Source: Phillip Island Circuit.

The big names have arrived at Phillip Island for this weekend’s 2014 International Island Classic, which will see teams from Australia, New Zealand, America and the United Kingdom battle for national pride – and 12 months worth of bragging rights.

And there’s no bigger name joining the Tahbilk International Challenge line-up in 2014 than John McGuinness. The 41-year-old Isle of Man TT legend from Lancashire has been called in to bolster the UK team, in what will be his first race appearance at the iconic Victorian grand prix circuit.

“I’ve only been in the country for a day and already I’ve got sunburn on my head,” said McGuinness. “But it’s great to be back in Australia for the first time in many years, and I just love the old-school nature of the Phillip Island circuit – not like a lot of the rubbish start-stop circuits that are being made today.

“I have ridden at the Isle of Man and great tracks like Suzuka over the last few years, but Phillip Island was one of those other tracks I also wanted to tick off.”

McGuinness believes the UK team can really turn it on in the International Challenge.

“I know that Jeremy [McWilliams] is really pumped for the job and I’m going to give it a real shake myself, but it’s always going to be difficult to lick these blokes [the Australians] on their home turf. However, some of our riders like Gary Johnson don’t hang about either, so it’s going to be an intriguing battle.

“I’ve read a bit of trash talk from the Aussies recently about how they are going to touch us up, but I’ve heard it all before and that only gives me more motivation to lower them down a peg.”

The UK is looking to break Australia’s unbroken five-year winning streak in the International Challenge, which will be held over four, six-lap races. McGuinness will bolster a UK line-up that also includes Ryan Farquhar, Mike Edwards and Mick Godfrey. The UK’s fastest rider, McWilliams, is a two-time International Challenge individual winner.

McGuinness already knows one Aussie he’ll be racing against – fellow Isle of Man fast nut Cameron Donald – but it’s the amazing depth of local talent that again has Australia installed as the warm favourite to retain the Tahbilk International Challenge.

The 12-rider Australian squad is a tantalising mix of ‘old’ and ‘new’, and includes Steve Martin, 2013 individual winner Shawn Giles, Malcolm Campbell, Rob Phillis, Brendan Roberts and Beau Beaton.

New scoring rules have been introduced in 2014 to even the playing field for the visiting teams. 2014 marks the second appearance in the International Challenge for America, featuring an 11-rider squad – the same as New Zealand.

Tickets are available at the circuit from Friday to Sunday, 24-26 January. Gates open from 8:00am with practice Friday, qualifying and racing Saturday, and back to back racing on Sunday.

2014 International Island Classic admission:
– Three-day adult $70
– Sunday adult $45
– Saturday adult $30
– Friday adult $15
– Kids 15 and under are free on all three days

On track camping is also available for $55 an adult for two nights, or $70 for four nights. Kids 15 and under camp free. For more information, visit www.islandclassic.com.au.