“I’m ready for the Classic” says Metcher

With just over two weeks to the 22nd AMCN International Island Classic – the largest historic bike meet in the southern hemisphere to be held at Phillip Island from January 23-25 – Australia’s Jed Metcher has had a final shakedown on the Scott Owen Racing Developments Katana at the Grand Prix circuit.

Melbourne’s  24 year old Metcher, the 2011 FIM European 600 Superstock champion, is a welcome newcomer to the Australian team for the Classic’s premier International Challenge event.  He’ll add youth to the local team and will work with veterans like Steve Martin and Shawn Giles to defend Australia’s long standing hold of the trophy over rivals the UK, NZ and the USA.

Testing Tuesday of this week, Jed was accompanied by his Race Center crew chief, Darren Sciberras, and team, running in partnership with Scott Owen Racing Developments at the Classic.

Metcher’s team preparations for the event have been a little interrupted with an unplanned factory move for Scott Owen, however things are now starting to come together.  Time on the bike has been limited but even with only seventeen laps on the beautiful Katana, Metcher is already feeling comfortable and managed to squeeze out times estimated to be 1min40.0 lap around the 4.445km iconic seaside circuit.

Metcher walked away happy enough, but most importantly, ready for his first hit out at the third largest motorcycling event on the Australian calendar, behind the MotoGP and World Superbikes.

“This test was a really important one, as next time we hit the track on this Katana, it will be for real,”

“I’m quite happy with the setup improvements that have been made since last time I rode the bike at Broadford in November. Having Darren Sciberras and the Race Center team with me really helps get the setup dialled in quickly as we know each other so well.  Scotty has been working really hard developing a more powerful engine on the workbench which should be ready for the event and a big help.”

Said Metcher.

Yesterday’s test session also marked the first time that the Victorian rider has ridden without three plates and nine screws in his left foot after getting them removed just two weeks ago.

“I felt ok out there, It’s only sore when I get off the bike, but on the bike I am able to put as much pressure on it as needed. To be able to ride at such a fantastic circuit, which is so smooth and flowing, just makes it that little bit easier to cope with an injury. I have a few more weeks until the Island Classic, so I’ll keep training as hard as I can and I’m sure I will be 100% ready to fight come the last weekend of January.”

Explained Metcher.

Metcher has also given his thoughts about what it will mean to race at this iconic event, by saying;

“I am really, really looking forward to the Island Classic. I have heard so much about the event and I even watched the Island Classic DVD a few weeks ago which has made me even more excited after seeing that there were over 450 bikes at one race event. To have the event at one of the best race tracks in the world just makes it an amazing spectacle! I would urge any motorcycle fan, young or old to get down to Phillip Island and check out the event out!”

About The Island Classic

The 2015 Island Classic this Australia Day long weekend (February 23-25) begins with qualifying Friday; with racing from 9:00am to 5:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday.  The traditional Welcome Dinner featuring special guest Jeremy Burgess – MotoGP crew chief extraordinaire –  moves to Friday night, with 650 expected to enjoy the entertainment, hosted by motorcycle veteran Will Hagon.

Tickets are now on sale with a discounted pre-purchase price at $70 for a three-day ticket or $45 for Sunday only.  Children 15 and under are free.   Pit Roof suite hospitality passes are also available for just $155 for three days in style.

Trackside camping is the most economical option for an Australia Day weekend getaway, with a three-day plot under the stars $70 for an adult (two nights $55 per adult) and children 15 and under free.

Check www.islandclassic.com.au for booking forms for tickets, camping and Club Classic Pit Roof hospitality or call the circuit on (03)5952 2710 for phone bookings.

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