Tuesday, January 26, 2021
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
MCNews

2017 International Island Classic Wrap

Admin2 by Admin2
January 31, 2017
in Historic Road Racing, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing
Reading Time: 5min read
Home Motorcycle News Motorcycle Racing Historic Road Racing
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare
UK wins International Challenge despite late Australian push

Despite Alex Phillis taking the final International Challenge race win, the United Kingdom held off a fast-finishing Australia to retain the prestigious International Challenge trophy at the 24th Island Classic, with just 11-points separating the teams.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Three - Image by Andrew Gosling - Glen Richards, Alex Phillis, Derek Sheils
2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Three – Image by Andrew Gosling – Glen Richards, Alex Phillis, Derek Sheils

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit certianly came alive in the fourth and final race in the multi-national event after Aussie rookie Alex Phillis (Suzuki XR69) won a thriller ahead of Jeremy McWilliams (Harris Yamaha) who had dominated the earlier three races and another local, Steve Martin (Suzuki Katana).

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Three - Image by Andrew Gosling - Shawn Giles, Peter Hickman, Jed Metcher, Jeremy McWilliams
2017 Island Classic International Challenge – Image by Andrew Gosling – Shawn Giles, Peter Hickman, Jed Metcher, Jeremy McWilliams

With Jed Metcher (Harris Honda) and Shawn Giles (Katana) also performing strongly, Australia managed to claw back some points on the UK but it wasn’t enough to deny victory to the visitor for the third successive year – with the tireless veteran McWilliams also taking home the individual standings for the fourth time.

The final score saw the United Kingdom complete the event on 651pts ahead of Australia (640), Ireland (539), America (357) and New Zealand (323).

For our individual International Challenge race reports see: 
Island Classic 2017 – International Challenge Race One | Race Two | Race Three | Race Four

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Two - Jeremy McWilliams - Image by Andrew Gosling
Jeremy McWilliams – Image by Andrew Gosling
Jeremy McWilliams

“Riders leave absolutely nothing in the tank at the International Challenge, and that’s what makes it so special to compete in and win. We are allowed to ride bikes on the limit by the owners, and it’s been an honour to represent the UK and get the job done again in 2017. My teammate Peter Hickman is right when he says this is some of the hardest and toughest racing you’ll find anywhere, so that always makes winning extra special.”

Australia’s attempt to reclaim the International Challenge from the UK got off on the wrong foot when Irving Vincent-riding speedsters Cameron Donald and Beau Beaton were forced out of proceedings by mechanical problems on Saturday, while Phillis – who started from second on the grid alongside McWilliams – retired from race one with a flat tyre.

McWilliams won both races on day one, the first ahead of Giles and fellow UK rider Peter Hickman (Harris Yamaha), while in race two Hickman and Metcher completed the top three.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race One - Peter Hickman - Image by Andrew Gosling
2017 Island Classic International Challenge – Peter Hickman – Image by Andrew Gosling

The UK then extended its lead to 26pts in race three, with McWilliams unstoppable en route to another win and a new lap record of 1:36.388. Hickman and Giles completed the top three.

With the event again going down to the wire, Australia sensed a sniff of victory after Hickman high-sided out of the lead at turn 10 on lap two, with McWilliams dropping a couple of places as he took evasive action.

The Aussie Team had to settle for second in the International Challenge once again, just 11-points behind the UK.
The Aussie Team had to settle for second in the International Challenge once again, just 11-points behind the UK.

However, with Aussie hard-charger Chas Hern (Harris Honda) out on the following lap with a broken cam chain it was then obvious only a calamity from a UK perspective would let Australia back into the game.

That didn’t eventuate, but the last few laps of race four were the best of the weekend as Phillis led while McWilliams was on a comeback mission after being held up in the Hickman crash.

