Formerly called the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed, this annual historic racing event is shaping up to be a ripper for 2017 with more big names than ever jumping on retro racers at Sydney Motorsport Park on 24-26 March.

With blokes like Giacomo Agostini, John McGuinness, Pierfrancesco ‘Frankie’ Chili, Steve Parish and Troy Bayliss all confirmed, as well as Graeme Crosby, Maria Costello and Chris Vermeulen, it really is a must-attend event for any fan of motorcycle sport.

There are more than 400 bikes already entered for the packed program of more than 50 races across the three days.

The event will also form the opening round of the two-round Trans-Tasman Challenge, where Australian and New Zealand teams will race for glory on Aussie soil before the deciding round is held later in the year across the Tasman.

A Legends Dinner will be held on the Wednesday night (23 March), tickets for which are $95 and selling fast.

On top of that, the legendary V6 Laverda will be present, there will be a static display of more than 30 grand prix machines, trade displays, a show ’n’ shine and the well-attended and popular swap-meet, where you might just find that original part you’ve been missing for your project.

Tickets are now on sale and if you pre-purchase them online you will go into the draw to win a brand spanking new MV Agusta F3 800 signed by Ago himself.

For tickets and further information, go to www.internationalfestivalofspeed.com and stay tuned for a full event preview in a couple of issues’ time.