Many predict this weekend will be home hero Jack Miller’s best chance to win a premier class race at Phillip Island – and they’re not far off.
The Australian is enjoying his best MotoGP season of his young career when Miller finished on the podium for Pramac Racing in Austin, Brno and Aragon.
He briefly led last year’s race and never failed to cross the checkered flag at Phillip Island. Aside from his first two visits aboard 125cc / Moto3 machines, Miller has scored points on home soil.
For a career that currently boasts seven Grand Prix victories, however, one stands above the other – the brilliant 2014 victory on the way to second place in the Moto3 championship.
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Mullet in the wind, a 19-year-old Miller shot from eighth place on the grid to the lead on the fourth lap and looked firmly on the hunt for a momentous victory.
Six years in a row Casey Stoner MotoGP victories kept domestic fans waiting for the next star, and with Miller already winning in Qatar, Austin, Le Mans and the Sachsenring, the wait seemed to be over at some point.
The Townsville product, however, would wait until the final lap to overtake eventual champion Alex Marquez for victory.
Sorry, cross that out – the race wasn’t over to the finish line with just 0.242 seconds between the top six.
The first four drivers were separated by 0.033 seconds, and Miller over Marquez was a miserable 0.029 seconds in victory.
Jack Miller leads the field during the race. Image: Mirco LazzariSource: Getty Images
Few tracks allow slipstream better than Phillip Island, and this race was no different.
The top six riders entered Gardner Straight in a group and fanned out as the line approached. However, despite the tiny bezels, Miller immediately hit his fist, knowing he’d be the first to cross the finish line.
The win didn’t come without horror, however – and advice from a current MotoGP rival.
“It was very, very scary in places,” said Miller after the race.
“It was definitely a big old fight and to win here, with my top speed problems, is really good for me.
“[Maverick Vinales] finished second here last year and tried to use the slipstream on the last lap.
“I said, ‘What would you do again?’ He said, ‘I would do the last lap’ so I gave it a try and it paid off. I tried to stay ahead of Alex, it was a close race through that. “
P1 at PI for Miller. Image: Robert CianfloneSource: Getty Images
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The winner’s trophy from none other than Mick Doohan awarded Miller his place in the proud motorsport history of Australia.
“It was unbelievable, everyone fought cleanly, it was a very good race,” he said.
“To do it here and do it well, it’s very special.
“During the race you can see the Australian flags flying everywhere, you can really feel the support and it was a great feeling.
“I know like these guys [second- and third-placed Spanish riders Marquez and Alex Rins] feel most weeks. “