Page 118 - Australian Motorcycle News (January 2020)

race report

YOUR FORTNIGHTLY FIX

International Island Classic Phillip Island

Australia’s Day

Our fiercely determined Aussies defended the coveted

International Challenge trophy from the strongest American

squad we’ve ever seen. But it was close

REPORT HAMISH COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES O’HAGAN

wenty four laps inch of canvas and every corner allies to their young explaining that his engine
at full throttle at corner is contested. There sparring partners. Alex Phillis “went sour”.
Phillip Island’s is no room for glass jaws, be and Jed Metcher had to dig Five laps later Metcher,
Grand Prix careful for the low blow and, deep to beat a pumped-up riding the Yamaha FJ1200-
Tcircuit adds up most importantly, don’t pull Team USA. based racer Troy Corser ran at
to 106.68km of fast and any punches. Here’s how it unfolded. the front of the pack in 2017,
undulating tarmac that Sounds like the perfect was the first into the magical
involves just 48 slow corners. Australia Day celebration of Qualifying 38s, with a lap of 1:38.728s.
Horsepower, top speed and classic motorcycle racing. Phillis, a race winner here Qualifying Two, for the
bravery under brakes at the And that’s what happened in 2017, made his intentions slowest 50 riders, saw Hayes
few slow corners here decide when our national team just clear from the first moment out on teammate (and
who will win and who will held off an unexpectedly of qualifying. On his first Island Classic newcomer)
lose. Condense this into a strong effort from Team USA flying lap he laid down a Jordan Szoke’s FJ. His time
series of four six-lap sprint to retain the International 1min39.012secs time on his of 1m38.575s looked good
races and this iconic circuit Challenge trophy. Suzuki replica XR69 Suzuki. enough for a front-row start.
changes completely. Last year Australia’s Things didn’t start well That was until Qualifying
A vast amphitheatre of grizzled old prize fighters, for America’s 2019 star and Two for the top 50 riders,
motorsport becomes an old- Steve Martin and Shawn multiple US AMA Superbike where Phillis laid down a
school, eight-metre square Giles, guided us to a 42-point champion Josh Hayes. He 1m38.314s on his first flying
tent boxing ring where every win. This year they acted as pitted after just one lap, lap, then Metcher raised the

116 amcn.com.au