About the MotoGP

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Source: Phillipisland.net

A one and half hour drive south east from Melbourne central, Phillip Island is located at the mouth of Westernport bay, with the southern side of the exposed to Bass Strait (part of the Southern Ocean), while the northern sits in the tranquillity of Westernport Bay. Connected to the mainland at San Remo by a bridge the island is easy accessed.

Phillip Island is 26 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide and covers some 10,000 hectares. The coast line is 101 kilometres long and has a variety of environments, great surf beaches, safe clear swimming beaches, sandy beaches, rock platform, rocky outcrops and mangrove swamp. The island consists largely of open and flat countryside with large isolated pockets of natural habituate.

Phillip Island has a large number natural attractions of which the most famous of these is the nightly Penguin Parade. Other natural assets include Seal Rocks, The Nobbies, Rhyll Inlet, Pyramid Rock, Cape Woolamai, Forrest Caves, Swan Lake, Blow hole and Churchill Island. Complimenting these, are a number of man made attraction and activities such as "Wildlife Coast Boat Cruises" "Amaze and Things", indoor Go-carts, water slide, surfing & lessons, parasailing, fishing charters, golf, eco tours, pokies clubs, night clubs, motor racing, boat hire, canoeing, scuba diving, cycling and much more.

Phillip Island has approximately 7,000 permanent residents, with Cowes being the main town on the island. Cowes has a large number of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and take away food outlets. Other towns on the island include Rhyll, Newhaven, Woolamai, Ventnor, Smiths Beach, Surf Beach, Sunderland Bay, Wimbledon Heights, Silverleaves and San Remo on the main land were the bridge reaches over to the island. Phillip island currently attracts some 1.5 million visitors each year which makes it one the most popular single tourist destination in Australia.

The History of Motor Sport Display depicts the different eras of motor racing on the Island, from its inception in 1928 through to modern day racing. The history display not only has many fine vehicles and photo's but also lots of interesting insights to life on the Island in bygone eras.

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is conducted and promoted by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Many people watch this event on TV and know it as the one where the bikes appear to head off out to sea. They talk about how great it must be at Phillip Island and the nearby Cowes. In fact, they’re right, because the close racing, the electric atmosphere and the vibrant nightlife combine to make a whole experience which is truly unforgettable.

1997 MotoGP

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October 18, 1997
Eric Appeared at the MotoGP (Source: Ducati.com)

2003 MotoGP

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October 17, 2003

The Ducati MotoGP Team was delighted to welcome a distinguished guest to its pit this afternoon - Eric Bana, the bike-mad Australian acting sensation who plays Bruce Banner in Ang Lee's blockbuster movie "Hulk". Bana, who also made a tour of the Ducati factory in Bologna back in August this year, not only owns a Ducati 900 Monster but also races a Ducati 888 Doug Polen replica. Little wonder, therefore, that he was so keen to get closer to the action by joining the mechanics on the pit wall. Just don't make him mad guys! (Source: Ducati.com)

Bana Drops into the Ducati Camp October 18, 2003

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Oh, and Hulk star Eric Bana dropped in to the Ducati camp to have a drink with the boys. I passed him crossing the pedestrian bridge and thought I know who that is. He was trying to be a little inconspicuous in bucket hat and sunnies. By the time I tracked him down, channel ten had him cornered. Still, I was able to have a quick chat with him on his way to the Ducati pit garage. He owns a 1991 Ducati SP3 851and Monster & a GSXR 750 Suzuki. He admits to the Ducati being his favourite bike "I just love the V Twin sound" he said. (Source: HunterLink.net.au)

Eric Bana Was Here at the Track October 18, 2003

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"I didn't know it, but yesterday Eric Bana was here at the track. For those of you who aren't familiar with him, he's an Aussie actor who is bad ass!!! One of our favourite movies is the movie Chopper which was based on a true story. He was good in that, as well as Black Hawk Down. He was the American "bad ass" who went in and saved the troopers and said the line, "They don't know why we do it!" Or something like that. Anyway, (enough with the rambling) I wish I'd known cause' I would loved to meet him. And for those of you who haven't seen Chopper, I recommend it. (Source: SeventhGear.com)

Eric Bana, the bike-mad Australian actor October 17, 2003

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The Ducati Marlboro Team was delighted to welcome a distinguished guest to its pit this afternoon - Eric Bana, the bike-mad Australian actor who plays the lead role in the movie Hulk. (Source: TeamKR.com)


MotoGP 2003 Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2003 Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2003 Provided By: Mona


MotoGP 2003 Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2003 Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2003 Provided By: Mona

2004 MotoGP

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October 17, 2003

Eric Bana, the actor behind the "Hulk" in Ang Lee's blockbuster movie, visited the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island today and took time to visit the Ducati MotoGP Team riders just before the race.  When Italian TV presenter, Paolo Beltramo, suggested that Kawaski green would better suit the Hulk's angry skin colour, Bana replied: "No way, red suits me just fine, I have Ducati running through my veins!   At home I have a Ducati Monster, an 851SPS and a 748RS." Just don't make him angry Paolo. (Source: Ducati.com)


Eric & Troy Baliss Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2004 Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2004 Provided By: Mona


Eric & Troy Baliss Provided By: Mona	Eric & Troy Baliss Provided By: Mona


MotoGP 2004 Photo Taken By: Helen Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2004 Photo Taken By: Helen Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2004 Photo Taken By: Helen Provided By: Mona


MotoGP 2004 Photo Taken By: Helen Provided By: Mona	MotoGP 2004 Photo Taken By: Helen Provided By: Mona