by Mat Oxley
Whether it’s coincidence or magic in the red dirt of Australia, three of eight MotoGP-winning Honda drivers have come from down under in the last 30 years. Now, motorcycling’s next star has risen from the dirt track, and his name is Jack Miller.
Miller’s conversational manner is part of what makes him so popular
A historic move
Miller turned 20 in January, and swiftly signed a historic three-year MotoGP contract with the Honda Racing Corporation, an unprecedented move proving Honda’s belief that he can take on its current MotoGP king Marc Marquez.
It is highly unusual for a rider to move directly from the junior class to the senior class without passing through the intermediate category, Moto2. But the unfazed Aussie has a refreshing attitude, saying: ‘Moto3 to MotoGP is a big step… but at the same time it’s a motorbike – it’s got an engine and two wheels.’
It is this can-do, no-worries attitude that has attracted HRC to Aussies over the decades. Like others before him, Miller grew up riding dirt bikes in Queensland. ‘As a kid I was never indoors, never watched TV. When I was nearly three my older brother got a mini motocross bike and I rode the thing before he did. The love started then, I just enjoyed it from the word go.’
Miller honed his skill on the dirt track before progressing to road racing
From dirt track to road racing
Miller rode dirt track, motocross and supermoto before moving into road racing when he was 14. By then, it was obvious this kid was something special. So his family packed their bags and headed to Europe where Miller won the 2011 German 125cc championship and was snapped up by a small Moto3 outfit.
Two seasons in underfunded teams brought plenty of crashes and a lot of lessons. ‘When you’re on a bike that isn’t fast you land on your arse a lot. But it’s a great way to learn, it teaches you how to go into corners quickly and through corners quickly.’
The rider acknowledges it’s a big step to go from 55 horsepower to 230 horsepower
Honda’s plans for Miller
HRC have put Miller in the Monaco-based LCR Honda team, owned by former GP winner Lucio Cecchinello. It’s a big enough step from 55 horsepower to 230 horsepower and Miller’s excitement is palpable: ‘It’s out of this world how quick the bike accelerates,’ he says. ‘You click into fourth and it wheelies and the same in fifth when you are doing 180mph. It’s mental.’
All being well, Miller will be on an RC213V – just like Marc’s – in 2016 or 2017, and in the meantime he’s settling in nicely: ‘The beach is 400 metres away, so it’s perfect for training,’ he says. ‘I’ve built my own little bar room, put some memorabilia up on the walls and I’m getting a pool table. I’m going to be here a few years, so I might as well make myself comfortable.’
