The sense of competition was still fierce as ever as a score of World Superbike riders took to the go-kart track for a friendly hit-out before the weekend’s main event. 

Their motor-sporting prowess was on full display, as the riders whipped around the track at highly impressive, yet unsurprising speeds. 

Out on the track were World Superbike riders — Australia’s Remy Gardner, Brad Ray (England), Phillip Oettl (Germany), John McPhee (Scotland), and Tom Booth Amos (England). 

The Australian Superbike Riders included Josh Waters, Cam Dunker, Max Stauffer, Bryan Starring as well as Olly Simpson (Supersport). 

Taking out first place was Stauffer, followed closely by McPhee and Simpson. 

“It’s all about momentum and a good line with these go-karts,” explained go-kart mechanic Randall Lecock of Sunset Strip, “cause these fellas are all pretty much the same weight, and (the karts) don’t have any horsepower.” 

“And look at these views,” marvelled Lecock, looking out at the ocean. 

Love for the track is a sentiment shared by many of the riders. 

“Yeah [the Phillip Island track’s] good, probably one of the best tracks in the world honestly,” said Remy Gardner, son of Australian motorcycling great Wayne Gardner. 

“It’s just a very fast-flowing track, there’s no other corners like this in the world to be honest,” continued Gardner, who surfs down at Smiths Beach on his days off. 

“Turn three is fifth gear, flat out you know, there’s no other track that exists like that. It’s quite old school which is nice.”

Recovering from a broken wrist suffered at Phillip Island just two weeks ago, fellow Australian rider Oli Bayliss was on the sidelines for the go-karting, but says he’s ready for the weekend. 

“[The track’s] great, the new surface is good, really grippy and it’s gonna make for a good weekend of racing I think,” said Oli.  

Bayliss also comes from strong motorcycling pedigree, with his father Troy Bayliss a three time Superbike World Champion. 

“Oli’s grown up around me with the racing, and now he’s here racing on the world stage,” beamed a proud Troy. 

“I see it in a different way now, I’m just a normal dad watching [his] kid ride. It’s a bit stressful, but I love hanging out with [Oli].” 

Troy said it was special to return to Phillip Island as a spectator. 

“Just looking down over the track brings back memories, but yeah I love watching Oli go round and I think he’s up for a good weekend this weekend.” 

Brad Ray, winner of the 2022 British Superbike Championship season, is racing at Phillip Island for the first time. 

“The tracks awesome, [I] just need to find my way around it a little bit faster and get stuck in,” said Ray.

Ray was also impressed by the speed of the track. 

“There are some fast corners, some blind corners, and yeah the first time at the track is difficult when everyone’s been here before.

“Just gotta try enjoy it to the maximum and have fun while I’m here.” 

On who would potentially take out the weekend’s premier race, Ray laughed. 

“Oh mate, it really could be anyone. Everyone’s going so fast at the moment.”