There’s NEVER a dull moment in my world – and the past few weeks have been no exception! After missing Round 4 at Morgan Park last year (thanks to a broken pelvis at a state meet – not ideal), I was stoked to be back for a proper crack at it this year. To prepare, we headed up a couple of weeks early for testing, which turned out to be absolutely worth it.
My Insta360 camera continues to be a total game-changer. I’ve been using the footage to study the track and sneak in some mental laps even when I’m nowhere near my bike.
The two-day unofficial test gave me solid time to get my head back into the Morgan Park layout, which I’ve always loved – a fun combo of fast, swoopy corners and tight hairpins, with a cool bridge overlooking the track for some pretty iconic shots. The surface is still fairly bumpy, just like I remembered, but Dad and I made the call to stiffen the front suspension, which made a big difference. I’m getting faster, which means using more brakes, so that step just felt like the natural progression.
Come race weekend, I won’t lie – it wasn’t my strongest round on paper but I was still proud of the way I rode. Saturday’s qualifying was tricky. I had the pace, but couldn’t quite piece together the perfect lap, which left me a few rows back on the grid, despite being only a second off pole. It definitely proved something to me though: I’m more of a racer than a qualifier at this track.
Once the lights went out, I made moves! In both Race 1 and Race 2, I climbed forward and locked in some great battles in the front pack – it was intense, dicey and a bit brutal at times, but that’s racing! I even set my new PB and got the second-fastest lap in Race 2, finishing with first place right there in front of me at the line.
Morgan Park’s a long way from home, so I wasn’t expecting many familiar faces in the pits, but the support from spectators blew me away. I even got asked to sign a few AMCN magazines, which was such a surreal and special moment. Thank you to everyone who came by; you made it feel like a home round.
Fast-forward a little and my focus shifted to the biggest opportunity of my career so far: a wildcard entry in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship at Donington Park, 11-13 July! Preparing for it has been a full-time job: sorting flights, insurance, leathers, bike decals, accommodation, media boards, you name it. It’s been hectic but so rewarding. I want to say the biggest thank you to every single sponsor and supporter who helped make it possible. I wouldn’t be here without you.
As I write this column, I’m already in the UK – just minutes from Donington Park – and still buzzing from my very first ride around the track earlier today. And let me tell you… TV does not do this place justice. It’s one of the wildest tracks I’ve ever ridden. Coming out of Turn 2 into Craner Curves, flat out down this steep, blind drop, trying to keep your eyes up and stay on the racing line… it’s like a fast-paced rollercoaster you can’t afford to fall off. Then McLeans sneaks up on you before the double apex of Turn 8, and you’re straight into the esses where the racing line is right over the kerb. You need serious confidence in those sections. And just when you think you’ve got a rhythm going, there’s the harsh braking zone into Melbourne Loop – a hairpin thrown into an otherwise flowing layout. It’s chaos and I absolutely love it.
The people in this paddock are next level. Fast, friendly and so incredibly helpful. I’ve been fortunate enough to borrow a bike for a couple of pre-race track days and, honestly, I can’t thank the crew around me enough. A huge shoutout to Aussie BSB racer Billy McConnell – he’s been unbelievable through this whole process. From support in the pits to local advice, he’s been a massive part of making this dream a reality, and I feel so lucky to have someone like him in my corner.
I’ve completely fallen in love with England. The tracks, the people, the opportunity… I hope this is just the first of many times I’ll get to race here. Feeling super grateful and energised for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to tell you all about how my first ever Women’s World Championship wildcard pans out.
Until then – thank you for being part of the ride.
