heroes: mixed emotions. As an example I remember ‘Wally’ (Malcolm Campbell) racing, I remember Robbie (Phillis) back when they were the best and believe me they were world class. They have nothing to prove to anybody and I secretly hope if anybody can beat me it’s them.”

Joining Martin (Suzuki Katana) in the Australian team -- to be captained by Rex Wolfenden, --for the International Challenge feature races are Campbell on the Honda CBR1100R, former world Superbike No. 3 Phillis (Katana), Donald (Suzuki XR69), former Australian Superstock 1000 champion Beau Beaton (Irving Vincent), three-time Australian Superbike champion Shawn Giles (Katana) and multiple Castrol 6-Hour runner-up John Pace (Katana).



Steve Martin Steve Martin at 2011 Island Classic

UK Squad

The international challengers are headed by McWilliams, Farquhar (both Harris F1) and Barry Ditchburn, who will all ride for the UK.

Riding captain of the UK team, Aussie-based expatriate Keith Higgs, believes his team is cherry ripe for a sizzling performance.

“This is the strongest UK team we’ve ever had,” said Higgs, who then continued, with just a little tongue in cheek. “And our team spends a lot of time and effort getting their bikes ready, while more often than not the Aussies race between themselves and end up breaking down – after all, you have to treat historic bikes with respect and show some real mechanical sympathy.

“I reckon it will be a race between McWilliams and Martin for the individual spoils, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

In 2011, the UK team produced its best ever International Challenge performance, finishing 347pts behind the Australians.


Jeremy McWilliams in action - 2011 Island Classic

World 13

The final team, the World 13, is an amalgam of riders from Australia, New Zealand, France and America. The captain will be Kevin Grey, who says his job has the “potential to be a bit like herding cats”.

“However, we are all linked by that common thread that seems to run through all bike racers worldwide: we love to eat sleep, talk and think bikes,” continued Grey, who will ride his Suzuki McIntosh in the International Challenge.

“So I don't think we will have a problem transforming into a coherent unit on the track. Maybe a few ‘team bonding' sessions in the evening over a cold ale or a glass of wine would go a long way to cementing the team spirit!

“For me, I have been striving to race at the Island for a long time now and to be on the ‘right side of the fence’ and leading the team will give me a huge sense personal satisfaction.”

Included in the World 13 squad are US riders of calibre Ed Haazer (Suzuki Katana) from California and Nevada’s James McKay (Suzuki GS1000S) and from France, previous Island Classic competitor, Paul Remaud aboard a Suzuki GSX 1100.


US's Ed Haazer

Kids Come and Camp for Free

AN AUSTRALIAN DAY LONG WEEKEND GETAWAY AT THE RIGHT PRICE

Want your Island Classic getaway at the right price? Fancy an end of summer holidays vacation treat for you and the kids??

Well Phillip Island circuit has the answer with camping introduced for 2012 in the Visitor Centre gardens. You’ll get four nights under the stars for a bargain $65 for an adult, and $50 for a two night sleepover.

Best news is that camping for kids 15 and under is FREE, as is gate entry. Yes, you read correctly – Island Classic event entry for children 15 and under is GRATIS!!

With an adult entry ticket $60 for three days, this is the Australia Day long weekend deal of the decade.

If you do your maths, a family of four* with two children 15 and under, can camp at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit AND enjoy three days of Island Classic historic motorcycle action for a super affordable $250, booked in advance.

So grab your tent, your family and your mates, and enjoy to a long weekend getaway at the bikes.

The campground opens from 4.00pm on Thursday, January 26 until Monday morning January 31, but you must pre book your spot at www.islandclassic.com.au or call the circuit on 03 5952 2710.

Island Classic event days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Jan 27-29). Eight hours of racing is scheduled a day, with the other delights of Phillip Island – from penguins, to beaches, to golf and animal parks – on your doorstep.


Campbell and Phillis Rivalry Takes on a Fresh Twist

A new class of historic road racing – Period 6 – will make its debut on the big stage of the Island Classic.

