South Australian AORC wins place Milner closer to E2 title

News 2 Sep 2019

South Australian AORC wins place Milner closer to E2 title

Factory KTM rider stretches points lead to 27 at Coonalpyn.

Image: John Pearson.

KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel Milner has inched closer to securing the E2 title after earning a pair of victories at Coonalpyn’s eighth and ninth rounds of the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) in South Australia.

Milner once again rode commandingly throughout the weekend, maintaining his undefeated winning streak in the category to stretch his points advantage to 27.

The Victorian will have the opportunity to claim the championship as soon as round 10 at Hedley, which will host the final two rounds of the series.

“The tracks this weekend were so good and it was awesome to finally have a deep sand round,” said Milner. “Saturday’s track was pretty full-on because it was fast in whooped out sand, but today was different because it had a mix of everything including rocky sections and sand again.

“We had the KTM 450 EXC-F working really well though, which was fortunate for me, so I’m pretty happy to come away with the E2 wins both days. I will continue to focus from here, look to wrap up the championship at Hedley and I’m excited to get there already.”

Milner is currently followed by Josh Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing) in the points rankings as Hedley’s finals loom on 14-15 September.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Sanders reigns supreme at Coonalpyn AORC | Rounds 8 & 9

Rounds 8 & 9 – Coonalpyn

Words and Pics by John Pearson Media

After the recent bout of rough weather events and dusty venues one could not be well enough prepared for the sublime surface that presented itself on arrival at the Coonalpyn track in South Australia over the weekend.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Saturday crowd
Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 Australian Off-Road Championships

An abundance of pearlescent white beach sand mixed in with canola crops and some tight mallee scrub made for an amazing location that was universally enjoyed.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Josh Brierley
Josh Brierley – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

The Gawler Motorcycle Club had obviously put a lot of time and effort into this event and it was evident from the moment you drove onto the property. As far as racing spectacles were to go, there was only one real point of contention with the E1 class having the most potential for upset winners.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Nathan Trigg
Nathan Trigg – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

Both E2 and E3 were expected to run according to script as they had done all year. With the track marked out and riders primed for what was to be some epic riding the only thing holding everybody back was the starter’s gun.


AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Josh Green
Josh Green – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

Saturday quickly evolved into a game of who could bury their bike the deepest in successive corners. The sand was fluffy and deep. It was reminiscent of a day at the Stockton Beach dunes. Don’t get me wrong, there was a little bit of rock and mallee scrub thrown in for good measure out the back but none of the spectators could see this so it didn’t matter.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Jesse Lawton
Jesse Lawton – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

In what was some of the most spectacular racing we’ve seen all year, there was sand being thrown far and wide, left and right. At the end of Round 8 the usual suspects had forged their way to the front in clinical displays of riding deep sand.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

Husqvarna Offroad rider Daniel “Chucky” Sanders had walked away with the E3 points while KTM Offroad order Daniel Milner showed why he’s the man to beat in E2.

Threesix Motorsports Yamaha rider Luke Styke edged out KTM Offroad’s Lyndon Snodgrass for the E1 prize. In the women, Jess Gardiner pushed her way to the front beating Emma Milesevic and Yamaha compatriot Emelie Karlsson.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Lyndon Snodgrass
Lyndon Snodgrass – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

Sunday saw the tracks rotated giving the Vets, Masters, Womens and Clubman classes a look at the thoroughly flogged track ridden on Saturday by the pro classes. To say the whoops were large was a monumental understatement.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Alexander Rudloff
Alexander Rudloff – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

In scenes reminiscent of past Hattah Desert races there were whoops out there large enough to swallow bike and rider. The pros shifted to what was previously the Junior track that in one place contained a section of primo sand motocross track. This drew the crowd.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Nathan Dalbosco
Nathan Dalbosco – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

With the tops of the dunes overlooking the marvel of modern earthworks covered in spectators, the pro classes went to war once again.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Matt Phillips
Matt Phillips – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

