While we are still a few weeks away from any on-track road racing action at a national level, the cogs are certainly turning in the sport. I was interested to read yesterday’s message from Motorcycling Australia, penned by new president Braxton Laine.

Its frank and transparent nature definitely provides hope that the various changes at MA of late can eventually result in a renewed direction for the sport after a period of uncertainty.

Road racing specifically is noted as a high priority, and rightly so. We need a model that not only suits present day conditions but will also stand in years to come, offering consistency to those that are invested in the sport long term.

There is a specific focus within the address towards ensuring the domestic championship is able to provide a suitable stepping stone to international competition, which, while not of major significance to many, still stands as an important factor for some.

The final paragraphs state that “Rome was not built in a day”. It certainly wasn’t, and that’s something that we need to take into account in this changing phase. What is laid down, day by day, is a foundation that grows steadier with each brick, so to speak.

Image: Andrew Gosling.

We have the tools and the talent and now it seems a team of senior officials who are not afraid to step away from that previous anonymity within MA and take charge.

Regardless of your position or support of the MA-sanctioned effort or the current leading domestic series, the ASC, you’d have to agree that these are some of the most positive steps that the sport has taken in recent times.

Let’s do a quick whip around the international circles now, and first to MotoGP.

What will the Spanish Grand Prix at Catalunya deliver? Personally I’ll take an order of whatever they served up at Mugello, and I’m sure many would like nothing more to see another back-and-forth scrap between the home favourites Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo.

We’ll watch that with interest and as we always do will be keeping a close eye on our Aussie four, represented in each class.

Source: Suzuki Racing.

Keep an eye out for a catch-up with Broc Parkes tomorrow as he gets set for his ‘home’ round outside of Australia.

There’ll also be plenty of interest in the Moto3 class after the incredibly high calibre of competition over the past few grands prix. Can Jack Miller bounce back and build upon his lead or will the Spanish fold find form in front of their home crowd.

British Superbikes resume this weekend too after a fairly lengthy break. Snetterton will see the battle resume up front between Shane Byrne and our own Josh Brookes, who acquitted himself well at the IOM TT recently. In the premier class we’ll also be watching the progress of Josh Waters and Mitchell Carr (returning from injury).

Good luck to all, and keep an eye on CycleOnline for our daily coverage of the leading international series and the Aussies taking part.

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