wheelie action

There’s no better time to visit Phillip Island than during the high-octane Motorcycle Grand Prix

WORDS CRAIG TANSLEY

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is arguably the world’s most spectacular

With the distinct possibility of a onetwo-three Aussie podium finish for the first time ever on Aussie soil, this year’s Phillip Island GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, on 12–14 October, promises to be the most exciting in the history of the event. Organisers are already working to increase spectator capacity, with ticket sales to date out-selling all previous events – but never fear, there are still tickets available.

“We don’t believe in the word ‘sell-out’,” says Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Drew Ward. “We’ll just build extra facilities if demand continues at this level.”

This year’s event might even see Australian wonder kid Casey Stoner clinch his first MotoGP World Championship, stealing the crown away from Italian super-star Valentino Rossi, the winner of five consecutive world championships. Stoner said wrapping up this year’s World Title before the Phillip Island MotoGP would be “a dream come true” so he could ride at Phillip Island as the first Australian world champ since Mick Doohan. However, the Phillip Island race will more than likely be the event that dictates whether or not Stoner can take the title from Rossi. Stoner will be doing everything he can to avoid history repeating itself: his dream of winning the 250cc division at his home race in 2005 ended abruptly when he was flicked over the front of his bike while negotiating a corner.

But it won’t just be the “Casey Stoner Show” at Phillip Island this year. Aussie Chris Vermeulen is in the top five world rankings and is looking to share some of the year’s glory. Australian Anthony West is also having a great finish to the season and might just make it an all-green-and-gold podium. Last year’s race winner, Italy’s Marco Melandri, will also be in contention, along with the sport’s biggest names: America’s reigning world champion Nicky Hayden, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa and American John Hopkins. And of course, they’ll all have to beat the greatest motorbike rider that ever lived, Valentino Rossi, who loves the Phillip Island track.

“Phillip Island, and Australia in general, is a special place, it’s very beautiful,” he says. “This race is very important for my team because many of them are Australian and it’s their home race. Phillip Island is a magic track for me, I’ve won a lot of races there, I love it! It’s an old-style track.”

And what’s not to love? Phillip Island is the world’s fastest MotoGP track. The highest average speed during the 28-lap race surpasses anything tracks in Europe and Asia can handle, with speeds in excess of 320kph; this year’s competitors are hotly tipped to beat the current fastest recorded speed of 331.4kph.

It’s also the most picturesque track in the world, with the home-straight looking out onto Bass Strait and the magic coastal scenery of one of Australia’s most pristine islands. “It’s one of the best circuits in the world,” says Chris Vermeulen. “It’s fast and flowing and that really suits my riding style. You get a good view of the ocean coming down the straight, but maybe I won’t get the chance to appreciate it at 320kph!”

Top speed of the MotoGP bikes is in excess of 330kph

Motor racing has been a part of the island’s life for more than 75 years, beginning with car racing – the first Australian Grand Prix – in 1928, but it wasn’t till 1956 that Phillip Island got its first motorbike racing track. Since that time Phillip Island has hosted some of the world’s greatest motorcycle races, but this year may go down as the event’s most talked-about ever.

“With the success of Stoner and Vermeulen and the arrival on the scene of Anthony West, an all-Australian podium at Phillip Island is a genuine possibility,” says Ward. “There’s a feeling in the air 2007 is going to be one of the races people will talk about for years to come.”

As well as the world’s fastest men on two wheels, there’s a stellar line-up of supporting acts. You can watch up-and-coming stars battle it out in the 250cc and 125cc classes, with young guns such as Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo and Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso out to prove they are the super riders of tomorrow. And the Aussie celebration continues with Australian legends of the track – including our greatest ever rider, Mick Doohan, plus Kevin Magee and Daryl Beattie – set to ride in an Aussie Legends demonstration, held over the three days.

Phillip Island has a wide variety of accommodation in nearby towns Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll, Ventnor and San Remo, including the new All Seasons Eco Resort that opened in July. But for the ultimate MotoGP experience, stay at the family-friendly campground located at the circuit.

After the race is over, you can surf some of the best breaks in Victoria, try mountain biking, sailing or kayaking, or take a Wildlife Coast Cruise around the island. There’s also the world-famous Penguin Parade to check out, or if seals are more your thing, head to the Nobbies’ Seal Rocks lookout. There’s even a koala conservation centre on the island… and then there are the wineries and restaurants to sample!

Spectators are encouraged to catch a shuttle bus to the circuit: from Melbourne City (cnr Swanston St and Flinders Ln), buses depart at 2pm on Thursday, and at 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with an additional 6am service on Sunday. Buses also run from Monash University, Clayton, Cranbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. Call Ticketek on 131 931 to book.

Tickets start at AU$40 per day: three-day grand-stand tickets are AU$245. For all your travel choices, go to jetstar.com

Craig Tansley says:
Reviewing Casey Stoner’s performance this year made me wonder why this guy isn’t up for Sportsman of the Decade. Consider the facts: a 21-year-old kid comes from nowhere to win, at the time of writing, seven victories in a year, knocking wunderkind Valentino Rossi, the greatest motorbike racer of all time, firmly off his mantle. Forget Rossi, this is the speed freak to watch.