There isn’t a machine with tyres that Vinnie hasn’t ridden.
As the Public Liaison Officer and Public Officer and Treasurer MCC of NSW since 2019, Vinnie is a much valued member, who works tirelessly to support all issues relating to motorcycling.
The first question we always ask when meeting a rider – what motorcycle do you ride?
I currently ride Ducati’s.
How did you get into motorcycle riding?
I started riding at the age of 8 in the UK, competing in the “minors” division of Motocross.
From the age of 14 to 16 raced at Hawkstone Park, Farleigh Hungerford (Farleigh Castle) and Washbrook Farm plus a few others I can’t remember!
Started track racing from 16 years old and continued until 19. Raced at Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington, Mallory Park and Oulton Park riding a 500 + 650 BSA and then a Triumph Trident 3.
What happened to motorcycle racing?
Apart from running out of money, I realised I just wasn’t quick enough to keep up with the front runners so gave up racing bikes.
I found a new passion in the form of Hot Rod racing (a highly modified Mk 1 Ford Escort then a Mk2) and riding a street legal(ish) 650 BSA Rocket Gold Star.
While I was working overseas, I gave up bikes and cars, except for some serious sand dune riding (well there isn’t much grass in the desert) on 2 and 3 wheel bikes.
When I “found” Australia, I started riding a Harley Softail and spent a fortune on it to make it go faster and did a few drag race days at the Creek.
Onto some serious stuff, your passion for motorcycling has seen you really make a difference, can you tell us your achievements?
During my tenure as the Ducati Owners Club NSW President between 2015 and 2018, I grew the Club from just over 300 members to 730+, by significantly increasing activities. In 2016, I also managed to persuade Troy Bayliss to be the Clubs Patron and Mike Jones the Clubs Ambassador. These are 2 of the most decent and amazing gentlemen as well as Ducati champion racers.
DOCNSW plays a huge role in has been raising funds for the Royal Rehab Hospital (Brain and Spinal Injury for over 30 years, usually donating up to $12K pa. In 2017 and 2018 respectively we donated $55K and $50K due to some pretty inventive fund raising and incredible efforts from an amazing committee.
But wait there’s more
Wanna know anymore, well come up and say hi at the MCCNSW general meetings. I’ll bore you with exploits of riding in the UK and Middle East.
Thank you, Vinnie, Treasurer MCC of NSW.
If you want to join the MCC of NSW committee, contact us here.