The fledgling formula, to be known under the ‘New Era’ moniker, is for hardware produced between 1983 and 1990, with the eight-year window including bikes such as the Honda RC30 and Kawasaki ZX-7R.

Two of the toughest, bravest and most combative riders to ever pull on motorcycle leathers in this country were intrinsically linked with both bikes during the 1980s -- Malcolm Campbell on the growling RC30 and Rob Phillis on the ZX-7R. Campbell even won two Australian Superbike titles on the sharp-shooting Honda, created especially for homologation purposes to compete in the Superbike World Championship.

Campbell, now 58, has just announced he’ll reunite with a restored ‘works’ RC30 in the Period 6 races at Phillip Island – joined by his original support team - and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tasmanian hard-charger making his way straight to the front.

But no Phillis in Period 6 this time – although he does have a ZX-7R that’s all ready to be dusted off. Watch out 2013…



Mal Campbell (3) on the Suzuki RGM K5 and Steve Martin – 2011 Island Classic Rob Phillis

The Classic Wootton Welcome Dinner is a Sell Out!

We look forward to welcoming all competitors and officials you have RSVP’d to the CLASSIC WOOTTON WELCOME DINNER on Friday night 27 January on the Pit Roof Corporate Facility. We have a 6pm kick off in suite 6 and 7 for pre dinner drinks, before we move through to Suite 4 and 5 for the main festivities. Dress is smart casual.

Get Karting?

Keen on some karting fun? Phillip Island’s replica circuit, situated just above southern loop, has a great offer for the Island Classic.

You get 1 x 10 minute session for $29; 2 x 10 minute sessions for $53 and 3 x 10 minute sessions for $68.
And if you are hooked on karting, we also have an early bird offer. Present your event ticket or credential before 10am over the event [Jan 27-29] and get a 15% discount!
Just think - an early morning warm up at the kart track, the perfect preparation for a day's Island Classic racing.

Bookings at the Visitors Centre on 03 5952 9400

Shannons Parade Lap

Nominations are open for Sunday’s Shannons Parade Lap. Only 100 bikes will be chosen for the honour, and we’re seeking bikes that are pre 1982 only and are not competition machines. Click here for nomination form.

Registration will take place in Shed 22 (not garage 22) in the support paddock from 9.30am to 12 noon on Sunday only where participants will be required to sign an Indemnity form and will be issued a wristband. A participant briefing for all riders will take place at 12.10pm near Shed 22.

Start time is 1pm Sunday with two laps of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, led by four designated bikes of historical importance.

For all your 19th AMCN International Island Classic Info

For further information and bookings www.islandclassic.com.au or phone the circuit on
03 5952 2710. Entry tickets are available in advance or at the gate from 8.00am, with on track action kicking off at 9.00am each day – but camping must be booked in advance.

www.islandclassic.com.au



I will be riding the old GPz1100A1 to the Island over the weekend - it will be parked out the front of William Agostinis pits - very much looking forward to catching up with the crew at the Island for what is guaranteed to be a sensational weekend.

[Strika]

wouldnt have a clue what size rims are on a REX as ive never owed one and never will prob...

They all will eventually. Don't even ride one as it will plant a seed that will grow over time and will eventually consume you. Every ride that ends with you feeling sore, you will crave that smooth, relaxed riding (that can still keep pace with sports bikes) more and more.

Geez Nelso , its old karns like You Glen and Marty that need zimmers and REX's . Phil really wants a 9 .

Ahh fuck ya Billy, I hope you wobble out of the garage and fall off in pit lane!!















On the proviso that the bike isn't damaged, you arn't physically hurt and can still front the grid, all be it a little red faced!

[the kid]

Ahh fuck ya Billy, I hope you wobble out of the garage and fall off in pit lane!!

Since there is a very real posibility of this happening , I think you should be there Marty to give me hand back onto my trusty steed !
So ..... ya comin down ?

[steve086]

its going to be an awesome weekend can't wait