Round three of the 2025 Australian ProMX Championship at Gillman ended in tragedy following a serious crash involving MX1 privateer rider Joel Evans, who later passed away due to his injuries.
The remainder of Sunday’s event was abandoned as a result of the incident.
The motocross community has united to honour Joel’s life, racing spirit, and contribution to the sport.
Born in 1994, Joel was 30 years old. His passion for motocross ran deep, introduced to the sport at a young age on a 50cc bike and growing up in a family strongly connected to racing. Even after suffering a serious back injury more than a decade ago that required multiple surgeries, Joel fought back against the odds to return to competition.
A true privateer, Joel lived for racing, travelling the country to compete while openly sharing his journey through his popular YouTube channel that documented his life in the sport. His commitment was never about material success—it was about fuelling his passion, chasing personal growth, and competing purely for the love of motocross.
Joel’s sister Renae mourned the family’s loss as tributes flowed in from competitors and friends.
“What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever,” she wrote.
“Intuitively, I woke with a deeper calling for presence. My heart’s daily reminder was ‘appreciate what you have, don’t wait until it’s gone’.
Eight hours later, I got the phone call that no one wants to hear. I could never have imagined that it was going to be the day that my little brother took his final breath.
Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.
He used to joke about not wanting to get old, now he never has to.”
Reflecting on Joel’s spirit, Honda Racing Australia’s Director Yarrive Konsky said:
“Joel lived for the dream. Every dollar earned, every sacrifice made was simply to make it to the next race. He embodied what it truly means to be a motocross warrior, a dream chaser in its purest form.”
The many tributes already flowing prove how much Joel was cherished by his fellow competitors, friends, and the broader racing community.
Joel’s passing is a profound reminder of the character and sacrifices of privateers, who form the backbone of professional motocross. While financial rewards are rare, the passion and dedication shown by riders like Joel define the heart of the sport.
Today, the motocross community honours Joel Evans for his resilience, his unwavering commitment, and the inspiration he provided to all those who chase their dreams on two wheels. His spirit will continue to live on in every racer who lines up to pursue their passion.
On behalf of everyone at Fullnoise, our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those affected by his loss.
