Queenslander Troy Guenther has been a revelation in his first season of Supersport racing during the 2015 Australasian Superbike Championship. CycleOnline.com.au got the inside scoop on a series of topics that make him tick.

Image: Russell Colvin.

My Way

Greatest moment of your career?

Becoming the youngest ever winner of a national championship race in New Zealand at the age of 13. Had a really hard battle with some experienced riders from around the world and was an amazing feeling to come out on top and get my first international win.

Toughest race ever?

Would have to be the third race on Sunday at Mallala this year. Was riding with a fractured shoulder after a crash on the Saturday and was painful under braking, which made the race difficult with Mallala being a heavy braking track.

Long-term goal?

To make a living out of the sport, preferably in MotoGP becoming world champion.

Favourite track?

Sugo in Japan. Love everything about the track, it has a variety of corners from tight chicanes to fast downhill sweepers making it really enjoyable to ride. Such an amazing complex and the location of the track has some superb scenery.

Arch-rival?

Don’t really have one, the Supersport class is very competitive at the moment so I wouldn’t say there is one guy that is my rival.

If you weren’t a racer, you would be?

Pilot in the airforce.

Greatest inspiration?

Valentino Rossi. It is inspiring to see how he has overcome some hardships and to adapted his style to remain competitive for the period that he has.

Superstitions?

Not really any, just before any important race I tap my heart, but that’s about it.

Training methods?

Like to do a variety cardio work, which helps maintain weight and keep a solid base fitness. I enjoy running, swimming and cycling.

Off the Wall

Non bike-related hobbies?

I really enjoy running and have fun running in competitions when I can.

What car do you drive?

On my Learners at the moment; I usually drive the Volkswagen.

What’s on the iPod?

Usually just the top 100, but I like listening to Rocky’s soundtrack ‘Eye of the Tiger’ before training.

Best thing about racing in Australia?

The level of competition in the Supersport class. Being my first year on the 600 it is great to have such a competitive field to race against. The experience gained from racing in a competitive field here is great for developing skills and racecraft, which will help produce a better rider in the future.

Who will win World Superbike this year?

Jonathan Rea. He is on a role and really seems to be unstoppable on the Kawasaki.

And MotoGP?

Jorge Lorenzo. Would be good to see Rossi win, but with Jorge’s current form he will be hard to beat.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I lived in America for three years.

First and Last

First bike?

Yamaha Pee-Wee 50.

First proper injury?

I broke my tibia and fibula in a dirt track accident at the age of 10.

First time you got in a fight?

At six years old. I remember this kid pushed over a friend of mine who was a girl, so I chased after him down the beach and belted him [laughs].

Last holiday?

We (family) went up to Noosa in 2013. Was a great trip to relax and unwind.

Last big crash you had?

Saturday, race two at Mallala. Was involved in the first turn collision, which brought me down, fracturing my shoulder.

One or the Other

Faster circuits or more technical circuits?

I like technical tracks as they can suit the Moto3 style of riding, which I am familiar with. But on the 600 I am starting to like the fast tracks where all the power can be used.

Monster or Red Bull?

Whichever is keen to sponsor a road racer in Australia [laughs]!

PC or Mac?

PC, for me it’s easier to use.

McDonalds or KFC?

Recently was taught how Maccas can be used for sports recovery, so Maccas.

FX-ASC or ASBK?

Both series are well run and provide the riders with good exposure. We are racing FX this season as I am a grade 12 student and it is more suitable and accessible for us to make all the rounds, not having to take the time out to travel as far.

MotoGP or World Superbikes?

MotoGP… always been a fan of the purpose-built race bikes.

Print or digital magazines?

Print.

Blonde or brunette?

Brunette.