It soon became obvious that you could put your house on who was going to take out E3 and with the absence of Husqvarna mounted Beau Ralston – who had been sidelined late in the week after a training injury, Daniel Sanders had a real chance to wrap up the E3 championship at the end of the day.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

He just needed to finish safely and glory would be his. As the Husqvarna crew held their breath in the pits, Sanders beat the Coonalpyn track into submission to claim the Round 9 and 2019 E3 championship honours in destructive fashion some six minutes clear of his nearest rival.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Daniel Sanders winner
Daniel Sanders – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

Daniel Milner was again victorious in E2 leading home Yamaha’s Josh Green by around 3 minutes. He will still need to fight to the end if he is to claim the E2 crown.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

As far as E1 goes the final decision will be less clear with a number of different class winners throughout the season however Threesix Yamaha’s Luke Styke looks a strong contender if KTM’s Lyndon Snodgrass or Husqvarna’s Fraser Higlett can’t keep him honest in the final rounds.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Fraser Higlett
Fraser Higlett – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

Rounds 10 and 11 will take place on 14-15th September at Hedley in Victoria. The deep black dust and sand that makes up the majority of this track is always a good test of man and machine and at this time of year the weather can be capable of just about anything.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Emelie Karlsson
Emelie Karlsson – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC

2019 AORC Rounds 8 & 9 Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ixon 2020 Summer range arrives in Australia

Get suited up for Summer with Ixon


Ixon is coming to the rescue as a bearer of good news after a long winter – spring is almost here, and Summer is on its way with the 2020 Ixon Summer range better than ever! It’s time to make the most of good riding weather on the horizon.

Ixon winter
Ixon 2020 Summer range arrives in Australia

Ixon is re-emphasising the importance of their crowned motto Ride Your Way as a pinnacle for all riders to embrace this summer. It’s more than a theme or a fancy slogan decided by a team of office workers sitting in a board room for a day.

It’s the essential spirit of freedom you have when you ride your bike, freedom to choose your routes, your directions, your pace, and your style. Ixon is committed to providing quality gear, so you can enjoy your ride with the best experience possible.

Ixon DPD
Ixon 2020 Summer catalogue out now

There is something for every rider, and Ixon has you covered. Now all your mates can join you on your journey or take their own path. Racing, Adventure, Urban, Heritage, and Roadster – take your pick of the 2020 range now, including some of the most advanced jacket technology of the modern motorcycle era.


Ixon Sparrow Jacket – $599.95 RRP

Ixon Sparrow noir blanc face
Ixon Sparrow Jacket

A sporty leather jacket, the Ixon Sparrow features flex leather around the shoulders and lower back, with a breathable stretch fabric under the arms and along the sides, and cow leather design.

A racing collar includes neoprene for comfort, with ergonomic zips at the cuffs, plus straps, with straps also found at the waist. A mesh lining helps breathability and comfort, with two external pockets and four internal pockets, plus room for a wallet. A 270-degree zipper for trousers is also included, while the Ixon Sparrow is CE approved.

  • Racing collar – back of collar and high neckroll in neoprene
  • Flex leather around shoulders and on bottom back
  • Resistant stretch fabric on sides and inside sleeves
  • Ergonomic zipped cuffs with tightening strap
  • Bottom tightening with buckle
  • Fixed mesh lining – Fitted, precurved and sportive cut
  • 2 external pockets + 4 internal pockets + 1 wallet pocket
  • Connection with trousers thanks to full zip 270° all around
  • CE Approved

Ixon Spark / Spark Lady Jack – $579.95 RRP

Ixon Spark Camel face
Ixon Spark Jacket

For those after a more classic or retro look the Ixon Spark or Spark Lady Jacket is available, with a soft cow-leather design with fixed lining for comfort and breathability. CE approved the jacket includes elbow and shoulder armour at Level 2, and there is also a pocket for back protection.

The collar includes a press-stud for easy closure, with zipped cuffs also including a press-stud, and the jacket is also adjustable at the waist with press-studs, and features a buckle to connect trousers.

