Peter Paul and Peter McMahon meeting with Federal Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent MP, as he announced his commitment to fight for $10 million to kickstart the planning and preparation of a recreation and sporting hub at Phillip Island. Peter McMahon, Marnie Chadwick and Peter Paul of Island Voice at Hilton Chadwick Reserve, as they continue the fight for the development of the Master Plan. ISLAND voice continues to advocate for the future of Phillip Island, and according to Peter McMahon, the federal candidates for Monash are seeing the future of the Phillip Island sporting and recreation precinct as a priority. “Candidates see this project as the number one project in Bass and potentially Monash. It's a pity the Shire can't see it, or are we about to see a change,” said Peter. It seems the project that has been advocated for, for over 20 years may just have a wave of renewed political backing, with Federal Labor candidate for Monash, Tully Fletcher, Independent candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard, and Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent MP (Independent candidate for Monash) voicing their support. The Federal Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent MP, announced on April 9 his commitment to fight for $10 million to kickstart the planning and preparation of the recreation and sporting hub at Phillip Island. The initial plan includes two football ovals, two soccer pitches, an aquatic centre, a dog park, and basketball and netball courts. There is also scope to cater for cricket, tennis and skateboarding. Mr Broadbent recently met with Island Voice committee members Peter Paul and Peter McMahon to discuss the proposal. Mr McMahon said the complex would put the entire region on the map. “This area could become a legacy project for Phillip Island because we believe it is destined to become the football headquarters for the greater region,” he said. Building on the Island’s global reputation as a sporting venue, Mr Broadbent said the complex would further promote sports participation across the region. Tully Fletcher responded to the Sentinel-Times stating that the community has been talking about this project for his entire life, “and I’m nearly 40 with two kids. That’s long enough,” Mr Fletcher said. “Since we first started talking about the new recreation reserve, Phillip Island's permanent population has tripled in size from 5,000 to 15,000. A population that big deserves a modern multi-sport recreation reserve, and a lot more investment from all levels of government in new services and infrastructure,” he said. “I prioritised this project at the beginning of my campaign for Monash and I've already met with Bass Coast, Island Voice, and the Phillip Island Football Netball Club about it. The need for federal investment in the new recreation reserve is clear and if I'm elected as the new federal member for Monash, I'll deliver it. “I'm a genuine local with the runs on the board in business and government to get things done for Monash. Islanders can take me at my word when I say I'll get this done.” Deb Leonard also shared her interest in the project, she says, “I am acutely aware how our community has been ignored in relation to funding for the new Phillip Island Aquatic Centre and Recreation Reserve. If elected, I am committed to securing federal funding to get this project off the ground. “I've met with representatives of the Phillip Island Football Netball Club who say they are having to turn kids away due to lack of capacity. I 100% support this project, it's vital our growing community has these facilities. With all eyes now on the federal election and mounting pressure from residents, sporting clubs and advocacy groups like Island Voice, Phillip Island’s long-delayed recreation reserve could finally be on the brink of becoming reality – if promises translate into action. ShareThe great outdoors.By Laura WatersUpdated April 29 2024The family-friendly island is packed with unexpected moments All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe sun peeks above the horizon to illuminate a thin line of sand on a distant shore the view framed by the soft folds of muslin draping from my rustic four-poster bed the sea appears close enough to be lapping at my doorstep and I think about how I've had views like this before Secret Phillip Island: Go beyond the obvious at this classic hauntThen I sit up and consider the coastal-chic decor: seashell-trim cushions bleached timber furniture and even a gas fireplace Dune grasses peek over the veranda which holds a day bed It never ceases to wobble my sense of place to be reminded that this safari tent-slash-paradise is actually in a caravan park just under two hours south-east of Melbourne NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park Cape Woolamai.I've always been a tad suspicious of glamping - all that comfort wrapped within token canvas walls - but this place does it well I had every intention of dropping my bags on arrival and heading out to see the sights but as soon as I clapped eyes on it a swim and a little read seemed in order first Phillip Island has been a go-to for day-trips since I was a kid but for the first time I'm spending two nights here and it allows me to immerse myself in a way I haven't previously The island is renowned for its beaches (both the wild and windswept and a penguin parade that sees up to 5000 little penguins waddling in from the ocean at sunset Having extra time allows me to explore beyond the obvious Family fun on the beach.A flock of seabirdsPhillip Island might be famous for penguins but there's another avian show here that's equally impressive Late September to early May is the time to see some of the one million short-tailed shearwaters (aka mutton birds) that nest around Cape Woolamai but on sunset they return to their clifftop rookery in a cloud of black - an exhilarating spectacle To see them requires a 15-minute walk from Woolamai Beach car park heading left along the sand and up a flight of steps to a trail that encircles the cape; anywhere along this stretch is good the 2.5-hour Cape Woolamai circuit offers epic views of rugged cliffs plunging into frothing waters and sea caves big enough to park a bus in but on dusk it's more quietly grazing wallabies and sublime sunset skies Safari tent interior.The main action starts about half an hour after sunset when the birds return and the air erupts with the squawking of hungry chicks hidden in underground nests Be ready for a lot of flapping of wings on the ground too (note wingspan is 90 centimetres) as the adults clumsily negotiate the lumpy terrain Keep to the track and carry a torch for the return Meandering the boardwalk that drizzles around the headland at The Nobbies must surely be one of the best free shows in Victoria the 800-metre coastal path is supposed to take 20 minutes but it'll likely take double that once you factor in pausing for all the spectacular views of pounding surf and blowholes and Little Penguins crouching under boardwalks or hiding in nesting boxes the massive Nobbies Centre provides a cafe and shop with soaring windows that bring the outside in an interactive and immersive experience that offers a virtual journey through the Southern Ocean to Antarctica It's a five-minute drive from here to the stretch of beach where the famous Penguin Parade occurs Entrance is controlled (to protect the penguins) with options ranging from general admission from viewing platforms to guided tours through the colony using night-vision scopes Penguin Parade.Seals at seaA kilometre into the Bass Strait from The Nobbies is Seal Rocks Australia's biggest fur seal breeding colony (numbers vary with the seasons but can reach 18,000) It's a real David Attenborough-level experience heading out with Wildlife Coast Cruises to get up close with the thousands of barking males recreational boats aren't allowed within 200 metres but Wildlife Coast Cruises have a special permit to draw within 20 metres Safari tents.The boat moves around different spots to observe them doing their thing - rolling and diving in the water arguing - and with the captain narrating interesting facts it's a really deep dive into the world of seals enabling a good look at the north coast of the island enroute to the seals during which time Wildlife Coast Cruises circumnavigate the island to spot migrating humpbacks and southern rights as well as the seals Florence Oswin Roberts bought a tract of land for the preservation of koala habitat and now Oswin Roberts Reserve represents the largest accessible bushland on the island There are still koalas here - along with plenty of wallabies birds and butterflies - and the five kilometres of mostly flat gravel tracks looping through the trees and bracken fern are fantastic for bikes Forrest Caves Beach on sunset.The reserve is linked by bike path and scenic boardwalk to neighbouring Rhyll Wetlands a Ramsar wetland of international importance mangroves and mudflats provide valuable feeding areas and roosts for abundant birdlife inlet and Western Port can be had from Conservation Hill from where the trail continues all the way to the cute fishing hamlet of Rhyll It's a convenient and quick 10-minute ride from NRMA Phillip Island Holiday Park to the start of the trail (e-bikes are available for rent) Allow two hours for the return trip to Rhyll The island's western end cradles its only natural freshwater lake and combined with surrounding wetlands and swamp paperbark woodland mammals and insects (there were so many butterflies on my visit A 1.3-kilometre gravel trail and boardwalk starts among the paperbarks and moves through vegetated sand dunes to the lake where two bird hides provide the ideal place for a stake-out Loads of species drop in and sometimes in big numbers - swan Cape Barren geese and countless duck species This is an environment that changes with the seasons: water often floods the paperbarks in winter while during hot summers 1. Bang Bang Bar & Restaurant: A breezy coastal bar with Asian-inspired menu and bonus collection of vintage surfboards 2. Phillip Island Winery: Set on a picturesque 5.6 hectares and recently listed in Open Table's Top 50 restaurants in Australia