Tickets for the 24th International Island Classic for historic bikes at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on January 27-29 are now on sale.
The event has grown to become one of the largest historic motorcycle racing events in the world with more than 500 machines taking to the race track.
Racers will be vying for titles such as the fiercely contested International Challenge and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.
Now in its 13th year, the Challenge features defending champion, the United Kingdom, returning to fight for the 2017 crown against a motivated Australia (who held the title for 10 years), New Zealand, Ireland and the USA.
The defending UK line-up is led by former MotoGP star, Jeremy McWilliams, who has won the individual Ken Wootton trophy on three occasions, and his Isle of Man compatriot, John McGuinness.
Jeremy McWilliams and Jed Metcher (Photo Russell Colvin)Australian captain, Rex Wolfenden, is negotiating with leading Australian riders such as Shawn Giles, Steve Martin, Cam Donald and Jed Metcher who topped the International Challenge individual point score with McWilliams in 2016.
The Challenge is reserved for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984 and most of the riders come loaded with experience and exceptional talent.
Six racing categories
The event includes six historic categories from pre WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972), and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes.
There’s 56 races on the agenda, all between four and six laps, and if they are not racing, the historic machines bring their colour to the paddock with displays or hit the track on parade.
Some of the motorcycles are nearly a century old.
The event is a true bike fest with everything from old Indians, Nortons and Vincents through to vintage Triumphs, Harleys and Ducatis.
Advance tickets discount
Advance three-day adult pass cost $80 and children 15 and under free. On-circuit camping for four nights is $75 per person.
VIP options are available in the Club Classic Hospitality suite above pit lane. Club Classic offers the flexibility of a single day starting from $150 or a weekend package from $235.
Tickets at the gate will cost more.
Gates open at 8am each day with qualifying and racing from 9am.