Stellar international rider line up confirmed for Bayliss Invitational at Phillip Island MotoGP
Following the announcement earlier this year that Troy Bayliss will bring his unique brand of flat track racing to the 2015 Pramac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Bayliss has confirmed a stellar line up of riders for the inaugural event.
The Australian Motorcycle Finance Troy Bayliss Invitational GP presented by Motul, Pirelli & Shark Helmets will take place across the Australian MotoGP weekend at Phillip Island, with practice on Friday followed by racing on both Saturday and Sunday.
The event will lead the off-track entertainment line up at the 2015 Pramac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and all ticket holders will be able to take in the action for free on the purpose built facility behind Lukey Heights.
The rider line up will be headlined by American import and current USA #1 ranked rider Jared Mees, who took out the 2015 Troy Bayliss Classic in Taree, NSW earlier this year.
Mees will be joined by fellow American Jake Johnson, Australian Speedway Grand Prix legend and three-time World Champion Jason Crump, four-time World Long Track Champion, Sweden’s Joonas Kylmakorpi and Bayliss himself, along with the best dirt track riders Australia has to offer from all genres of motorcycle racing.
Jared Mees – “I am excited to make another trip to Australia to race some flat track during the MotoGP™ and it’s awesome to see flat track growing across the country. I’d like to say thanks to Troy Bayliss for the invite and his efforts into pumping flat track up and also to Brisbane Motorcycles in advance for the well prepared motorcycle, I can’t wait to get to Melbourne!”
Troy Bayliss – “Everything is shaping up well for the Invitational GP, I would like to welcome all our sponsors and thank them for their support.
“I’m very happy with the rider line up, Jared (Mees) and Jake Johnson from the States will be hard to beat while Joonas (Kylmakorpi) is very experienced also, especially on this size track; it’s very similar to the layout from the Superprestigio.
“And don’t discount the Aussies, all the big guns are ready to race in front of the large Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix crowd in October!
“Personally, I’m looking forward to this event at the Island kicking off the first of three big events that include the Taree Classic in January 2016 and the Scramble in Brisbane in early March”
AGPC General Manager – Motorsport & Entertainment, Craig Fletcher – “We’re looking forward to welcoming all the riders, but especially Americans Jared Meed and Jake Johnson and Swede Joona Kylmakorpi to Phillip Island, the home of motorcycle racing in Australia.
“Troy and his team have done an extraordinary job in securing the best international and local riders for the inaugural Australian Motorcycle Finance Troy Bayliss Invitational GP presented by Motul, Pirelli & Shark Helmets.
“Flat track racing has, for a long time, been an important breeding ground for future MotoGP talent and it’s going to be incredibly exciting to watch the world’s best fighting it out for victory at Phillip Island in October.
“The purpose built track will generate some spectacular racing, and it’s great that all MotoGP ticket holders will be able gain access to the venue behind Lukey Heights to experience it firsthand.”
Confirmed rider line-up
- Jared Mees (USA) – Current USA No.1 and 2015 Troy Bayliss Classic Winner
- Jason Crump (AUS) – three time World Speedway Champion
- Jake Johnson (USA) – two time American Grand National Champion
- Troy Bayliss (AUS) – three time World Superbike Champion and 2014 Troy Bayliss Classic Winner
- Joonas Kylmakorpi (SWE) – four time World Long Track Champion and Speedway Racer
- Paul Caslick (AUS) – Multiple Australian Flat Track Champion
- Michael Kirkness (AUS) – 2013 Troy Bayliss Classic Winner
- Jared Oram (AUS)
- Troy Herfoss (AUS)
- Marty McNamara (AUS)
- Luke Richards (AUS)
- Matt Davies (AUS)
- Josh Hook (AUS)
- Damian Cudlin (AUS)
- Alex Cudlin (AUS)
- Ian Hamilton (AUS)
- Dan Reardon (AUS)
- Jared Brook (AUS)
Australian Motorcycle Finance Troy Bayliss Invitational GP presented by Motul, Pirelli & Shark Helmets track schedule
Friday
- 0930 – 1000 Bayliss Invitational GP Official Practice 40 mins
- 1315 – 1400 Bayliss Invitational GP Official Practice 45 mins
Saturday
- 0920 – 1000 Bayliss Invitational GP Official Practice 40 mins
- 1250 – 1325 Bayliss Invitational GP Superpole Shoot out 35 mins
- 1655 – 1800 Bayliss Invitational GP Main Event 65 mins
Sunday
- 1000 – 1030 Bayliss International GP Warm Up 30 mins
- 1205 – 1245 Bayliss Invitational GP Main Event 40 mins
