Editorial Note: American Jason Pridmore was racing for a podium position in Race One when he crashed and suffered injuries during Race One, according to a post on the social media accounts of Pridmore’s JP43 Training.
From JP43 Training’s social media post: “Jason was running 3rd when he highsided on the 2nd lap. He has a broken left leg and shoulder. He’s being transported to a hospital for further treatment, we’ll keep everyone updated when we know more. He’s awake cracking jokes, but really sad to end the weekend like this.”
International Island Classic
Phillip Island Grand Prix Course
Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
January 26, 2019
Race One Results:
1. Aaron Morris, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), 6 laps, Total Race Time 9:52.088, Best Lap Time 1:36.789
2. Jed Metcher, Australia (1982 Honda Harris F1 1100), -1.260 seconds, 1:37.642
3. Josh Hayes, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1250), -1.614, 1:37.519
4. David Johnson, Australia (1982 Suzuki XR69 1100), -3.096, 1:37.742
5. Shawn Giles, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), -4.507, 1:38.024
6. Alex Phillis, New Zealand (1980 Suzuki XR69 1170), -4.711, 1:38.294
7. Steve Martin, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), -4.817, 1:38.182
8. Larry Pegram, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1250), -14.943, 1:38.428
9. Jay Lawrence, New Zealand (1981 Suzuki Katana 1100), -18.675, 1:40.119
10. John Reynolds, New Zealand (1985 Suzuki GSX-R1100), -20.509, 1:40.020
12. Mark Miller, USA (1984 Harris XR69 1200), -24.265, 1:41.292
15. Barrett Long, USA (1982 Kawasaki Harris 1200), -25.329, 1:40.246
16. Dale Quarterley, USA (1984 Suzuki XR69 1250), -27.219, 1:41.865
17. Michael Gilbert, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1250), -34.270, 1:40.729
21. Rennie Scaysbrook, USA (1982 Suzuki Katana 1290), -48.783, 1:44.060
25. Jorge Guerrero, USA (1982 Suzuki XR69 1200), -69.053, 1:47.066
26. David Crussell, USA (1978 Yamaha TZ750), -74.476, 1:49.003
33. Steve Rapp, USA (Yamaha CMR FJ 1100), -4 laps, DNF, 1:40.127
34. Jason Pridmore, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1298), DNS*
*did not start restarted race
Race Two Results:
1. Aaron Morris, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), 6 laps, Total Race Time 9:52.507, Best Lap Time 1:36.730
2. Steve Martin, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), -4.250 seconds, 1:37.827
3. Paul Byrne, Australia (1984 Suzuki McIntosh 1260), -6.522, 1:37.876
4. Josh Hayes, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1250), -12.386, 1:38.069
5. Alex Phillis, New Zealand (1980 Suzuki XR69 1170), -18.169, 1:38.560
6. Michael Gilbert, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1250), -19.390, 1:39.759
7. Steve Rapp, USA (Yamaha CMR FJ 1100), -19.663, 1:39.821
8. John Reynolds, New Zealand (1985 Suzuki GSX-R1100), -21.154, 1:39.883
9. Mark Miller, USA (1984 Harris XR69 1200), -22.281, 1:40.571
10. Barrett Long, USA (1982 Kawasaki Harris 1200), -22.611, 1:39.845
15. Larry Pegram, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1250), -35.060, 1:38.461
18. Rennie Scaysbrook, USA (1982 Suzuki Katana 1290), -47.807, 1:44.051
21. Jorge Guerrero, USA (1982 Suzuki XR69 1200), -52.950, 1:45.260
22. David Crussell, USA (1978 Yamaha TZ750), -71.985, 1:48.182
23. Joe Pethoud, USA (1984 Yamaha Harris 1250), -72.786, 1:48.139
28. Matt Morrison, USA (1982 Suzuki RGB MK7 500), -2 laps, DNF., 1:58.618
35. Dale Quarterley, USA (1984 Suzuki XR69 1250), -6 laps, DNF, no lap time recorded
DNS. Jason Pridmore, USA (1983 Yamaha FJ 1298)
More, from a press release issued by Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit:
AUSTRALIA’S MORRIS PERFECT, BUT HAYES AND HIS TEAM USA IN PURSUIT
Newcastle’s Aaron Morris backed up his dominance in qualifying Friday, to go from pole position today to take victory in the two International Challenge races at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and grab a narrow lead for the Australians against Team USA and New
Zealand in the three nation historic motorcycle battle.
