In the world of two wheel racing across both dirt and tarmac disciplines it is fair to say that the most successful Western Australian in 2007 was Brisbane based Shaun Redhead. His list of achievements for 2007 include the following crowns; Australian 85cc Champion, Queensland Motocross, Stadium Motocross and Supercross Champion and Southeast Queensland Motocross Champion.
One of three very fast brothers, Shaun and his family moved to Queensland around 18 months ago to further his motocross career and the move is paying dividends. Certainly a lot taller and wiser than when he left, Redhead’s riding style learned at Byford’s Hendley Park circuit has always been spectacular. I often marvelled at his seemingly complete lack of fear as he pulled off incredible triple jumps longer and neater than all but the absolute best of the A Grade seniors even when he was on a 65cc! That wild streak has been toned down and honed by mentor Scott Bishop, and Redhead is now a proven winning machine with an extremely rosy looking future as part of Yamaha’s successful Junior Development Team. For 2008 he moves up from 85cc machinery to spearhead Yamaha’s junior strike force aboard YZ125 and YZ250F machines in the 14 years age division.
On the senior side of the fence, 2008 will be a watershed year for Michael Addison. The Lesmurdie youngster has been rewarded for great results achieved through a solid work ethic and determination with a full factory seat for the coming season with Motorex KTM in the premier Pro Open category. Of slight frame, Addison will be working full tilt across the summer to build his muscle and stamina in readiness for the gruelling 30 minute Pro Open motos that are a true test of will and courage.
Commenting on his ride with Motorex KTM, Michael Addison said, “I wake up every morning fully pumped that I have a factory ride and that is driving me even harder to want to get KTM some good results.”
On the tarmac side of the equation, WA will also have a full factory road racer in 2008 with Padbury youngster Bryan Staring moving from Honda to take up a seat onboard one of Team Yamaha’s dominant YZF-R6 weapons.
“I’m really excited about joining the team for the 2008 season, they are the most successful out there and I’ve found myself fitting in very well with everyone,” said Staring.
“I’ve had a few opportunities to test the R6 and the bike is incredible. It’s been a smooth transition and I hope to be competitive straight out of the box.”
With full factory backed Sandgropers on both the national motocross and road racing scene, WA has perhaps the strongest chance of success since the Jeff Leisk and Michael Dowson combination hit the eastern seaboard with a bang two decades ago.
Shaun Redhead is a star on the rise
Bryan Staring has switched camps from Honda to Yamaha for 2008
Michael Addison has been promoted into the factory Motorex KTM squad for 2008
