Sons of guns ready to blaze own track marks
TWO of the most famous names in Australian bike racing will be on the grid at next month’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix weekend at Phillip Island.
Remy Gardner, son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne, and Gold Coast-based Oli Bayliss, son of three-time World Superbike champ Troy, will compete in support races on October 19-22.
Oli Bayliss, just 13, is competing in his first season in the Australian Supersport 300 class, riding a Kawasaki Ninja for Cube Racing.
The Year 8 student has picked up three wins and dad Troy said his son had made big strides.
“He’s learning some great racecraft. It’s been a steep learning curve,’’ Bayliss said.
“He’s a good size and he’s hoping he doesn’t get any taller.”
The Bayliss family is resisting the urge to pack up and head to Europe.
“School is important and we don’t think it’s the right thing to do right now.’’
Remy, 19, is in his second year in Moto2 – the 600cc category below MotoGP – riding for France-based Tech 3.
The teen has picked up points in four races as he and the team have struggled to get the bike set-up right.
Gardner Sr, speaking from their Barcelona base, said an ankle injury sustained in a crash in the second round had frustrated their progress.
“He was taken out in Argentina, fractured his right ankle and had to have a plate inserted,’’ he said.
The foot became infected and the plate was removed two months later.
Remy achieved his best result in the Czech round at Brno where finished ninth.
“His speed is good and he’s competitive but he’s been struggling with lack of rearwheel grip.’’
Gardner hopes the second half of the season will bring more points but watching each race isn’t easy.
“Without a doubt it’s harder to watch Remy than it is racing myself. I miss racing, I love the sport and being around and watching it.
“But when it’s your own flesh and blood out there it’s tough. I’m sitting on the sidelines like a nervous Dad, biting my nails.’’
The Supersport 300 class promises to be thrill-a-minute stuff with 43 bikes on the grid.
The class is for riders 16 and older to cut their teeth, but kids such as the young Bayliss can compete from 13 if they meet certain criteria.