Suzuki Track Day Experience
Phillip Island – October 2018
By Rob Mott
Earlier this week the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit hosted the Suzuki Australia Track Day Experience in typical Victorian spring sunshine. And the weather wasn’t the only thing that got the riders excited!
Despite being Suzuki’s first track day in a few years, the day was fun. A lot of fun. With the full range of GSX-Rs present and test rides on the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R available, I wasn’t the only one walking around with a smile on my face. And not just any smile. No, this is the kind of smile you only get from riding an amazing latest generation bike around one of the best GP tracks in the world.
Getting off the test bikes, most riders echoed these thoughts, “It’s awesome to ride around the island, how often do you get to do this, new bike, sun and this track” “The bikes are so nimble and easy to ride”.
Along with the test bikes on offer from Suzuki, three-time Australian Superbike Champion Shawn Giles was on hand for riding instruction and insights into the track for both having fun and going faster.
Listening to Shawn talk through body positioning for various corners and seeing him on track with riders it was clearly a friendly and relaxed way for riders to get the most out of their session, and the entire day.
More Suzuki racing knowledge was on hand with Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia’s Josh Waters & Mark Chiodo, Phillis Racing’s Alex Phillis and the Mat Mladin – Mladin Racing team’s Max Croker.
With more than 50 riders in attendance, fully supported test bikes, pit garage, and four skills-based rider groups the day was clearly a success and enjoyed by visitors and riders alike. I know I did and will be jumping at the next one.
