2016 Troy Bayliss Classic line-up

Thirty-five racers hailing from five countries will contest the 2016 Troy Bayliss Classic at Taree Motorcycle Club on Saturday, January 16.

The international competitors are British supermoto champion Chris Hodgson, Japanese flat track champion Masotoshi Ohmori and America’s top AMA Pro Flat Track racers: Brad Baker, Sammy Halbert, Jared Mees, Henry Wiles and Jake Johnson. Four-time long track world champion Joonas Kylmakorpi will also be competing, but in the legends class.

Equally, the list of Australian riders confirmed for the 2016 Troy Bayliss Classic reads as a who’s who of Australian motorcycle racing, with the 27 racers collectively laying claim to over 200 national titles. The roster includes the host, Troy Bayliss.

“This event continues to grow and improve year-on-year and the 2016 event is shaping to be the biggest one yet,” Bayliss said.  “International interest in the Troy Bayliss Classic is gaining momentum, evident by the fact we have eight incredible racers from four countries coming to take on a stellar line-up of some of Australia’s best motorcycle racers.

“The track has undergone a complete resurface courtesy of Taree Council and it will not be ridden on until the event, which means no-one will have an advantage when the gates drop on January 16."
As well as contesting the event, Ohmori will also perform his signature slide that has been viewed by over 500,000 people on YouTube.

“It is great to have Masatoshi Ohmori return to the Classic, the crowd get right behind him and his slide skills are incredible,” Bayliss continued. “Masa will entertain the crowd during the sunset break in the evening, he also recently competed the Superprestigio event in Spain so I am sure he will be on the pace when it comes time to race. “

Meanwhile, infrastructure projects have been high on agenda over the last 12 months at the Taree Motorcycle Club's Old Bar circuit, including the construction of a brand new canteen. Other improvements include a new PA system and a 300-capacity temporary grandstand that will be located near the canteen. Tickets to the grandstand will cost $15 and will only be available for purchase on the day. 

Visitors to the event will be able to browse a range of displays, and Troy Bayliss Classic merchandise will include t-shirts, caps, and stubby coolers.

Tickets to the 2016 Troy Bayliss Classic are on sale here.

2016 Troy Bayliss Classic schedule
7:00am       Car park open
9:00am         Gates open
10:00am       Showtime FMX show
11:20am       Showtime FMX show
11:45am       Practice
12:45pm       Racing starts (all support classes plus Troy Bayliss Classic heats & Insure My Ride Legends class)
6:45pm         Showtime FMX show
7:20pm         Masatoshi Ohmori slide demo
7:45pm         Garden Master Americana
8:45pm         Shark Helmets Superpole
9:45pm         Motul Pirelli Troy Bayliss Classic Final
9:55pm         Insure My Ride Legends presentation and Troy Bayliss Classic presentation

Legends
Joonas Kylmakorpi (SWE)
Damon Buckmaster  (AUS)
Jason Crump (AUS)
Shawn Giles (AUS)
Anthony Gunter (AUS)
Kevin Horten (AUS)
Phil Lovett (AUS)
Vaughan Style (AUS)
Chris Watson (AUS)
Stephen Gall (AUS)

Note: Two riders are still to be confirmed.