2019 Island Classic shapes up

Now in its 26th year, the Phillip Island Classic will take place on the Australia Day long weekend from Friday to Sunday January 25-27, 2019, with 56 races on the agenda.

There are six historic categories from preWW1 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. As has been the case for the past 15 years, the focus will be on the International Challenge which will see teams from Australia, the US and NZ fill the grid for four, six-lap races. Australian Captain Rex Wolfenden has released his team of star recruits including the squad’s ace performer of 2018, Adelaide’s David Johnson, who led the Aussies back to the winner’s circle after three years lagging behind the Brits. Johnson will be back on the Suzuki XR69, hoping to emulate his 2018 performance which included two wins and two seconds en-route to being awarded the Ken Wootton Memorial Trophy for best individual performance.

Also back in the saddle after an Island Classic hiatus will be Isle of Man specialist Cam Donald and Melbourne’s Jed Metcher on the T-Rex Racing Honda. Metcher, who just took out the Australian Historic Championship at Broadford in November, will race the Honda he campaigned to victories at the Island Classic in 2016 and 2017. The Australian team boasts great depth and experience with world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin, three-time Australian superbike champion Shawn Giles, and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who in 2018 won the Phil Irving trophy. In addition, there’s Dean Oughtred, Aaron Morris, Paul Byrne, Craig Ditchburn and long-time campaigner Scott Webster.

A three-day adult ticket for the Island Classic, purchased in advance, is just $82, and free for children 15 and under (accompanied by a fullpaying adult). You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 per night (with kids once again free). Tickets for the 26th running of the International Island Classic, the largest historic bike meet in the southern hemisphere, are available on islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.

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