Phillip Island Here I come! The adventure begins. The dream of participating in the International Island Classic started at Road America 2016. That is where I met Dave Crussell. For those not familiar with Dave he is a serious vintage racer. In his stable are Kawasaki H2Rs (2 stroke triples) and Superbikes, Yamaha TZ750s, and assorted other classic racers. His resume includes the Isle of Man, Phillip Island, and multiple vintage championships. He is also the driving force behind Team USA at the International Island Classic. While chatting with Dave he asked if I had ever considered racing at Phillip Island. I had not, but always being up for a new adventure, asked him to tell me more. An undertaking such as this takes some planning and it was apparent I could not be ready for the 2017 event. I decided to focus on the 2018 race. I assumed the biggest hurdle would be convincing my wife this was a good idea.
When I explained what I wanted to do she surprised me by quickly agreeing it was a good idea, but only if it included her and a couple of weeks vacation to see the sights of Australia. I am very fortunate to have such an understanding wife.
The international Island Classic is one of the premier vintage motorcycle races in the world. Besides classes for just about any vintage motorcycle there are four races called the International Challenge. The fastest racers from the more modern classes may qualify for this event. It is a mix of big bore 1200cc + four strokes mixed with a few TZ750s. The riders are an international who's who and include John McGuinness, Jeremy McWilliams, Alex Phillis, Conner Cummins, Pat Mooney, and this year Troy Corser and Colin Edwards. With the goal of qualifying for this race I am taking my 1982 Suzuki RGB500. It is a limited production roadracer similar to the Yamaha TZs. While it is not a SOHC Honda, my CB550 would be underpowered compared to the competition. Please forgive my heresy!
The organizers of the race are paying to transport the international riders motorcycles to and from Australia. Team USA's motorcycles are being shipped from California. The riders are responsible for getting their machines to a warehouse near San Francisco. Not a big deal if you live on the west coast. From where I live in Ohio it is over 2,000 miles. Today I watched my RGB500 (which I have owned since 1984) being loaded on a truck starting the journey west. In all the time I have owned this motorcycle it has never been out of my possession. I have to admit seeing the truck drive out of sight was not a comfortable feeling.
Here are some photos showing what is involved in shipping a motorcycle. The crate came from a local dealer and was used to ship a Triumph from the factory. I added mounts for the spare wheels, plastic tubs for spares/supplies, and tool chest. Corrugated plastic sheeting covered the top and all wrapped in plastic. Hoping when it arrives at the Phillip Island Circuit it has survived the trip with no damage.
The race is the last weekend in January. I have no illusions of running up front, but do hope to qualify for the International Challenge. If not I'll still race in my class. Either way this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity! I'll keep you posted.
