Mike Jones reflects on the triumphs and tribulations of 2025

Mike Jones

ASBK 2025 Runner-Up
Interview

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Mike Jones has long been one of the benchmark riders in Australian Superbike racing, and 2025 was no exception.

Mike Jones at Morgan Park in 2015, the year he won his first ASBK Championship – Image by Andrew Gosling

As the closest challenger to Josh Waters throughout the season, Jones was the only rider able to consistently stay within striking distance of the eventual champion and kept the pressure on the McMartin Ducati powerhouse throughout.

Mike Jones – 2019 ASBK Superbike Champion with DesmoSport Ducati – TBG Image
Jones is the only rider to have won three ASBK titles on three different brands.

We sat down with Jones to unpack the season that was: where the breakthroughs came, where the frustrations crept in, how the team developed, what he learned, and what needs to happen next if he is to add to his championship-winning tally in 2026…

Mike Jones – ASBK 2025 – Round Seven – One Raceway – Image by RbMotoLens

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The Season in Review

MCNews: How do you reflect on your 2025 season overall? Did it unfold the way you expected?

Mike Jones: “It was a mixed season of highs and lows, but overall, I didn’t meet my expectations. I wanted to win more races and win the championship.”

MCNews: How satisfied are you with the year as a whole?

Jones: “I’m mostly satisfied with the year as a whole, it was enjoyable, challenging and rewarding at times.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Eight – The Bend – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Was there a particular round or moment where you felt your momentum really started to build?

Jones: “Not really, the only round I made progress in terms of championship points was Round Seven at One Raceway.”

MCNews: Conversely, what was the most significant setback or challenge you faced during the season?

Jones: “A DNF in race one at Round Four at Morgan Park Raceway was the biggest setback, and the wet races were the biggest challenges.”

Mike Jones at Morgan Park 2025 – Image RbMotoLens

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Chasing Josh Waters

MCNews: What was it about Josh and the Ducati that made him so tough to beat?

Jones: “The acceleration off the turns.”

MCNews: Were there areas where you felt you could match him, and areas where he simply had the edge?

Jones: “I felt stronger everywhere, except when we both rolled the throttle to 100 per cent.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Five – QLD Raceway – Mike Jones chased down Waters
SW-Motech Superbike Race One – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Is there a moment you look back on now and think, ‘That’s where the title slipped away?’

Jones: “At the completion of Round Three at Queensland Raceway, I needed to win that weekend to keep some pressure on Josh, but it didn’t happen.”

Mike Jones – ASBK 2025 – Round Three- QLD Raceway – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Did your approach to racing him change throughout the season?

Jones: “No, my approach to riding and racing remained the same, which is to extract the most from myself.”

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Team & Technical Evaluation

MCNews: How did the team evolve this year, both technically and operationally?

Jones: “As far as I’m aware, the essential operation of the team remained the same, and technically the bike had an updated Ohlins rear shock.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Three – QLD Raceway – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Was there a breakthrough setup or change that really improved your confidence on the bike?

Jones: “Not really a breakthrough as such, but we developed the rear shock at each circuit, which helped to improve outright traction and tyre life.”

MCNews: What part of the package (engine, chassis, electronics, tyres) did you believe was your strongest asset this season?

Jones: “The chassis, because it allowed me to have an intimate feeling for traction, necessary for riding at the limit.”

MCNews: And what part still needs the most work going into 2026?

Jones: “The electronics could provide marginal gains, mostly to create more consistency as it reduces the need for rider skill.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Five – QLD Raceway – Image RbMotoLens

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Racecraft, Riding Style & Personal Growth

MCNews: What aspect of your riding do you think improved the most this year?

Jones: “My ability to feel for traction.”

MCNews: Is there anything about your riding style you had to adjust mid-season to stay competitive?

Jones: “Not really, I feel as though I’m continually refining my riding skills rather than making an adjustment as such.”

MCNews: Was there a particular battle or race this year that stands out as your best?

Jones: “Winning the final race at the final round at The Bend was a nice way to finish the year.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Eight – The Bend – Image RbMotoLens

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Pressure & Expectations

MCNews: Was there ever a point where the title felt truly within reach?

Jones: “Yes, the title was always truly within reach until it wasn’t at the final round.”

MCNews: What’s the hardest part mentally about being the closest challenger but not quite taking the crown?

Jones: “Knowing your best effort wasn’t enough.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Eight – The Bend – Image RbMotoLens

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Rivalries, Respect & the Field

MCNews: Aside from Josh, who pushed you the hardest?

Jones: “Ant West, Cam Dunker and JJ Nahlous.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Seven – One Raceway – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Was there a rider whose pace or progression genuinely surprised you this season?

Jones: “Westy at Phillip Island.”

