Motorcycle racing is a fast, exhilarating, intense, edge of your seat type sport and that’s if you’re an observer, imagine what it’s like to be out there on the track. Oran Park for example, put yourself on one of those fiery Formula Xtreme bikes and rocket down pit straight towards the first left hander at say 280kph. When do you brake? Too early and other bikes are careening past you, or too late and you’re running out of track way too fast. When you get back to the pits, your team asks if you want some nobbly tyres for the next race, seeing as you spent so much time in the grass and dirt?
Oh, and the other thing about motorcycle racing that I didn’t mention was that it can be dangerous, something Geoff Jones is well aware of having spent the last couple of months in plaster.
Two years ago Geoff decided that he wanted to experience all of the above (including the comments about the nobbly’s) and set about to follow his dream. So convincing was he at achieving his goal, that, Graeme Boyd decided to supply him with a Suzuki TLR1000. Now, it takes a bit more than just a great race bike to make your mark on the track, so, Geoff’s pit crew consists of his mates from Swansea, where he grew up, and Kathy his missus who should be delivering their first child some time in March. Geoff says that he is going to let Kath take it easy at the mid February season opener, seeing she’s finding it a bit difficult to bend down and take the tyre warmers off! Geoff also gets a hand from Rob Carroll and Russell Howard but says the bike has been very reliable and hopes it stays that way.
After only 2 years, Geoff was promoted to B grade about mid way through last season, something he refers to as a nice reward for all the determination, guts and talent (something he says he has a small amount of) expended during that time.
When he is not racing motorbikes Geoff drives a fuel tanker for Hills Transport. I thought maybe he’d like to move on to truck racing once he was done with bikes but not him, he wants to go nitrous Harley drag racing, "you’ve got to slow down a bit when you retire, you could hurt yourself otherwise !!!" he quips.
Family support is crucial in motor-sport. Wife Kathy, sister Sue-Ellen (CEO of SIDS in the Hunter) are great supporters, and mum even though she isn’t super keen.
When I do these interviews, I have a series of questions that help me build a profile of the interviewee’s personality. Ninety percent of the questions never get to see print but, when I asked Geoff his age I was somewhat taken back.
"How old did you say you were?" I asked. To which he replied "I’ve not long turned 40 !"
I struggled to contain my surprise at his disclosure "Um, do you realise that you are old enough to join the Ulysses Club as an associate member? I have to admit to being under the impression that you were a young bloke."
Geoff, not to be put off said, "well, to an 80 year old, I AM a young bloke!" can’t argue with that I thought.
So, the next time you decide to not do something because you think you’re getting too old for it, take a thoroughly good second look at yourself. Someone once said life begins at 40.
May your lid never skid….www.users.hunterlink.net.au/~mbbidp
Questions.
Age? 40
Where were you born? Orange
Where did you grow up? Swansea
Have you any siblings? Sister Sue-Ellen, 3 step brothers, Peter, Adrian & Grant.
Who do you most respect? Sister.
What is your greatest fear? Not being a good parent.
What is your greatest weakness? Frustrated and short tempered in traffic, spends a lot of time on the road. Fuel Tanker driver for Hills Transport (driving for 7-8 years).
What do you think is the toughest job to do? Nurse in intensive care in Hospital
Married? Partner Kathy
How many kids have you got, if any? None, first child expected in March
Would you let them follow in your footsteps? Most definitely, encourage not influence.
Do you have any professional qualifications? Mechanic
How long have you been riding motorcycles? Since 14, used to try and borrow mates XR75
How long have you been racing? 2 years
What was your first motorbike? Suzuki PE 175
What was your first car? Morris Minor ute with 1600 Cortina engine and diff.
What is your favourite bike? VTR Firestorm
What is your favourite car? New Holden Manaro
What is your favourite track? Phillip Island
How does your family feel about you racing? Encouragement from Sister, Mum not too keen, Partner keen.
How long do you think you can continue competitively? 2 good years, but still some to learn, takes more finesse than it looks.
What do you say to people who think you may be getting too old? That’s their opinion, likes to go fast and it’s safer to do on track than road. Something always wanted to do and only recently got the chance recently.
What was you most memorable triumph? Good result at Phillip Island, Xtreme 2001.
Where would you most like to live? 300 acres around Dungog
Have you thought of moving away from your present home? Several times
Have you thought of moving over to Superbikes? The opportunity probably won’t arise now but would love the opportunity.
What do you do for relaxation? How do you unwind? Swimming, Try & do some gardening or watch some racing on telly, car cart etc. With a beer.
Who is your greatest influence? Dad of one of his mates (David Pettit).
What or who motivates you? self
Who would you most like to meet? Barry Sheene
How do you like being famous? Enjoy it, shouldn’t turn people away, they’re your bread & butter.
Do you follow the GP bikes or Superbikes? Follow them all, don’t miss a race.
What do you intend doing when you retire from racing? Nitro Harley Drag Racing
What do you like to read? Robert Barrett books "wouldn’t be dead for quids".
What do you like to watch? Thriller, Monty Python.
What is your favourite movie or type of movie? Monty Python and the Holy Grail
What is your favourite music, singer or band? Midnight Oil, Elvis, 70’s ACDC, Rose Tattoo.
How do you manage fame? --------
Have you and can you make a lot of money as a motorcycle racer? Budget, support from friends, for fun but do it properly. Struggled buying tyres.
What advice would you give to young people just leaving school? Invest in property early.
What advice would you give to young people just starting high school? Have an open relationship with your parents because when you go to high school everything does change.
Do you stay in touch with your mates from 10 years ago? Yes, try & keep in touch with all school mates. Good friends are very important in life.