Exclusive: Brock McLeary Interview

Last week, the Transmoto crew spent a few days out at McLeary Ranch, a few hours north of Sydney, testing the 2014 250cc MXers. One of our test pilots was 2013 Junior Lites Australian Supercross Champion, Brock McLeary. And 16-year-old Brock’s got it good – how many other kids have in Australia have fully fledged motocross and supercross tracks in their backyards, and train on a regular basis with the likes of Matt Moss and Luke Styke? We whacked the dictaphone on for a few minutes and spoke to Brock about winning this year’s ASX title, and what he’s doing to prepare to step up to the MX Nationals’ Under 19s class next year.

So, Brock, you were just crowned this year’s Junior Lites Australian Supercross Champion. That must feel pretty awesome, eh?

Yeah, it’s pretty unreal. It feels really good to finally win something in my Junior career. I’ve always sort of been the guy that finishes in third or fourth – just off the win, you know? It’s good to finish Juniors off with a number one plate heading into the Under 19s class next year.

You didn’t claim your win without confusion, though. What happened at Phillip Island and Toowoomba with the points scoring system?

Well, it was stated that every race at Phillip Island was going to be scored towards the championship – every moto, that is. We raced to that and, coming out of Phillip Island, I had a four-point lead. Every team was on the same page; we all knew we were four points ahead. So I came into Toowoomba with the red plate, rode to win the championship, got handed the number one plate and, just 20 minutes later, Computime – the company that was the official score keeper of the Australian Supercross Championship – put a post up on Facebook stating that Brock McLeary isn’t the champion, and that Wilson Todd is. Instantly, my Dad went and saw the officials and tried to sort it out. Three days later, I was officially named the champion. It was a weird feeling knowing I’d won, but hadn’t won officially. It’s all good now, though. It’s all sorted out and I can move on.

Do you feel like you’re ready to tackle the Under 19s class?

Yeah, I’ve been training for the Under 19s class for the better part of this year. I’ve been training with Matt Moss, Luke Styke, Luke Clout – you know, all the top boys. They’ve been helping me out a lot, and hopefully all the preparation put in can help me achieve a solid result.

What’s its like training with those guys, and having such influential riders around you constantly?

It’s good and bad – mostly good, though. Matt helps me out a lot and teaches me the right techniques of training – how to train, and what to train for. On the other hand, I sometimes feel like I’m the little one – like the baby brother, I guess. All-in-all, though, it’s fun hanging out with those guys. It definitely helps me develop maturity and it definitely boosts my training along, which is nice.

Not many 16-year-old kids in Australia have full-blown motocross and supercross tracks located on their property. What’s that like?

I’m pretty lucky, really. I’ve had had this for seven years now. I’ve lived here ever since I was on a 50cc bike and I’ve always had the best tracks to practice on. It’s a good training ground and I couldn’t ask for everything better. Sometimes I do take it for granted, but it’s the best thing I could ever have, and hopefully it’s going to play a key role in winning me more championships.

You’re 16 years old, have some of the best tracks in Australia at your disposal, and Matt Moss is your best mate. You also work full-time with your Dad at Newcastle KTM. How’s that?

When I was at school, my riding was being held back. I’d go to school for six hours, come home, and then you’ve only got two hours to go riding. Then you’re supposed to go and do your training, but I always sort of used school as an excuse to not do it. Now that I’m at work full-time, I’ve got time to go and train – I’ve got days allocated where I can go and train. So I’ve kind of got the flexibility to train and work at the same time. It’s a much better gig than being at school!

Sounds awesome. Well, all the best for season ahead, mate.

Thank you.