''I'm going there to win, I'm not coming here for the hell of it,'' Mr Phillis (57) told the Otago Daily Times yesterday during a stop-off in Wanaka, before heading south for the annual motorcycle festival.
From Albury, New South Wales, Mr Phillis won Australian Superbike, Endurance and 1000cc titles in the 1980s.
He then rode internationally for Kawasaki and finished third in the World Superbike Championships in 1991 and 1992.
During his long career, Mr Phillis has broken nearly 50 bones and accumulated 17 titles.
He also has a reputation as a real character off the track and has no intention of taking it easy at the Invercargill event, the first one he has attended.
''I've still got the competitive edge. I still want to win. Even at this age, I'm still breaking bones.''
Today, he will compete on the sand at Oreti Beach, and was more modest about his chance of success.
''There's a good chance I'll come out with fish off my handlebars.''
He will then ride in the sprint races at Teretonga Raceway, tomorrow, racing a Yamaha TZ350 for owner Rod Price, of Arrowtown.