  • Classic collar with press-stud
  • Internal linings in cotton
  • 2 external pockets, 2 internal pockets, 1 wallet pocket
  • Zipped cuffs with press-stud
  • Bottom adjustable with press-studs
  • Connection with trousers thanks to buckle on back
  • CE Approved
Ixon Spark Lady camel dos
Ixon Spark Lady Jacket

Ixon Filter Jacket – $299.95 RRP

Ixon Filter noir face
Ixon Filter Jacket

For those after a more casual but stylishing cut in a textile jacket,  the Ixon Filter includes plentiful mesh ventilation panels on the external shell, while a removable waterproof liner offers additional flexibility for a greater range of weather conditions.

The collar, cuffs and waist all feature press-studs, with an additional zip on each cuff. Plentiful external pockets, four in total, are joined by two internal pockets and a waterproof wallet pocket, with a trouser connecting buckle also featured.

CE approved shoulder and elbow armour is also standard fitment, with a back pocket ready for back protection.

  • Classic collar, neoprene high neckroll & press-stud tightening
  • Zipped cuffs with press-stud
  • Bottom adjustable with press-studs
  • Several pockets
  • Connection with trousers thanks to buckle on back
  • CE Approved

Ixon Bull WP Boot – $269.95 RRP

Ixon winter
Ixon Bull WP Boot

The Ixon Bull WP Boot offers a casual protective low cut motorcycle boot for those who want comfort on and off the bike. A metal cable and ATOP trammel system is featured on the Ixon Bull WP boot, with a anti-bacterial double internal sole, and anti-skid Michelin outer sole.

  • Closing/opening by metal cable
  • ATOP trammel system
  • Doble density internal sole
  • Gel reinforcement
  • CE Approved

Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves – $79.95 RRP

Ixon winter
Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves

A stylish set of leather gloves, the Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Glove offers integrated finger reinforcements for an eye-catching look and good flexibility, with a screen touch system on the index finger tips. Perforated knuckle protectors are supple and comfortable, with a perforated leather outer also boosting air flow. The RS Cruise Air 2 is a short cuff glove, with tightening strap and CE approved.

  • Integrated finger reinforcements
  • Screen Touch System : index compatible with touch screens
  • Supple and integrated knuckle protector
  • Fully perforated leather
  • Short cuff with tightening strap
  • CE Approved
Ixon winter
Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves

Find out more by viewing the Ixon Summer 2020 catalogue

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ongoing pain ends Misano testing early for Lorenzo

News 2 Sep 2019

Ongoing pain ends Misano testing early for Lorenzo

Spaniard completes just 21 laps in two-day test last week.

Image: Supplied.

Repsol Honda’s Jorge Lorenzo was forced to cut short two-days of testing at Misano as he continued to experience significant pain in his return from back injuries sustained in June.

The Spaniard returned to racing at Silverstone’s British grand prix, however only managed to complete 21 laps in the opening session of testing at the Italian venue last week.

Lorenzo elected to sit out the remainder of the test in order to improve his condition ahead of the Misano grand prix, scheduled on 15 September.

“Unfortunately I didn’t feel great and I had quite a lot of pain on the bike, even more than in Silverstone,” Lorenzo admitted. “We were able to make 20 laps in Silverstone and everyone was very pleased, but it took a lot of effort from me physically and I had some more inflammation and pain after the race.

“It improved a bit, but I am still hurting too much on the bike so we decided together with the team to finish the test early and to arrive at the Misano race in the best condition possible. Even with the limited running we were able to try some new parts like the chassis.”

Injuries during both the season and pre-season have prevented Lorenzo from taking part in valuable testing this year, contributing to his delayed progress with the RC213V.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Dovizioso ‘back into good shape’ at Misano test

News 2 Sep 2019

Dovizioso ‘back into good shape’ at Misano test

Italian ace returns after frightening British grand prix crash.

Image: Supplied.

