Classic Sunshine at Phillip Island

Day Two of the eleventh running of the Island Classic at Phillip Island was full of traveller’s tales, both on and off the track as historic racers from all over Australia joined together to compete.

A large contingent from of New Zealanders shipped over a broad range of bikes for a ride including some immaculate Yamaha TZ 750s that have drawn a lot of interest from the curious crowd.

With the public allowed full admission to the pits, stories of yesteryear are mixed with the racing of today as competitors share in the enjoyment of classic racing.

Most of the morning consisted of final qualifying before the first of the 38 events for the weekend got underway.

The overcast morning was replaced with the brilliant sunshine of yesterday as riders from all classes took to the circuit in front of a modest, but enthusiastic crowd.

Highlights of the racing today included head to head battles between Murray Johnson from South Australia on the 1962 Manx Norton 500 and Queenslander, Mike Farrell on the 1962 Matchless McIntyre 650. Up and coming international star, David Johnson was impressed by his Dad’s race craft and commented on the elbow work as Farrell and Johnson fought side by side down the long Phillip Island straight.

Other highlights were the smooth riding of Peter Guest from Mildura, riding the 1968 Bultaco TSS 370cc in the 500cc Post Classic race and the host of competitive CB1000’s racing together in the Unlimited Post Classic races.

The Unlimited Classics provided more roar for the crowd, with Peter Guest winning the first event on the Ken Lucas 1956 Vincent Norvin 1000, but the high revving nature and long flowing corners may have started to take it’s toll, with Guest not starting the second event which was won by Victor Vassella on the 1962 Norton Atlas 750.

Although small in number the combined sidecar event was spectacular, with Adam Treasure and Josh Hooper winning both racers from Geoff Taylor and Matty Johnson.

With some great racing and a variety of priceless machinery from yesteryear, the ‘Classic’ maintains the feel of a truly special event.

The final day of the three-day Island Classic is tomorrow and will showcase the premier events and the awarding of the Phil Irving perpetual trophy.