Two-wheel trio! From left: Dad Gary Willis with sons Coby and Jehi. The Willis family is speeding its way to success in motorbike racing.By Glen Atwell
THE Willis family in Kooweerup has always had a two-wheel tendency and the riding successes of dad Gary and sons Jehi and Coby goes to show that a passion for adrenaline runs in their blood.
Having recently celebrated his 50th birthday, Gary has always had a passion for motorbikes and only recently got back into the sport.
“I rode up until I got married, then had to give it away – it’s an expensive sport to be involved in,” he said.
“But I’m back in my first season and loving it.”
His sons, 25-year-old Jehi and 15-year-old Coby, are also racing their way to success in the sport.
Jehi is winding down a hectic year of endurance racing that has taken him to Europe and America to race in some of the world’s most hotly contested enduro series.
Brother Coby won the enduro category of the Victorian Off-Road Championships in the 13 to 16 age bracket and is hoping one day to gain entry into a series based in New South Wales.
Coby said his main goal was to kick-start a career in the sport.
“It’s hard to turn enduro riding into a career in Australia. Many riders, like my brother Jehi, go overseas and compete in the big races,” he said.
To complete the hat trick of rubber-burners, dad Gary also won in the Victorian Off-Road Championships, claiming first prize in the over-45 category.
In an amazing effort, all three of the Willis riders will compete with the esteemed number one plate next season, the top honour for any motorbike rider.
But behind every good riding team is an even better support crew.
So spare a thought for mother and wife Lyn Willis, the devoted supporter of her three motorcycle enthusiasts.
Lyn said the boys loved their racing and although she didn’t get to watch them compete too often, she always heard about their adventures.
“They normally travel together and I always hear about the best bits of the day,” Lyn said.
As for the brotherly competition between Coby and Jehi, Gary said Coby wouldn’t be seeing dust for too much longer.
“With a couple more years’ experience, Coby might just be chasing Jehi,” he said.