Phillip Island Winery.3. Anerie: A stylish and authentically styled French bistro offering everything from croissants to moules et frites 4. San Remo Fisherman's Co-op: Victoria's best fish and chips (according to Delicious 100) can be found just off the island 5. Isola di Capri: Super-cool design and sparkling sea views enhance this authentic Italian restaurant and gelateria Getting there: Phillip Island is a 90-minute drive south-east of Melbourne Staying there: NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park is located in the island's main town of Cowes Safari tents cost from $280 per night and sleep up to four people Touring there: Wildlife Coast Cruises to Seal Rocks cost $98 for adults NRMA Phillip Island Holiday Park rents out e-bikes for $15 per hour Book in advance for the Penguin Parade at penguins.org.au The writer was a guest of NRMA Phillip Island ShareTravel's Top PicksHungry TravellerThe West Hollywood power move isn't booze - it's a healthy breakfast by the poolCelebrities are flocking to it in big numbers. ReviewTucked away in Byron Bay, this stylish stay offers more than just good looksYou'll experience a sense of calm from the moment you arrive. Ditch airport dramas in the UK by travelling by train - here's a guideTurn up the bliss factor by swapping flights with rail journeys. A new cruise ship has scored pole position at the famous Monaco Grand PrixThe glamorous vessel will be used as a floating hotel. In southern Spain time slows down - and the tapas keeps comingSlow travel is on the rise; here's where to experience it Phillip Island will continue to expand its bike network following a $980,000 funding boost from the federal government.The grant part of $21 million flowing across the country from the Active Transport Fund will go towards the design and construction of a new 2.5m concrete shared path along Ventnor Road connecting Cowes to Ventnor with a continuous 4.5 km link “Victorians will have more opportunities to walk cycle and actively move through their communities thanks to support from the Albanese Government,”Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Catherine King said.“From Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges we’re investing in active transport options right across Victoria to shape the way locals and visitors move around our great towns we’re making it easier for people to get to school without having to jump in the car,” said Ms King.Bass Coast Mayor said the grant was a “fantastic investment” in Phillip Island’s active transport network "Shared pathways like this not only provide safer connections between townships but also support healthier more sustainable ways for people to get around,” she said.“We know there is strong demand for better walking and cycling infrastructure in Bass Coast and this funding will help us deliver a high-quality path that meets the needs of both locals and visitors.” Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter The Great Victorian Bike Ride is set to return in 2025 on 24–28 November offering an exciting new format while keeping the spirit of this beloved event alive Bicycle Network Memberships offer benefits to all kinds of riders The Peaks Challenge Ride2School fundraiser is on again for this year's epic event on Sunday 9 March The City of Adelaide will undertake a speed limit review to understand the need for reducing speeds to support business and residents and create a safer city environment Work on the much-anticipated $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp upgrade has begun the bike lane will link the country's most famous bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point we launched our Affiliate Membership program specially designed for cycling groups and clubs Orange in New South Wales is in line for a nice new stretch of bike path one that will expand the off-road network and improve access to schools Work has kicked off on a key Canberra bike route setting the wheels in motion for safer and more pleasant journeys through the city’s northern suburbs In a submission to the federal government’s draft National Urban Policy Bicycle Network and seven other Australian bicycle organisations have called for active transport infrastructure funding to be increased to 10% of federal transport investment Many of our best bike journeys are along coastlines or up and down the creeks and rivers that meet the sea But with rising sea levels some of this vital infrastructure is at threat of inundation erosion and from changes in groundwater chemistry Mat now designs and manufactures assistive hands and fingers for children and adults around the world for free through his charity organisation, Free 3D Hands Traditionally manufactured prosthetic hands Through his own ingenuity and the generosity of donors Mat has been able to make thousands of assistive devices using 3D printing technology “Our fundamental belief is that anyone who’s born with a limb difference shouldn’t have to spend a cent on something that’s going to put a smile on their face and allow them to try things they’ve never done before,” he says It’s this innovative spirit (and a pivot to face shield production in 2020) that led to Mat taking home the Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award at the 2020 Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards going back to his university days where he studied mechatronics while on an exchange program in Japan I had an opportunity to test and trial a one-million-dollar arm But part of me was saddened it wouldn’t be accessible to a majority of people around the world that could benefit from it,” he says He was working as a Senior Engineer at Toyota when he decided to revisit this passion we were told Toyota would be closing down operations in Australia and we would be made redundant in 2017 During that three-year wind down phase at Toyota I wanted to focus on something positive with my engineering skills.” Mat made one hand for a boy from Newcastle using the 3D printer he had at home “To receive photos of him with the hand It became an addiction and I started making hands for children across Australia and around the world,” he says my wife and I agreed I would spend the next two years building up Free 3D Hands and live off my redundancy payout We became a registered charity after a year and a half and now we’re able to do this full time.” Integral to the growth of Free 3D Hands has been the location Mat chose to be based from “I grew up on Phillip Island and moved to Melbourne for university and work I moved back because I was craving the tight-knit community atmosphere we have down here,” he says Mat and the team quickly leased a large factory on the island running on the faith that they could find a way to keep producing the free hands we wouldn’t have survived if we weren’t based in this community Lots of locals have donated and offered to volunteer Our RSL organised a huge fundraiser to help us get solar panels and two Tesla power walls as even the slightest interruption to the power supply means any parts printing have to be discarded and reprinted Then Gippsland Solar chipped in and installed them for us at minimum cost – 60 per cent of the panels were donated.” The unique circumstances of 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic offered Free 3D Hands an opportunity to shift gears “Just like everyone else around the world I watched the news and was shocked by what was happening We shifted a portion of our 3D printers to produce face shields for frontline health workers,” says Mat “The economy in Phillip Island is heavily reliant on tourism so it’s been a tough year for our businesses and workers We were able to employ people who had been stood down from their jobs in the local community It was so rewarding for all of us to do something productive for frontline workers.” Reflecting on receiving the Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award Mat’s answer is simple: “Our mission is to make something that is better than anything that currently exists and make it accessible to those in need I’m grateful I’ve been able to sustain this and make it my fulltime job This has only been achievable through the awards we’ve won - like this one - and the supporters we’ve garnered on the way.” For more information go to the Free 3D Hands website. We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pay our respects to them We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and future Traditional Owners We respect and welcome people of all backgrounds The opening round of the 2025 Victorian Longboard Titles begins this weekend on Phillip Island as the race for wildcards into Bells Beach Longboard Classic World Tour Event kicks off The two part series will take place on Phillip Island before heading to Point Impossible on the Surf Coast in May The top Open and Open Female competitor at the conclusion of the series will be awarded a wildcard into the 2025 Bells Beach Longboard Classic in September The series will also be the key selection criteria for inclusion in the Victorian State Team heading to the Australian Longboard Titles in July on the Tweed Coast “We are looking forward to seeing the best of the best in Victoria take part in the 2025 Victorian Longboard Titles,” said Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson.  “The pathway we have created from State Titles to the WSL Bells Beach Longboard Classic is something we are very proud of and is an amazing opportunity for longboarders in the state.” “Good luck to all competitors competing in the opening round of the series this weekend on Phillip Island.” Competitors to watch across the weekend include former State Title holders Eglantine Balland (Mornington Peninsula) and Greg Brown (Lorne) along with local surfers Natalie Van Der Heyden (Phillip Island) and Graeme Burgan (Phillip Island) Offshore conditions are expected across the weekend with fun waves across the beaches First call on Saturday will be at Cape Woolamai at 7am for a 7.15am start Competitors are advised to join the Whatsapp group for the call in the morning Live scores and schedule can be found at www.surfingvic.com/live The Victorian Longboard Titles is presented by Kieser Australia and supported by Park Lane Holiday Parks Cancer Council Sunscreen and Surfing Victoria Surfers 24/7#NoTXTNoWrecksCoachingJudgingOfficiatingRenewalsLodge A Complaint AboutOur Partners Login to your profile or Sign up to our new Surfing Portal Head to your Surfing Portal to purchase or renew memberships Head to your Surfing Portal to enter events and courses 2025) - Australians Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS) have claimed victory today at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 2025) - The stage has been set for Finals Day at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.. 