The final lap was a nerve-jangler, and just when it appeared McWilliams was ready to make a move he got all loose a turn 10 which scuppered his chances of a clean sweep.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race One - Jeremy McWilliams chased by Alex Phillis and Shawn Giles - Image by Andrew Gosling
2017 Island Classic International Challenge  – Jeremy McWilliams chased by Alex Phillis and Shawn Giles – Image by Andrew Gosling
Jeremy McWilliams

“I just went in too hot and the bike stepped out. Alex is also exceptionally fast at turn 11 – and also at turns two and six for that matter! So I knew that was it for me as far as pushing for the win.”

Alex, the son of Aussie superbike racing legend, Robbie Phillis, was elated, as he completed his rookie International Challenge campaign in the best possible way.

2017 Island Classic International Challenge Race Three - Image by Andrew Gosling - Alex Phillis, Derek Sheils
2017 Island Classic International Challenge – Image by Andrew Gosling – Alex Phillis
Alex Phillis

“I knew Jeremy was close behind so I just had to stay focussed and get on the gas as hard as I could coming out of turn 10 on that last lap. I have really enjoyed riding the XR69, and I knew that once we had ironed out a few fuelling niggles I would give myself a great chance of pushing for a win. I also got a great start in the last race, so that always helps.”

Phillis only finished 11th overall in the individual standings after his race one DNF, with McWilliams running out an easy winner on 159pts from Metcher (147), Giles (147), Ireland’s Paul Byrne (McIntosh Suzuki, 140), UK’s Conor Cummins (Harris Yamaha, 133), Martin (132), Ireland’s Derek Sheils (XR69, 132), and another batch of UK riders: McGuinness (Harris Honda, 125), James Hillier (Harris Yamaha, 118) and Hickman (116).

The highest point-scorer for America was Pat Mooney (XR69) in a 12th position, and for New Zealand it was Glenn Hindle (XR69) in 12th position.

Paul Bryne
Ireland’s Paul Bryne – Image: Andrew Gosling

Irish non-riding captain Mike Meskell was delighted with how his team performed.

Mike Meskell

“We had some good bikes and some not so good this weekend, but they held together and we have achieved our goal of getting closer to the top two teams,” Meskell said. “We want to be regarded as a serious competitor to Australia and the UK, and we will come back bigger and stronger in 2018 with better bikes, including two XR69s.”

Dave Crussell – American Team Leader

“Our bikes and riders finished every single race in 2017, which is a fantastic achievement. Our bike development has paid off, and I was particularly delighted with the form of Pat Mooney and Barrett Long.”

Despite again holding up the International Challenge ladder, New Zealand captain Duncan Coutts was far from despondent.

Duncan Coutts

“We were a bit unlucky in that last race with Damien (Kavney) a DNF, but a couple of our bikes were really strong and we’ll be back to fight on again in 2017.”

Murray Seabrook won the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy in 2017
Murray Seabrook won the Phil Irving Memorial Trophy in 2017

In a massive weekend of historic competition, Murray Seabrook collected the Phil Irving Memorial Trophy for the most points collected by a competitor outside the International Challenge races. Seabrook defeated Dean Oughtred and Lachlan Hill.

