[Interviews]

AORC: Transmoto EJ-Class Champion

7 years ago | Words: John Pearson | Photos: John Pearson Media

In the AORC’s hotly contested Transmoto EJ class (formerly called the 19 & Under class), you either sink or you swim. With guys such as Fraser Higlett, Nic Tomlinson and Dalton Johnson having already established themselves as serious title contenders in previous years, it was always going to be a mammoth task for motocross import, Michael Driscoll, to immediately break into this stronghold of talent who guard the EJ trophy. Not one to shy away from the challenge, though, the Yamaha-backed rider peered above the parapet and rang out a series of shots that earned him the coveted Transmoto EJ Championship Trophy in his debut season.

Transmoto’s John Pearson was on-ground at all 10 rounds this year. He sat down with the AORC newcomer after the dust had settled on the season, and asked the likeable 17-year-old to reflect on the achievement.

To come into the enduro scene after establishing yourself as a more-than-capable motocross racer, and attempt to defeat the fastest Junior tree-dodgers this country has to offer, is a daunting task. The differences between the two disciplines alone make for a learning curve steeper than the price of electricity. But not only was Michael Driscoll game enough to try it, he also had the talent to run with the top contenders all year long. Racing aside, though, we wanted to know what were the biggest changes that affected the Driscoll family with their shift from motocross to enduro. When asked, Driscoll listed a few factors that made life very different now – from changing the purpose of training to cater for endurance rather than sprint (by incorporating more off-bike training such as swimming), or by changing his gym program to include longer reps, instead of blasting motos on a track. Driscoll added the off-road aspect to get his eye in for riding on the razor’s edge among obstacles such as trees, rocks, blind crests and logs, just to name a few.

Another massive difference that at times can be overlooked by spectators is walking the track. This takes place a number of times before the start of a weekend’s racing starts and will usually happen again after the racing concludes on Saturday to ensure any track changes are picked up for the coming day. AORC track lengths vary, but are usually between 10 an 15km. Imagine smashing yourself on the bike all day Saturday, only to have a 15km walk ahead of you that afternoon. The type of fitness leans more towards being able to last in a three-hour cross-country, where these guys are on the gas almost all of the time. Compared with a 20-minute plus one lap moto, it’s a different form of racing altogether. But that’s not to say it isn’t intense and demanding.

To help Driscoll mentally prepare for the challenge, he spoke with some really experienced guys in the field, such as the legendary Glenn Kearney, among others who gave him guidance on what changes he may need to make or how to learn the craft of off-road racing. Being able to access such a knowledge base – and finding advice flowed freely from experienced heads – was invaluable for Driscoll. That’s not to say the guy was entirely new to the scene. He attended the Monkerai and Kyogle AORC rounds in 2015, performing well in what was a prelude to his off-road career. He also claimed the 2015 NSW Off-Road Enduro title in the J3 category, showing his potential as an off-road racer was on the rise.

The competition this year was intense, with Driscoll trading blows with Husqvarna’s Fraser Higlett throughout the season. The racing was unusually tight across the classes, but in particular the E3 and Transmoto EJ classes. Driscoll had to fight all the way to the end of the final lap to secure his victory from a valiant Higlett. The fact that these two Juniors were able to battle like titans all year, but maintain respect and friendship off the bike, shows maturity beyond their years and is something they should both be proud of.

Another major change Driscoll found was learning how to relay issues to his pit crew (father Craig and mother Kerry). Unlike motocross, where almost all of the time you can be seen, enduro racing keeps you out in the bush on your own for the majority of each lap. “If the bike isn’t performing in a certain section or you are struggling somewhere, you need to be able to pass this on so changes can be made fast and efficiently,” Driscoll said.

Being able to interpret this information has had its challenges also. It’s not just Michael who has undergone massive changes, but also his support crew. Driscoll describes his family as “very tightknit”, who has sacrificed everything to make sure he can race to the best of his ability. Craig is typically in charge of the bike with Kerry making sure the nutrition, accommodation, travel and the general comfort side of things are covered. From checking over the bike after each lap to ensuring he’s warm, well fed and not hurting, they have their work cut out for them. The release of pressure on Michael was evident when he crossed the finish line at the series’ finale at Omeo to claim his first Transmoto EJ title. I was lucky enough to witness the intense moment between father and son in their pit tent moments later. With their foreheads pressed together, and Craig holding his son’s head in his hands, the fact both were on the verge of tears showed just how much they wanted this win and just how much they had gone through to get it. “The relief was like having a weight lifted from my shoulders,” Driscoll offered, who refers to his group as “The A Team” in an endearing manner. It demonstrates just how grateful he is not only to have the opportunity to race, but also to have such a supportive network behind him.

So, what happens from here? All we can say for sure at the moment is that Driscoll has aspirations to ride for Australia to show the world just what he’s capable of. If the rise of Michael Driscoll continues along its current course, it’ll only be a matter of time before we see this happen. I know one thing for sure, we’re waiting in keen anticipation. Best of luck, mate.


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