Phillip Island now has an ‘active’ volcano, thanks to Aussie world superbike rider and budding scientist Josh Brookes.

The Sydneysider joined a number of other stars of the championship at Cowes beach today for some fun in the sun ahead of opening practice tomorrow in the Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island

Brookes, the British Superbike champion who has just moved to world supers, showed his foes his crafty ways early pulling a rabbit out of his hat in the sand castle challenge when he added home-made lava to his beautifully crafted volcano in the last 10 seconds.

Alongside his teammates from Cowes Primary School, Lily Huther and Imogen Graham, the win put Brookes one up on his world superbike foes.

He nearly made it the double minutes later after being pipped at the post by Brit Leon Camier in the paddle board challenge.

Other stars putting the paddle to the test were world champion, Jonathan Rea, Ducati’s Chaz Davies, world supersport champ Kenan Sofuoglu, test pacesetter in WorldSSP Randy Krummenacher and 16 year old Sydneysider, Lachlan Epis, the youngest competitor ever to embark on a world supersport campaign.

Meanwhile, former MotoGP world champion and now WorldSBK rookie Nicky Hayden was the class klutz, literally, failing to even stand up on the board and requiring the assistance of the Cowes Primary School kids to get him back to shore.

Others superbike riders involved in the beachside fun included former MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis and former world champion, Yamaha’s Sylvain Guintoli.

The fun stuff will now be put aside as practice begins tomorrow for the season opener at Phillip Island, with the two races to be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets at gate or at www.ticketek.com.au  Gates open 8am Friday, Saturday, Sunday this weekend for back to back racing action. 

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