AORC YOUNG GUN: MICHAEL DRISCOLL

In Junior motocross circles, Michael Driscoll has notched up a few NSW State MX title wins, but never tried his hand at racing in the bush. Earlier this year, though, at the tender age of 16, the kid from Sydney’s western outskirts decided to shift his attention to racing off-road, and he immediately turned heads by winning the opening two rounds of the 2017 AORC’s Transmoto EJ class. In our recent Meet the Athlete profile on Driscoll, we learned that this 17-year-old may get backing from Yamaha Motor Australia, but he works four to five days a week as a labourer to make ends meet. We also learned that he’s got a good sense of humour and isn’t afraid to put the boot into his mechanic.
As we head into this weekend’s Round 9 and 10 of the AORC, Driscoll sits in second position in the Transmoto EJ-class standings (formerly known as the 19&Under class), just 2 points behind Husqvarna’s Fraser Higlett. So to get to know this likeable AORC title contender a little better, Motorcycling Australia’s Tristen Spragg caught up with him earlier this week…

TS: What prompted your shift in attention from motocross to off-road racing, Michael?
MD: There are several reasons why I chose to transition from motocross to off-roads. I believe the opportunities long-term are likely to be stronger, and I also enjoy the atmosphere around the AORC paddock. Everyone is very friendly and helpful; I can always have a laugh with the other racers. When the racing gets going, however, it’s very serious. I also enjoy travelling to all the different towns that the AORC goes to. Each place has its own unique vibe, and all the locals really get behind us. It can be as simple as going out to dinner and chatting with people about the racing. Motocross is a great sport, but I’m glad I’ve made the transition. I started racing competitively when I was 12 years old and I’ve won several State Championships in Motocross.

But no national titles to your name yet?
No, I haven’t won a national championship yet, and I would love to do so. And racing in the AORC provides an opportunity to achieve that goal. It all comes down to preparation over the off-season and learning the game. I’ve got very little experience in this discipline, and I’m still learning as I go along. This will be my first Enduro format race this weekend at Kyogle, so there will be a lot to learn. But I’m really excited for the challenge. I’m just trying to take in as much information as possible to prepare myself for the weekend.

Were you expecting to do so well in your debut AORC season?
No, I was not expecting to do so well straight out of the blocks. My family and crew have been blown away by our current position in the championship standings. In all honesty, this has been a development year, and hopefully we can push the boundaries even further in 2018, when I’ll have more experience under my belt.

And your potential was on show from the very first round.
Yeah. At the first two rounds at Rawson in Victoria, I came out swinging and won both races in the EJ class. I wasn’t expecting to do that well at all, but we put in so much effort and the results showed. I’m trying my best to get more wins, but I’m up against some strong competition. I just have to give it my all. Yamaha Australia has been very helpful with the change of disciplines for me. I just have to keep grinding out the results and keep on improving. Anything that I race in, I have to be fully invested. I’m stoked with how I’ve performed this year, and hopeful that’ll continue over the longer term in the AORC.

We heard you raced the Transmoto 8-Hour at Conabarabran last weekend, and did well.
I did. The 8-Hour was more about having some fun than serious racing. I teamed up with another 17-year-old, Jackson Flaherty from Powersport Central, and we ended up placing second Outright and second in the Pairs class. It was dry and dusty and technical, but a really well-run event with an awesome atmosphere.

All the best with this weekend’s AORC racing at Kyogle, Michael.
Thanks a lot, Tristen.

To stay up-to-date with the 2017 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, check out the AORC’s website, or follow the AORC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The final two rounds of 2017 Yamaha AORC take place in Omeo, Victoria, in two weeks’ time (on August 5-6).

Check out this slick promo edit that previews this weekend’s AORC racing at Kyogle.