The who's who of Australian motorcycle racing have been confirmed for the KTM Baylissic Scramble Teams Challenge feature flat-track race at Melbourne Showgrounds on Sunday 25 November.
Bringing flat-track racing to the city, the Baylisstic Scramble Teams Challenge is a feature event of the bi-annual Moto Expo presented by Shannons Insurance which will see Melbourne Showgrounds transform into a motorcycling mecca on 23-25 November.
The four teams will be captained by some of the biggest names in Australian motorcycle racing including three-time Speedway World Champion Jason Crump, Troy Bayliss Classic winner and multiple Australian Champion Michael Kirkness, multiple Finke and Hattah Desert race champion Ben Grabham and Australian dirt-track icon Paul Caslick.
The obvious name missing from the line-up is host Troy Bayliss who was crowned multiple Pan Pacific Master Games Champion for mountain biking last Saturday only to then make friends with a tree on the Sunday.
Rueing the unfortunate turn of events, Bayliss said the line-up for the Baylisstic Scramble Teams Challenge was incredible.
"I am disappointed I cannot race at Moto Expo but the pace is going to be 110% and those walls are usually ridden in the race," Bayliss explained.
"It is fantastic to have Ben Grabham take my spot as Captain of Team 4. His usual race track is a desert or off-road circuit a long way out from any major city, so to have him racing in the heart of Melbourne is a very rare treat.
"The teams will be tightly matched," Bayliss continued. "Jason (Crump) has drafted the three Waters brothers, Mick Kirkness is fresh from winning just about every Flat Track Australian title available this year and I have no doubt Paul (Caslick) will have his team fine-tuned and primed for victory.
Bayliss won't be racing in the Baylisstic Scramble Teams Challenge but visitors to the show will still get to see him in action within the less strenuous Crumpy City Slide on Saturday afternoon from 4pm.
Entry to watch the scramble is included in the Moto Expo general entry fee. Visitors to Moto Expo Melbourne will see some of Australia's best flat trackers, road racers, speedway icons and off road racers compete for $5000 in prizes thanks to KTM Australia and Shannons Insurance.
Team 1
Jason Crump (c) – Three-time Speedway World Champion
Josh Waters – Three-time Australian Superbike Champion
Brodie Waters – British Superbike racer
Nick Waters – Australian Road Race and Dirt Track Champion
Team 2
Michael Kirkness (c) – Troy Bayliss Classic winner and multiple Australian Dirt Track Champion
Kayden Downing – Casey Stoner Cup winner
Max Whale – Multiple Australian Track Champion the 17 year old recently returned from a successful USA campaign where he raced the best in the world.
Chris Seaton – Australian FX Superbike Champion
Team 3
Paul Caslick (c) - Nine-time Australian Dirt-Track Champion
Luke Richards – seasoned dirt track racer
Marty McNamara – Australian Pro 450 Track Champion
Tyra Lynch - seasoned dirt track racer
Team 4
Ben Grabham (c) – two-time Finke Desert Race winner,
Jessie Davies - multiple dirt track state title holder
Brad Burns - multiple dirt track state title holder
Brendan McCowat - seasoned dirt track racer
Event-goers are also invited to enjoy the City Slide bands and entertainment featuring the talented and award winning Shaun Kirk and dynamic power blues band The Ugly Kings in the City Slide pavilion on Saturday between 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Entry is $5 and includes a ticket in the draw to win a Royal Enfield 350 Classic motorcycle.
Showcasing the latest motorcycles, scooters, ATV'S, side-by-sides and much more the 2018 Moto Expo will also give visitors the opportunity to engage with industry experts, test ride a range of both adults and children's motorcycles as well as be entertained by a full program of demonstrations, stunts, and special features.
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
For media wishing to attend the event please complete the form linked in Related Documents in the right column or contact Martine Cousins martine@fluidpr.com.au to have one emailed.
For more information on Moto Expo visit www.motoexpo.com.au
To book your spot in Crumpy's City Slide visit www.trybooking.com
Media Contact:
Martine Cousins
Fluid PR
0411 289 630
martine@fluidpr.com.au