Jeff Leisk – 2015 Australian Motocross Classic
By Jeremy Hammer
As a pioneer of taking Australian Motocross talent to the world scene, Jeff Leisk needs no introduction – runner-up in the 1989 500cc World Championship, and a Motorcycling WA Hall of Fame inductee – he proved to be one of the greatest talents Australia ever produced.
Now as the general manager of KTM Australia, Leisk rarely get’s an opportunity to race – or ride for that matter. With an offer on the table to race the 2015 Classic Motocross Championship, ‘Leisky’ jumped at the chance to get behind the gate again to have fun, and enjoy the atmosphere.
“I’m just here to have fun, enjoy the atmosphere and experience. It’s good to come down and look at the old bikes – some that I used to race ‘back in the day’. It’s really cool to come here and remember what it was like.” He said.
With KTM taking ownership of Husqvarna a few years ago, it was fitting for the former World GP rider to contest the weekend aboard a 1977 Husqvarna 360CR. A lack of testing prior to event meant multiple changes needed to be made to the motorcycle, although the crew struggled to get reliability out of it – a common factor for multiple riders throughout the weekend.
“We didn’t get to do any testing before the race, so we just bolted it all together. We’re kind of figuring out the jetting and a few other things as we go. It’s pretty much how I expected it to be.” Leisk commented.
Despite only managing to finish one race over the weekend, Jeff still had a positive outlook on the event and commented on it’s importance to keep the history of the sport alive.
“It’s awesome. To be able to keep the history of the sport alive and its heritage – it’s really important. I think it’s a fantastic event.”
If the opportunity arises and time permits, Leisk mentioned he would be eager to return to one of the classic Motocross events again sometime in the future.
“If the chance comes up to race one of these again, then absolutely! It’s fun to engage with all this, and all the people that have been around the sport for a long time – there are people here that I’ve known for almost 40 years. It’s good to come here and see that those people are still enthusiastic about the sport.” He concluded.
