TOMORROW'S Troy Bayliss Classic could attract the biggest crowd to attend a single day's sporting event in Greater Taree's history.
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Bayliss yesterday predicted a crowd of 7000 would flock into the Old Bar Roadside Circuit to see a full program of top class motorcycle racing action, headed by the Bayliss Classic.
This will be the fourth instalment of the event.
"We've had between 5000 and 6000 here before,'' Taree born Bayliss said.
"I think with the improvements including the (temporary) grandstand and the new canteen, we'll handle 7000.
"All I can say is that it is going to be full.''
The temperature was well over 35 degrees yesterday when Bayliss was at the track with some of the international riders, who will be taking part in the main event, testing the track for the first time. However, milder conditions are expected tomorrow.
"Just as long as it doesn't rain,'' the former three-time World Superbike champion smiled, recalling the classic's first year when showers heavily impacted on the support program.
He said the track and surrounds are in A1 condition.
"I drove past last night and the place was lit up like a Christmas tree that bought a smile to my face,'' Bayliss, now based on the Gold Coast said.
"It's looking like another great event.''
Bayliss said this was the best field to contest the classic.
"Definitely. We have seven international guys and some top Australian riders. It's strong.''
He rates the defending champion, American Jared Mees as the rider to beat although he thinks Mees's countryman Brad Baker will also be tough.
"I'll see Brad ride around here in the next half hour or so and I know he's going to love the track,'' Bayliss said.
"But there's just something about Jared at the moment. He's very fit and strong. It's hard to pin it down to just one. There's five or six guys who could win it.''
The fact the Baker and some of the other international riders will only have limited time on the track before Saturday won't impede them, Bayliss assured.
"This is their bread and butter. That won't bother them,'' he said.
Bayliss is pleased that the classic is now gaining an international reputation.
"It's come a long way. People all around the world will be taking notice,'' he said.
However, he bristled at suggestions that he mightn't make the final, as suggested by Taree Motor Cycle Club president Craig Nelson in the Times last Friday.
Bayliss won the classic in 2014 and just missed a podium berth last year.
"I'm in form, don't worry about that," he laughed.
Bayliss had a troubled 12 months racing or practising at the track last year, breaking his collarbone and leg in separate incidents.
"I had a bit of a mixed year," he said.
"But the body's good. I just had a look at where I hit the wall last year. I'll make sure I don't do that again.''
Gates tomorrow open at 9am with racing from 12.45pm. The final of the Bayliss Classic is scheduled for 9.45pm.
mick.mcdonald@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Troy Bayliss Classic 2016 Preview
We catch up with Troy as the Troy Bayliss Classic enters the fourth year at the Taree Motorcycle Club Head quarters. More images will be added as we get them.
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