Island Classic

Although the team failed to win any of the four races, the UK squad was once again dominant at the 2016 AMCN Island Classic. Beau Beaton, on the 4-valve Irving Vincent, blasted to victory in the first two 6-lap encounters, narrowly edging out UK star Jeremy McWilliams on both occasions, despite giving away around 15 km/h in top speed. A DNF stopped Beaton in the third heat, but young Jed Metcher, on the T Rex Harris Honda, stepped up to take the win and repeated the dose in Sunday’s final race. The Australian challenge came apart when Shawn Giles and Cameron Donald both suffered engine woes and failed to finish two of the heats. The depth of the UK side showed, with consistent performances by Conor Cummins, John McGuinness, Ryan Farquhar and ex-pat South Australian Glen Richards. Paul Byrne top scored for the Irish team which finished third in the standings ahead of USA, with a depleted NZ team trailing in fifth place. The meeting began on a wet and grey Friday, and the International field stayed in their garages, with Qualifying to be decided over a single session first thing Saturday morning. It was drizzling when the riders ventured out and Beaton managed to put the Irving Vincent at the top of the time sheets before the session was redflagged after NZ rider and champion yachtsman Grant Dalton decked his Suzuki and broke a wrist. The oil spill from the crashed Suzuki brought down another four riders and necessitating a lengthy delay for the clean up.

Just prior to this, UK’s Ryan Farquhar exploded the engine of his Harris Yamaha and the team flew into action

to change the unit before the first race. This further added to the UK side’s dark mood as they vocally challenged the ‘spirit’ of the Irving Vincent entry.

Considering several of their team were equipped with 4-valve FJR1300 Yamaha engines of at least 1984 vintage, the grumbles were seen by some as the pot calling the kettle black. Indeed, the unique rules for the Mitchelton Wines International Challenge are a mystery to many. Despite the damp start, Saturday dawned fine, with clear skies for the remainder of the weekend. Apart from the International Challenge, the programme contained a wide variety of classes, some thinly supported, others full to overflowing. As usual the Post Classic and Forgotten Era classes had bulk entries and provided thrilling racing. This year, Sidecar classes were back on the card after being dropped in 2015 due to lack of entries. Owner Max Hooper managed to entice the dynamic duo of Andre Bosman and Dave Kellett back onto the Suzuki GSX1100 outfit that they raced to great effect in the ‘eighties, ending the domination of the Yamaha TZ750s. The meeting also marked the debut of the stunning new Irving Vincent outfit piloted by Barry Horner and Chris DiNuzzo. Condobolin rider Neil May and local Tom Bramich added their names to the prized Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, both taking double class wins on the weekend.

ABOVE Beau Beaton thrilled everyone except the UK team with his storming rides on the new Irving Vincent 1300. RIGHT Paul Smart completed several demonstration laps on a Imola 200 replica Ducati.Victorious again. The UK squad celebrates with a glass of Pimms.

Back on their original Combo Suzuki, Andre Bosman and Dave Kellett showed they had forgotten little after four years absence. The meeting marked the debut of the sensational new Irving Vincent 1300 outfit piloted by BarryHorner and Chris DiNuzzo. Top Forgotten Era Sidecar crew Anthong Vrdolijak/Corey Forde on the Steve Bayliss Suzuki.Phil Irving Trophy co-winner Neil May on his 350 Manx Norton. Neil won both 350 and 500 Classicclasses.

Star turns: Jed Metcher leads Jeremy McWilliams in race three. The pair finished as equal top scorers in the International Challenge. Tom Bramich on the 500 Paton – winner of the 500 Post Classic and equal winner of the Phil IrvingTrophy. Unlimited Forgotten Era (Minor) winnerRobert Young.