What is The Great Race?

The Great Race is a navigational and reliability trial for Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles manufactured before 1958. In recent years it has been held over 2 days and last years event was 625 kilometres in distance. Many entrants ride to the event from either Melbourne or Sydney.

A competitor can score a maximum of 50 points. Team bonus points are awarded for finishing in the top 10 in the rolling race. A rolling race is held on a usually steep decline of several kilometers. You must not run your engine. Last year, speeds of 100 kph were attained on the descent. The winner of the rolling race is the rider whom travels the greatest distance.

Points are also scored for a time trial where an average speed must attained over a certain distance. (Usually about 100 kilometres) The distance is not known beforehand.  At strategic positions on the course check points are placed to monitor a competitor’s progress.

Seventeen Great Races have now been held with Indian having won one more than Harley. The first seven events were held in a Brighton to Portsea format then in 2000 The Great Race was held in Sydney. From then it has been on tour generally in country towns between Melbourne and Sydney. Towns lobby for the event some years in advance. If a location proves particularly successful it may be held there for multiple years.

Usually entries are capped at 100 but this year 120 have been accepted.