American Sidecar legend to contest International Speedway Masters
Power Production Media Release 5 June 2024
American sidecar legend, seventeen times AMA National Champion, Joe Jones, is a confirmed participant in the International Speedway Masters, being staged at Gillman Speedway, on December 27 and 28.
The forty-four year old, from Grand Terrace, in Southern California, is the latest big name recruit, added to what will be a star-studded field contesting the prestigious Darrin Treloar Cup on night one (December 27).
Joe Jones, who last rode Down Under in 2019, has dominated the American speedway sidecar scene, in establishing a glittering career after debuting as an eighteen year old.
The reigning American Champion, an electrician by trade, will ride an Australian owned bike at Gillman, being prepared by vastly experienced former South Australian Champion, Rick Munro.
Jones says he is thrilled to be included in the field of sidecar superstars taking part in the International Speedway Masters.
“I received a call from Darrin Treloar to gauge my interest in coming to Australia and he introduced me to the event organiser, David Tapp, who reached out to me and we got the details worked out very quickly,” Jones explained.
“Darrin Treloar is the world’s greatest ever rider and it’s an honour to be included in an event named after him. I’m bringing my family with me and we’ll land in Adelaide several days before the meeting, giving me plenty of time to dial the bike in.
“I’ll be doing plenty of practice laps beforehand so I can be as competitive as possible in the December 27 event. The standard of riders and equipment in Australia is the best in the world, so good preparation will be essential,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Joe’s eight year old son, Hudson, is already making a name for himself in the American Motocross scene, having won a staggering seven AMA Championships to date!
“I’m hoping to arrange a couple of junior meetings for Hudson while we’re in Australia. He’s motorcycle crazy,” Joe added.
Jones refers to the famous Costa Mesa venue, located at the Orange County Fairgrounds, as his home track in American racing, but he’s also ridden frequently at tracks such as Pirate Speedway (San Bernardino), Perris Speedway (Bakersfield) and Santa Maria Raceway (Nipomo), to name just some.
Joe Jones joins Darrin Treloar/Blake Cox (NSW) and Mike Zachan/Ben Franklin (NZ) as the riders announced so far, contesting the International Speedway Masters (incorporating the Darrin Treloar Cup), on Friday night, December 27.
Tickets for the December 27 and 28 International Speedway Masters, at Gillman Speedway go sale on July 1@ www.ticketebo.com.au/speedwaymasters
Email enquiries – speedwaymasters24@gmail.com
Photos courtesy of Judy Mackay