Bike stars galore at Perth Speed Fest

Motorsport fans have spent Sunday, December 13 being entertained by some of the world's biggest stars at the inaugural Perth Speed Fest. A 9000-strong crowd watched in awe as drivers and riders from 25 different forms of motorsport put their vehicles and motorcycles through their paces on the five custom tracks at Perth Motorplex.

Jack Miller, Wayne Maxwell and freestyle guru Josh Sheehan were among the motorcycle-riding fraternity, and Formula One fans were thrilled to see in action Western Australia’s own F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo, as well as Australia’s only living F1 world champion Alan Jones. In a historic moment, Jones kicked off Perth Speed Fest driving his father’s famous Maybach III as part of the 1950’s vintage display, while Ricciardo piloted the 2011 world-championship winning Red Bull Racing RB7 in a series of drag challenges.

Ricciardo said he enjoyed the atmosphere of the event and the vibe from his home crowd.

“It was really special to get out there and put on a show for the fans in Perth and bring the F1 car to them. The day was all about having a good time — and that's what we did," Ricciardo said. "It’s not every day you get to see and drive against this many different cars and bikes. It was a fantastic day out there - I know the team all enjoyed themselves. A great way to wrap up the season for everyone at Red Bull Racing.”

The day culminated in a head to head between Ricciardo and local drag racing star Craig Glassby in his Top Alcohol Funny Car. Glassby previously held the world record for the fastest quarter mile, and built a new car to reclaim that title, which he hopes to do in the coming months.

Glassby was faster than Ricciardo in the ultimate test of speed by 1.764secs.

Also getting behind the wheel to put on a show for the crowds were V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison, V8 Supercar driver Nick Percat, V8 ute racer James Brock, Perth teenager and V8 Supercar driver Alex Rullo, World Rally driver Alister McRae and Asia-Pacific Rally driver Dean Herridge.

The fun wasn’t just restricted to those on four-wheels, with Miller and Maxwell both demonstrating first-class showmanship in an expression session on the tarmac. Miller said: “It’s been an awesome day. So cool to have so much motorsport around and the variety of different vehicles and disciplines has been great."

Sheehan, the rider responsible for the world’s first triple backflip on a motorcycle, completed a series of flips and tricks. West Australian Sheehan said he was thrilled to be able to participate in an event of such calibre in his home state.

“I am stoked to be here. I am a rev-head and love all things motorsport. I don’t get to do many local shows these days, so it’s pretty awesome to have an event like this in my home town.” said Sheehan.

“It was really exciting to walk around and see so many different elements of motorsport in one location.”

A panel of experts led the commentary with special insight from Greg Rust, Alan Jones and Daryl Beattie.

Entertainment on and off track was non-stop with 60 separate motorsport demonstrations, autograph signings and over 300 historic, classic, sports and modified cars on show.