Andrea Dovizioso says he was ‘back into good shape’ at Misano’s MotoGP test last week, just days after being transported to hospital following a heavy first turn crash with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas SRT Yamaha) at the British grand prix.

The Ducati Team rider used the two-day test in Italy to ease his way back onto the bike, completing 37 laps on day one before putting in a strong 81 laps on Friday.

Despite not utilising the extra-soft rear tyre, the Italian ace set the 17th fastest time as he gained valuable data for the Misano grand prix in two weeks’ time.

“Luckily I managed to do a day and a half of testing, and physically I’m okay,” Dovizioso explained. “In the last few days we did a good job at home – I was able to get back into good shape and here I managed to lap on track, even though I still feel a bit knocked about.

“It was very important to test here, because we found a track that was quite different to last year, with not so much grip and because there were also all the other riders. We were able to do a lot of interesting tests in view of the race, both with the material available and with the set-up.

“I’m not entirely satisfied with our speed but it was important to get out on track in this test; we did it so now we’ll prepare well to get ready during the race weekend.”

Misano’s 13th round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship is scheduled for 15 September.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Exhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed

An American inventor who has been working on a “miracle” exhaust pipe cleaner for several years has revealed his secret formula on YouTube after it was “stolen” and marketed by a rival.

Neil Stern contacted Motorbike Writer in 2015 after we published an article in which the World Patent Marketing issued a patent for his “Rid a Blue”, a quick-cleaning product designed to take the bluing out of stainless steel or chrome exhaust pipes.

It was claimed to comprise detergent oil, white diamond Polish and an “anti-oxidiser chemical”.

Neil told us he was the inventor of Rid a Blue and was working on getting it to market.

He asked if we would like to try it and we accepted.

Dodgy packExhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed Neil Stern

When it arrived in some dodgy looking bottles with hand-written directions and an old rag, we were immediately dubious.

It didn’t work on an old bike we had and Neil said it was probably not real chrome or stainless steel.

So he sent another dodgy package and suggested we try it on the badly oxidised pipes of our Triumph Street Scrambler.

This time the results were amazing and immediate.

With only a small application of the solution and without much rubbing it immediately removed the ugly oxidation spots.

In fact, he emphasises you have to be quick and not leave it on for long as it is “strong and fast acting”.

He said it consisted of an “activator” to shift the stain and a deactivator to stop the process. You then use a normal chrome polish such as purple to finish the job.

Neil ran in to all sorts of dramas in getting his product to market, so he gave up.

However, when he found someone selling his formula this year at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, he decided to reveal the secret formula in this crude video on YouTube.

Secret ingredients

It turns out the secret ingredients in the formula are one-third muriatic acid to two-thirds plain old polish.

Now, muriatic acid (HCL) is a form of hydrochloric acid which is poisonous and highly corrosive. It is also known as spirits of salt.

I can imagine most riders immediately recoiling at the prospect of putting corrosive salt-based acid anywhere near their pride and joy.

In fact, I never would have agreed to use it had he revealed his secret ingredients.

However, it does work.

Warning

Exhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed Neil Stern
Only a small amount is needed

Neil advises “be careful, it’s strong” and to only use a small amount.

It also has a strong odour and we recommend that if you are brave enough to try it on your pipes, make sure you do it in an open space.

We would also suggest you wear gloves even though we weren’t advised to and didn’t.

Also, be very careful not to get any on any other surfaces, especially paint!

We have not seen any adverse reaction in the pipes which have not oxidised again.

Exhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed Neil Stern
Still non-oxidised

“Never let the activator stay on long and hit it with a polish to deactivate and polish,” he says.

“Never do it on hot pipes, always cold.”

He says it can be used to clean all oxidation on stainless steel and chrome.

Neil says some chrome pipes are “plated under solution with no oxygen which is unstable”.

“When in the air and heated up, the molecules in the chrome fall apart and allow oxidation and bluing,” he says.

