Motorcycling Australia (MA) caught up with 2017 World Speedway Champion Jason Doyle to get the in and outs of his time overseas, as MA turns the spotlights to Aussies doing well on the international stage. Doyle dishes the dirt on life on the international circuit and of course what he misses about living ‘down under’.
Where are you currently competing?
I am currently competing in Europe in 3 top leagues in speedway, I race for to run in Poland extra league Rospiggarna in Sweden and for Somerset rebels in England plus the Speedway Grand Prix and team Australia.
What’s the hardest thing about adapting to your new country?
when I was 19 it was hard to adapt to my new surroundings (new culture new food) but now I have been racing in Europe for over 12 years it’s more home then Aussie. I spend more time here then Aussie. It’s hard to start your career and new life with just a suitcase and a bike. Nothing else!
What do you miss most about home?
Family and friends are the main things I miss and of course the summer weather.
I always try to come back and visit every year so it’s not so bad. They all have there own lives to live so they don’t really miss me.
What is your preparation/training regime like?
Our season is a long 8 months, most the time 100 meetings a year.
I start preparing in January with fitness and organising the season (mechanics building bikes) and then start racing in March. I train in between races but most weeks I race 5 times and I don’t need to be training. I am very lucky I have a good program so it all works pretty good.
What’s been a highlight for you this year?
I have won 2 major events in UK this year the Peter craven memorial and the elite league riders championship in Poole last month. I have had a hard start to the season so these are 2 big positives I have had this year. It’s hard being the world champion everyone is out to beat me.
What is your single most motivating force?
Last year was to win a world title this year is to try my best to back it up. So this is my motivation. I hate losing so my motivation is this.
Tell us a bit more about what you hope to achieve and what you have already achieved in 2018?
I have goals I keep them secret so only myself know these. I will be just doing my best and then I will know I have done a good job this year.
What’s your strangest overseas experience been so far?
Strangest thing was when a fan turned Up to my house to get his t-shirt signed! I still don’t know to this day how he found out where I live! I wasn’t happy!
Do you have a special message for your fans back home?
My personal message to my fans is thank you for all your support you have given me! I didn’t know how big of a following i had until Melbourne last year. I don’t race in Aussie at all in a year so it’s always so nice to see message and fans come to Europe to support me and the other Aussie riders. Thank you for following my career, I hope i make you proud.
Favourite thing to do besides motorcycling?
Spending time at home with my wife and dog. Nothing better then to go home and do normal things and forget motorbikes.
I don’t like the spot light so it’s good I live in a little village away from speedway.
Embarrassing fact about you?
Hate losing! Hate being skinny!
Describe yourself in three words
Stubborn motivated caring