Phillip Island Classic 2015 Kiwi(ish) team

[GD66]

Teams are announced for the Island Classic.

Australia :

Shawn Giles, Lawrie Fyffe, Brendan Roberts, John Pace, Ryan Taylor, Scott Webster, Cameron Donald, Jed Metcher, Paul Young, Steve Martin, Peter Mizzi, Captain Rex Wolfenden.


Great Britain :

Conor Cummins, Ryan Farquhar, Keith Higgs, Craig Ditchburn, Richard Peeers-Jones, Jim Agombar, Clive Warner, Glenn Richards, Derek Brown, John McGuinness, Jeremy McWilliams, Mike Edwards, Rick Kwok. Captain Keith Higgs.


USA :

Wade Boyd, Joe Weir, Ed Haazar, Rob Mesa, Dave Crussell, Ralph Hudson, Brian Filo, Jimmy McKay, Anthony Bann, Jason Smith. Captain Dave Crussell.


New Zealand. Ready ?

Damien Kavney, Terry Morris, Glenn Hindle, Todd Sutherland, Grant Dalton, Roger Gunn, Duncan Coutts, Andrew McLaren, Wayne Gow, Vince Burrell, Mike Meskell, Brad Phelan. Captains, Kevin Grey/Stu Avant.

Now, as near as I can tell, Kavney, Morris, Hindle, Gunn and Gow are all Aussie racers. I don't see any necessity to field a kiwi rep team full of blow-ins and figure that's enough of an effort. OK, the NZ teams have been easybeats in the Challenge for years, but I would like to have thought they could have scraped together something more representative of NZ's top riders and bikes than this limp effort. Any chance of the NZCMRR getting together at some stage to arrange a better attack than this ?

[malcy25]

Glen

Seeing as you have commentated at this event you'd know most of this story already and will be aware the International Challnge races while high profile, are also only 4 of 54 races that weekend.

1) As you will probably also recognise, the NZCMRR isn't focussed on Pre 82 racing, so is irrelevant. Yes some members have Pre 82 bikes. Their last trip to PI was in 2005. The NZPCRA are also more than happy to provide space in the container for any NZCMRR member to take a bike over. The two clubs co-ordinate on a number of fronts each year for mutual benefit including race meetings trips etc.

2) The NZ team is wider than that - in fact there are 15 riders and 14 bikes going over and 2 locally supplied bikes - incuding those for Scout Fletcher.

3) Some riders (myself included) have decided that they don't wish to ride in the International Challenge races, wich are on top of the regular races (if I did, I would have 12 races) and on my little 350 with about 75hp, I'd be against a 180hp open class bike with an Ex GP rider. No thanks....

4) The team is completely self funding with regards to who goes, along with support from PI for shipping. We all stick our own hands in our own pockets to go. I pay my own way for my wife and I to get there and we get no club funding or MNZ funding most years to go. Accomodation, airfares, rental car, gas, tyres, food etc for the weekend are my own cost, Not withstanding any prior prep I do to the bike and cost associated with that. I'm fortunate that I can do this and other international events.

Many riders who SHOULD go, CAN'T go because they literally cannot afford the cost. Some just don't want to, some can't be bothered with the hassle of getting there. Hell, after 14 years of going, it gets bloody hard work each year for me. I'd rather be on the beach instead of in the garage through Xmas, New Year.

5) A number of riders who stuck their hand up earlier in the season didn't make it the end. There are any number of reasons - 2 guys who would be great team members I know had major mechanicals not long before the packing of the container, so were out. Other potential NZ riders are also now into the NZ Natonal Champs season which started last weekend.

See this as the Kiwi's continuing to keep the faith in the fact we are there. PI recognise we have the smallest rider base of all 4 teams to draw from.

Changing tack for a second, If you look through the list of the UK riders, there are 5 "domestic" aussie riders as well. The team is significantly supported by one person who out of his own pocket provides bikes for most of the name riders to ride. Something like 6 XR69 replicas if I count correctl.....we only have 1 real one and 1 copy I know of in UNZUD!

It is also worth noting the Aussie team only has 4 riders on the list who are riding their "own" bikes and by default can select from every Pre 82 bike entered, noting that while getting there for many riders can provide a significant travel challenge also, this is their big meeting and is inside their own country.

