One of the riders that placed Australian motocross on the world map, Jeff Leisk has been confirmed for the Troy Bayliss Classic due to take place in Taree on January 18.

Leisk was the first Australian to win a round of the World Motocross Championship and finished second in the Title in 1989.

He is a six times Australian Championship winner and twice won the Mr. Motocross Title in the 80’s that is still talked about by those in the two-wheeled game as being a halcyon era.

Now the General Manager of the KTM brand in Australia, Leisk will join a crack field for the dirt track extravaganza that has already confirmed three times Speedway World Champion, Jason Crump; Australian Moto2 racer Ant West; emerging Moto3 Young Gun, Jack Miller; Superbike stars Wayne Maxwell and Team Honda Racing’s Josh Hook and Jamie Stauffer and this year’s winner, Mick Kirkness.

Leisk spoke of what it means to him to be selected for the event which is growing in stature:

“It’s an honour to be invited to compete in the Troy Bayliss Classic,” said Leisk. “I have enormous respect for Troy and what he has achieved as a racer and now it’s cool to be able to race with him and all the boys on dirt!”

Bayliss welcomed Leisk to the event:

“Jeff had an incredible career, he won a 500cc national motocross title at 17, he is a two-time Mr Motorcross Champion and finished runner-up in the World Motocross Championship in his rookie year,” said Ducati’s former World Superbike star.

“I am excited to announce another great racer from the 80s, I can’t wait to see him in action.”

In all 36 riders from around the world will be announced for the Troy Bayliss Classic, presented by Insure My Ride, with a full day’s worth of entertainment due to take place in Taree on January 18.