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YAMAHA’S KING OF THE JUNGLE ROARS AGAIN
APRIL 12, 2007: Never say never, especially not when Hamilton’s Darryll King is within earshot.
Just when it was thought the 37-year-old former world No.2 had taken up the slippers and pipe option for 2007, the Kiwi champion is back.
Three-time former Australian motocross champion King has announced that he will roll up with his Yamaha YZF450 at round one of the Australian series this weekend.
King, who is current New Zealand 250cc and 500cc champion, will jet in from his home in New Zealand to fill in on the Craig Dack Yamaha Team for the injured regular team member Matt Moss at round one at Broadford, near Melbourne.
King announced his retirement from fulltime racing in the Australian championships last year, but never actually ruled out having the odd ride if the situation arose. With Moss breaking his wrist at the opening round of the Australian supercross season in February, the high-profile Yamaha team was left with a vacancy.
“I am really excited to ride in Australia again. I know that I pulled the pin last year on fulltime racing overseas. However, I am feeling fantastic and the offer from CDR (Craig Dack Racing) to ride in the first round on one of their factory YZ450F machines was too good to pass up,” said King.
“Racing in Australia is like having a holiday. The bikes are superb and the support is the best I have ever experienced around the world. Craig Dack is a pleasure to ride for.”
This will also be the first time since he won the Australian title in 2004 that King will make the first round 100% fit. The two-time former world No.2 is reported to be in sizzling form and looking forward to getting back among the action.
But motocross fans across the Tasman should be warned: This may be the one last chance to watch one of the world’s motocross icons in their country for the last time.
King finished fifth overall in the Pro Open class in Australia last season struggling through the early part of his campaign with a severe leg injury.
He last won the Australian national title in 2004 and hounded fellow Kiwi Daryl Hurley all the way to the flag, finishing runner-up, in 2005.
