Racing internationally is extremely competitive and many are trying to prove themselves worthy of reaching the World Championship.
Here are some of the highlights of Australians competing on the world stage in May 2019.
TOM TOPARIS
Former Moto3™ wildcard rider Tom Toparis enjoyed a successful debut in the 2019 IDM 600 Supersport Championship in Germany at the Lausitring circuit.
Toparis, from New South Wales, took a victory and a third-place finish in his first ever weekend with the Benro Racing squad. As a result, the 19-year-old leads the title standings by a single point.
A bright future could be on the horizon for Toparis as he’s also currently dominating the Australian Supersport Championship, having only missed out on one race victory.
Fans will remember his wildcard appearance at the 2017 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix when he finished in 22nd place in the Moto3™ race.
Toparis will next be seen in action overseas 6-9 June for Round 2 of the IDM 600 Supersport Championship in Oschersleben, Germany.
BILLY VAN EERDE
New South Welshman Billy Van Eerde represents one of Australia’s best hopes to one day reach the World Championship.
He’s often featured on social media with Jack Miller, who has taken Van Eerde under his wing and often trains with the 17-year-old.
The reigning Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion opened his 2019 campaign at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Jerez. The opening round of the cup was difficult for Van Eerde, crashing out in both races.
Two weeks later he competed in the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship in France. A top result would once again elude Van Eerde, as he finished in 26th place. Despite the difficult result, the Australian noted he was gaining confidence and gaining experience for the critical races ahead.
Van Eerde will next be in action this weekend at Mugello for the Rookies Cup, where he hopes to further develop his skills and secure a good result.
JOEL KELSO
Northern Territorian Joel Kelso received exciting news this week as it was announced that he will be racing in the FIM CEV Repsol Junior World Championship.
Widely considered to be a pathway in the Moto3™ Championship, this opportunity to race amongst the best young racers from all over the world is massive.
Kelso made big waves last year when it was announced he would join the Leopard Racing in the Italian Road Racing Championship (CIV).
It’s been tough going in the Italian championship so far for Kelso, despite taking pole position for the opening round, as he’s currently failed to finish in the series this year.
Kelso will make his debut in the FIM CEV Repsol Junior World Championship on 8-9 June.
TOM EDWARDS AND TOM BRAMICH
The World Supersport 300 Championship features plenty of Aussies in action, with both Tom Edwards and Tom Bramich on the grid.
Unfortunately, a huge downpour of rain caused the main race at the Imola round to be cancelled.
Edwards was confident for a good result in the wet conditions.
“I didn’t push very hard in the Warm-Up as the forecast said there was a one hundred percent chance the race would be fully wet, so there wasn’t much to learn,” he said. “I came into the box at the end of the session in 10th position, so I was happy and feeling super confident for the race. I was disappointed with the decision (to cancel the race).”
The cancelled race did not make a difference for Bramich, who failed to qualify for the main race.
“I’m more motivated now than ever,” Bramich said. “And I know the results will look after themselves if I just keep at it, so I’ve just got to keep working hard.”
Edwards and Bramich will next be seen in action for Round 4 at Jerez on 7-9 June.
JOSH HOOK
In just under a month, the inaugural FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will get underway.
A fire back in March destroyed all the racing machines and facility that housed them, causing a delay.
Now the series will get underway in July and feature Australian Josh Hook racing for the Octo Pramac MotoE Team. With a World Endurance Championship under his belt, Hook will be looking to add further success to his CV.
Hook said after he was announced with the team: “I must admit that the feeling with the bike is really positive. The MotoE (bike) is very competitive and I have had a lot of fun since the first tests. We will do everything we can to achieve great results.”
The series will kick off on 5-7 July at the Sachsenring in Germany for race one.
