With the DON Smallgoods Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium just around the corner, we meet some of this year's riders taking to the track.
Where did you grow up in Australia?
I grew up in Ocean Reef, Perth, WA.
How did you get into the sport of Speedway?
I went to ride MX at Daniel and Trevor Harding’s house and we were talking in the shed and I saw a speedway bike. I said to Dad “I wanna have a go at that” so we sold the MX gear and went from there! One week later I raced in the Australian under 16 championship, next day was the best pairs and I got paired with Chris Holder - that was back in 04-05 and we go bar to bar now in the world championships!!
Was the sport prominent in your town?
Not that much but all the dads got together to build a new track at Pinjar Park - if it wasn't for them there would be no speedway in Perth now!
What other sports did you play growing up?
Played a bit of AFL with the boys at the local park and at school I did everything I could as far as sport goes!
Which sports and teams did you follow as you were growing up?
West Coast Eagles AFL
If you weren’t a professional Speedway rider, what would you be doing?
To be honest probably go on the rigs or the mines and live in Indo on my time off so I could surf every day!!
How has the sport changed since you debuted?
The sport has grown a lot since I went pro in 06 when I turned 16 and it’s continuing to get bigger and bigger. BSI are really stepping up and making it happen, it’s awesome to be a part of it!
What is your favourite Grand Prix?
Has to be the British GP nothing comes close to the atmosphere there and that’s what makes it so special. It’s a must see for those who haven't been there.
Which rider did you look up to as you were coming up through the sport?
Jason Crump, Leigh Adams and Greg Hancock. I tried to take a bit from each rider and use it myself.
What music gets you fired up before big races?
Park way drive.
Describe some key things that are vital to your race preparation?
Everything – it’s a 1000 piece puzzle you need to have every piece to be the best.
What are you expecting from the Australian Grand Prix?
A huge crowd and an awesome event!
For International and interstate Speedway fans that haven’t visited to Australia or especially Melbourne prior to October’s big event, what would you recommend they do during their stay?
Head to the beach, swim with the sharks, whack some kangaroo on the barbi and crack a few jack and cokes! Sounds good to me!
Motorsport Australia