MATTHEW PHILLIPS JOINS BETA AUSTRALIA

Tasmanian enduro legend Matthew Phillips – four-time EnduroGP World Champion and former Australian ISDE representative – has joined Beta Australia as a brand ambassador, returning to riding and racing on home soil aboard the MY26 Beta RR300 RACE.

It’s been a few years since Phillips was a fixture on the world enduro stage, but the four-time EnduroGP World Champion hasn’t been sitting still. Married with two young children and nearing the completion of a dual trade, the Tasmanian-born enduro stalwart is back on the bike, back racing on home soil, and has now joined Beta Australia as a brand ambassador aboard the MY26 Beta RR300 RACE.

For Phillips, the move to Beta was less a business decision and more a reconnection of old ties. His introduction to Patrick Lowry – now the head of Lowry Australia, the importer behind Beta Motorcycles Australia – dates back to his early world championship days riding under the Paul Feeny group at just 19 years old.

“Fast forward to today, and Lowry Australia is the importer for Beta Motorcycles in Australia, so I reached out,” Phillips said. “I knew the product well from my time racing alongside Beta overseas. It was worth a shot to get back into some riding and racing on good equipment, and an opportunity to rub shoulders with people I respect.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE MY26 BETA RR 300 RACE

Coming from a career largely spent on four-strokes, the move to the 300 two-stroke was a considered one – and by Phillips’ own admission, not without a degree of pressure.

“Knowing the history of this bike – on top of the world championship more times than not over the last ten years – I felt obliged to do myself some justice, brush up on some skills, and put some hours in,” he said.

First impressions, though, have been positive. “The bike really matched my expectations. It has a strong, rideable motor and handles like a euro race machine – very nimble, and you can ride it all day without getting too beaten up. It’s got all of the great attributes I like: a manual power valve, carburettor and a steel frame. It’s a real rider’s bike – you can feel a lot.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PHILLIPS

A full national campaign isn’t on the cards, at least not yet. For now, Phillips is focused on local racing, riding with family, and the occasional adventure – including a recent four-day ride in the Victorian High Country with the Kooweerup club. He’s also got eyes on the A4DE and a few one-off events, and is keen to
get time on the Beta RR250 RACE and RX450. He’ll also be sharing setup tips and content from his garage across Beta Australia’s social channels. Follow his journey at @matthewphillips19.