Image: Keith Muir.

My Way

Greatest moment of your career?

I wouldn’t say that I have one exact moment that really stands out in my career. I have some amazing memories, in particular winning the 250cc Victorian dirt track titles at 13 years old in my first year stepping up to the bigger bikes. Also winning some Senior dirt track championships were a stand out for me. My greatest moment recently would have to be round three of the Australian Superbike Championship at Barbagallo. Arriving at a circuit I had never seen and being the fastest from the first practice session and continuing that throughout the weekend, finishing the final race and standing at the podium with my family, Phil Tainton and Shawn Giles was a very special moment that I will remember for a long time!

Toughest race ever?

I have had many tough races over the years especially the elbow-to-elbow dirt track stuff you don’t see as often with road racing. Recently I would have to say race two at Morgan Park for round two of the Australian Superbike Championship was very difficult. I got the holeshot and to set the pace leading every lap seeing 0.0 gap on my pitboard, around such a rough and physical track was hard. I was extremely happy to get the win, but to be in front on the limit for so long was reasonably difficult.

Long-term goal?

My long-term goal is definitely to be racing internationally. Everyone has been working so hard this year to try and fast-track things and learn as much as we can in only my second season road racing, so I can continue to improve and get closer to my goal. Moto2 has always been my dream as the bikes really impress me!

Favourite track?

My favourite track as of a few weeks ago would have to be Barbagallo in Western Australia. The camber of some of the turns and uphill, downhill sections are amazing.

Arch-rival?

I don’t think I really have an arch-rival as I didn’t know many of the road racers, coming from dirt track. There have been some small heated moments, but it takes a lot to get me cranky! Most situations have always been laughed about later on at presentation so it will be interesting to see how things eventuate over the rest of the season.

If you weren’t a racer, you would be?

If I weren’t racing I would be working on motorcycles. I’m a motorcycle mechanic by trade, so I would most likely be managing my family’s business or doing something with fitness.

Greatest inspiration?

I always get great inspiration hearing stories from Shawn Giles and Phil Tainton, just listening and taking in advice from their careers, years of experience and the things they have done is amazing. I look up to riders such as Troy Herfoss and always recorded every practice, race and anything to do with MotoGP. The things those guys do always impresses me, in particular the consistency of Jorge Lorenzo when he hits the front and can run a whole race almost perfect lap after lap.

Superstitions?

I only have one superstition, which is not to wear green while racing! My first coach had given me a few stories of how it brings bad luck which I remember being told from seven years old. I’m certainly not into all of that stuff as I’m a big believer in making your own luck, although the only one time I wore green I had a horrible crash, so since then I have stayed away from it.

Training methods?

I train in a variety of different ways, our local gym in Tumut help me out with boxing every week. I have training programs in place to target bike-specific weight training exercises as well as the daily cardio session. Depending on the upcoming meeting and how close they are together my training will vary but always two sessions a day 5-6 days a week. I’m a keen cyclist and try to get out as often as I can, alone or with the local group.

Off the Wall

Non bike-related hobbies?

My hobbies off the bike would be fitness. In between racing and preparing bikes sometimes that’s about the only non-related thing I do. I really enjoy cycling, spending time with my girlfriend or catching up with mates every so often. I have a remote control nitro car that I enjoy but don’t often find the time to use it.

What car do you drive?

I drive a Ford Transit van completely wrapped and stickered up to advertise my racing. I also have an Aprillia 50cc two-stroke scooter I use to ride around town and to work.

What’s on the iPod?

My iPod mainly includes any of the new music. I have a lot of older music and a mix of heavier stuff for a bit of motivation when those early morning training sessions aren’t too exciting!

Best thing about racing in Australia?

The best thing about racing in Australia would have to be my family and friends. Not that I have experienced living overseas, I do enjoy the fact being in Australia no matter how good or bad a meeting you have had you still get to come back home with your family, enjoy your own bed and get prepared for the next round. I also enjoy working with everyone in our team and the friendship we have together, mainly just the little things you often hear riders missing once they move overseas, the things you take for granted.

Who will win WorldSBK this year?

I think it’s hard to not say Jonathan Rea, his consistency and race craft all season has been amazing.

How about MotoGP?

My bet is Jorge Lorenzo to win the MotoGP championship, as much as I would like to see Rossi get another title I think Jorge is in too good of form.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

Not a lot of people know that before starting road racing I lost around 18kg. Being heavier than a lot of the younger dirt track riders, I was starting to struggle with top-end speed and as I made the transition to road racing I knew to be competitive I would have to lose weight. With a lot of training and healthy eating I managed to knock off quite a large amount of weight!

First and Last

First bike?

My first bike was a Yamaha PW50, which I had my first race on at four years old.

First proper injury?

I have had a lot of injury throughout my dirt track career, with a major accident at 11 years old competing in the NSW Dirt Track Championships. I had a huge high-side and was flown to Sydney Westmead hospital. I was put in an induced coma for nearly a week with bleeding on the brain and a few nasty breaks. I had a few months off school and wasn’t able to ride a bike for about a year, struggling heavily with balance and a few other things. Thankfully I was lucky to make a full recovery and get back into racing.

First time you got in a fight?

I couldn’t say I have ever really been in a fight – as I said, it takes a lot to get me angry [laughs]. Of course there has been some heated moments in dirt track, but nothing major to call a fight.

Last holiday?

My last holiday would be the week in between round two of the Australasian championship at Adelaide before traveling to Perth to race the Australian championship. I’m not to sure if you would call it a holiday as I still trained and prepared everyday for Perth, although I did do a few sight-seeing things with my girlfriend for two days before our plane flew out. Everyone always thinks my family and I are go on holidays all over Australia most weekends, but you never see much more than the car, race track and motel rooms!

Last big crash you had?

The last big crash I had was at Queensland Raceway for the Australasian championship last year. I was taken out when another rider missed his braking point causing us to both crash, breaking my shoulder blade for a second time in six months.

One or the Other

Faster circuits or more technical circuits?

I prefer more technical circuits, I mainly just enjoy a good track surface.

Monster or Red Bull?

I have never tried Monster so I will have to say Red Bull.

PC or Mac?

Mac for sure.

McDonalds or KFC?

I very rarely eat takeaway food, although you might find Shawn and I enjoying a McFlurry after a good weekend racing, so I’ll say McDonalds [laughs]!

FX-ASC or ASBK?

I will have to be careful with this answer as I certainly don’t want it to turn into another one of those heated Facebook posts! The biggest reason I am competing in both championships this year is because I needed more road racing experience, which is what both championships offer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in track choices and rules. I prefer the race format of ASBK with practice, qualifying and racing done on separate days with two long races, rather than multiple short races. I think so far the racing has been closer in ASC, with so many riders being extremely competitive and I do like that it offers more rounds in the championship. Overall I wouldn’t choose one over the other as I think they both have their benefits.

MotoGP or WorldSBK?

MotoGP!

Print or digital magazines?

Printed magazines.

Blonde or brunette?

My girlfriend has blonde hair at the moment, so I’ll stick with blonde to be safe [laughs].