Phillip Island Classic is 'World Class'

The Island Classic was described as "showcasing excellence, rewarding innovation, and providing the benchmark by which the world of historic cars judges itself".

The 2012 acknowledgement was the second year running that the Phillip Island Classic Festival has been awarded this distinction, competing against such acknowledged world-class events such as England's annual Goodwood Revival, Belgium's Spa Six Hours classic festival and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in California, USA.

The Victorian Historic Racing Register (VHRR) is planning to build on this result at the 2013 Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motor Sport, which will be staged from March 8-10.

'Big Banger' sports cars from the 1960s, '670s and '80s will take top billing at the event and feature in a 30-minute mini-enduro race on the Sunday. Confirmed participants so far include a Porsche 962 from Europe, a 956 model from the UK, the ex-Briggs Cunningham and ex-Le Mans 1951 Aston Martin DB2, the ex-Bib Stillwell D-Type Jaguar and two Matra 670 models from the UK. VHRR President Ian Tate is confident of a full grid of iconic sports cars.

The 2013 event will see more than 500 sports, racing and touring cars spanning nearly a century take to the newly resurfaced Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit for three days of practice, qualifying, racing and demonstrations over the Labour Day long weekend. World class sports car drivers, including at least two Le Mans winners and at least three former F1 drivers, are also expected at the 2013 'Classic.

Off the circuit, displays celebrating the 100th anniversary of Aston Martin and the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette will support the sports car theme of the meeting.

It will be the first car race meeting to enjoy the completely resurfaced 4.55km Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
Camping - or rather 'Glamping' - will be an option for competitors, officials and spectators for the first time at the meeting. The camping area is adjacent to the circuit in the Visitor Centre Gardens, surrounded by trees and with spectacular views to Bass Straight - just a short stroll from the Paddock and adjacent to the popular licenced Champions Café.

The 24th annual Phillip Island Classic is being staged by the Victorian Historic Racing Register and is supported by Shannons, CoolDrive and Penrite, with race officials supplied by the Victorian Mini Club.
For more meeting details, visit www.vhrr.com