Island Classic Oceania Historic Road Race Cup gets new format
The historic bike meet, the Island Classic at Phillip Island this weekend (Jan 25-27), is just not about the International Challenge with Australia and New Zealand facing a Trans-Tasman battle for a second major trophy – the FIM Oceanic Historic Road Race Cup.
The format has been revamped by organisers from FIM Oceania and the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit for 2019, designed to create greater parity, more opportunity for all class riders, and a tougher spirit of competition between the nations.
Island Classic – 500cc New Era
The title will now be fought out across four classes: 350cc Forgotten Era, 500cc Forgotten Era, Unlimited Forgotten Era and 500cc New Era. Forgotten Era bikes were built between 1973 and 1982, and New Era from 1983 to 1990.
The maximum number of riders that can qualify will be three from each country in each class. Upon completion of the qualifying sessions the closest lap times will be matched between three NZ and three Australian riders for each class.
“The new format of the competition gives the club racer the chance to compete for their country and really creates a competition of true parity. And let’s face it – Australia and New Zealand love a friendly competition,” said Fergus Cameron, managing director of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit. “There’ll be six spots in each class available via our 2019 qualification method, three for Aussies and three for New Zealand. Spots won’t necessarily go to the rider who sets the fastest time, but the group of riders that set final qualifying times in the closest proximity to another.”
Island Classic – Unlimited Forgotten Era
The New Zealand and Australian teams will be announced Friday evening and all points accumulated by each team member over racing on Saturday and Sunday will be tallied to make the final team score.
‘’FIM Oceania is very excited to be holding the FIM Oceanic Historic Road Race Cup at the International Island Classic. This is a world class event and brings together a wide range of amazing bikes and riders from around the world,’’ Said Glen Williams, FIM Oceania President.
‘’The battle between the Aussies and Kiwis will be closer than ever this year. It will be handlebar to handlebar and racing not to be missed.’’
2019 Island Classic Tickets
The 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, is the perfect Australia Day getaway without breaking the bank. A three-day adult ticket for the January 25-27 event, is just $82 purchased in advance, and free for children 15 and under (accompanied by a full-paying adult). You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 per night (with kids once again free) which is a bargain in anyone’s language.
Island Classic – International Challenge – Image by Andrew Gosling
Add it up and you can have a four-day weekend away, with four nights of on-circuit camping, and three days entry to one of the world’s great historic bike meets for the grand total of just $164* per adult and you can bring your kids for free!
Tickets for the largest historic bike meet in the Southern Hemisphere, the 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island on January 25-27, are available on islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.
*All prices quoted are advance tickets which end midday Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Buy advance and save. Gate ticket prices are additional.