2025) - The fourth day of competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) 2025) - The field has been narrowed at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT),.. 2025) - The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy PHILLIP Island is widely regarded as one of the greatest tracks in Australia beloved by racers on two and four wheels alike Even if we do race on it in the opposite direction to which it was designed That’s right; the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit which was originally designed to be raced clockwise It’s one of many stories told in John Smailes’ recently released book Phillip Island: The Inside Story of Australia’s Fastest Racetrack Smailes tells the story of racing on Phillip Island from the early street circuit that hosted one of the earliest runnings of the Australian Grand Prix through to the creation of the permanent circuit we know today That was originally designed and built in the late 1950s by Melbourne surveyor and consulting engineer Alan Brown His aim was to create a layout that delivered as high an average speed as possible given the existing land The Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands was an inspiration; so too was the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works “With road safety as their foremost consideration the Board of Works was building corners with closing radii having the corner tighten up on exit so drivers wouldn’t be tempted to stand on the gas while not in a straight line,” Smailes writes “It’s the exact antitheses of sound motor-racing circuit design which encourages a slow-in-and-fast-out technique “Brown followed Board of Works guidelines and that’s how he presented his first design A return to the drawing board was going to be expense That masterstroke delivered the Phillip Island circuit we know today with sections that build speed rather than reduce it Phillip Island: The Inside Story of Australia’s Fastest Racetrack, Our Home of Motorsport is available to buy now in the V8 Sleuth Superstore SUPERCARS team owner Peter Xiberras is preparing for his next opportunity to soak up some Australian touring car history The Top Fuel national drag racing champion boasts an enviable collection of cars and he last year decided to wheel a couple out on-track to dabble in the circuit arena Xiberras drove his Group A Bob Jane T-Marts VK Commodore in the Winton Festival of Speed as well as the V8 Sleuth Heritage Revival on the Repco Bathurst 1000 undercard He then returned to the Mountain for the 2024 Challenge Bathurst to try his hand in a Triple Eight-built, ex-Greg Murphy Castrol VE Commodore “At this point in time I’m pencilled in to run at the Phillip Island Classic,” Xiberras told V8 Sleuth He confirmed that’s likely to involve juggling the aforementioned VK and VE Commodores on the one weekend Promoted by the Victorian Historic Racing Register the 2025 Phillip Island Classic is scheduled for March 7-9 This section of the website is exclusively reserved for members of the FIM Family: CONUs members and honorary members of the commissions You are a member of the FIM Family and do not have your access? Do not hesitate to contact us Sign in The FIM is also involved in non-sport activities - tourism, rallies and leisure, mobility, or sport-related activities such as women in motorcycling, technical, medical and legal aspects. Finally, sustainability is linked to both sporting and non-sporting areas, as is the educational side we are developing to get the new generation on 2 wheels. We inform you about all aspects of the motorcycling world Ahead of the 2025 Australian Round, it has been confirmed that the FIM Superbike and Superport World Championship races will follow a flag-to-flag format, requiring all riders to make a mandatory pit stop for tyre changes. The next-gen WorldSSP rules (and the increasing number of new/heavily changed road bikes that have arrived in their wake) are the gift that just keeps on giving to Supersport 600 racing This class was recently well-subscribed but samey slowly losing public and manufacturer interest until the whole idea of what a middleweight trackphillic bike could be was broadened and deepened in 2022 This year’s all-new bike is the Yamaha R9 triple and this year’s – evidently – most improved bike is the Triumph Street Triple RS 765 There were concerns that the new Yamaha was a bit too ‘roadbikey’ and not as track focused as the MV Agustas and Ducatis Or the old R6 four cylinder 600 it replaces But the gangly frame of Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) soon popped that idea off to bed with a Race One win on Saturday in what was also a contest with a mandatory mid-life tyre stop Manzi is so good he even won a race on a Triumph in the first ‘Next Gen’ season and funnily enough the latest Triumph (now with a more linear rear suspension link and Öhlins suspension) allowed Tom Booth-Amos to take a hard but assured win in the second 18-lap race Tom was a model of concentration and pace as he won from Manzi and Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) Booth-Amos was no second race flash in the oil pan as he had been second in Race One on an overheated Saturday behind Manzi and ahead of WRP Racing Ducati’s new signing There were crashes aplenty in pre-season official testing leaving riders like Philipp Oettl and Federico Caricasulo out on their ears (or more accurately as Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Ducati) accidentally ran into the back of Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse Ducati) at the scary braking zone of T1 Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WSSP Team) had a grim Race One but somehow finished fourth in the second 18-lapper until he was demoted to fifth for coming out of pit lane before the allotted pit intervention time He is on a first-time WSSP legal 636cc Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R a last-minute stand-in at Ducati D34G Racing for injured Glenn van Straalen Oli Bayliss (7th/7th) – Bayliss was a decent eighth in qualifying then seventh in each race “Up to Saturday it was quite a good weekend We had a test earlier in the week and it is all the riding Tom and I have done but we didn’t have that last final bit of push to stay with the leading group The feeling and data we get on the bike improves each session.” Luke  Power (12th/11th) – Power qualified 16th and finished his home races in 12th and then 11th places He even overcame a pit time infringement in Race Two to take his top 11 placing “Overall not my finest day on Friday as I had a pretty big crash and the team had to work hard to get the bike fixed I spent a bit of time in medical to be able to get out in Superpole qualifying but considering I was only fully weight-bearing and walking without my air boot three weeks ago I can accept that Fog delays couldn’t dampen the excitement at Collie Motorplex Italian phenom holds Razgatlioglu at bay to claim third win at home Herrera survives late attack from Neila to take the win Razgatlioglu gives it everything on the BMW M1000RR but once again comes up short Bramich takes second to win the round but Mahaffy maintains title lead with double podium Ducati star carves through chaos to win race 2 from the back as Queensland rain shakes up ASBK pecking order Ducati ace holds off Jones as Allerton charges to fourth from the back of the grid Stefano Manzi holds off late charges to clinch victory in Cremona Ducati Star Pulls Clear to Win by Three Seconds at home Australian Motorcycle News has been the fortnightly bible for all things motorcycling for more than 73 years the most in-depth racing coverage from club level through to world championship level and it’s written by people who love © 2024 Citrus MediaAll rights reserved Club News The Phillip Island Golf Club recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a Heritage Golf Day the first official golf competition was held at the Cowes Golf Club the club recently hosted a Heritage Golf Day which was a great day great fun and a tribute to the rich history of the course The club’s journey began on Bill Smith’s 78-acre dairy farm in 1950 The purchase was made possible by 25 local residents and business owners additional contributors formed what became known as “The Company.” owner of the Continental Hotel in Cowes and scratch golfer laying the foundation for what would become an integral part of Phillip Island’s history Smith’s farm transformed into an 18-hole course complete with a humble tin shed acting as a clubhouse The Heritage Golf Day featured a mixed four-ball competition offering attendees a glimpse into the club’s rich past All proceeds from the day went towards the preservation and promotion of the heritage of the golf club.  For more information contact Phillip Island Golf Club on 03 5952 1121 Police Airwing are on the scene as searches are underway for a 30-year-old woman Emergency services are currently on the scene of an incident at The Nobbies where a 30 year-old woman is missing UPDATE 6.15PM: Police are still on the scene other emergency services have been stood down alongside Police Airwing Sergeant Kade Murphy of Wothaggi Police said the response had been called off at 6.10pm He confirmed that the woman had made her own way back up to the car park and this was been supported by a photograph of her back in the car park The woman has now made her own way on from The Nobbies.  A large number of emergency services are now making their way away from the scene.  