motorcycle extends to understanding motorcycle engineering, machinery, racing history, and of course how to ride retro.

It drawers more than 340 racers and 500 racing bikes to our shores from across Australia and the world including the United Kingdom, America and New Zealand. Now in its 22nd year the Island Classic is made up of 56 races across three days, contested in a number of Periods and classes.

There are three coveted trophies up for grabs, the Phil Irving Trophy, the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy and the prestigious Tahbilk International Challenge Trophy which has been won by the Australian team for the past nine consecutive years. Could they make it ten?

The Island Classic is as much about seasoned rev-heads and their dedication to the robust mastery of machinery across this millennium as it is about the thrills, spills, passion, dedication and buzz that any motorcycle racing grid is renowned for.

What makes this one different is how up-close-and-personal punters can get, with access to pits, riders, bikes and Phillip Island’s most famous corners open to all –Lukey Heights, Siberia and the Southern Loop—visitors have a unique opportunity to get trackside with riders, racers and their famous teams.

Watch the video to go trackside at the 2014 Island Classic and see for yourself what all the hype is about.

The Island Classic takes place over the Australia Day long weekend starting 23 Friday – 25 Sunday with options to camp available. Kids under 15 enter free.

See you trackside.

Grab your mates, grab your family, grab a circuit camp spot and head to Phillip Island this Australian Day long weekend for the Australian Motorcycle News International Island Classic.

Book in advance for special prices – a three day adult entry is just $70*, a Sunday only is a mere $45*; and camping is $70 per adult for up to four nights – or if you are just staying two nights $55*. Kids 15 and under enter free.

For tickets and camping, go to www.islandclassic.com.au for booking forms or call the circuit on 03 5952 2710 on weekdays.

CLUB CLASSIC

If you would like to do Sunday in style, and be wined and dined in our corporate suite, then book for Club Classic. You’ll spend the day based from our Pit roof suite, with floor to ceiling windows that overlook Gardner Straight, pit lane and the start/finish line.

You’ll have easy access to the rooftop for a panoramic view, or to the GP Paddock to visit the teams and view the bikes at close range. And you’ll enjoy Phillip Island hospitality at its best with morning tea, a buffet lunch with dessert and tea and coffee. There’s a cash bar for alcohol.

Other bonuses include a full timing feed to the Club’s flat screen tv’s, live course commentary, and a reserved car park in the support paddock.

We have two booking options, as Club Classic is only open Sunday.

Sunday only for $135, or an additional $20 for Friday and Saturday at the circuit with a general admission pass.

For your booking go to www.islandclassic.com.au/ticket-information

*All prices quoted are purchased in advance, with savings on gate prices.

Understanding the Classic

There are six Classic categories – Period 1–6 – structured by bikes from particular eras. The categories are in chronological order, Period 1 includes bikes dating back to pre-1919; Period 6 more recent builds, up to 1990. Within each category there are several capacity classes ranging from 125cc (Ultra Lightweight) through to 250cc (Lightweight), 350cc (Junior), 500c (Senior), 1300cc (Unlimited). These classes fill the Period 1-5 category. Bikes in the 1000cc class are in category Period 6.

Famous names like Isle of Mann winner John McGuinness, and legendary crew chief for Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner—the prestigious Jeremy Burgess—will be at this year’s Island Classic. These are just a few reasons you too should be there.

*Check back to AMCN or look on Facebook for chances to win tickets from today, 16 Jan with entries closing Monday 19, Jan at 11:55pm.

**Souvenir programs just $5 at the track from Friday.