Spectators raise $30,000 for bushfire appeal

Spectators at last weekend's world superbike round at Phillip Island gave generously to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, with over $30,000 raised to assist the communities which have been devastated by the recent fires.

Over 40 volunteers collected from race fans during the day, with spectators giving deep to donate over $9800.

But the real fundraising action started after the chequered flag dropped, and an auction of autographed memorabilia from the riders and teams raised over $20.840.

Held on the victory podium straight after the champagne flowed from race two winner Ben Spies, teams and riders gave generously, with the top bids coming from a set of Anthony West leathers that went for $1500 and a Troy Bayliss signed Ducati team shirt for $1400.

"It was great to watch," said circuit general manager, Fergus Cameron.  "For the past three weeks the international teams and riders have emailed us asking what they can do to help. They love Australia and the island and like us, have been really moved by the extent of the tragedy.

"And then when we said we would do this auction, so many riders gave generously and the international organisers even gave two season passes to world superbike races all over the world!

"Troy Corser even ran to me as I was on the podium, and threw me some of his gear from the race to auction."

Margaret Ritchie from the Red Cross was overwhelmed by the response.

"It was a fantastic day, the bike fans were such a great crowd and were so friendly to all of our volunteers," said Margaret. "People were very generous and there were lots of entertaining stories.

"One guy from Queensland bought Troy Corser's race boots. He actually thanked me and said he was so wrapped because they were his size. He did not know whether he was going to wear them or put them on the mantelpiece.

"He did say though that he did not know where he would sleep when he got home, because he hadn't told his wife he had cast the winning bid and spent $700 on his hero's boots. But it was all for a very good cause and we really want to thank everyone for their support."

With the superbike auction over, attention now turns to the Ride for the Hills charity ride, which will be held on Sunday, April 5. For more information, click here.