Miller accelerates into elite company
JACK Miller has described his next chapter on the bike in fitting fashion – he is stepping up to “the Ferrari of MotoGP”.
The Townsville racing star has signed on to the Ducati Factory team, putting his name in elite company with the likes of Casey Stoner and Troy Bayliss.
Achieving this goal is a dream the 25-year-old has worked to realise his whole life, but even still the moment has been “surreal”.
Miller has signed a oneyear contract, however it has an option for him to continue on in 2022. It is rare territory for him in that he has never come into a season with his future locked in.
And that short-term focus is just how he likes it.
Rather than have the security of a long-term deal, the 12-month window keeps him on his toes and pushing to better himself whenever he gets on the bike.
“It hasn’t come easy – I’ve had to work my butt off to get it – but I’m looking forward to try and continue to keep this ball rolling and see what we can do for the future,” Miller said.
“I think we’ve got a few more boxes to tick but definitely this is a massive milestone.
“I’ve already been so fortunate in my career but to get this far is amazing for a kid from Townsville – it’s been a pretty surreal journey.
“But the journey is still only starting, I’m only 25 and I’ve got a long career left.
“To already be having a factory contract with a manufacturer like Ducati at this age, I’m feeling so blessed.”
Miller has been riding out the coronavirus pandemic back in Townsville with his family – the first time in a decade he has been able to settle in his home town.
To his knowledge racing is set to resume in July, and he hopes to make it to Europe in mid-june to quarantine and prepare for the final phase of his time with Ducati Pramac.
It may be done without crowds and in regular venues as opposed to the constant travel, but any racing is good news to Miller.
For now, he is chasing a strong finish to the season and whatever comes his way next year will be tackled when the time comes.
“It’s a shortened season so things are going to be pretty hectic but I’d like to try and think the way we finished off last year … we’ve got a solid shot at some victories,” Miller said.
“Who knows if it’s a shortened season what we can do in the World Championships, but I’ll keep my feet firmly planted on the ground and try to tick each box as it comes.
“(But) you join an elite club when you sign a contract like this – Casey, Troy and those guys.
“To be mentioned along those names and to have this opportunity to wear the red leather suit is an amazing goal for me.”