10 Questions with Hayden Austin

1. Hello, how’s things Hayden?

G’day yeah good thanks, been a few weeks off the bike but looking forward to getting back into it.

2. Things are starting to get organised as far as bikes and gear goes for the 2010 season. Tell us whats been set?

We have been signed with WBR motorcycles and Kawasaki Australia to ride the KLX110L’s for 2010 and everyone is super excited. Also we are one of the first to be running the SCOTT Helmets fresh into AUS this year as well as SCOTT gear and goggles the whole team is looking prime.

3. The boys killed it on the new bikes straight away. Although they still seem to be finding the limit as far as tricks go. What are your predictions on what we will see next from the team? Heard any rumours?

As a matter of fact the new bikes are awesome, the whole team flipped within the first day without the use of foam pit and if you have seen pic of the week lately you will see Nathan Whitten extending a superman to the limits. As far as predictions and rumours I see the whole team putting in a big effort this year with Hart attacks and bar hops being thrown around as well as some big calls on flip tricks so keep an eye out for that because it will be huge.

4. I heard that you have been loving the new 110. What mods have been done to the bikes?

Well we were lucky enough to find some ELKA rear shocks for the bikes and the front forks have had the oil changed but other than that it has been cosmetic changes. Pro taper bars, bigger pegs, and the most important freestyle mods cut down seat foam and grab holes on all the team bikes except mine because we all know I’m never going to need those. We also had MXINK do up a sweet sticker kit to top it all off.

5. I saw the recent update video on the Whip Industries website. You took a bit of a dirt sample. Tell us what went down?

Haha yes! I was talked into hitting my first ramp by a few of the boys and instead of 2nd gear falling off the end of the ramp I hit it 3rd thinking my extra weight would necessitate the extra speed and well straight off the ramp it was all wrong! Landed on my feet then bum and it’s been three weeks and I’m still bruised up.

6. Every one I have talked to that has seen your back flip on the CRF50 to foam was blown away. With the new bigger bike is there anything in the pipe works?

I may have set myself a goal off flipping my KLX110 to dirt but as you can see it’s a while off and some foam pit sessions will defiantly be put in for that one. But believe me when I say it’s going to happen.

7. Whip Industries is going on tour in October. With a lot of shows booked where are you looking forward to travelling to?

There are so many. I enjoy travelling anywhere with the team as it is always a guaranteed good time. But as far as locals I would have to say Mildura for 4 days if defiantly looking sweet as is Bendigo show. I’m hoping the crowd there will get into it!

8. What is it like travelling in the Whip Industries / Echuca Performance transporter?

What can I say; we are so fortunate to have the transporter available to us it is invaluable. We can set up for days and be self sufficient and it sure looks the business.

9. I heard off a reliable source that the Whip compound has been receiving a 110 face lift. Can you clarify that for us or any info on what has been built?

Boy can I! Travis and Nath have been busy boys with a scaled down nitro crossover with 3 levels currently. As well as the makings of what is probably going to be the biggest 6 pack for minibikes ever made and if you get one of them wrong you’re going to the sick bay without a doubt!

10. Thanks for your time. Any last words?

It’s always a pleasure. Last words would have to be, keep checking out the website as it has had a facelift and there will be plenty more updates and cool things coming in the months to come! Also huge thanks to our sponsors and supporters. See you round!