Former Multiple Australian Motocross Champion, Mike Landman has joined the Woodstock Honda Thor crew in readiness for the 2009 racing season.
A coup for the factory Honda outfit, the team stated it is excited to have secured the former champion racer's services, and welcomes the wealth of knowledge and skill Landman brings to his new role as motorcycle technician.
Stockpiling invaluable experience, Landman has been involved in the sport of motocross for over 30 years; as a racer, an expert riding coach and advisor, and as a qualified motorcycle mechanic.
Winning Australian Motocross Championships in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes, as well as innumerable state titles in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, Landman is well acquainted with success.
Looking for greater racing challenges, Landman also ventured overseas to test his skills on the international stage. Racing in Europe, he delivered several impressive podium scoring performances.
Success also followed Landman closer to home, as he spent a year racing in New Zealand.
In a career spattered with many, many highlights, the talented Victorian racing star also captained the Australian Motocross team to victory in a trans-Tasman showdown with New Zealand.
One of the first professional riders in Australia, Landman also made history as the first rider to take back-to-back wins in the prestigious Australian Grand National event.
Retiring from racing in 1984, Landman turned his attention to rider development and training; running schools to coach young up and coming motocross racers.
Rider training later gave way to increased mechanic work and Landman operated his own motorcycle repair business for many years.
Priding himself on being one of the fittest riders in his day, Landman is all too aware of the physical and mental demands placed on riders and will have much to offer beyond his regular race technician duties.
As an ex-champion racer and accomplished motorcycle technician, the whole team is certain to benefit from Landman's involvement.
Riding briefly for Honda Australia during his illustrious career, Landman is excited to be back onboard a factory motocross team for 2009.
Team Manager Brad McAlpine said, "We're working to give Woodstock Honda the greatest opportunity for racing success in '09, and so we've expanded our technical capacity, bringing in Mike Landman.
"I am really pleased to have Mike involved; I think his inclusion will bring a great deal of wisdom and stability to the team.
"He really knows his stuff and he'll be a huge asset to our whole team.
"With so much enthusiasm and knowledge to offer, Mike will, no doubt, be a great resource for all of us."
Landman aslo spke of is enthusiasim for the coming season, "I'm really excited for next year - it‰Ûªs a job that I'm looking forward to doing and hope we can build towards a strong, successful year.
"Over the years, I've been involved in a lot of different aspects of the industry between riding, coaching and working as a mechanic - that spread of experience is where I feel I can really bring something to the table.
"I've been through the highs and lows of the sport and I think I can contribute to the team and help advise some of the younger riders about a few of the things I've been through.
"For me, this is a great opportunity to give something back to the sport that's given me such a great lifestyle over the years."
Mikes son Brent Landman is currently active as a professional motocross and supercross racer also.
Main Photo: Mike Landman
Credit: Click28.com
