The International Festival of Speed is born

Formerly known as the Barry Sheene Festival Festival of Speed, the 2017 International Festival of Speed springs into action from 23rd March, 2017 and runs for four full days at Sydney Motor Sports Park. Tickets are now on sale on-line from their websitte at www.barrysheene.com.au/tickets and for 2017, all advance ticket holders will have access to an Express Entry point, opposite the Alpha Hotel near the main grandstand. This also gives immediate access to the infield and pits via the tunnel under the main straight. Organiser Peter Macmillan also says a new system will be in place on the main entry to ensure the frustrating queues that formed in 2016 are not repeated. The IFoS will see former World Champion Troy Bayliss take to the track during the Legends Clashes aboard his 2001 championship-winning Infostrada Ducati. Kiwi legend Graeme Crosby will be back, this time aboard the Steve Wheatman-owned ex-works Suzuki XR35. “The XR35 was lower and lighter than the XR34, plus it had the new full floater suspension which later became the norm across the Suzuki range, including the GSXR750s”, says Croz, adding, “it’s the same model that I rode at the British GP at Silverstone and ruined England’s chance to have a British 500cc World Champion that year, at least according to the dodgy tabloid journos!”. Former MV Agusta works rider and GP winner Gianfranco Bonera will bring his factory HarleyDavidson/Aermacchi RR250 on which he finished third in the 1976 world title. Globetrotting journalist and OBA regular contributor Alan Cathcart will also be on hand to act as MC for the social side and interpreter for the huge international contingent. Ticket prices: Friday – Adult: online: $20.00 Gate: $25.00; Saturday – Adult: online $25.00 Gate $30.00; Sunday – Adult: online: $30.00 Gate: $35.00; Family 2 + 2 – Online: $50.00 Gate $60.00; 3 Day Pass – Online: $65.00 Gate $80.00; Camping + 3 Day Pass – Online: $100.00 Gate: $115.00; Children Under 15 free.