It's understood the woman walked down a track towards The Nobbies and was asked to come back by Phillip Island Nature Park staff but continued on her way and the search was initiated some time later POLICE have reported a 30-year-old female wearing shorts and a pink t-shirt has gone missing near Seal Rocks on Phillip Island The incident is believed to have happened around 4.35pm A large number of emergency service personnel including Phillip Island CFA VicPol and Ambulance Victoria paramedics are on scene A helicopter was seen earlier over Phillip Island but it is unclear if it was attending to this incident or not It is windy at The Nobbies with a small swell rolling in but reasonably calm conditions Young visitor Arlo finds his favourite car this 1978 Torana Hatch fitted with a 383 Stroker Chevy V8 engine Phillip Island Dave Neely's superly turned-out HK GTS Monaro won the 'Best in Show at the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport car show on Friday night Tim Coombes of Cowes with the clinically clean engine bay of his 1978 Torana UC Hatch extensively reworked featuring 383 Chevy Stroker V8 engine Danny Dela Bosca of Cowes rolled out his stunning Cadillac for Friday's car show THE holiday weekend crowd at Phillip Island has been super-charged by the annual Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport with over 350 historic racing cars in period correct liveries racing across 11 different Motorsport Australia sanctioned categories at the world-famous GP circuit And with hundreds of classic car enthusiasts descending on the Island in support together with members of the Austin Healey Car Club of Victoria taking part in their 2025 Austin Healey National Rally it was noticeable that a usually big weekend was even bigger Kicking the event off for car fans and interested locals was the Friday evening car show in Thompson Avenue closed off for the night to allow everyone the opportunity to circulated through dozens of cars to find their favourite But the judges had already done their work for them naming Dave and Kelly Neely’s superbly turned-out HK GTS Monaro as the ‘Phillip Classic Festival of Motorsport’ Best in Show hardly surprising after the classic Aussie marque placed second at the biggest car show in Australia at Summernats 37 in Canberra behind only John Fenech's mercurial LJ Torana for the Grand Champion title There’s not much in it at that level,” said Dave Neely of Bass Coast Mechanical in Cowes “I built the car up from bare metal with Alfie’s Panels of Cranbourne doing the spray mini tubbed the rear to allow bigger wheels and 295/50/15 tyres.” Dave also rolled out his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air with work mate Tim Coombes his 1997 Torana in distinctive green you could eat your dinner out of that engine bay,” agreed Tim Coombes of the clinically clean space under the bonnet dominated by a super clean-looking Chevy 350 V8 There were lots of great cars besides including Danny Dela Bosca’s Cadillac There was a Back to the Future gull-wing DeLorean The action on the track starts at 9am on Saturday and Sunday with dozens of classic classes and close racing assured There’s also the opportunity to get up close and personal with the cars and the drivers Click HERE for the program It’s hard to believe 35 years have passed since local stars Peter Goddard and Robbie Phillis beat the world’s best in front of an adoring home crowd A fitting result for the circuit’s first time hosting the WorldSBK Championship in 1990 with Goddard (Yamaha) winning Race One and Phillis (Kawasaki) Race Two picturesque location and one of the quickest first turns on the calendar brings out the best in racers It consistently throws up heart-stopping action and is unsurprisingly responsible for four of the closest finishes in the three-and-a-half decades of WorldSBK racing And there’s no reason why this year will be any different: Toprak Razgatlioglu will be looking to defend his crown in his unique and spectacular style; Aussie Remy Gardner will have a barrel of confidence after his strong showing in 2024; and all four Superbike rookies will be looking to make an early first impression… but that’s just the on-track action The three-day WorldSBK getaway from 21-23 February also offers plenty of other memorable options and events to fill in the hours Tickets at this year’s round range from $35 for a Friday-only general admission pass through to $1029 for a three-day pass for Club Superbike No longer just the domain of VIP guests and corporate ticket holders everyone who purchases a three-day general admission ticket or better gains instant access to the paddock That’s right: walk over the bridge on Gardner Straight and you won’t be tapped on the shoulder and asked to produce a VIP lanyard you’ll be able to immerse yourself in autograph sessions on-stage entertainment and paddock shows where all the top riders – across both the international and local classes – will be interviewed The national paddock is just to the right after you cross the bridge so another good chance to check out the Aussie-spec Superbikes and grab an autograph from your favourite rider the WorldSBK Paddock Show will once again be one of the event’s big drawcards Hosted by ‘the face of WorldSBK’ Michael Hill the Paddock Show offers fans an up-close and immersive way to connect with the series The Paddock Show gives you opportunities to meet riders get autographs and hear exclusive interviews team presentations and candid rider Q&As Phillip Island advised the schedule of what to expect wouldn’t be released until just before the event Camping has been part of the Phillip Island landscape since Donna Gardner ran down the straight in her high-heels to congratulate Wayne on his maiden Aussie Grand Prix victory the Phillip Island campground has been a rite of passage for many – albeit more strictly controlled and monitored these days than the laidback expanse of fun and tomfoolery it once was There are bikes-only areas as well as areas where you can get your car into to unpack and pack-up Visit www.worldsbk.com.au/get-tickets/campground-packages/ for answers to all your common camping questions If you haven’t done a walking lap of the 4.448km grand prix circuit There will be plenty of vendors to keep up with your sustenance requirements and you’ll also gain a new-found appreciation for the level of commitment required to bang out a fast lap on the fastest circuit on the WorldSBK calendar And you can tune into SBK Radio (87.6FM) while you’re at it There will also be superscreens placed strategically around the circuit so you can get your steps in while keeping up to date with the on-track action If bikes doing 300km/h down Gardner Straight aren’t enough there’ll be a range of the latest road and off-road bikes on display inside the purpose-built Expo hall In terms of any new models making their Australian debuts the organisers are keeping their cards close to their chests The expo is open between 9am and 5pm across all three days quite possibly the circuit’s best-kept secret merch for days and a hugely impressive collection of 25 Aprilia and Cagiva grand prix racebikes the circuit has updated the centre’s History of Motorsport Museum with a new dedicated Giacomo Agostini display room It has five rare bikes including four of his championship-winning MV Agustas plus wonderful tribute images and videos after which you can race your mates on the 750m replica Phillip Island go-kart track – but you need to blow zero on the breathalyser you can have a whirl on what is the largest slot car track in the country (yes then have a good meander through the centre’s museum section Sometimes the planets just don’t align and it’s impossible to get to the circuit as Foxtel has the exclusive rights to broadcast WorldSBK and WorldSSP action in Australia The pay TV provider will be broadcasting every practice and qualifying session live as well as the five races: three WorldSBK and two WorldSSP head to www.worldsbk.com to purchase a one-event video pass At the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show adventure-ready scooters and enough two-wheeled wonders to make Aussie riders green with envy Global motorcycle event to raise funds and awareness for men’s health returns bigger than ever as well as soaking up all the on-track action at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit there’s a swag of other activities and attractions to keep you entertained A white hot wheatbelt tour of WA’s Federation pubs on a rollicking Roctane Yet another tick off The Bear’s all-time bucket list The take-up of electric motorcycles is nowhere near what many predicted which is why Royal Enfield is taking a slightly different approach with its forthcoming EV platform Check out AMCN’s Rallies & Shows Update August 2024 for a selection of motorcycle events taking place all over Australia If you have an event you would like us to… There are a heap of motorcycle rallies & shows set to take place from this weekend through to the end of the year Rallies and Shows Registrations have opened for the 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to be held on 19 May 27-28 APRIL All British Rally The 2023 Walcha Motorcycle Rally will be held at Walcha Showground Camping will be open from 12pm Thursday; and welcome drinks are… AMCN took part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) again this year suiting up in what was a very wild and windy Wollongong Australia’s largest adventure motorcycle event  We all watch the Dakar and wonder… CAMP QUALITY’S MOTOCYC 2023 is the perfect excuse to explore the rugged beauty of Australia on a motorbike Here’s a quick look back at the 2021 event PHILLIP ISLAND, Victoria / Australia (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) – Day 2 of the Phillip Island Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 event shifted back to the primary location of Cape Woolamai and was greeted by dramatically different conditions to yesterday Competitors in the men’s Round of 96 and first 8 heats of the Round of 64 dined out on super clean pumping surf in the four-to-six-foot range Burleigh Heads local Tane Dobbyn (AUS) had a dreamy heat at Woolamai today scoring a deep tube that saw him navigate multiple sections but he was up to the task and came flying out to score the first excellent ride of the event Dobbyn then