Three of a collection of photographs purchased from Photo First, Thompson Avenue, Cowes, when it closed in June, 2014.Three Black & White & Sepia photograph enlargements of Motorcycle Grand Prix racing on the road circuit on Phillip Island. 335-12 - The Start of the race. 335-13 - The Start of the race with a crowd watching. 335-14 - A crowed gathered around for the presentation after the Motorcycle Grand Prix, showing resultson the Scoreboard of Victoria Motor Cycle Club and the winner being carried on peoples' shoulders. Advertisement for Shell Motor Oils on the board.motor cycle racing, grand prix road circuit phillip island, photo first phillip island

Donated by J W Gliddon with his comments on back of photograph. Taken when motorbike and car racing were run around the roads on Phillip Island. Racing first came to Phillip Island in 1927 in the form of a 200 mile road race for motorcycles on a circuit encompassing Cowes and Rhyll. In the next year, a shorter rectangular course, again on public roads, was used for the running of what became the first Australian Grand Prix. Eight successive Australian Grand Prix were run on this course before the race was moved elsewhere. Finally in 1935, racing was discontinued and Phillip Island lapsed into the tranquility and peacefulness of its quiet country and beach atmosphere.Black & White photograph of motorcycle riders on bike and sidecar. Crowd watching at the side of the road. See Historical Information for more detail re motorcycle racing on Phillip Island.On back: "This picture could become historically interesting as machines and methods change. It was taken about the year 1950. Perhaps earlier." motor cycle racing