Image: Supplied.

The FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup will feature an updated format at this weekend’s International Island Classic, offering greater opportunity for riders and more spirited competition between the nations.

The title will now be fought out across four classes: 350cc Forgotten Era, 500cc Forgotten Era, Unlimited Forgotten Era and 500cc New Era. Forgotten Era bikes were built between 1973 and 1982, and New Era from 1983 to 1990.

The maximum number of riders that can qualify will be three from each country in each class. Upon completion of the qualifying sessions the closest lap times will be matched between three NZ and three Australian riders for each class.

“The new format of the competition gives the club racer the chance to compete for their country and really creates a competition of true parity.” Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit director Fergus Cameron. “And let’s face it – Australia and New Zealand love a friendly competition.

“There’ll be six spots in each class available via our 2019 qualification method, three for Aussies and three for New Zealand. Spots won’t necessarily go to the rider who sets the fastest time, but the group of riders that set final qualifying times in the closest proximity to another.”

The New Zealand and Australian teams will be announced Friday evening and all points accumulated by each team member over racing on Saturday and Sunday will be tallied to make the final team score.

It was revealed last week at the prestigious historic event will broadcast live racing internationally across a number of platforms, while locally it will feature on SBS’s Speed Week and Fox Sports in a delayed telecast. For more information, visit www.islandclassic.com.au.