One of a collection of photographs purchased from Photo First, Thompson Avenue, Cowes, when it closed in June, 2014.Large Black & White photograph of 2 men on a Sunbeam motorbike and sidecar at Phillip Island in the 1930's.motorbike racing on phillip island, sunbeam motorbike & sidecar, photo first

A collection of six photographs donated by John Jansson. The first Grand Prix motorbike and car races were held on a course around the roads of Phillip Island.Six black & white photographs taken on Phillip Island. 365-01: Waiting for start of 100 mile event on Phillip Island for Motor Cycle Race. 365-02: Lined up for start of the 50 mile Grand Prix Race on Phillip Island. 365-03: Start of the 50 mile event. 365-04: Approaching Cowes Pier, Phillip Island. 365-05: The Nobbies, Phillip Island. 365-06: View near The Nobbies with waves breaking over the rocks.365-01: ACUV Races P.I. Waiting for start of 100 mile 365-02: Grand Prix Races. Lined up for start of 50 mile. 365-03: Start of 50 mile event. 365-04: Approaching Cowes 365-05: The Nobbies Phillip Island. 365-06: View near The Nobbies Phillip Island.motorbike racing on phillip island, the nobbies phillip island, cowes pier phillip island, john jansson

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