backed it up with some powerful carves to win the heat with an excellent two-wave total of 16.35 (out of a possible 20) “That was a heat you dream of,” Dobbyn said but then I realised that has happened to me on the other side in the past Dobbyn was later eliminated by an in-form Reef Heazlewood (AUS) and Filipino standout John Mark Tokong (PHL) who head to the Round of 32 when competition resumes earning some of the highest scores of the day for his super quick Former World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS) made the most of the maxing surf on offer at Cape Woolamai putting on an impressive display of powerful and progressive turns Earle was seeded directly into the Round of 64 and looked like he was right at home in the excellent conditions “It’s great to have proper waves like this for a competition,” said Earle but I am pretty tired now; a lot of waves means a lot of paddling It’s my first time coming to Phillip Island to a commanding win in his Round of 64 match-ups advancing to the Round of 32 alongside Philippine surfer John Mark Tokong Heazlewood is looking for a big result at this event and his first showing at this event sent a message to his fellow competitors which has been super fun,” said Heazlewood just trying to do my job and surf and also have a fun trip with my wife.” Heats 3 and 4 of the men’s Round of 64 saw the top two ranked surfers in the Asia Region, Bronson Meydi (INA) and Shohei Kato (JPN) Although the pair look to have secured enough points to keep them within the qualification bracket it could have opened the door for a few others to climb into a higher seed or even into qualification contention.  Victorian hopefuls Carl Wright (AUS) and Willis Droomer (AUS) continued their charge through the field each booking spots in the Round of 32 at Phillip Island along with Tully Wylie (AUS) is hoping to bank a solid result while the WSL is in town is only just getting his QS career off and running CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) earning the German factory its first WSBK crown on an M 1000 RR that was running some important ‘superconcessions’ The title win was mostly all Toprak’s doing but the revised BMW let him turn his late braking technique into a high-speed martial art that (sometimes literally) outmanoeuvred almost all of the opposition It was also obvious last season that Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was on the way up But even with Toprak on a new 2025 homologation BMW that recently and suddenly was not allowed to carry over the previous model’s superconcession chassis mods few saw Bulega being so dominant at Round One this year where he won all three races in a fashion that bordered on a seamless box-ticking exercise after leading every lead-up session Superpole qualifying fell under the spell of the No.11 Ducati although the track surface being less grippy than in the recent past throttled back any ideas of new track records ‘Nico’ simply disappeared from view so rapidly in the two-part tyre change opening race that none of the following riders could even give chase never mind find a way to halt the Ducati’s escape velocity Even the immense talent that is Toprak had no answer no matter how he squashed his front tyre in the braking zones Bulega won Race One from Toprak by 4.8secs but had been leading by six before he eased up around his final lap maybe it was just as well they had introduced that mid-race pitstop after all Those temps had soared compared to any other day – but the bulk of the field still hated the pit stops and thought they could go the full distance on Pirelli’s new development rear tyre Ducati wrote its corporate name across the clouds in bright red ink with five from six Ducati riders hogging the top places in Race One; five from five did that again in the Superpole Race; and then a wild top six from six monopolised the final 20-lapper on Sunday then Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven Ducati) and finally Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati) Race Two’s last rostrum rockets running desmo afterburners were Bulega V4-Rs also provided motive force in a manoeuvrable package to two resurgent Brits – Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing Ducati) and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati) who had their best rides in WorldSBK for years; in Lowes’ case Even rookie rider Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Ducati) was eighth in the SP at his first WSBK weekend Phillip Islamd often is an outlier in terms of results but nobody sees the eight Ducati V4-R riders doing anything but dominating this year Unless Dorna/FIM pull out the balancing rule blunderbuss after the two-round performance checkpoint and throttle back the maximum fuel flow rate for Ducati The unique Bimota KB998 was just another distraction to point your overworked central nervous system at as Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani delivered positive top-10 results in every race Honda were (relatively speaking) nowhere as usual with Iker Lecuona injured once again and declared unfit Yamaha were hurting from the lack of injured superstar Jonathan Rea but Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) put up a good fight to be top non-Ducati The next round (March 28 and 30) is at Portimao which Toprak loves and Bulega is a little indifferent about but his first race ended after he crashed and then his bike broke down in spectacular fashion On Sunday he had a very fast T1 crash and was out from then “Superpole wasn’t too bad at all and that’s the positive we could take from Saturday The lap time was okay and made us able to start from the third row We must be getting close to 10 different iterations of Bimota entries into the WorldSBK (and even WSSP) championship except for maybe (maybe) the very first one back in 1988 as every Italian company’s ambition and passion eventually meets finance and reality issues The new Bimota KB998 Rimini model had a decent WSBK debut but the whole new Bimota entity is nothing like the previous ones Kawasaki is more than an engine supplier for the Italian chassis maestros They are a full partner and their heft is bankrolling supporting and effectively running the whole show except for the chassis and its design philosophies that were born and made within two golf-shots distance of Italy’s Adriatic coast The on-site team running the entire effort is the old KRT Provec mob with only one Bimota tech present at Phillip Island This very serious and truly exciting ‘new’ manufacturer in WSBK racing seems certain to buck the trend of all previous Bimota iterations The electronically controlled wings  are one obvious example but this is a homologation special every bit as exotic as the YB4ei the dreaded phrase that has haunted the darker corners of WSBK’s production-derived palaces several times before was heard through the ether… The Ducati Cup This cruel jibe could be levelled at MotoGP too in the last few years even in its golden era that people who were usually not there keep speaking about it was perfectly possible to buy two Ducatis and get some wizened desmo magus to set your engines to their peak and go out and win races We are very definitely back in that territory again even if you can only have one V4-R in use on track at one time and you need an electronics whiz rather than a top engine artisan The ‘worst’ Ducati in Superpole qualifying was Ryan Vickers’ bike and second-year Superbiker Sam Lowes placed 11th on the grid Toprak Razgatlioglu commented: “This year all the Ducatis are at the front This is almost Superbike like a Ducati Cup.” The 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) returns to the exhilarating Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (September 7-8) with fierce battles expected across all classes as the season reaches make or break territory for many riders Thanks to continued support from the Victorian Government Phillip Island’s round five of the ASBK Championship will be a fast and furious two-day affair featuring the AMA Warehouse Superbike Race and Road Supersport 300 and Nolan Superbike Masters classes joined by the edgy Aussie Racing Cars for some four-wheel flair Spectators will receive free entry into the ASBK paddock at Phillip Island while the event will also feature off-track activities to entertain the family including pit walks ‘Mini Moto Come and Try’ sessions for kids the ASBK Trade Alley and the chance to meet their favourite ASBK riders during autograph sessions across the weekend Two competition winners will also experience thrilling pillion rides behind former ASBK champions Steve Martin and Troy Corser Phillip Island is also a brilliant place to visit and highlights include its renowned surf beaches and myriad dining options including freshly caught seafood To purchase tickets for Phillip Island, click here Tickets will also be available at the gate Mike Jones (#46) and Broc Pearson (#11) lead the way at the Phillip Island season opener in February Championship leader Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) will be keen to climb atop the dais again as he hasn’t won a race since round two at Sydney Motorsport Park Waters’ scorecard was 4-3 as his lead in the championship was slashed to 17pts by the in-form Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) Jones’ campaign began as a slow burn before he exploded on the Queensland swing of the championship with he and Waters now sharing the same number of wins (four) in 2024 while Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) is the other victor 139.5) and Penrite Racing Yamaha pair Max Stauffer (130) and Cameron Dunker (115.5) Pearson was second in both races at Morgan Park as well as grabbing a point for pole position while a herculean effort from Stauffer saw him finish third in race one while battling injuries sustained in a heavy crash the day before Phillip Island is a completely different proposition though and Waters’ affinity with the layout is supreme: he has only been defeated twice in his last 11 outings aboard the Ducati Waters claimed the clean sweep in round one this year after tight battles against teammate Harrison Voight – who will also feature this round before