At 16 years of age, Byron Dennis is one of Australia’s top emerging talents coming out of the MX3 category. Dennis found himself on the MX3 podium twice in the 2022 Penrite ProMX Championship, finishing third at both the opening round of the championship in Wonthaggi and the penultimate round at Queensland Moto Park. With only three rounds of racing completed in MX3 so far in 2023, Dennis has managed to find his way onto the podium at all three rounds and currently holds a four-point advantage at the head of the MX3 standings. MotoOnline caught up with Dennis to discuss Five Questions surrounding his strong start to 2023, changing his training program and more.

Image: Foremost Media.

This year has been somewhat of a breakout year for you, you’ve been on the podium at every round. How would you rate the 2023 season so far?

2023 has been pretty good so far, we’ve managed to steer clear of any major dramas or crashes which has been really good. We set a goal at the beginning of the year that we wanted to be on the box at every round. We really wanted to eliminate having those motos outside the top five like we had last year, and so far we’ve been able to tick that box.

Now that you’ve solidified yourself as a true championship contender and one of the guys to beat in MX3, is there any added pressure moving forward?

No not at all, I don’t feel any added pressure being the points leader. But there’s always that little bit of pressure that you always put on yourself to perform. I work really hard on and off the bike, so I guess that’s where the pressure comes from, wanting to make all of that effort worth it.

Last season was solid for you, but in 2023 we’ve seen a new Byron Dennis. What do you put that down to?

2022 wasn’t too bad, I ended up fourth in the championship. We had a couple of DNF’s though, one at Maitland and one at Gillman. We’ve been lucky to not have any of those issues yet, but like I said, our goal was to eliminate things like that. As far as my riding goes, I think the biggest thing has been moving down to Victoria to work with the Beatons, it’s been a game-changer for me. My riding has improved a lot, Ross [Beaton] has taught me heaps about intensity and how to manage a full moto, and lots of other things. But, the biggest thing is just riding with so many of the top guys, day in and day out, I’m really fortunate to be able to do it.

Image: Foremost Media.

You mentioned moving down to Victoria to ride with the Beatons Pro Formula crew. Who’s your favourite guy to train with down there?

All the boys down here have been unreal. I’ve learnt a lot from Kyle Webster, Regan Duffy and Jed Beaton, they’ve got a lot of experience in this sport, so it’s been good to learn from them every day. Same goes for the MX2 guys like Brodie Connolly, Kayden Minear, Noah Ferguson, Alex Larwood and even riding with Cambell Williams, it’s been really good. A lot of us are similar pace at the practice track, so it brings that race-day feel to training. I’ve found it really helps with my intensity and makes racing feel like just another day. So it’s been awesome, I’m loving it.

Where does Byron Dennis see himself in three years’ time?

Although I haven’t raced supercross yet, I’ve had a supercross track at home for a few years. I feel like I ride it pretty well and I really enjoy it. So, I’d love to be in the USA chasing dreams, racing motocross and supercross, putting my name on the map over there and doing well for myself.