And while Morris was unstoppable, Team USA flexed their muscle with Josh Hayes breathing down the back of the
Aussie front runners and being backed by reliable performances from his team mates. While the Australians were solid, defending champion David Johnson was plagued by mechanical problems, and 2016 champ Jed Metcher lost the front end to bow out of race two. Alex Phillis and John Reynolds were the best for the Kiwis.
Drama also marred the start, with the Team USA’s Jason Pridmore and Australia’s Beau Beaton both crashing at turn 11 and being transported to hospital for observation.
The headline event of the International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, the International Challenge was run today in far more pleasant mid 20 temperatures in comparison to yesterday’s stifling 40+ temps that sizzled machines and their riders
RACE ONE
Race one started with drama and a red-flag two laps in, when Team USA scalp, Jason Pridmore high-sided at turn 11, falling heavily and taking other riders out in the crash. Australia’s Beau Beaton came unstuck, and both he and Pridmore were taken to the medical centre with injuries. Conscious, both were transported to the hospital for observation and will not return to the grid this weekend.
For the race one re-start, polesitter Aaron Morris improved his start and stuck with the front runners, but it was Jed Metcher on the Honda Harris, and Suzuki riders David Johnson and Alex Phillis who headed the field by Southern Loop.
While the Australians Metcher and Johnson led early, team-mate Morris overhauled them aboard his Katana by lap three and held the lead through to the chequered flag. It was a solid victory, 1.2 seconds in front of Metcher. Team USA’s hot shot Josh Hayes came in third, impressive for his first visit to the circuit and his third day on the bike.
David Johnson, last year’s Ken Wootton Trophy winner for best individual performance, took fourth, with Australia’s Shawn Giles in 5th; and Suzuki rider Alex Phillis crossing the line for the New Zealanders in 6th , the best performer from the Kiwi squad.
RACE TWO
For the second International Challenge race mid-afternoon, it was American Josh Hayes – the four times AMA Superbike champion – who took the early lead after an impressive start. He was fiercely pursued though by a host of riders including race one winner Aaron Morris, Melbourne’s Jed Metcher and for the USA Larry Pegram.
Morris broke away early in lap two on the Katana and with him was Metcher on the Harris, leaving Hayes and Pegram in their wake. Metcher though tumbled at Lukey Heights with a front end issue, and Morris was away with clear track, building a four-second lead to take his second chequered flag in dominant fashion to complete a perfect day.
“The day went really well except my starts were pretty atrocious. I hadn’t done any clutch starts on the bike until this morning,” said 26 year old Morris.
“To come out with both wins, I am very happy with that, and hopefully we can fix a few gremlins in the bike overnight and get out there and do it all again tomorrow
“The competition is definitely keeping me honest. It’s been hard work out there. We are pretty lucky that we have a great bike.”
Completing the race two podium was former world endurance champion, Australia’s Steve Martin, in second, with Paul Byrne third for the locals; while Josh Hayes was fourth for the US on the Yamaha FJ.
Hayes is the dark horse and should not be underestimated. As he learns the track, he’s starting to play hard ball and is likely to terrorise the leading riders even further tomorrow.
With today’s two wins, Australia’s Morris leads the individual leader board with a perfect scorecard on 80 points, but Hayes just trails him, with 75 points to his name.
“I am learning how to wrestle a dinosaur. These bikes are a bit before my time but I am lucky that the bike is extremely stable in the corners. I’ve had to change my riding style as I am a front end rider but on these bikes I don’t have much feel at the front to push really hard,” said Hayes.
“I am really looking forward to getting a win tomorrow. I know we can do it.”
