MotoGP star Miller keen for Supercar laps

Australian MotoGP star Jack Miller is eager to get behind the wheel of a Supercar after experiencing a hot lap in his hometown.

Miller, who is currently racing for the KTM factory team, went for a ride with Shane van Gisbergen at last weekend’s NTI Townsville 500.

The 10-time Grand Prix winner — four in MotoGP, six in Moto3 — was joined by father Peter on the day at Reid Park.

Both Millers went for laps in the #97 Red Bull Ampol Camaro, with 28-year-old Jack pulling gears throughout the lap.

Speaking afterwards, Miller was particularly impressed by van Gisbergen's skills.

“It was unreal,” Townsville-born Miller said in a broadcast piece.

'A lot of fun, a lot of grip'

“He got me to do the gears, it was a bit firmer… he asked me to pull as we left pit lane and I was too soft on it.

“The footwork was impressive… I heard him blipping it in the corner, and I looked over and saw him hitting it with his heel.

“A lot of fun, a lot of grip. I was impressed with it on cold tyres, straight out of pit lane we were into it.”

Grand prix motorcycle racing and Supercars have crossed paths several times, most notably with Wayne Gardner and Casey Stoner.

Gardner, the 1987 world champion, turned to four wheels and enjoying a long career in Australian touring cars, famously winning the first race of the V8 Supercar era.

Stoner, the 2007 and 2011 MotoGP champion, completed a season in Super2 straight out of the saddle.

The late Gregg Hansford also won the 1993 Great Race with Larry Perkins, having previously won at Mount Panorama on two wheels.

Miller stopped short about a competitive career in Supercars, but when asked if he wanted to have a drive, he replied: “I’d love to have a go.

“For sure, one day, hopefully we can make it happen.

“Nothing special, but just to have a crack and say you’ve done it.”

Miller, who is seventh in the standings, will resume his 2023 MotoGP season at the British Grand Prix on August 4-6.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight on July 28-30. Tickets are on sale now.