Success roles on for ‘Mad’ Mike Jones
Success roles on for ‘Mad’ Mike Jones who recently announced he would be joining the Aruba.it Junior Team in the European Superstock 1000cc Championship after an Australian Superbike Championship in 2015 and two successful appearances in both the 2016 World Superbike Championship and MotoGP.
The ASBK regular has this year shown true talent under the wing of the DesmoSport Ducati team led by three-time World Champion Troy Bayliss and team owner Ben Henry, where he was a consistent top placer across the six-round championship.
Having already completed a stint in the European championship the youngster returned home to the national series where he has perfected his race craft and developed optimal skills to prepare him for another overseas adventure of a life time.
We caught up with Jones who shared his development throughout his years, expanding on the vast help he received from past champions, and how both Australia’s Junior and National road racing programs have helped him progress.
“The MRRDA and the ASBK have been vitally important to my career. I first competed in the MRRDA at age 13 in 2007. It was more than just racing; I began learning about all aspects of motorcycle racing on and off circuit. I think this gave me a good platform to build my knowledge from,” Jones started.
“My progression to the ASBK happened in 2009. Ultimately it’s provided me with a place to compete and develop my skills over the years. This has been necessary preparation to make the step to the European Superstock 1000 Championship.
“Additionally, over the years I’ve received mentoring from professional riders such as Chris Vermeulen, Garry Mccoy, Casey Stoner and Troy Bayliss. Their valuable input has helped me learn and develop my skills. TB’s mentoring along with Ducati has been the most crucial in getting me to this point now,” he finished.
However, on top of Jones exciting news of overseas road racing, young Cube Racing regular in this year’s Australian Superbike Championship, Callum Spriggs has been announced as replacing Mike Jones in the Australian DesmoSport Ducati Factory team, explaining to press that he “big shoes to fill”.
Sure to be following the progression of both riders in 2017, head to the Australian Superbike Championship website here, like the ASBK Facebook page or follow @asbk on Instagram.
The 2017 ASBK calendar:
Round 1: 23rd – 26th February (WSBK Support Classes), Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Round 2: 17th – 19th March, Wakefield Park, NSW
Round 3: 28th – 30th April, Winton Motor Raceway, VIC
Round 4: TBA
Round 5: 25th – 27th August, Morgan Park Raceway, QLD
Round 6: 8th – 10th September, Sydney Motor Sport Park, NSW
Round 7: 6th – 8th October, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC