ICR offers riding package at Phillip Island GP circuit

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Australia-based International Circuit Riders has launched the world's first Grand Prix riding academy to teach the general public how to ride "like a championship racer".

"If you want to ride a motorcycle like a championship racer, don't try it until you get proper training from qualified persons, in particular those with first-hand experience," ICR vice chairman Guillaume Catala said in a release here on Saturday.

The ICR GP Riding Academy is a motorcycling event where participants are taught the fundamentals and skills of racetrack riding and racing by World Championship racers.

Events will be held in Melbourne, Australia, and training will be conducted at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and the State Motorcycle Complex at Broadford.

"We will target overseas people who love motorcycling and want to enjoy one of the world's best racing training along with a great holiday package in Australia," Catala said.

The first event will take place in November. Each package is for eight days and seven nights and is all inclusive with no additional expenses.

On-track time is five days with three full days at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The instructors are World Championship racers Daryl Beattie, Andrew Pitt and Kevin Magee, as well as instructors from the Australian Superbike School.

Queensland-born 34-year-old Beattie rocketed to international motorcycle racing fame in 1993 by winning the 500cc German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

He retired in 1997 with a 500cc World Championship record of 57 starts, three wins and 14 podium finishes.

"Riders will learn the fundamentals of riding and racing a motorcycle. This will include, but not be limited to, cornering techniques, braking techniques, body position, hanging off, high- speed riding and stability, passing and track positioning, getting the knee down and much more," said Catala, who was in Japan and Thailand recently to promote the academy.

Riders do not need any special qualifications or experience to participate, other than having a motorcycle license from their home country and the ability to ride a motorcycle confidently.

Catala said each event would be limited to 120 riders globally, with a maximum of 30 riders on the track at any one time.

Further information on the academy can be found at www.grandprixacademy.com.