Source: Phillip Island Circuit.

South Australian Billy McConnell is well aware of the unique challenges that lie ahead when he competes as a wildcard entrant in next weekend’s opening round of the 2014 FIM World Supersport Championship.

The 27-year-old made his return to Phillip Island in the new year following almost 10 seasons abroad in Britain, joining his Gloucester-based British Supersport team on a factory-backed Triumph Daytona 675R.

McConnell will use the event as preparation for the upcoming season in the UK, excited to return to his roots in front of a home crowd with his British squad.

“I am getting a little nervous, but it’s all good as I have been looking to compete at Phillip Island for quite a while now and for it to come to fruition in 2014 is brilliant,” said McConnell.

“We normally we do all our pre-season testing in Spain in preparation for the upcoming British title, but this year it’s all different and I couldn’t be happier.”

“[Phillip Island]’s just so fast, and after that first session my neck was getting a caning and I could hardly open my eyes – it was my first ride in about three months. I then had some Nurofen and got back into it – it’s such a beautiful place to ride at.

“I got about 40 laps in before I had some engine problems, but I am really looking forward to the race weekend because my team is bringing across a new-spec engine with about five more horsepower.

“The only real drawback is that we won’t have traction control, because we made the decision that there will be so much happening at Phillip Island anyway that it could potentially be counter-productive trying to get it working to its optimum level.

“The World Supersport grid is always strong – people go and then others step up. It’s a tough place to be in, but I have finished top 10 before (at Donington in 2012) and I know what to expect.”

McConnell has been a regular in British racing since 2006, finishing in the top three of the BSS title in four of the last five seasons. In 2013, he also competed as a wildcard in both the Silverstone and Donington rounds of WSS and crossed the line in 22nd and 19th.

Visit www.worldsbk.com.au or call the circuit hotline on 1 300 728 007 for up to date information on the prestigious event.