Troy Bayliss in dirt race return

Triple World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss is due to make a headline-grabbing appearance at the dirt track where he kicked off his illustrious career 24 years ago.

Bayliss, who retired in 2008 after lifting the World Superbike crown for the third time, will compete in Taree Motorcycle Club's second annual twilight event on January 21.

Organiser Gavin Pennell said Bayliss recently rode the track and afterwards confirmed he would return to compete in the club's meeting near Sydney in Australia.

Pennell, also the club's vice-president, told the Manning River Times: "He came out here on Sunday to ride the track for the first time in 24 years to see if it was suitable and he loved it.

"He did start out here and this was the first time he's been back at the track since he left to pursue his career. He was happy with the track and after he left he said 'see you in a couple of weeks'.

A record crowd is expected, with Bayliss also due to put his impressive collection of Ducati machines on display. The World Superbike legend, second in the all-time winners' list with 52 victories, will take time out to sign autographs and meet fans.

Bayliss, who was also a MotoGP winner and British Superbike champion in 1999, lives on the Gold Coast with his wife Kim and children.