News 12 Jan 2012

AMCN Island Classic shaping up for Australia day long weekend

Mal Campbell and Steve Martin do battle at the AMCN Island Classic.

Mal Campbell and Steve Martin do battle at the AMCN Island Classic.

Hunting for a great Australia Day weekend getaway for the right price?

Head to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit where a family of four can get a four night, on track camping getaway and three days of historic motorcycle action at the Island Classic for a super affordable $250, booked in advance.

From 27-29 January, more than 20,000 people will pour into the island for the 19th AMCN International Island Classic – the largest race meet of historic bikes in the southern hemisphere.

And this year, the circuit has packaged a special Australia Day offer for families, with camping allowed on circuit and children 15 and under free – for not only the event, but also the camping!

While kids are free, adult tickets are also super reasonable – with $60 for a three day ticket to the event, $65 for an adult to camp for four nights, or $50 to sleep trackside for two nights.

So grab your tent, your family and your mates, and treat them to a long weekend getaway at the bikes.

The campground opens from 4.00pm on Thursday, 26 January until Monday morning 31 January, but you must pre-book your spot at www.islandclassic.com.au or call the circuit on 03 5952 2710.

Island Classic event days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Eight hours of racing is scheduled a day, with the other delights of Phillip Island – from penguins, to beaches, to golf and animal parks – on your doorstep.

The Island Classic will see over 260 riders and 350 separate machines star in what is now an annual pilgrimage for bike lovers.

Solo classes will be held for bikes dating back to pre-WWI, right through to Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and the fledgling New Era (1983-1990) division. Sidecars will also compete.

A quick glance over the International Challenge entry list upholds the adage that ‘once a racer always a racer,’ with illustrious names of the past such as Jeremy McWilliams, Shawn Giles, Steve Martin, Rob Phillis, Malcolm Campbell, Barry Ditchburn and John Pace all set to compete, alongside modern day flyers such as Cameron Donald and Irishman Ryan Farquhar.

Entry tickets are available in advance or at the gate from 8.00am, with on track action kicking off at 9.00am each day – but camping must be booked in advance.

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