Hayes also has the backing of what seems a far more formidable Team USA in 2019. Consistency amongst all riders is the name of the game for team honours, and the Americans had five finishers in the top ten in race two today, with Hayes 4th, followed by Michael Gilbert in 6th, Steve Rapp in 7th, Mark Miller in 9th and Barrett Long in 10th.
At the end of day one, Australia leads the table on 326 points, with Team USA trailing by only 15 points on 311 points, with New Zealand on 253 points.
Phillis was the best performer for the Kiwis today with a 6th and a 5th place to sit 4th on the Ken Wootton table for individual glory; while three times British superbike champion, John Reynolds, is finding his pace and took a 10th and 8th spot today and is in 6th place overall.
Defending Ken Wootton trophy holder, Adelaide’s Dave Johnson had gear box problems in race one, and did not compete in race two due to electrical problems. He plans to be back on track in the morning, after his mechanics work some magic overnight.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, is one of the worlds’ great historic bike meets, attracting over 450 bikes and riders from across the globe, competing in 56 races over the weekend. Celebrating a century of motorbikes, features old Indians, Nortons and Vincents through to vintage Triumphs, Harleys and Ducatis. There’s six historic categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.
Tickets
Gates Open Sunday at 8am with tickets available at the gate. Camping also available on track with 24/7 access to the campground via gate 2. Kids 15 and under are free.
For further information www.islandclassic.com.au
INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE QUALIFYING – RACE ONE RaceTime Behind
1. Aaron Morris – 1982 Suzuki Katana AUSTRALIA 9:52.088
2. Jed Metcher – 1982 Honda Harris F1 AUSTRALIA +1.260
3. Joshua Hayes – 1983 Yamaha FJ1250 USA +1.614
4. David Johnson – 1982 Suzuki XR691100 AUSTRALIA +3.096
5. Shawn Giles – 1982 Suzuki Katana 1294 AUSTRALIA +4.507
6. Alex Phillis – 1980 Suzuki XR69 1170 NEW ZEALAND +4.711
7. Steve Martin – 1982 Suzuki Katana 1294 AUSTRALIA +4.817
8. Larry Pegram – 1983 Yamaha FJ 1250 USA +14.943
9. Jay Lawrence – 1981 Suzuki Katana 1100 NZ +18.675
10. John Reynolds – 1985 Suzuki GSXR1100 NZ +20.509
INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE QUALIFYING – RACE TWO Race Time Behind
1. Aaron Morris – 1982 Suzuki Katana AUSTRALIA 9:52.507
2. Steve Martin – 1982 Suzuki Katana 1294 AUSTRALIA +4.250
3. Paul Byrne – 1984 Suzuki McIntosh 1260 AUSTRALIA +6.522
4. Joshua Hayes – 1983 Yamaha FJ1250 USA +12.386
5. Alex Phillis – 1980 Suzuki XR69 1170 NEW ZEALAND +18.169
6. Michael Gilbert – 1983 Yamaha FJ1250 USA +19.390
7. Steve Rapp – Yamaha CMR FJ1100 USA +19.663
8. John Reynolds – 1985 Suzuki GSXR1100 NZ +21.154
9. Mark Miller – 1984 Harris XR69 1200 USA +22.281
10. Barrett Long -1982 Kawasaki Harris 1250 USA +22.611
INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE POINTS – Three Nations – after Race 1 & 2
1. AUSTRALIA – 326 points
2. USA – 311 points
3. New Zealand – 253 points
Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy – Individual Point Scores after Race 1 & 2
1. Aaron Morris AUSTRALIA 80 points
2. Josh Hayes USA 75 points
3. Steve Martin AUSTRALIA 73 points
4. Alex Phillis NEW ZEALAND 71 points
5. Shawn Giles AUSTRALIA 66 points
6. John Reynolds NEW ZEALAND 64 points
7. Mark Miller USA 61 points
8. Michael Gilbert USA 59 points
9. Larry Pegram USA 59 points
10. Barrett Long USA 57 points