MCNews: How would you describe the level of competition in ASBK right now compared to previous years?

Jones: “I think the level is as high as it’s ever been.”

The 2025 ASBK Superbike Championship podium – Image RbMotoLens

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Looking Ahead to 2026

MCNews: Is there a specific weakness you’re targeting for improvement during the off-season?

Jones: “Wet weather riding.”

MCNews: Do you believe the title is within reach for 2026?

Jones: “Yes.”

MCNews: What excites you most about next season?

Jones: “Winning.”

ASBK 2025 – Round Seven – One Raceway – Superbike Race Two
Mike Jones celebrates victory with mechanics Liam and Dyllan – Image RbMotoLens

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And just a last few…

MCNews: If you could redo one race weekend from 2025, which one would it be and why?

Jones: “Round 4 at Morgan Park Raceway because theoretically, had I won race one, the points gap to Josh would’ve been 30 points less.”

MCNews: Who on your team deserves more credit than they get?

Jones: “My crew chief, Dyllan.”

Mike Jones’ Crew Chief Dyllan readies the YZF-R1M for the defending champ in 2023 – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews:  What’s the best thing you did this year off the bike that helped on the bike?

Jones: “Breathing.”

MCNews: What’s a question you wish more people asked you about your racing?

Jones: “How’s the track?”

Mike Jones – ASBK 2025 – Round Seven – One Raceway – Image by RbMotoLens

The woman behind the man…
Christie Turnbull

MCNews: Christie, you have been with Mike for some years now. What’s something about Mike that those of us in the racing community might be most surprised by? Well, one that you can share with us at least?

Christie: “Mike is a bit of a natural when it comes to sport; he can pretty much do well in anything he has a go at. We went to Canada last year, and I tried to teach him snowboarding… I finally found a sport that he doesn’t pick up quickly! He spent a lot of time laying on the snow rather than flying down the mountain. He did, however, give skiing a go and was a pro by the end of the trip.”

Christie with Mike on the grid at QLD Raceway in 2024 – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: We know Mike has you covered on the motorcycle front, but is it a closer run affair on the bicycle? Do you make him sweat on the mountain bike?

Christie: “Haha, I must admit he is faster than me on the mountain bike, but I can definitely make him sweat in the endurance category! I would always sign up for the longer distance races like the 100km Hidden Vale Epic, and he would do the 50km or sprint races.”

MCNews: But what about the golf course…?

Christie: “That’s actually how we began talking to each other all those years ago. He asked me if I could teach him how to play golf. I think I taught him too well! He has a great drive off the tee, but I can certainly win the rounds with my chipping and putting.”

Christie with Mike on the grid at SMP in 2024 – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Is there a way you help Mike reset mentally after a tough weekend or crash?

Christie: “Mike is very good at resetting after a tough race weekend without much help. He always manages to have a smile on his face and is laughing with his team in the Yamaha truck after each race, whether it was a great or tough race. The day after every race weekend, Mike has a tradition to rewatch the races together with the family.”

MCNews: What would you say to someone entering a relationship with a professional racer for the first time?

Christie: “Hold onto your hat, you’re in for a ride! The heart thumping and nerves don’t go away; in fact, I think it has gotten worse for me over the years. Haha, in all seriousness, the paddock turns into a second family. It’s really nice seeing everyone on race weekends. One of my favourite parts of the weekends is the team dinners with the Yamaha Racing Team, and when Mike was racing for Desmosport Ducati, lots of laughing, which is always good before race day.”

Christie with Mike at QLD Raceway in 2025 – Image RbMotoLens

MCNews: Are there moments in Mike’s career that you feel particularly proud of, even if they went largely unnoticed?

Christie: “I remember Mike telling me that he raced his pocket bike 50 out of 52 weekends one year when he was a kid. That level of dedication, discipline and commitment at such a young age is inspiring. It shows how much he loves the sport. Also, there was a time when Mike, his dad, Chris and brother Tony were in a privateer superbike race team together on a Kawasaki, and I always thought that was special. Also, he raced against Rossi in two MotoGP wildcards! My all-time favourite race of Mikes so far is the last race of 2022 at The Bend.”

Mike Jones – 2022 Australian Superbike Champion – The Bend – Image RbMotoLens

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Mike Jones leaves the 2025 season with a mixture of pride and unfinished business. He proved once again that he has the speed, racecraft and resilience to challenge for championships, and with the gap to Waters narrowing at key moments, the signs point to another fierce campaign in 2026.

Mike Jones won the 2022 ASBK title, the first for Yamaha since Jamie Stauffer in 2007.
Jones is the only rider to have won three ASBK titles on three different brands – Image RbMotoLens

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2025 SW-Motech Superbike Championship Final Points

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2026 ASBK Provisional Calendar

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