JOHNSON PIPS MCWILLIAMS AT THE POST TO TAKE POLE FOR AUSTRALIA FOR THE WEEKEND’S INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
Australia’s Dave Johnson set a last lap blitzer in afternoon qualifying to snare pole for Australia for the four nation historic bike battle, the MV Agusta International Challenge, to be held at Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit this weekend (Jan 27-28).
Thirty five year-old Johnson, who hails from Adelaide but races primarily in the UK, took the lead spot for the weekend’s four six lap races to put Australia in a solid position as it attempts to reclaim the title from the UK. His time of 1m37.352s on his 1982 Suzuki XR69, knocked the UK’s star rider and defending Island Classic champ, Jeremy McWilliams back to second place on the leader board.
Jeremy McWilliams (99). Photo by Russell Colvin, courtesy of Phillip Island.
McWilliams had set the pace in first and second qualifying before Johnson’s late dash. His time of 1m37.642s aboard his Yamaha Harris F1 will see 53 year old McWilliams start second in racing, with Australia’s Paul Byrne third on the grid (McIntosh Suzuki).
The top ten were separated by just 1.5 seconds, with the UK showing their strength with five riders in the ten including BSB campaigners Peter Hickman and Daniel Linfoot, the experienced Michael Rutter and Glen Richards.
The UK has dominated the Challenge in recent years, winning the past three titles, but this year the competition has stepped up a notch with the USA and Australia being boosted by the inclusion of former MotoGP rider Colin Edwards and Australia with world superbike star Troy Corser.
Colin Edwards (5). Photo by Russell Colvin, courtesy of Phillip Island.
Edwards, despite only two laps on the bike before yesterday, will start 6 th on the grid aboard his Suzuki XR69, with the US also strong with former AMA stars Jason Pridmore qualifying 7th and Jake Zemke taking 11th.
Jason Pridmore (43). Photo by Russell Colvin, courtesy of Phillip Island.
Australia also looks solid with Beau Beaton on the Vincent Irving in 10 th, Corser 12th as he sorts his Harris F1, Steve Martin 13th and Shawn Giles taking 14th on the Suzuki Katana.
The International Challenge is the headline act for the 25 th AMCN International Island Classic, one of the world’s great historic bike meets, with over 500 bikes and 300 riders competing over 56 racers.
Special guest for the weekend is the greatest motorcycle racer of all time, Italy’s Giacomo Agostini. Now 75 years of age, he won 15 world titles in his illustrious career in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. He’s travelled to Phillip Island from Italy with four beautiful MV Agustas, two of which he won world championships on.
GATES Open at 8am Saturday and Sunday with racing from 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Information www.islandclassic.com.au
Timing www.computime.com.au
TICKETS AT GATE
Kids 15 and under FREE, accompanied by a paying adult
Three day pass- adult $95
Saturday only – adult $55
Sunday only – adult $65
Adult entry and on circuit camping ticket for entire weekend (four nights) $190
(Combined qualifying times compiled by Roadracing World follow)
MV Agusta International Challenge Overall Qualification
1. David Johnson, Australia (1982 Suzuki XR69 1100), 1:37.352
2. Jeremy McWilliams, UK (1984 Harris Yamaha 1297), 1:37.642
3. Paul Bryne, Australia (1982 McIntosh Suzuki 1260), 1:37.892
4. Glen Richards, UK (1984 Harris Yamaha 1250), 1:38.139
5. Peter Hickman, UK (1984 Harris Yamaha 1250), 1:38.188
6. Colin Edwards, USA (1983 HyperCycle Yamaha FJ1200), 1:38.423
7. Jason Pridmore, USA (1980 Yamaha FJ1200), 1:38.424
8. Dan Linfoot, UK (1982 Harris Honda 1150), 1:38.569
9. Michael Rutter, UK (1984 Harris Yamaha 1297), 1:38.712
10. Beau Beaton, Australia (1982 Irving Vincent 1300), 1:38.827
11. Jake Zemke, USA (CMB Yamaha FJ1300), 1:38.924
12. Troy Corser, Australia (1982 Harris Honda 1150), 1:39.237
13. Steve Martin, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), 1:39.565
14. Shawn Giles, Australia (1982 Suzuki Katana 1294), 1:39.713
15. Lee Johnston, UK (1984 Harris Yamaha 1250), 1:40.620
24. David Crussell, USA (Yamaha TZ750), 1:46.438
28. Barrett Long, USA (1980 Yamaha FJ1100), 1:48.011
29. Robert Ruwoldt, USA (1980 Harris Kawasaki 1200), 1:48.057
34. Edwin Haazer, USA (1979 Kawasaki 1200), 1:48.920
37. Carry Andrew, USA (1977 Kawasaki KZ1015), 1:53.009
40. Bruce Lind, USA (1975 Yamaha TZ750), 2:01.624
42. Martin Morrison, USA (1982 Suzuki RGB500), 2:02.358