The inaugural Pixado Troy Bayliss Classic that will be contested in Taree on January 19 is expected to be hotly contested, with many of the legendary names that will take part in the 24 rider field putting in many hours of testing during the Christmas break.
With the Old Bar track off limits until the event, a group got together last weekend in Kempsey – for some to re-acquaint themselves with the dirt track discipline, others to become used to the unique style required.
Bayliss was joined in Kempsey by recently retired three-times World Speedway Champion, Jason Crump, along with five-times Australian motocross Champion, Stephen Gall, who is keen to get his eye back into dirt track racing:
“Its great to be back at a dirt track,” Gall said. “It has been 31 years since I last raced at Kempsey. I actually won an Australian championship in my last race there. I think the crowd is really going to enjoy this line-up of riders that have been assembled.”
Joining the trio for the test session were Wayne Maxwell, Vaughan Style, David Armstrong, Phil Lovett, Chris Hollis, Barry Cockle, Damian Cudlin, Paul Caslick and Josh Hook getting their eye in.
The highly competitive field will also see MotoGP star, Randy DePuniet line up at the starting gates with Garry McCoy and the likes of Daniel Reardon, Chris Vermeulen and Chris Watson. The 24 riders that will compete in the signature event forms arguably the strongest and most diverse group of motorcyclists ever assembled in Australia.
FULL ENTRY LIST – PIXADO TROY BAYLISS CLASSIC:
Troy Bayliss
Chris Vermeulen
Jason Crump
Garry McCoy
Stephen Gall
Randy De Puniet
Broc Parkes
Chris Hollis
Toby Price
Josh Waters
Troy Herfoss
Damian Cudlin
Wayne Maxwell
Shawn Giles
Jamie Stuaffer
Paul Caslick
Josh Hook
Daniel Reardon
Anthony Gunter
Vaghan Style
Chris Watson
Barry Cockle
David Armstrong
Phil Lovett