Five-time world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan will be an inaugural inductee into the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in Melbourne on Saturday March 19, 2016.
The Brisbane-born rider brought international acclaim through his exploits on one of the most difficult pieces of machinery ever taken to a racetrack – a 500cc Honda Racing Developments motorcycle.
He overcame many obstacles throughout his career including injuries that mauled his legs – the scars still evident to this day.
He would go on to win five consecutive Premier Class F.I.M. World Championships from 1994 through to 1998 inclusive, including 54 wins from 137 starts, 95 podiums and 58 pole positions.
“To look back at Australia’s batting average in motor sport it has been pretty successful,” Mick says. “So it is great to be recognised and I think the evening will be a fantastic turnout with so many past and present drivers, riders and the like.”
Mick has gone on to become a titan of business in a variety of different aspects – from aviation to entertainment, as well as serving time as a Director to Honda Racing Developments. He currently occupies the role of Chairman of Karting Australia.
He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996 and received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Mick was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2009.
Mick DoohanHe will join the already announced late Peter Brock and former F1 champion Alan Jones who are among 30 inaugural inductees into the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame is an initiative driven by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and brings together every discipline of motorsport in Australia with legends from Formula 1, Touring Car racing, Motorcycling, Speedway, Drag Racing, Rallying and Karting inducted on the night.
Chairman of the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame Committee, Garry Connelly says Mick’s achievements “laid the platform for many more Australians … to pursue their dreams of international motor sport success”.
“Mick’s characteristic style on the 500cc bike was without peer,” he says.
“To overcome his injuries and still dominate the way he did was an inspiration.
“His role as an ambassador carrying the Australian flag after one of his 54 premier class victories to his loyalty to the Honda brand throughout his career, along with his tenacity and drive to be the absolute best regardless of the challenges thrown at him personifies the Australian character.