Mick Doohan ride day for FANbassador Renee!

This is the first time I’ve been able to sit down and properly think about and properly deconstruct everything that was going through my head today during those 2 amazing laps with Mick Doohan. After watching as many races as I have, I don’t think my brain could stop thinking. Most people would want to turn off and enjoy the ride, I don’t think I could... turn off I mean, because I definitely enjoyed myself. What’s there not to love about going down Gardner Straight at 260kms?!

For me, it was fascinating going into the pits where we were stationed for the day. It looked so empty, but soon it will be filled with computers, equipment, fake walls with team colours, spare parts, and the all important MotoGP bikes. Where cars were parked will be full of hospitality tents, TV vans, VIP areas, and you will hear bikes revving, and the smell of… well actually to most people the smell is horrible, but any bike fan will tell you it’s the best smell in the world. It means that riders are ready to race!

Mick Doohan is amazingly talented with a pillion on the back. I’m not the smallest person in the world, and he still managed to throw the bike around a bit and give me quite a thrill! It really makes you appreciate even more the talent that he has, and how strong minded he must be to pull through his first crash, only to come back and crash again. It would have been so easy for him to walk away from the sport forever, yet he is still so happy to take people around. Although I think of him as racing royalty, he didn’t act like he was. He was more then happy to have lunch with everyone, chat, and was very caring towards everyone he took around.

I can’t help but think, things could have ended very differently for him. But I also think you also make your own luck in life, and the main reason why he is where he is today because of him, and no one else. He’s the one that got up, trained hard, and got back on that bike. I really admire his determination, and think he is a fantastic role model for anyone who has been down and out. Do a bit of reading about his career, spend a day feeling sorry for yourself, then work out a plan to get back on that horse and be as successful as you can be!

Although I’ve had many rides as a pillion, this one was very different, as I had handlebars to hold onto as opposed to holding onto someone’s waist, or belt as I used to do with dad. After the first few corners I figured out that you needed to have a lot of strength in the hands, I really admire the strength that riders must have! I used my fingers to hold on tight while going fast (or doing a mono down pit lane hehe), then as we were breaking I used the palm of my hand to hold myself back, giving your fingers a bit of rest. It sounds tricky and is hard to explain, but you need to make sure you don’t just go off the back of the bike, but don’t go over the handlebars too! 

I’m really glad that I had this opportunity at a track I know really well. I know where the braking markers are and what corner comes next. We were getting closer and closer to a braking marker, and knowing that he’s going to brake soon…soon… very soon! Then just when I was about crap my pants, he finally starts breaking and I go from holding on to keeping myself in place, almost pushing back. I always realised that you needed a lot of concentration, but I had no idea how much. I can see what riders mean when they say that they don’t hear the crowd, but feel the energy around the circuit.

I could see the white line, and knew that in 3 weeks if we were in the exact same position on the track, we would be overtaken. On some corners I would knew another bike could squeeze in, and they probably would. I was imagining what it would be like to have someone ride that close to you, doing those speeds, I think it would be an indescribable feeling. I have so much more respect especially for 125 and Moto2 riders, who spend a whole race overtaking, and being overtaken. These 2 classes are fun and exciting, with a large field and everyone fighting for position.

This year I want to stand at Doohan Corner and see one of the support races starting. I will be paying particular attention to how close they get to each other. I really do think I will have a new appreciation for it. From MotoGP, right down to those racing in the Historic class (or the ‘fuddy-duddy class as dad called it’), it would still be scary to overtake.

When I got off the bike I started tearing up, not because I was scared, but because I was so happy! I think then I fully realised what I’d just done, and how special it was. I’m sure most of you have seen the video, which was taken just after I got off the bike. Watching it back, I can’t stop laughing! I’m never lost for words, I could talk underwater with a mouth full of marbles! But it was so hard to get the words out, and my hands were still shaking, I didn’t know what to do with them!

I would like to thank each and every person from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation who was there for making me feel so welcome and special on the day. There was not one person who didn’t come and introduce themselves to me, I was also really surprised that some remembered me from last year! They are such a great bunch of people, and are really passionate about what they do. Everyone is working so hard to ensure that this year is the best year yet! The grounds are looking great, the construction of the grandstands is in full swing, and I think the shuttle bus for grandstand holders will be a hit!

For those who are worried about the weather, the undercover grandstand on Gardner Straight is a great addition to this years ticketing options. What I don’t think a lot of people realise is how many stakeholders there are to consult with to ensure the success of the event. The track isn’t owned by AGPC, they hire it months in advance to erect grandstands and prepare the grounds. I’m sure that there are a lot of decisions which need to be made with Dorna also.

If only they were in charge of the weather as well!! But I must admit, I did feel this sense of pride when I survived last year. Mother Nature threw the most horrible weather at us, but it still couldn’t keep me away! I got wet, but thanks to my gumboots my feet always stayed dry which I think is the most important thing. I brought a towel for the car to half dry off before going home…. I showered, slept, then did the same thing all over again!

I am a passionate, dedicated racing fan who feels very lucky to have a MotoGP not only in my home country, but my home state! You can’t wipe the smile off my face all weekend, because even though things are never perfect, they are the things that sometimes make the weekend.

This happy and proud FANbassador challenges you to come on down, and see what I’m always raving on about!! Don’t have anyone to go with?... don’t worry!! I went by myself last year, and met the friendliest people on my travels, some who I still keep in contact with. Live in Melbourne, and not really sure if you’ll enjoy bike racing? Come down for the Saturday or Sunday, and see what it’s all about! You never know, you could become as hooked on racing as I am  :)

Looking forward to seeing you all down there!! But if you can’t, follow me on Twitter, and I will be sure to keep you updated with all the goss!

@revvin_renee