Full leathers to be rewarded at the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

18 Oct 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 18 October 2012

Riders who attract extra attention as they arrive at this year's 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix could find themselves rewarded with a comfortable seat in a new lounge at the October 26-28 event.

On Saturday and Sunday of the event, the TAC's Spokes team, including the White Leather Team, will be roaming the motorcycle carparks on the look out for riders arriving at the track in full protective gear.

Those riders wearing full motorcycle protective gear, including full face helmet, gloves, boots, pants and jacket, could have their ticket upgraded to watch all the action from the TAC's Spokes Protective Clothing Lounge.

The Lounge, situated in a prime viewing spot on Turn One, lets riders watch the event in comfort while enjoying a free barbecue lunch.

A first for the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the lounge is part of a range of TAC activities designed to keep riders safe when they travel to and from the event at Phillip Island.

Other highlights will include an augmented-reality changing room for riders to try on full protective clothing and a chance to win $3000 worth of gear.

The Spokes team will also be at the GP Expo to talk to riders.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the Spokes lounge was another way to thank riders who do the right thing.

"We know many riders will travel together to and from the island for the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. They should encourage each other to kit up in full protective clothing and to ride safely once they hit the road," Ms Dore said.

"The event is significant for riders and the Phillip Island community - we don't want to see a ride of triumph turn to tragedy."

"We also ask all other vehicle drivers using the roads to and around Phillip Island to look and then look again for motorcyclists at this busy time of year," Ms Dore said.

"The 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix comes at the start of the riding season - it's a timely reminder for all of us to look twice for motorcyclists, especially on popular riding routes."

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Westacott said the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was shaping up to be a bumper event.

"After Casey Stoner announced his retirement, ticket sales went through the roof," Mr Westacott said.

"More riders than ever will be making their way to and from Phillip Island and we encourage all of them to travel safely, wearing full protective gear.

"We'd like to see the TAC's Spokes Protective Clothing Lounge packed with riders who've been rewarded for doing the right thing."

For further information please contact the TAC's Emily Bogue on 0429 416 778.