Classic Sunshine at Phillip Island

Phillip Island put on near perfect weather to get the eleventh annual running of the Australian Motorcycle News Island Classic underway.

With 180 entries from all over Australia as well as New Zealand covering pre-war, classic, post classic, forgotten era as well as sidecars on the bill, the pits was filled early as competitors struggled to get through scrutineering.

The sounds of Manx singles, big Vincent twins and the crackle of TZ’s filled the pits through practice and qualifying. Spectators are free to mingle with the racers and many questions have been asked and memories come back as the community enjoys the simple pleasures of motorcycle racing.

Practice was held in slightly overcast conditions, but the sun broke through to provide perfect conditions for qualifying.

The 350cc Classis and Post Classic combined qualifying was a blessing for old two stroke enthusiasts, with TR3s and R5s making up the majority of the top ten. Rob Hinton posted the fastest time of 1m54.570s to be the first of five under the two minute mark.

Rex Wolfenden was the first under 1m50, taking his T-Rex Racing 1972 Honda CB1000 to 1m49.749 to lead the unlimited Post Classic class ahead of Peter Guest on the Techsim 1971 Triumph Trident 830 who lapped at 1m50.330s.

The roar of the unlimited classics was more sight than sound as Norton battled Vincent. Victor Vassella holds a narrow advantage on his 1962 Norton Atlas 750 from Clive Harrop on the 1947 Norvin Norton Vincent 980.

Except for the interstate competitors sent home, the remainder of the large field of riders is looking forward to two more days of fantastic weather and ‘Island Hospitality’ as they vie for the trophies at one of the biggest classic meetings of the Australian calendar.