Ryan Farquhar has been announced as a replacement for Steve Brogan in the UK team for the 2014 Australian Motorcycle News International Island Classic at Phillip Island on the Australia Day weekend (January 24-26).

With Brogan unavailable because of family commitments, 37-year-old Farquhar was quick to answer the SOS in what will be the Northern Irishman’s fourth successive appearance in the Tahbilk International Challenge, the Island Classic’s big ticket event.

And he’s been an impressive campaigner around the 4.45km Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, finishing fourth and seventh overall in 2011 and 2012 before last year’s event was a write-off due to mechanical problems.

“It’s a great event,” said Farquhar confirming his attendance. “It has to be one of the best classic short circuit races in the world. I enjoy Phillip Island as it has a bit of everything and the scenery is fantastic.

“There’s no doubt 2014 has the strongest British team ever and the change in rules will even things up. If the bikes are as good as I hope, I think we are in with a strong chance of giving the Aussies a good run for their money.”

If anything, the late addition of Farquhar – who will ride a Suzuki Harris F1 machine -- has added even more muscle to the UK team. The visiting squad seeks to annex the International Challenge trophy off Australia, with the locals unbeaten since the event’s inception in 2005.

Teams from America and New Zealand will also compete for the International Challenge, with the winner declared on points accumulated by the top five riders from each country across the four races.

As well as Farquhar, the UK team includes Phillip Island specialist and two-time International Challenge individual winner Jeremy McWilliams, Isle of Man juggernaut John McGuinness, Gary Johnson and Mick Godfrey.

McGuinness will be making his first Island Classic appearance, where he will renew a strong rivalry with Aussie Cameron Donald. The duo has been leading lights at the Isle of Man for most of the last decade, as well as teammates in Honda’s world endurance team over recent seasons.

The Australian team also includes Steve Martin, last year’s individual winner Shawn Giles, Rob Phillis, Malcolm Campbell, Beau Beaton, Brendan Roberts and Michael Dibb.

The New Zealand squad will be captained by Kevin Grey, and the US outfit by David Crussell.

The Island Classic is the southern hemisphere’s largest historic motorcycle racing event. As well as the Tahbilk International Challenge, the Classic also hosts events for solo and sidecar machinery from early last century to 1990.




.