Let's have a look at the cool things for a sec?
1) There are 15 kiwi riders who ARE going to the biggest road race meeting in the Southern Hemisphere, bar none based upon machines entered (525).
2) It is the 3rd biggest road race event by spectator numbers in Australia (20k+), after only the GP and SBK. Universally recognised as one of the best weekends anywhere, all year, with some pretty cool names there, racing or associated.
3) Many kiwi's have arrived and kicked arse, taking home race wins AND overall wins.
4) While we may not win, the challenge with the US will be a good one, while the POMS and Aussie will battle it out for Top.
5) This event is gettig so big, there is now talk of Televise coverage, rather than the highlights packages of late.

Are you coming across from WA this year?

Al

[GD66]

Hi Al, many thanks for taking the time and effort to knock up your thoughtful and detailed reply. I agree kiwi participation in the support races at the Island is massive, and agree about the futility of racing 350s in the Challenge. I figured there would be the usual struggle in getting bike/body/finances all to align for that weekend, having ridden there several times as well, and all the logistics that entails. And I agree, the outright battle to win the Challenge is an unrealistic aim, whereas now that you've mentioned it, having the Yanks as a target is an appealing alternative !
I was just a bit nonplussed to see the prevalence of Aussies in the team : some pretty competitive, others far from it. In keeping a casual eye on kiwi domestic historic racing from afar, I was surprised to see several front-runners missing, is all. I see they have 526 bikes entered there this year, so I'm sure there will be plenty to drool over anyway : with all the machinery, plus the race buddies old and new you collide with in the pits, you are flat out getting to watch much of the racing as well !
Anyway, well done for getting over yet again for a gallop, and best wishes to you and your garage buddies for a great weekend. Won't be over this time, the commentary gig came to a screeching halt when avaricious outsiders elbowed their way in, and the ticker has been revving out again, so I'm laying low for now BUT will be watching Computime closely for the details. Enjoy, mate.

[malcy25]

GD,

Yeah, rather we'd be able to fill a team from Kiwi's but sometimes needs must! Some are part Kiwi, some are def ring in's, some have ridden here a bit and, yep quite true, there's some good kiwi riders that should be there.

Gonna be fun, but christ, why is Aussie beer so expensive when it's made there!! it's cheaper here.....

[jellywrestler]

Dave Milligan from Get Routed in Aussie is part sponsoring a container for the 2016 meeting out of Christchurch.
It will be the first time a container from the South Island has been organised so it will be interesting to see whose keen from down there to hit the track at Phillip Island

[sidecar bob]

Interesting. I run the second fastest pre 82 1100 in the country, yet never recieved a call about joining the team from people that have my number.
Maybe I was a cunt for demanding the "borrowed" stuff back that was taken off my bike last time it went there without me.

[malcy25]

Bob,

If any of the riders or owners waited to be asked on most things around NZ, nothing would happen. There are hundreds of postie racers through NZ who are, or are not members of the NZPCRA, I doubt anyone is going to sit and personally ring everyone. Did Wanganui ring and personally invite you, Jay and the GSX?

It's not like people weren't well aware the meeting was on after 22 years, various comms, and even a call at Riders briefing at the BSFOS of speed at HD at Labour weekend for those interested in going to have a quick meeting after the briefing. Given given one or both of you were riding at that meeting, you should have been there and heard the call. In fact, while I was not involved in the organising of the trip at that point, I'm pretty sure I would have made mention to Jay during the BSFOS (he was in a garage very close to mine and I was feeding him up on my wife's baking to slow him down!), as it would have been great to have you guys along.

Dunno anything about bits borrowed off your bike, none of it would fit mine.

I've stepped in last month to help with the shipping and logistics, so trying to beat up on me won't cut it either.

[malcy25]

Dave Milligan from Get Routed in Aussie is part sponsoring a container for the 2016 meeting out of Christchurch.
It will be the first time a container from the South Island has been organised so it will be interesting to see whose keen from down there to hit the track at Phillip Island

Spyda, we regularly get 4-6 or so riders from the SI who send their bikes up to go in the container, so may make their life easier, and / or more attractive for other riders.

[sidecar bob]

Bob,

If any of the riders or owners waited to be asked on most things around NZ, nothing would happen. There are hundreds of postie racers through NZ who are, or are not members of the NZPCRA, I doubt anyone is going to sit and personally ring everyone. Did Wanganui ring and personally invite you, Jay and the GSX?