Phil Irving Memorial Trophy
  1. Murray Seabrook
International Challenge Race Results
  • Race one: 1 Jeremy McWilliams (UK), 2 Shawn Giles (AUS), 3 Peter Hickman (UK), 4 Conor Cummins (UK), 5 Jed Metcher (AUS), 6 Chas Hern (AUS).
  • Race two: 1 McWilliams, 2 Hickman, 3 Metcher, 4 Alex Phillis (AUS), 5 Paul Byrne (IRE), 6 Giles.
  • Race three: 1 McWilliams, 2 Hickman, 3 Giles, 4 Phillis, 5 Metcher, 6 Byrne
  • Race four: 1 Phillis, 2 McWilliams, 3 Steve Martin (AUS), 4 Metcher, 5 Byrne, 6 Giles.
International Challenge Final Standings
  1. United Kingdom 651pts
  2. Australia 640pts
  3. Ireland 539pts
  4. America 357pts
  5. New Zealand 323pts
Jeremy McWilliams wins the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy in 2017
Jeremy McWilliams wins the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy in 2017
Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy Final Standings:
  1. Jeremy McWilliams (UK) 159
  2. Jed Metcher (AUS) 147
  3. Shawn Giles (AUS) 147
  4. Paul Byrne (IRE) 140
  5. Conor Cummins (UK) 133
  6. Steve Martin (AUS) 132
  7. Derek Sheils (IRE) 132
  8. John McGuinness (UK) 125
  9. James Hillier (UK) 118
  10. Peter Hickman (UK) 116
Category Winners
  • 125cc Forgotten Era: Simon Oliver
  • 125cc New Era : Stephen Kairl
  • 250cc Forgotten Era: Peter Hinton
  • 250cc New Era Production: Glenn Chandler
  • 250cc New Era : Scott Sullivan
  • 125cc Post-Classic: Stacey Heaney
  • 250cc Classic: John Imrie
  • 250cc Post-Classic: Murray Seabrook
  • 350cc Post-Classic: Murray Seabrook
  • 350cc Classic: Philip Paton
  • 350cc Forgotten Era: Lachlan Hill
  • 500cc Forgotten Era: Tom Bramich
  • 500cc Classic: Brendan Roberts
  • Vintage: Clive Harrop
  • Forgotten Era Sidecars: Mark Knight/Dave Rumble
  • Post-Classic Sidecars: Max Hooper/Brad Gorrie
  • Unlimited Classic: Garth Francis
  • Unlimited Forgotten Era – Minor: Dave Fuller
  • Unlimited Forgotten Era – Premier: Marty Craggill
  • Invitational P6 Open: Michael Neeves
  • New Era Formula 750cc: Scott Campbell
  • New Era Formula 1300cc: Dean Oughtred
  • Unlimited Post-Classic: Dean Oughtred

For all Island Classic results, visit www.computime.com.au.

Tags: Alex PhillisBeau BeatonCameron DonaldChas HernJed MetcherJeremy McWilliamsMurray SeabrookPeter HickmanShawn GilesSteve Martin
Previous Post

Smarty’s Moto News Weekly Wrap | Jan 30, 2017

Next Post

Coast to Coast | Heavyweight Baggers Comparo Part 1

Admin2

Admin2

Related Articles

Shawn Giles

Flashback Friday | Shawn Giles announced his retirement in 2011

January 15, 2021
MotoGP riders reflect on Brno battles

Hickman joins BMW FIM EWC Team for Le Mans 24 Hour

August 26, 2020
Jed Metcher Australian Historics Image Russell Colvin

Twisted ASBK Interviews | Jed Metcher

June 16, 2020
Peter Hickman Yamaha SS TT

Peter Hickman confirms Yamaha for Supersport TT campaign

January 2, 2020
IoM TT Hickman ImgRichardSykes

Hickman to race IoM on ‘heavy’ Norton Superlight

December 17, 2019
Ulster GP Sat First Supersport Race

Peter Hickman peerless at 2019 Ulster Grand Prix

August 12, 2019
Load More
Next Post
Coast to Coast | Heavyweight Baggers Comparo Part 1

Coast to Coast | Heavyweight Baggers Comparo Part 1

Andrea Iannone

Andrea Iannone leads Sepang MotoGP Test Day Two

Jay Marmont and KTM Australia Motorsports Manager Rob Twyerould

Jay Marmont new KTM Motocross Racing Team Manager

SOCIALS

  • 20.1k Fans
  • 6.6k Followers
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Yet another motorcycle museum goes up in flames

Yet another motorcycle museum goes up in flames

January 19, 2021
Jason O’Halloran wins dramatic opening race at Brands

British Superbike updates 2021 schedule

January 19, 2021
Jett Lawrence breaks through with AMA Supercross victory

Jett Lawrence breaks through with AMA Supercross victory

January 20, 2021
Auto Draft

We examine the 2021 offerings served up overnight by H-D

January 20, 2021
Losail is lit by floodlights, ensuring a unique round and environment for top class racing

