Next Target Always in Sight: Passion for the 8 Hours Driving Jack Miller

Cheerful, lively, and easygoing--just like the image you might have of an Australian, Jack Miller is always friendly and down-to-earth.

He is the only Australian currently competing in MotoGP. Although he attracts a lot of attention in his home country, Miller himself hasn't changed a bit. "Of course, as long as I'm a professional rider, all sorts of things happen, but I'm still the same person. For better or worse, I think that's just who I am," he says with a laugh.

He had a grueling schedule leading up to this year's Suzuka 8 Hours. On June 29, after finishing 12th in the Dutch Grand Prix--Round 10 of the MotoGP season--Miller boarded a 9:00 p.m. flight to Japan, and after a layover in South Korea, he arrived in Nagoya at 10:00 p.m. on June 30. From there, he headed straight to Suzuka Circuit, arriving there around midnight.

"It's always the same. I like being busy, so it's no worries at all." He seems completely unfazed. "But... I do try to get a good night's sleep. I woke up at 4 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep after that."

It was July 1st. On that day, the track sessions were set to begin at Suzuka Circuit.

"I had a meeting with the Yamaha staff, so I had to be in the pits by 7:15 a.m. Then I was riding all day. After all that, I fell asleep straight away on Tuesday night. I slept like a log," he says with a laugh.

In MotoGP, Miller guides the V4-powered YZR-M1 around the racetrack, while in the 8 Hours, he races the inline-four YZF-R1.

"The V4 M1 is a completely new project for Yamaha as well. So we knew this year would be a tough battle, but I think it's a worthwhile challenge. We're doing our best there, and we have no plans to give up."

"But the R1 is a well-developed bike already, so there's a lot of experience behind the project. The bike is super competitive, so it's always a nice feeling when you look at the timing screens and see your name right there at the top."

Looking back on last year's 2nd place finish, Miller spoke with a hint of regret in his voice, "We gave it our all, and we had a great battle with the other teams, but we were just a little bit too slow."

"Earlier this year, I actually asked Yamaha myself, 'What's going on for the 8 Hours this year? (laughs). Since it's being held a month earlier than usual, I was a little worried about whether there would be enough time to prepare. But more than anything, I just love the 8 Hours.

"It's a race that's had Australian heroes like Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan in the past, and also a bunch of GP riders who are like idols to me.

"Those guys are normally sprint riders, but in the 8 Hours we get to see how they ride in an endurance race--it's like magic! For me it's an honor to be able to compete in the 8 Hours how I am right now."

Miller started his two-wheeled journey with riding off-road motorcycles when he was two and a half years old. Having grown up on a farm, he rode his bike every day around the large property. "I had a great childhood," he recalls. With tremendous support from his family, he was able to go on to become a professional rider.

"My whole family moved to Europe with me, and they made a lot of sacrifices and took on a huge financial burden. That's why I'm where I am as a MotoGP rider now, and also why I'm able to compete in the 8 Hours--a race I love--just like this. I'm really thankful to them...I guess I've already paid them back though, more than enough," he says with a mischievous grin.

Over the past few weeks, while he's been focused on the regular MotoGP season, he's also been thinking constantly about the 8 Hours. His desire to win is growing stronger.

"I just really, really want to win it. After all, for my teammate Nakasuga-san, this might be his last chance 8 Hours win. If we can cap off his career as a rider with a win at the 8 Hours--and if I can play a part in that--nothing would make me happier."

Miller believes in his own potential. "I don't know if I'll be able to perform at that level at 44 like him..." he said with a laugh, before continuing.

"Personally, I feel like I'm getting better and better as I get older. I have a deeper understanding of a lot of things, and I know my own physical condition better than ever.

"Since the M1 underwent major changes this year, we're being asked to take a different approach than before. I think this is also helping me get better at adapting.

"I don't feel like I've reached my limit at all yet."

Having started racing at a young age, the 31-year-old Miller is still growing today, driven by the same passion he had back then.

"Even I myself don't really know why I love racing so much. I guess it's just because it's so fun. I'm always on the hunt for my next target. The next race, the next win. I'm not the type of person who can just relax and take it easy. I'm always asking, 'What's next?...And what's after that?' and I keep chasing the next thing."

For Miller, a hectic schedule is simply a necessary part of his daily routine. And, as always, he's setting his sights on his next target--the highest step of the podium at the Suzuka 8 Hours.