he returns to his European Moto2 commitments – and defending champion Troy Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati) Voight is the lap record holder at Phillip Island so don’t be surprised if it’s a McMartin Racing benefit and the 18-year-old’s withering benchmark of 1:30.790 is lowered yet again during the two 11-lap races There are others who will be right in the mix including three-time Superbike champion Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW) who is no stranger to winning at the Island the multi-talented Dunker – who last Sunday won a race in the Aussie Flat Track Nationals in Brisbane – Arthur Sissis (Stop and Seal Yamaha) Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and Bryan Staring (MotoGo Yamaha) Matt Walters (Kawasaki) also returns after an injury-interrupted year – and back on a Kawasaki too where he has enjoyed most of his ASBK success A healthy grid of 22 riders will compete in the AMA Warehouse Superbike class Cru Halliday is third in the AMA Warehouse Superbike standings Jonathan Nahlous has a 32pt lead over Archie McDonald who in turn is only 12pts ahead of fifth-placed Jake Farnsworth Olly Simpson and Tom Bramich are third and fourth Nahlous dominated this year’s Phillip Island opener with his relentless pace and work rate leaving everyone in his wake as he also set a new lap record of 1:34.682 Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha) and Mark Chiodo (Honda) also featured on the podium that weekend Thanks to massive improvement across the board in a class that has been hugely entertaining in 2024 another maximum-point haul for the just-turned 18-year-old Nahlous will come with a much higher level of difficulty this time around Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki) and Glenn Nelson (Yamaha) complete the top 10 in the standings while reigning Supersport 300 champion Marcus Hamod (Honda) returns from injury this weekend Championship leader Jonathan Nahlous will be hoping to celebrate his 18th birthday weekend by grabbing more race wins It definitely hasn’t happened at Phillip Island with most races featuring five or six riders separated by milliseconds across the finish line This brings us to the latest instalment this weekend where Josh Newman (Kawasaki) leads the championship by a wafer-thin 1pt (224 to 223) over Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha) Five riders have won this season across the 12 races with Watts’ first coming at Phillip Island in February as the local stars slugged it out with visiting Czech international Petr Svoboda Twenty-three riders will compete in the three seven-lap races with Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) a welcome return after recovering from a broken pelvis Casey Middleton (#20) and Wil Nassif deep in Race and Road Supersport 300 combat Jack Passfield currently leads after an impressive outing at Sydney Motorsport Park ahead of defending champion Keo Watson and Josh Mathers – all Yamaha mounted Dean Oughtred (Yamaha) and Ryan Taylor (Suzuki) are next Spectators can also get up close to the classic grand prix F1 and production-based machines of the past There will also be a poignant element to the round with a get-together on Saturday afternoon to remember former class coordinator Darren Lark who passed away suddenly in April this year A ‘Darren Lark Perpetual Trophy’ has now been created which will be awarded to the overall winner of Superbike Masters starting this season Jack Passfield (#89) holds the ascendancy in Nolan Superbike Masters Sam Drane took victory in a thrilling Race 3 of the Race & Road Supersport 300 at Phillip Island fending off fierce competition in a race filled with aggressive battles and dramatic position changes Drane crossed the line just 0.105 seconds ahead of Scott Nicholson with Hudson Thompson a further 0.006 seconds back in an incredibly tight podium fight Tara Morrison was in the podium fight early stages and briefly lead the field before a series of aggressive moves pushed her back to 12th place by the halfway point with Tyler King retiring on Lap 5 and Josh Underwood pulling out just three laps later on Lap 3 holding off Nicholson and Thompson by the narrowest of margins while Jordy Simpson came home in 4th and Tara Morrison mounted a strong fightback to finish in the top five Oliver Short was disqualified by race direction while Mitchel Carrick had a 10 second penalty imposed for a jump start Jordy Simpson now leads the Australian SSP300 Championship standings on 62 points from Scott Nicholson and Tara Morrison Road Racing Association Australia body created to promote the interests of participants It’s an amazing chance to take my riding to the next level on one of the world’s most powerful superbikes Josh Waters and the McMartin Racing Team put on a ruthless display at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday evening seizing control of the Australian Superbike Championship with sheer speed and… Mike Jones mastered the tricky conditions at Sydney Motorsport Park to snatch pole position while reigning champion Josh Waters faces an uphill battle from the third row I don’t want to be known just as the woman who beats the boys Josh Waters makes it a goldrush with opening round maximum points Waters Cruises to Victory as Jones Edges Out West in Intense Battle Drane claims victory ahead of Nicholson and Thompson in action-packed scrap The opening round of the 2025 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship has ended as the previous two years: Josh Waters and his McMartin Ducati V4 R securing maximum points with three victories and the bonus point for pole position At the start of the weekend it looked like the four-time ASBK champion wasn’t going to have things his own way as Anthony West (Addicted to Track – Yamaha) led both free practice sessions Factor in that Waters was still feeling the effects of a badly broken collarbone from a pre-season testing crash and there was speculation that the McMartin Ducati was vulnerable many teams were under-prepared for the opening round due to lack of dry track time or delays with crucial parts Waters dismissed any of those fears to streak away the biggest surprise was new MotoGo Yamaha recruit Cam Dunker who slotted into second ahead of Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing – Ducati) Waters consolidated his gap while West and Jones sat comfortably in the podium spots With Waters four seconds clear at the line West won the slip-streaming battle over Jones by a tiny 0.017 seconds rewarding the Addicted to Track team for their off-season development work The team have worked hard to make everything one step better,” West said afterwards When asked what was needed to compete with the Ducati at Phillip Island the answer was simple: “We need five to 10 more horsepower and we need world championship-level Marelli electronics like they use I can hear the Ducati when I follow Josh… it’s completely different in the way it works the tyre I’ve tried to mimic his lines style and follow him and it works for a few laps Despite crashing out of fourth in the closing laps attacking aggressively – particularly against the rejuvenated Allerton Waters repeated his masterclass in race two blitzing the holeshot and streaking away while West and Jones slotted in behind for the podium battle but this time the Desmosport Ducati of Broc Pearson joined in to clinch fourth at the line after another horrid start “We brought a really solid race bike this weekend but we haven’t been able to get the launch control working correctly,” he explained Waters made yet another perfect start in the final race becoming tangled with two riders and hitting the deck at the fast turn one Allerton and Dunker battled fiercely again This time the Ducati rider was able to push through and challenge West and Jones until a mechanical issue forced him out “We’re working hard on the electronics and we’ll be up there at SMSP West and Jones once again diced through the final lap with the Yamaha factory rider pipping West by the barest of margins West lamented making his move on Jones too early Jones’ new YRT teammate Max Stauffer finished fourth overall after consistent finishes this year adapting to a different team structure and electronics package Queensland privateer John Lytras (Caboolture Yamaha) continued his good run to take fifth ahead of rookie JJ Nahlous (Complete AV – Yamaha) The biggest concern were Stop & Seal’s Cru Halliday Tom Toparis and Arthur Sissis all struggling as they come to terms with their Michelin tyres after limited pre-season testing Troy Herfoss was entered to race at Phillip Island for the opening ASBK round but the 2024 Moto America King of the Baggers champion was nowhere to be found for the first free practice session on Friday Herfoss’s former team boss at Penrite Honda had intended to run a Ducati V4 R with Penrite backing and prepared by Ben Henry functioning as a separate entity within the Desmosport team It seems that contract details weren’t able to be worked out between Herfoss and Coote it’s thought that the contract hiccups were due to his commitments with Indian – the American manufacturer investing heavily in his title defence and also adding another rider to the factory outfit in Loris Baz With the Penrite Ducati V4 R already at Phillip Island Coote put it on display instead of racing and said he would have to reassess the situation in the coming weeks Before the start of the Kawasaki Supersport races Stop & Seal team boss Robbie Bolger was adamant his two leading charges By the midway point of the opening race the pair were doing their best to prove that prediction correct building a gap of two seconds to the nearest challenger Bramich was in a battle of his own against the Kawasaki Ninja 636 of Olly Simpson and had curiously turned down the Kawasaki ride after testing the bike at Round Two of the Motul Summer Night Series McDonald took the victory with Mahaffy a few tenths back in second with Bramich ultimately getting the better of Simpson With that pair over five seconds off the pace the next trio of Cameron Swain (Caboolture Yamaha) Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki Australia) and Declan Van Rosmalen (Addicted to Track – Yamaha) were