The legends of two wheels come together for the 2017 International Festival of Speed

The newly named International Festival of Speed, is the 11th annual Festival of Speed held by the Post Classic Racing Association (PCRA). Legends, professional racers, and rookies put on a spectacular display, over the weekend of the 23rd–26th March at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Since 2006, this event has been called The Barry Sheene Festival of Speed. However, when demands were made by the agent looking after the Sheene family estate, the PCRA had to make a decision.

Main event organiser Peter McMillian, of the PCRA explained the decision. “We could not justify the expense and demands, so changed the name.”

Riders line up on the grid for a race start. (Pete Cagnacci, Article’s Featured Image: Pete Cagnacci)

The four-day event saw over 15,000 spectators come through the gates to be apart of the experience. Proving that no matter the name the interest in the event was still just as strong, if not stronger than before.

Each year the International Festival of Speed will now have a central theme, 2017 kicking it off with a celebration of Italian racing heritage. With a line up of local and international legends, and over 400 classic motorcycles, there was no way any motorcycle enthusiast would’ve have missed this one.

The bill of legends included Piero Laverda, John McGuinness, Steve Parrish, Troy Bayliss, Kevin Magee, Chris Vermeulen, Maria Costello and none other than 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini.

Giacomo Agostini returning to the pits after the GP Legends Session. (MRC Photography)

The shared love and appreciation for classic motorcycles was so evident at this event. With a crowd of at least a hundred around Agostini’s MV Agusta 500 3 every time it was kicked over. Classic race motorcycles produce a sound truly unlike any other, and everyone wanted to experience it.

Giacomo Agostini may be 75 years of age, and he may have been retired for the past 39 years but nothing has changed, especially out on the track. Speaking of his involvement in the event, he said, “It’s nice because I came to Australia many years ago and I have a lot of fun here. Also there are a lot of Italians here, so its like I’m at home.”

Looking around the pits, it was like playing a game of where’s wally, trying to find young riders. At least three quarters of the riders that participated in the races during the weekend were 50+ years old. Really showcasing that the love of motorcycles is one that doesn’t waver with age.

1970’s model Ducati 750 Super Sport on display at the event. (MRC Photography)

Over 400 riders took part in 50 race sessions over the course of the event. Including the legends on their old race bikes, some bikes dating back to the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s era of racing. Being able to see these classic machines race, was a truly unique experience that allowed spectators to really get a glimpse into what real motorcycle racing was before all the electronics.

The International Festival of Speed is an event that continues to bring motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life together, through a shared love and passion. Preparations have already begun for the 2018 International Festival of Speed, a celebration of Superbikes.