Racing: Phillis and Campbell to renew hostilities

National superbike stalwarts Rob Phillis and Malcolm Campbell are the star attractions at this weekend's Australian Historic Road Race Championship at Morgan Park Raceway in Warwick (Qld).

Phillis, a multiple Australian superbike champion, has won two of the past three Period 5 Unlimited titles on his 1980 model Suzuki GSX1100, but this year is shaping as his biggest test yet with Campbell aboard the Suzuki RG500 two-stroke which he used to set a new historic lap record at Phillip Island earlier this year after some spectacular jousting with Wayne Gardner.

Campbell usually limits his historic appearances to the aforementioned Island Classic at Phillip Island, but this year's he's been temped to renew acquaintances with Phillis, who was consistently his toughest competitor throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

"It's great to have "Wally" racing this weekend," said Phillis. "The old bastard has beaten me a bit lately, so I'd love to turn the tables this time.

"He's probably still a bit angry after I highsided and took him out at Hockenheim (Germany) in a world superbike race in the early ´90s, so we'll see how it pans out.

"He's fast, aggressive but fair, so I look forward to battling with him."

With the absence of last year's second and third place riders, Peter Guest and Karl Corpe, Phillis and Campbell should be able to dictate proceedings - although Campbell has traditionally been a slow starter on the RG500, and he may be forced to slice his way through what is a fairly tight Morgan track.

Twenty-six riders will compete in P5 Unlimited, and there will be 175 competitors in total competing across 14 championship solo and sidecar classes.

Again the grids will be diverse, with the four Japanese brands joined by such iconic marques as Ducati, Norton, Moto Guzzi, AJS, Triton, Triumph, Douglas, Indian, Harley-Davidson, Vincent, Bultaco, Montesa and Velocette.

Ninety percent of the competitors have never competed at Morgan Park, so track knowledge may come into play early in today's practice and qualifying sessions.

Racing will start tomorrow and continue on Sunday.

Adding to the excitement on Sunday will be four-time 250 and 350GP world champion Kork Ballington, who will complete some demonstration, laps on one of his title-winning Kawasakis.

On-track activity starts at 9.30am each day. Entry on Friday is free. Entry for Saturday is $15 and Sunday $20, and children under 15 free. Tickets are available at the gate.

For more information contact the Motorcycle Sportsmen, tel (07) 3262 6677 or 0439 326 266.