Australia reclaims International Challenge trophy
TROY Corser’s already one of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit’s favourite sons, and the Wollongong ace was determined to add another storied chapter when he captained the Australian team in last weekend’s (January 26-28) International Challenge at the 25th running of the Island Classic.
His goal was fulfilled after Australia reclaimed the International Challenge Trophy in a clash against the United Kingdom under the fierce Phillip Island sun.
Led by the highest individual points’ scorer, David Johnson (Suzuki), Australia completed the four-nation event on 685 points, comfortably ahead of the UK on 654 points.
America was third on 465 points, followed by New Zealand (319points).
Johnson’s scorecard was 2-1-1-2 across the four races, compared to McWilliams’ 1-3-2-1, while Troy Corser (Honda), making his International Challenge debut for Australia, finished third overall on 139points (6-6-8-5). Aussie Suzuki rider Paul Byrne (139points, 5-11-3-6) and the UK’s Dan Linfoot (138points, 7-10-5-4) were fourth and fifth.
Corser is an International Challenge rookie as well.
“I started my career at Phillip Island and to come back after so many years is just fantastic,” he said.
Prior to the weekend, Corser said he was race fit and ready to do the best for his team, despite some tight and intense competition.
However, It was a frustrating Sunday for Corser, was forced to start from pit lane in race three after he failed to grid up on time.
In a massive weekend of historic competition, Australia’s Beau Beaton collected the Phil Irving Memorial Trophy for the most points collected by a competitor outside International Challenge races.
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