a further six seconds back The second race saw both Mahaffy and Simpson taking a turn at the front before McDonald surged to the lead on lap three taking control to the flag for a 0.874sec victory Mahaffy was once again second but he was made to work for it by Simpson the green No.5 only conceding in the final two laps to land the final podium spot ahead of Bramich “Probably the biggest adjustment has been the suspension I’ve always ridden on Ohlins and here we are using K-Tech,” Simpson said of the switch to Kawasaki “The bike gives me a lot of confidence in the corners though; I wasn’t expecting to be on the podium with Sydneysider Jake Farnsworth (Worth Race Developments – Yamaha) fifth The final race saw another twist as Mahaffy charged hard Mahaffy turned the tables on McDonald for a well-deserved victory while the second Kawasaki of Nelson completed the podium – marking a critical step for the Taree rider in his adjustment from Dunlop to Pirelli rubber The Race and Road Supersport 300 class produced something special this time at Phillip Island – the first ever female winner in any class of racing battling experienced campaigners Jordy Simpson (Simpson Crash – Yamaha) and Scott Nicholson (Traction Control Motorsport – Kawasaki) to lead home a pack of nine that were covered by just over one second “I went into the weekend with lots of confidence,” Morrison told AMCN but that experience… knowledge… confidence Morrison knows what the correct strategy is to win at Phillip Island “I knew I had to be third going onto the straight then I saw Jordy’s front wheel when we were coming into MG come on through… I’d been practising my slipstreaming a couple of laps beforehand so I knew if there were two people I’d likely get the win.” Simpson took the win in the second race with Hudson Thompson (MotoStars) second and Nicholson third flat-tracker Sam Drane (Estenson – Yamaha) broke through for the win ahead of Nicholson and Thompson Seven manufacturers are represented on the grid headlined by the return of Porsche and Bentley alongside Ferrari with a few slots left empty with driver line-up confirmations still to come for two entries Those are the KFC-backed Melbourne Performance Centre Audi R8 and the KMB Motorsport Bentley Continental the latter of which only has Valentino Astuti confirmed 13 of them are top-flight Pro-Am entries and of those 13 there are seven line-ups featuring Supercars experience who will join Brad Schumacher at Melbourne Performance Centre in an Audi R8 Ryan Wood is also in a Melbourne Performance Centre Audi R8 with Kiwi countryman Steve Brooks on what is currently a one-round deal Jaxon Evans returns to Arise Racing in a Ferrari 296 with Eliott Schutte for their second straight campaign together Walkinshaw Andretti United co-driver Jayden Ojeda will return to Tigani Motorsport with Paul Luchitti in a Mercedes and Dick Johnson Racing co-driver Tony D’Alberto returns with Adrian Deitz in a Lamborghini Huracan Brad Jones Racing co-driver Declan Fraser moves from Triple Eight Race Engineering where he raced with Peter Hackett to Volante Rosso Motorsport where he’ll join last year’s champion Liam Talbot in an Aston Martin Vantage Talbot makes the move from Arise Racing where he won the Pro-Am title alongside Chaz Mostert who will instead focus on his growing GT4 team who will be joined by his father Paul Pedersen in a Mercedes his last coming a decade ago with Andre Heimgartner at the Prodrive Racing-run Super Black Racing Team Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox SUPERCARS F1 NASCAR INDYCAR GT MOTOGP PHOTOS TV PODS ACDELCO Subscribe to our daily and breaking newsletter for all the latest news delivered direct to your box Copyright © 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This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Our Team    /  Advertise with us  /  Privacy Policy Please enter your username or email address to reset your password Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) won his first career WorldSSP race after an 18-lap that featured another mandatory tyre change stop and Triumph’s first WorldSSP race win since Booth-Amos’ victory was also the first for a British rider since Taz Mackenzie scored a surprise Honda win at Most in 2023 Booth-Amos worked hard and well for his victory holding off Race One winner Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) by 0.671 seconds Rookie WorldSSP rider Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) crossed the line third but was relegated to fifth after a pit lane exit infraction during the mandatory pitstop Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was the beneficiary of Alcoba’s loss finishing third and making it three different bikes on the podium Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GMT94-Yamaha) was a solid fourth and his team-mate Lucas Mahias (GMT94-Yamaha) sixth with Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Ducati) hitting the back of Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse Ducati) near the end Oli Bayliss was seventh on his factory Triumph Can Öncü (Yamaha bLU cRU Evan Bros Racing) fell from the leading pack with one to go Booth-Amos and Manzi are tied for the lead on 45 points each The race format for the season-opening Australian Round has been confirmed with mandatory pit stops required in both the WorldSBK and WorldSSP categories Both classes will adopt a flag-to-flag format with all riders required to make a mandatory pit stop for tyre changes The decision has been made in light of the unpredictable weather conditions and fluctuating track temperatures anticipated at Phillip Island from the 21st to the 23rd of February Combined with the circuit’s distinctive layout and demanding surface these factors have led the FIM and Dorna to keep precautionary measures in place to maintain rider safety and competitive racing Riders in the WorldSBK category will adhere to a maximum of 11 laps per rear tyre while WorldSSP riders will be limited to 10 laps per rear tyre This has resulted in race distances for both WorldSBK Race 1 and Race 2 being set at 20 laps each with competitors allocated two additional sets of tyres for the weekend The format was first introduced last year after the circuit’s fresh resurfacing lead to fears that the tyres could degrade too quickly potentially causing retirements or crashes In order to maintain safe tyre swaps and avoid large gaps throughout the field a minimum 63 second pit lane time limit was enforced This theoretically equalises the time riders spend in getting fresh tyres although Razgatlioglu incurred a 5 second penalty by leaving pit lane too quickly in race 1 last season (a 5 second penalty is given for every second under the mandatory limit a rider spends in pit lane) stated: “Phillip Island is renowned for its thrilling but it also presents unique challenges due to its surface and rapidly changing weather Despite improvements to the track conditions over time especially if you bear in mind it will be the first round of the season where teams are still fine-tuning their basic set-up we concluded that enforcing a mandatory pit stop is the best approach to uphold the quality of the racing we’re ensuring that all participants can compete under fair and secure conditions at what promises to be an exciting start to the season.” The Shahin family is apparently again back in the market to buy the Phillip Island Circuit after moves to shift the famous race track last year failed to materialise The Shahin family’s Peregrine Corporation already owns Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (aka The Bend) and Mallala Motor Sport Park It is believed that Linfox Property Group has been reviewing its ownership of the track since the Victorian State Government announced its intention to build a new international motor racing circuit via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on Linfox owned land at Avalon Whether the resurgence of rumours of a sale to Peregrine indicate any further progress on Avalon is not clear but with the Victorian government desperately short of cash at the moment it seems unlikely the track is anything more than a dream since the seed was planted the Shahins are believed to have been working on how to make it happen and have now walked back to the table Sam Shahin declined to comment when approached by Auto Action Image: Australian Grand PrixJosh Chadwick/Getty Images READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine Get the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox You have successfully joined our subscriber list 92301Aussie Sargent saluted by PorscheAustralian youngster Thomas Sargent has been handpicked as one of just three Porsche Select Driver Program North America members Sargent will now receive financial support from Porsche North America Today Jayden Ojeda will chase a hat-trick of Bathurst 6 Hour victories from pole position after prevailing in qualifying With a 2:19.5354 Ojeda had snared pole from Supercars star Will […] After reportedly being overlooked to become the new GM homologation team PremiAir Racing cannot commit to which brand it will represent in 2026 but wants to keep Roland Dane by […] The unmistakably yellow Kavich brothers BMW that has been a fixture of the Bathurst 6 Hour is turning orange for 2025 Supercars star Thomas Randle will join Ben and Michael […] Caroline Garde[email protected] Where can I find Auto Action Premium? Click here As part of the Shannons SpeedSeries Track to Town parade the best GT cars in the country will hit the streets of Cowes for a spectacular parade with more than 40 cars across multiple categories taking part The cars will begin their trek from the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and travel along Gap Road and Phillip Island Road before arriving at the Esplanade where they will be parked on display from 12.30pm for fans and locals to enjoy Both lanes of The Esplanade between Bass Avenue and Warley Avenue will be closed off to traffic from 12pm-2pm The cars will depart from the Esplanade at 1:30pm All cars from the GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS plus the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series will be involved in the parade in