Troy Bayliss Events and the Taree Motorcycle Club have confirmed the Troy Bayliss Classic will not be held in 2018.
Increasing operating costs combined with reduced income from the 2017 event has put the event under financial strain, and it will undergo a one-year hiatus while organisers work on making it sustainable for 2019 and beyond.
In the space of five years, the Troy Bayliss Classic has grown to become one of Australia's most prestigious invitation only motorsport events. The event has built its reputation as 'must do' for both competitors and fans of motorcycle racing.
Domestic and international interest in the event has continued to grow, evident by the increase in mainstream and social media coverage this year. Video highlights of the 2017 event captured by Flat Track Live attracted over 670,000 views within ten days.
While the Troy Bayliss Classic annually generates a substantial economic benefit for Taree and the mid-north coast region, organisers say the ever increasing costs to run the event have made it impossible to continue without more support from sponsors, governments and race fans.
Event Organiser Troy Bayliss said while it is disappointing to not be in a position to run the 2018 event he hoped with increased support the Troy Bayliss Classic would return in 2019.
‰ÛÏUnfortunately the cold hard fact is the Troy Bayliss Classic is an expensive event to put on so without some serious backing it is just not financially viable,‰Û
