HEAD COACH

Mark Willingham

Marks first race was in 1991 as an 11 year old C grade junior rider, within six months Mark was regraded to A grade where he competed for the next few years taking numerous podium positions along the way. After turning 16 in 1995 Mark was ready to take on the senior ranks, in his first full year he took out the Victorian titles in B grade, before moving to A grade and taking the Number 1 plate the very next year. Marks first assault on the Australian Motocross Titles saw 12th overall on a 125cc in 1997 with one of six rounds missed to due school commitments, in 1999 Mark stepped up to the 250cc class with 11th overall, just a few points shy of the factory teams. For the years 2000 to 2002, Marks racing efforts were put on hold due to financial constraints, a brief comeback in 2003 saw a solid 3rd overall in the Victorian Titles however Marks focus had shifted, he no longer rides competitively and concentrates his time on coaching, a passion where he can dedicate his time to helping others. In 2004 Mark became a Level 2 Accredited Coach, currently the highest level in motorcycling. Late in 2008 Mark was recognised for his efforts and was selected as the Australian Team Manager for the 16 Rider Squad to represent Australia at the FIM Junior World Motocross Championships to be held at Taupo, New Zealand in August 2009. The Taupo trip brought about Australias first ever World Motocross Champion in Jay Wilson, and Australias first ever World Motocross Championship as a Nation. As recent as March 2010, Mark was again called upon as the Australian Team Manager, this time for the Oceania Championships held just South of Auckland, New Zealand. With a very short timeframe of less than 4 weeks, a 15 rider team was selected and sent to NZ for yet another successful endevour, beating the Kiwi's on their home soil.

ASSISTANT COACHES

Due to growth of the business in recent years, Mark will utilise the services of several qualified coaches for the Victorian Institute of Motocross Program, Eagerpig Training Program, and Eagerpig Coaching Schools throughout 2010. This will bring about some fresh faces within the industry, along with a few familiar ones, while all coaches to be used are of a minimum Level 1 Accreditation with genuine racing experience. All schools and VIM days will be organised by and have Mark Willingham in attendance, with the use of the assistant coaches where required and suitable.