“What this cleaner does is force the particles together,” he said.

Neil no longer plans to market his cleaner and has now turned his attention to health care products.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Stolen bike ridden on wrong side of road

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after feeing police on a stolen motorbike, riding on the wrong side of the road at Pomona on the Queensland Sunshine Coast overnight (1 September 2019).

Police will allege that at 9.17pm they spotted a stolen motorcycle on Pomona Connection Road at Pomona and activated their lights and siren.

The rider crossed double lines to the wrong side of the road on a corner and accelerated away, turning into Bakers and Enchelmeier roads before heading on to a track and hitting a wire fence.

“The man fled on foot and was subsequently located by a police dog and arrested,” police say.

The Torquay man has been charged with one count of dangerous driving, burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, receiving tainted property, unlicensed driving, possession of dangerous drug (amphetamine) and evade police.

He has also been charged with two counts of assaulting police and four counts of obstructing police.

The man suffered non life-threatening injuries to his neck and was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he remains.

He will appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court at a later date.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1901707869

It follows another crash involving a stolen motorcycle on Thursday night in Granville, NSW.

Fatal crashnsw cops police Horror bike crashes in two states lying seeking dubbo overnight bail wrong

In another motorcycle incident last night, a man has died after a motorcycle crashed int a tree in Sydney’s west.

NSW Police say the accident occurred about 6pm at the end of Grafton Place, near Cobb Place, Jamisontown.

The rider was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly, he later died.

Our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Police are yet to formally identified the man but is believed to be aged 35.

Officers from Nepean Police Area Command established a crime scene and the circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Discount on first Tibet tours

Extreme Bike Tours is offering a 10% discount on its first tours of Tibet and Nepal, the Mt Everest base camp and the Forbidden City of Lhasa in 2020.

Riders will be aboard Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure motorcycles  which were tested in the Himalayas.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet invests camo
Royal Enfield Himalayan

We toured Sri Lanka last year with Extreme Bike Tours and found them to be top value, professional and honest.

Company part-owner Ben Lloyd says there is already so much interest in their 15-day, 2277km tour that they have scheduled two tours next year from 5-20 September and 22 September to 6 October.

Their tours have a cap of 10 riders to keep them intimate and safe.

Prices are $US5895 (about $A8800) for riders, $US4950 ($A7350) for a pillion and $US695 ($A1000) for a single room.

If you book before the end of October 2019, they will take 10% off.

That’s good value as they stay in good quality hotels and all meals are included. In fact, everything but your flights, health insurance, alcohol and tips is included.

Tibet treasures

The tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal, and climbs to 5220m to Mt Everest base camp and on to the spectacular Tibetan Plateau.

Tibet Lhasa
The Forbidden City of Lhasa

They even include free oxygen cylinders for those find the altitude hard going.

Despite the adventure, it’s still only rated at “intermediate” skill level, so there will be some rough riding involved.

Highlights of the tour include stunning mountain scenery, challenging roads, spectacular waterfalls, sacred caves, ancient monasteries and temples, and jaw-dropping views of Mt Everest from old Tingri if the weather is kind.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Sanders earns E3 crown as Milner and Styke pick up Coonalpyn wins

News 1 Sep 2019

Sanders earns E3 crown as Milner and Styke pick up Coonalpyn wins

Milesevic and Bacon secure Women’s and EJ victories in Sunday’s ninth round.

Image: John Pearson.

Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel Sanders has been crowned champion of the E3 category in the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Coonalpyn in South Australia, picking up victory during round nine alongside class winners Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and Luke Styke (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing).

For the second day running, Sanders topped the unofficial outright times with a commanding performance, where he was also joined by Milner and Styke.

Sanders continued his dominant winning streak in the E3 division, which granted him the title with two rounds still to be run. Andy Wilksch (Motul Pirelli Sherco Team) was second followed by Alex Bolton (KTM), Jesse Lawton (Husqvarna) and Matt Murry (Kawasaki Castrol Off-Road Team).

