Taree Motorcycle Track underwent its most importent test today with International competitors Henry Wiles, Sammy Halbert, Masatoshi Ohmari and Shayne King getting their first run on the 500m oil based circuit at Old Bar.
The riders were impressed with the preparation of the track and acknowledged it would get a lot faster come Saturday.
Two-time AMA Pro Grand National Singles Champion Henry Wiles recognised Masatosahi Ohmari as a real threat on race day.
“It seems like a good fun track,” Wiles said “It was a little slippery at the start like riding on ice but then after a few laps I got a great line and it was a lot of fun, its going to be great racing and the track will get faster.
“I’m having an amazing time in Australia. I just cant wait to race, Saturday cant get here quick enough. Kawasaki and Glenn McDonald have preparred a awesome bike i am sure there will be some exciting racing for the fans.
“To race with guys like Chris Vermeulen and Troy Bayliss is a highlight, Chris Vermeulen was my guy he ran number 17 then 71 and I run 17 in America. Masa is a agressive rider and hangs out with his style, he’s going faster every time he is on the bike here.
For Sammy Halbert, the 2009 AMA Pro Overall Grand National Champion and 2011 AMA Pro Grand National Singles Champion, today was a chance to learn the characteristics of the oil based track.
“The track is a lot of fun, we are still getting the set up figured out,” Halbert explained. “The track was slick today and a little messy but come Saturday it will be consistant which is nice. I feel comfortable already and expect to be up the front.
“A highlight for me is getting to meet all the famous road racers. This week I have been boogie boarding in Newcastle, been to the motorcycle museum, a winery and visited friends.”
Event host Troy Bayliss was impressed with how quickly the international riders got on the pace.
“I was very impressed with the international riders,” Bayliss said. “As I expected the guys were on the pace within a few laps.
“Everything has come together so it should be a fantastic day for everyone attending.”
Tickets are still availalbe to the 2014 Motul Pirelli Troy Bayliss Classic which will be held on Saturday 18th January at Taree Motorcycle Club.
Online Tickets can be purchased right up until 7.00pm on tomorrow (Friday 17th January).
To purchase tickets to the 2014 event click here. For more information about the event visit troybaylissevents.com and follow the event at facebook.com/troybaylissclassic
