Corser back at Island
AUSTRALIA’S two- time world superbike champion Troy Corser will return to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs when he headlines the International Island Classic at Phillip Island in January.
Corser, a world title winner in 1996 and 2005, has been based in the UK since his 2011 retirement and has not raced at home in almost seven years.
The Island Classic will showcase more than 300 riders and 500 bikes and sidecars, competing over the three-day event from January 26-28. The southern hemisphere’s largest historic motorcycle meet will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.
Corser will head the Australian squad in the international challenge teams event, as the locals look to snap Britain’s three-year domination. The 45-year-old is a seven-time superbikes winner at Phillip Island and is looking forward to re-acquainting himself with the circuit.
“It’s time to get back and race at home in front of a home crowd — it’s been a long time,” he said.
“Phillip Island is one of the best circuits in the world and definitely one of my favourites. I’ve had some great races there.
“The support was always great. I am sure some friends and family will come out to watch at the classic and I’m hoping my old race fans will cheer us on from Corser Hill.
“There is nothing like a home-crowd support — something I’ll never forget from my racing. (There was) no better place for me to win a championship than right there at home.”
Corser retired with a host of WorldSBK records — most pole positions (43), races (377), podiums (130) and points (4000).
His world titles came with Ducati and Suzuki, and he also rode for Aprilia, Yamaha, Petronas and BMW in the production series.