Billy's on the boil: here's hoping so...

British-based Aussie expatriate Billy McConnell is now a hardened road racing professional, but he’s a little anxious heading into the opening round of the Supersport World Championship at Phillip Island from February 21-23.

The 27-year-old from Adelaide will be making his first appearance in Australia in about a decade when he lines up as a wildcard in the 18-lap race, and he’s feeling the pressure to perform in front of his home crowd – and an army of family and friends heading over to see him in action.

“I am getting a little nervous, but it’s all good as I have been looking to compete at Phillip Island for quite a while now and for it to come to fruition in 2014 is brilliant,” said McConnell.

“We normally we do all our pre-season testing in Spain in preparation for the upcoming British title, but this year it’s all different – and I couldn’t be happier.”

At Phillip Island, McConnell will ride for his Gloucester-based British supersport team on a factory-backed Triumph Daytona 675R, where he will be joined by teammate Graeme Gowland.

Before the World Supersport final preparations cranked into top gear, McConnell made a low-key return to Phillip Island at a private test day in January and it was a real eye-opener -- or perhaps the opposite.

“It’s just so fast, and after that first session my neck was getting a caning and I could hardly open my eyes – it was my first ride in about three months. I then had some Nurofen and got back into it. It’s such a beautiful place to ride at.

“I got about 40 laps in before I had some engine problems, but I am really looking forward to the race weekend because my team is bringing across a new-spec engine with about five more horsepower.

“The only real drawback is that we won’t have traction control, because we made the decision that there will be so much happening at Phillip Island anyway that it could potentially be counter-productive trying to get it working to its optimum level.

“The world supersport grid is always strong – people go and then others step up. It’s a tough place to be in, but I have finished top 10 before (at Donington in 2012) and I know what to expect.”

McConnell has been a regular in British racing since 2006, finishing in the top three of the supersport title in four of the last five seasons. In 2013, he also competed as a wildcard in both the Silverstone and Donington rounds of world supersport, and crossed the line in 22nd and 19th.

The World Supersport field includes 23 permanent riders, and two Australian wildcards – McConnell and Ryan Taylor.

A three-day pass purchased in advance is $99 for an adult, with children 15 and under free if accompanied by a full paying adult.  The $99 deal ends next Wednesday, February 19 at 2pm so get it now to secure your family passes (three-day pass $150 at gate).

Trackside camping is $80 per adult purchased in advance ($110 at gate) for four nights under the stars. Children 15 and under, accompanied by a full paying adult, are free.

Want the best view in the house?  Try Bar SBK for $250 for three days (only available in advance)  with undercover, licensed viewing areas at three of the circuit’s best viewing areas – Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights.  

For all ticket and campsite bookings visit  www.worldsbk.com.au or call the circuit hotline on 1300 728 007.  For accommodation go to www.phillipisland.com.

In addition, your World Superbike ticket allows you to take advantage of many Phillip Island offers from local attractions, eateries and accommodation houses. Click here for details.