Milner inched closer to the E2 crown, securing victory over Josh Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing) and Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha MX Store Ballards Off-Road Team). Former multi-time world champion Matt Phillips (KTM) was fourth ahead of Riley Graham (Yamaha).

Styke picked up his second-consecutive E3 victory while also making strides towards successfully defending his title, he shared the podium with Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team). Michael Driscoll (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing) and Lachlan Allan (Kawasaki Castrol Off-Road Team) were fourth and fifth respectively.

Emma Milesevic (Honda) and Kyron Bacon (KTM) were victorious in the Women’s and EJ classes. The AORC now heads to Hedley in Victoria for the final two rounds of the series on 14-15 September.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Mike Jones on form heading into Winton ASBK Round 5

2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

Winton Motor Raceway – Round 5 Preview


Mike Jones has announced he’s all set for the return of the Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship to Winton Motor Raceway next weekend (September 6-8), where the rider will be looking to extend his one-point championship lead on the DesmoSport Ducati, with three remaining rounds left to run.

Mike Jones currently sits on 184-points, a point ahead of Cru Halliday, while Bryan Staring sits in third on 176-points. Troy Herfoss currently sits fourth with 169-points, with Wayne Maxwell a further 11-points behind completing the top five, with Josh Waters a single point further back.

ASBK Rnd Winton Preview Mike Jones
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

Championship leader Jones is upbeat heading into Round 5 at Winton, sharing, “I’m riding better than I ever have.” Here’s what he had to say ahead of Round 5.


What’s been the reasons behind your good form that sees you sitting atop the ASBK Championship table?

MJ: It’s a combination of things, but it’s mostly down to DesmoSport Ducati team’s effort because I’ve got a group of guys who are just as committed and passionate as I am. I think I’m riding better than I ever have and I put that down to the past two seasons riding in the Spanish Championship. It’s helped me develop as a rider and I’m at the top of my game. Additionally, in my opinion, I believe I’m on the best bike in the field.

How tough has the competition been in the ASBK Championship in 2019?

MJ: It’s the toughest it’s ever been! I didn’t foresee the Championship being so close and it’s one of the closest Championships we’ve had in Australian Superbikes. It’s great for the riders, and the spectators, too.

ASBK Rnd Winton Preview Mike Jones
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

What do you need to do well for the remainder of the season to give yourself the best chance of winning the Championship?

MJ: I just need to be on top of my game every time I hit the track because everyone is really racing well. Both the team and I need to give 100 per cent, and I believe we’ve done that, so we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing.

What does the future hold for you?

MJ: Ultimately, my goal is to race in the World Superbikes, and it’s been a goal since I was a kid. Winning the Australian Championship is very beneficial for assisting me to get a ride overseas. Right now, though, the market is very tough over there and there’s not a lot of positions available, so I’m just taking one step at a time. The way I’m riding in ASBK I’m very comfortable here in Australia, but we’ll see what the final result is in the Championship. We’re in a results-based industry, so we’ll see how we go at the end of the year.

ASBK Winton Test RMimage Mike JONES
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship – Image by Rob Mott

What do you do away from the track in your personal time?

MJ: When I’m away from the track my focus is still heavily on racing. I spend my time training on a bicycle and at the gym trying to stay fit. I also love to have fun with my girlfriend, family and friends because they ease my mind and take my entire focus off the motorbike.

Tickets are now on sale for Spokes.com.au presents Round 5 of 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship at Winton Motor Raceway from September 6-8. Head to ASBK.com.au (link) for more info or to purchase.

ASBK Rnd Morgan Park RbMotoLens SBK Race Mike JONES pit lane after race
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship – Image by Rob Mott

2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championships Calendar

  • Round 5: Winton Motor Raceway, VIC – 6-8 September 2019
  • Round 6: Phillip Island GP Circuit, VIC – 4-6 October 2019
  • Round 7: Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW – 1-3 November 2019

Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship Standings

Source: MCNews.com.au