what will arguably be the most expensive rolling road trip ever seen on Phillip Island The Track to Town is a prelude to the opening round of the Shannons SpeedSeries at Phillip Island kicking off on Friday which includes free access for fans Saturday and Sunday will feature all racing categories on track, with tickets available at the gate or can be pre-booked at http://www.speedseries.com.au/tickets Day 3 of the Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island returned to Smiths Beach under sunny blue skies and perfect 2-foot beach break waves The Under 18 Boys Round 2 kicked off early greeted by clean 2-foot peaks wrapping into the beach displaying his skills on multiple left-hand waves before executing a series of powerful backhand hits and finishing the wave close to his fellow competitor His impressive performance earned him a score of 6.83 Hill paddled back out and caught another left once again putting his backhand attack to work scoring a 6.43 to secure his place in the quarterfinals “I just wanted to get a good first turn and finish strong on my lefts,” said Hill The final heat of the Under 16 Boys division thrilled beachside fans as Ocean Lancaster (Merewether smashing a left-hand runner to score a 6.17-point ride He then followed it up with a clean air reverse NSW) going blow for blow as they battled for the spot but Sennett found the largest set of the day He took off and delivered two huge backhand snaps Sennett’s impressive ride earned him a 6.33-point score “I was a bit nervous before the heat because I saw the other competitors and thought it was a hard heat but I just wanted to stick to my guns,” explained Sennett and knew I had to make the end section—and then I made it!” he said picking up a perfect left-hand peak and smashing the critical lip on the first section before flowing into a series of smooth carving manoeuvres This exceptional ride earned her an impressive 8.33-point score along with the Surf Better Now Wave of the Day warning her competitors of her full potential She progressed comfortably with a combined total of 15.00 points but plenty of waves to go around,” said Can Cross The girls were shredding and catching heaps of waves—it’s so good to see all the girls from around Australia come and compete together.” with the girls making the most of the fun peaks on offer staying busy and scoring a 6.50 for a couple of solid forehand slashes She followed it up with a 7.50 for a powerful two-turn backhand combo Holmes posted a combined total of 14.00 points With another fantastic day of surfing complete the official call for Day 4 of competition will be made in the morning with all updates to be posted on Surfing Victoria’s social media channels and the competitors’ WhatsApp group Live scores and schedule can be found via https://surfingvic.com/ripcurlgromsearchphillipisland/ Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island presented by Bass Coast Shire Council and supported by the Victorian Government Significant Sporting Events program, Park Lane Phillip Island, Cancer Council Sunscreen, GoPro, SurfBetterNow.com and Surfing Victoria Experience MotoGP™ your way with a customised suite We are committed to delivering and continuously improving the accessible services and facilities for patrons There’s more to a weekend of MotoGP™ than just the racing Explore what's on offer at the MotoGP™ Information for the diverse needs of our patrons Travel to and from the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Experience the best of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix The 2025 FIM MotoGP World Championship rider line-up The 2025 FIM MotoGP World Championship standings The 2025 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar 19 October 2024The all-important MotoGP™ Warm Up starts at 9:40 am the final 10-minute session before the riders and the bikes have to be ready for the all-important race The big question will be; after last year’s brilliant performance can anyone catch Jorge Martin – or will he once again out-speed his tyres After building a lead of more than three seconds a year ago the Pramac Ducati rider ran out of rear tyre grip late in the race and was passed by four riders on the final lap Given his speed in Saturday’s Tissot Sprint, you would be brave to bet against him, but Marc Marquez made a huge error when he ran wide at the first corner and still made it to second place His form shows that he can win at the track again and take a third victory for the season The other front-row starter is Maverick Viñales, who is also looking to redeem himself. Another bad start put him back in the pack before a crash involving Marco Bezzecchi but the black Aprilia looks to have the speed to carry the 2018 Phillip Island winner close to a podium finish All eyes will be on the front of the grid when the grid lines up for the 27-lap race at 2:00 pm Secure your tickets to the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2024 today! At 11:00 am the first of the Grands Prix is set to start and the challenge for the Moto3™ racers will be to stay in the lead group and prepare for the final laps of the 21-lap journey Ivan Ortola has taken pole position for the third race in a row but there will be a herd of opposition ready to chase him including World Champion-elect David Alonso and immediately behind him is Jacob Roulstone so the Aussies will have a good marker as they try to move forward in the race Fermin Aldeguer has become something of an expert around Phillip Island and the Spanish teenager will be after an eighth Moto2™ win before he moves up to MotoGP™ next season There will be a lot of eyes on Ai Ogura to see whether he can seal the 2024 Moto2™ title from ninth on the grid while Aussie fans will be watching the progress of Senna Agius (from 13th) and impressive rookie Harrison Voight (from 24th) It will be a good idea to take your place early The third and final race of the bLUcRU Oceania Junior Cup starts at 9:00 a.m. and one (or more) of the future stars may well be the one to beat The Australian Grand Prix Corporation acknowledges the Bunurong People the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which we meet and race Round 1 of the series as part of the SRO’s Shannons SpeedSeries at Phillip Island were abbreviated slightly with red flag incidents In the first of two short and sharp qualifying periods it was Tom Hayman in the Method Motorsport McLaren Artura with a 1:33.6730 just before a red flag The Silver Class driver was 0.25s quicker than Audi R8 driver and class rival Blake Purdie who was fastest in pre-qualifying on Friday Nash Morris (Porsche 718 Cayman) was third ahead of Ford Mustang drivers Rylan Gray and Aaron Seton with that in front of Nathan Morcom (McLaren) Seventh best of the 30 that participated was Cameron Crick (Mustang) from Lochie Dalton (Mercedes AMG) Daniel Frougas (Toyota Supra) with 10th spot going to Tim Leahey (BMW G82) Best of the Am class was Jamie Augustine (BMW) just in front of debutant Chris Lillis (Porsche) Anthony Soole and Grant Denyer were late withdrawals from the meeting with electrical dramas in the McLaren 570S The second session’s top honours went to George Miedecke in the Mustang he will share with Gray with a time of 1:34.1005 “With a year’s experience [with the car] we have come back stronger,” he said Second fastest was Daniel Price (Audi with Purdie) ahead of Max Geoghegan (McLaren with Hayman) Then followed Cody Burcher in Leahey’s BMW the Wallis Mustang which crashed out of Turn 12 Valentino Astuti (Ginetta G56) and Dean Campbell (BMW with Crick) Lillis’s teammate Nathan Callaghan topped Am from Jamie Arratoon (Mercedes) The one-hour Race 1 of Monochrome GT4 is scheduled to begin at 2:20 AEDT this afternoon and is livestreamed on 7+ and broadcast on 7 Mate The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul will make its second trip to Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from September 7-8 with four classes to take centre stage on what’s expected to be another memorable weekend at the nation’s undisputed home of motorcycle racing With the Aussie Racing Cars also featuring on the event schedule providing race fans with a taste of four-wheel action it is sure to provide an abundance of entertainment for spectators There is also lots to do on Phillip Island and in particular a lot of nature-based experiences will leave you leave you with lasting memories Here are five things to see and do within close proximity to Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit: Take a step back in time with the history of motorsport display Learn all about the inspirational story of Phillip Island’s racing heritage Featured in the display is the superb collection of images memorabilia and 25 Grand Prix motorcycles from the two famous Italian marques: Aprilia and Cagiva Refuel at the Champions Café with barista-made coffee and freshly made food Check out the range of merchandise and souvenirs available in the gift shop Visit Panny’s amazing world of chocolate and see the educational exhibition on cocoa production see the two-metre chocolate statue of Michelangelo’s David and a 12,000-piece chocolate mosaic of Dame Edna Everage A chocolate village complete with working trains and an amazing spinning Zoetrope You will be able to see Panny’s life animated in the Family Window a Side Show Ally and test your skills and aim to win chocolate There is also a thunderous chocolate waterfall where 400kg of molten chocolate pover flows every three minutes Have your photo taken in the giant chocolate display and email it to yourself for free See the chocolate carving machine in action and chocolates being made in the chocolate factory Explore the winding boardwalks (500m in length) and see the explosive blowhole in action Visit the Nobbies Centre to enjoy sustainably caught MSC certified seafood and delicious coffee at the Nobbies Café and gaze out to the Nobbies rock formations and beyond to Seal Rocks home of Australia’s largest fur seal colony You may even spot a migrating whale in the right season Enjoy your ride, stay safe and we’ll see you on the island for the next installment of what will be a crucial round of the season. 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