It's not like people weren't well aware the meeting was on after 22 years, various comms, and even a call at Riders briefing at the BSFOS of speed at HD at Labour weekend for those interested in going to have a quick meeting after the briefing. Given given one or both of you were riding at that meeting, you should have been there and heard the call. In fact, while I was not involved in the organising of the trip at that point, I'm pretty sure I would have made mention to Jay during the BSFOS (he was in a garage very close to mine and I was feeding him up on my wife's baking to slow him down!), as it would have been great to have you guys along.

Dunno anything about bits borrowed off your bike, none of it would fit mine.

I've stepped in last month to help with the shipping and logistics, so trying to beat up on me won't cut it either.

Jay had no idea of the NZPCRA's plans or team & neither did I. I wasnt waiting to be asked, I was waiting to be told.
Weather an event has been running 22 years is irrelevant & dosent somehow mean that we have all learned how to read minds.
We are not from Auckland you know, but yeah, it would be ridiculous to phone everybody that may be a regular front runner, or send a group e mail.
And you wonder why half the Kiwi team has to be made up of Aussies?
Good on you for stepping up though & let me know if there is any way I can help from my end to make things happen & hopefully a wee bit more communication next year will result in a bigger turnout of locals.

[malcy25]

Jay had no idea of the NZPCRA's plans or team & neither did I. I wasnt waiting to be asked, I was waitying to be told.
We are not from Auckland you know, but yeah, it would be ridiculous to phone everybody, or send a group e mail.
And you wonder why half the Kiwi team has to be made up of Aussies?
Good on you for stepping up, hopefully a wee bit more communication next year will result in a bigger turnout of locals.

Not wanting labour the point, but there was comms around this. Ie announcement at the BSFOS riders briefing (which every entered rider must attend), the largest gathering of classic and Post classic riders in the country plus I seem to recall various emails going out via the club too during the year (but as a serial offender with my name on the list permanently, I tend to gloss over!) and I think I may have put comments on the Postie facebook page earlier in the year.

At one point there were 26 interested riders. By the way, of the 14 riders actually going, 6 are from the south Island this year.

Hell, as a rider, I'm disappointed you guys are not there. I was really hoping Jay was gonna come, cos you both are good bastards and I love the look on the Aussie's faces when Jay rides that thing sideways. Nver mind the unfinished business from 2 years ago.

If any consolation, Jay has an awesome photo on the front page of the new newsletter!

[sidecar bob]

Not wanting labour the point, but there was comms around this. Ie announcement at the BSFOS riders briefing (which every entered rider must attend), the largest gathering of classic and Post classic riders in the country plus I seem to recall various emails going out via the club too during the year (but as a serial offender with my name on the list permanently, I tend to gloss over!) and I think I may have put comments on the Postie facebook page earlier in the year.

At one point there were 26 interested riders. By the way, of the 14 riders actually going, 6 are from the south Island this year.

Hell, as a rider, I'm disappointed you guys are not there. I was really hoping Jay was gonna come, cos you both are good bastards and I love the look on the Aussie's faces when Jay rides that thing sideways. Nver mind the unfinished business from 2 years ago.

If any consolation, Jay has an awesome photo on the front page of the new newsletter!

He's also poster bitch & tee shirt boy for Paeroa this year.
Next year mate. By that time the bike will be fully developed & we can give them a proper run for their money.

[malcy25]

He's also poster bitch & tee shirt boy for Paeroa this year.
Next year mate. By that time the bike will be fully developed & we can give them a proper run for their money.

I'll be there as usual....

[GD66]

Next year mate. By that time the bike will be fully developed & we can give them a proper run for their money.

Now you're talkin'......

[GD66]

International Challenge team points : Great Britain 617, Australia 575, USA 445, NZ 347.

Ken Wootton Trophy (individual scores, 4 legs) : Ryan Farquhar 141, Conor Cummins 139, Jeremy McWilliams 138, Damien Kavney (NZ but really Qld) 122, Shawn Giles 119.

Best-placed kiwi was Grant Dalton in 25th. Plenty of action in the support classes, however, including blast from the past Andrew McLaren who improved all weekend.

Results on www.computime.com.au

[malcy25]

Yep, a couple of Cups were brought home for a couple of Pre 82 and PRE 89 classes by a couple of CSS instructors....!

Mad house weekend. Top laps and lap speeds in the 4 International Challenge races were in the 1:37 and 280km/h range on basically pre 82 bikes.....

Grant rode Really WELL. dropped into a 1:51 range first time which is outstanding given miles on bike.

Start saving pennies people, 2016 will be on and starting to plan now. Same weekend next year Sidecar Bob!