Changes already being made to 2021 MotoGP Calendar

January 23, 2021
Chopper styled electric e-Moped going on sale in Australia

Chopper styled electric e-Moped going on sale in Australia

Not this one

Moto Guzzi celebrates centenary with anniversary models

Benelli 752S Review | Motorcycle Test

Benelli 752S Review | Motorcycle Test

Moto Wrap

New 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS full reveal and specs

January 26, 2021
Benelli 752S Review | Motorcycle Test

Benelli 752S Review | Motorcycle Test

January 26, 2021
Tight battles across both classes in AMA SX Rnd Three

Round Three AMA Supercross Images | Gallery A

January 25, 2021
1972 Malanca Testa Rossa 50

1972 Malanca Testa Rossa 50

January 25, 2021
Full wrap up from AMA Supercross Round Two

North Brisbane Cup Dirt Track Images | Gallery C

January 25, 2021

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS

INCASE YOU MISSED

  • All
  • Bike Reviews
  • Motorcycle Racing
  • Latest Bikes
  • Features
  • Motorcycle Gallery
  • Touring
Joel Robert passes away from COVID-19 complications

Joel Robert passes away from COVID-19 complications

January 14, 2021
Sanders third in 2021 Dakar Prologue | Price ninth

Sanders third in 2021 Dakar Prologue | Price ninth

January 2, 2021
Chain lube formulated specifically for adventure motorcycles

Chain lube formulated specifically for adventure motorcycles

January 5, 2021
Motorcycle News, Sport and Reviews

MCNEWS.COM.AU is a specialist on-line resource that provides motorcycle news for motorcyclists. MCNews covers all areas of interest for the motorcycling public including news, reviews and comprehensive racing coverage.

© 2021 MCNews

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • ALL NEWS
    • ALL NEWS CONDENSED
    • BMW News
    • Honda News
    • Husqvarna News
    • KTM News
    • Suzuki News
    • Yamaha News
    • Triumph News
    • Ducati News
    • Moto Guzzi News
    • Royal Enfield News
    • Kawasaki News
    • Aprilia News
    • Harley News
    • Indian News
    • MV Agusta News
    • Benelli News
    • Gas Gas News
    • BETA News
    • Norton News
    • Victory News
    • EBR News
    • E-Bike News
    • Scooter News
    • LAMS News
    • ATV / SSV News
  • REVIEWS
    • All Bike Reviews
    • LAMS Reviews
    • KTM Reviews
    • Honda Reviews
    • Yamaha Reviews
    • Triumph Reviews
    • BMW Reviews
    • Suzuki Reviews
    • Ducati Reviews
    • Kawasaki Reviews
    • Husqvarna Reviews
    • Aprilia Reviews
    • Benelli Reviews
    • BETA Reviews
    • CFMoto Reviews
    • E-Bike Reviews
    • EBR Reviews
    • Gas Gas Reviews
    • Harley Reviews
    • Indian Reviews
    • Kymco Reviews
    • Moto Guzzi Reviews
    • MV Agusta Reviews
    • Norton Reviews
    • Royal Enfield Reviews
    • Scooter Reviews
    • Sherco Reviews
    • Victory Reviews
  • LATEST BIKES
    • ALL LATEST BIKES NEWS
    • BMW
    • Honda
    • Husqvarna
    • KTM
    • Suzuki
    • Yamaha
    • Triumph
    • Ducati
    • Moto Guzzi
    • Royal Enfield
    • Kawasaki
    • Aprilia
    • Harley
    • Indian
    • MV Agusta
    • Benelli
    • Gas Gas
    • BETA
    • Norton
    • Victory
    • E-Bike
    • Scooters
    • LAMS
  • RACING
    • ALL RACING
    • ROAD
      • MotoGP
      • WSBK
      • ASBK
      • BSB
      • Real Road / TT
      • Historic Road Racing
      • Japan / Asian Road Racing
      • Endurance Road Racing
      • American Road Racing
      • NZ Road Racing
      • Supermoto
    • DIRT
      • Supercross
      • AMA MX
      • Australian MX
      • MXGP
      • Enduro / Rally
      • Dirt / Flat Track
      • Speedway
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • GALLERY
  • LATEST COMMENTS
  • POPULAR ARTICLES
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT US
  • COMMUNITY FORUM

© 2021 MCNews