Let’s go back to the beginning. When did you first start riding and eventually racing? 

I think I started riding when I was 4 years old from memory, like most kids I started out on the PW 50. I had done a couple of races prior but never really was that interested in racing until I was about 9 or 10 years old.

What motivated your to head to the States and start running GNCC? 

I think the main reason for wanting to try out GNCC racing was because I had always preferred cross country style of racing and after a few years of racing professionally at home in Australia I figured why not come over to the US and at least try it out and see if anything comes of it. 

Fast forward to this season, you’re leading the XC2 points chase and you’re coming off your second win of the season. Consistency has paid off this year, only finishing off the box one time. What’s clicking for you this season?

Looking at this season compared to the previous two, I think that the main thing that has helped me stay consistent and get these great results is the experience from the past couple seasons. I believe I have always had good speed but often I would rush passes and panic every time I wasn’t near the front which would just lead to more mistakes. Also learning how to set the bike up here & learning the different tracks and terrain has also helped. 

There’s nothing quite like the three-hour GNCC on Sunday. What was your biggest hurdle as you started acclimating yourself to being competitive for all three hours? 

The biggest hurdle I’ve faced with getting used to the three-hour races is just keeping it together for the whole race. Whether it be recovering from a crash or bad start it’s tough to settle in and keep progressing forward. 

You’ve got some great people in your corner. One of those is Josh Strang. Talk about your relationship with him and what’s it been like having him as a mentor.

It’s been great training with Josh Strang since moving over here, for the first two years here I was living with him, so it was good for me to see what it takes to be one of the top guys. It's been good to be able to push each other training during the week and see the results pay off on race day. We get along well and he actually helped me out with moving over here and the whole visa process so I’m super great full for the Strang’s support.  

What’s training look like for you in between races?

Training Between the races for me isn’t anything out of the ordinary I’d imagine.

I like to take a couple days off the bike after a GNCC, whatever Josh writes into the program for the week I follow.  Usually, it’s a good mix between moto, gym, and cycling. The training is fun during the week especially because there’s a group of us all together just talking trash on each other all the time. It’s usually it’s me, Josh, Mason Semmens, The Riordan brothers, and Tyler palmer. It keeps it fun and there’s lots of banter, so it makes the week go by fast.

I have to think you’re becoming more and more fond of the tracks at Ironman. Coming off the win this weekend in the XC2 and finishing third on the box in the overall last year at the muddiest event of the year, Ironman. Has that become your favorite track or do any others stick out as your favorite and why?

I do love the track at Ironman Raceway! I’ve had some good races at that track.

It’s definitely one of my favorites for sure. There are actually a few tracks I especially like going to, like the John Penton, Mason Dixon & The Buckwheat. 

When you’re not racing or training, what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not racing and training, I enjoy catching up with friends and just getting to relax a bit. I also enjoy sampling a few cold beers (responsibly) of course!

What’s it like being so far away from home, chasing your dream? Any plans on visiting home any time soon? 

It’s obviously quite different living over here compared to Australia, I’ve found myself really enjoying it here! I love living and racing here and I feel it was one of the best decisions for my racing career. Being away from my family is tough & it’s been a while since I’ve been home to visit. Almost 2 years!  Hopefully after the season I can make a trip back home and catch up with everybody. 

Who are the sponsors and people you’d like to thank? 

I really would like to thank Team Babbitt’s Online Monster Energy Kawasaki Team & all the associated sponsors, they do an Awesome job for me and I’m pumped to be a part of the team!