Superbike theme for 2018 IFoS
Following on from the highly successful Italian-themed 2017 event, next year’s International Festival of
Speed will celebrate the Superbike era, which reached World Championship status in 1998 but had several
exciting years (notably in Australia) prior to that.
IFoS organiser Peter MacMillan is currently overseas
talking to former stars, but is confident that the line up
will include past World Champions and race winners,
including Italian favourite Franki Chili. “We hope to have
riders and motorcycles representing all the Superbike
eras, including some of the home-spun specials of the
late ‘seventies and early ‘eighties. In addition, we aregoing to hold a two-stroke only race where we will
have some really interesting bikes on the grid to pay
tribute to that special era on GP racing.” Alan Cathcart
will be returning to host the gala dinner prior to the
weekend, which was such a standout success in 2017.
Next issue we’ll bring you a big rundown on who you’re
likely to see next March.Harley-Davidsonhas announced a dramatic new line up
for 2018 with a tasty mixture of all-new models and extensive
revamps on old favourites. The Softail range includes no fewer
than eight new entries, all with new Milwaukee-Eight 107 and
optional 114 v-twin engines in a new lighter and stiffer steel chassis with concealed monoshock rear suspension. The
new frame improves lean angles and is 65% stiffer than the outgoing Softail design. There are two different swing
arms – one for narrow and one for wide rear tyres. Suspension at both ends has also been improved, as has the
charging system and instrumentation. While the Fat Boy, Breakout and Softail Slim feature edgy styling, the more
conservative styling of the Heritage Classic and the Deluxe will appeal to many. The Heritage Classic has a new
detachable windscreen, new water-resistant saddlebags, improved rear suspension and passenger comfort, and
standard cruise control and ABS. The new Deluxe tips the scales a full 17kg under the current model and has full LED
lighting throughout. The new Harley range will be in dealers very soon. For more information see http://www.h-d.com.au
- 2018 IFoS SUPERBIKES • NEW HARLEYS • TAMWORTH VJMC RALLY •
Tamworth gears
up for its second
VJMC Rally
After a memorablefirst run
this year, the VJMC Rally returns to
Tamworth in central western NSW for
the return bout, to be held from Friday
March 2nd to Sunday March 4th inclu-
sive and will once again be centered
at the Paradise Tourist Park, 575 Peel
Street Tamworth, 02 6766 3120 –
http://www.paradisetouristpark.com.au
Organiser Paul Rowling says, “The
programme will remain principally the
same as this year with the registration
and meet and greet BBQ on Friday
evening at Paradise Tourist Park, a
ride and public display (and judging)
on Saturday morning and into the
mid-afternoon, followed by the
presentation dinner at West Tamworth
Leagues Club that evening. The VJMC’s
AGM will be held on Sunday morning
and will be followed by another ride.
“We plan to offer a couple of addi-
tional features next year: a self-guided
(map and instructions) ride for folk
who arrive early in the week, to aid
in exploring the Tamworth area and
for those who remain in Tamworth on
Sunday evening, an informal ‘strag-
glers’ get together at a venue yet to
be decided. We are also working on a
couple of things we hope will make
the presentation dinner even more
entertaining.”
The entry form and FAQ papers,
with preferred accommodation
provider details, are available on the
homepage of the VJMC website
http://www.vjmc.org.au
Enquiries to Mark, the Rally Registrar,
on 0402697175 or by email at...
[email protected]Heading up the hill to the Tamworth
Lookout. It’s on again in 2018. Harleyunveils 2018 range
LEFT The new 2018 Softail Deluxe.
BELOW The 2018 Low Rider.Back for more. Former
WSBK star Franki Chili.