Features 14 Feb 2017

Unplugged: Wade Kirkland

Learn more about the Raceline Pirelli KTM MX2 rookie.

Image: MXN.

My Way

Greatest moment of your career?
That would have to be in 2013 when I won the Australian title on my 85.

Toughest race ever?
I’m not sure actually, there’s been a few tough ones, the ones with crashes and broken bones would be the toughest for me.

Long-term goal?
Hopefully I can make it to America, it would be sick to go over there and ride for a team.

Favourite track?
Murray Bridge in South Australia.

If you weren’t a racer, you would be?
Probably a mountain bike racer.

Arch-rival?
I’ve never really had one, I’ve just been behind Hunter Lawrence and I was kind of on my own all the time.

Greatest inspiration?
Chad Reed, he’s the greatest of all-time from Australia.

Superstitions?
I don’t really have any.

Goal for 2017?
My goal is to try and win the MX2 championship in the first year, to win as a rookie would be pretty cool.

Off the Wall

Best all-time moto DVD/video?
I would say the 2015 Bar to Bar video, that was pretty cool.

Non-bike related hobbies?
Mountain biking, swimming, surfing, just going out with friends and jumping off things into water – stuff like that.

Do you read your pit board?
Not really that much to be honest (laughs), I only look at it when I have a little bit of space between myself and the other riders.

What do you drive?
Toyota Hilux.

What’s on the iPod?
A bit of Flume, Fort Minor, a bit of Linkin Park, that’s about it.

Best thing about the MX Nationals?
Just getting to watch the other good riders I guess, they’re all pros and it’s pretty cool to watch, it’s way better than watching juniors.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I don’t know, I really couldn’t answer that one (laughs).

First and last

First bike?
Yamaha PeeWee 50.

First kiss?
Grade four I think I kissed a girl (laughs).

First proper injury?
In 2011 I was going through some whoops and went over the bars on my 60, I broke my wrist.

First time you got in a fight?
I’ve never been in a fight.

Last holiday?
When I was about seven, I went to the Gold Coast and went on the roller coasters and stuff at Dreamworld.

Last big crash you had?
Yesterday (laughs). I was going through some sand whoops and got sideways and crashed, it rolled me around a bit but I was all good.

One or the Other

PC or Mac?
PC

McDonalds or KFC?
McDonalds.

Europe or USA?
USA.

Two-stroke or four-stroke?
Both!

Motocross or supercross?
Both!

Blonde or brunette?
Blonde.

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