FROM crutching sheep to motorbike racing in Europe, Macarthur’s Lachlan Hill has made a successful international debut by winning two classic 250cc events at the famous Red Bull Ring track in Austria last weekend.

The lead rider of Team Ron Angel Classic Racing in Australia, the 48-year-old Western District farmer dominated the Class C Historic Motorcycles 250cc category at Spielberg.

He was riding a 1990 Yamaha TZ250-A, owned by Colin Sleigh (UK, NCL Racing), in the Rupert-Hollaus-Rennen 27/28 August Grand Prix Racing Days event.

Unseasonable heat, including humid 30-degree days only amplified Hill’s determination.

After qualifying in pole position, Hill took flag to flag wins in both classic 250cc races.

“Winning the first face with him coming second was such a great result for us,” Hill said.

Although the 48-year-old’s daily work as an experienced agricultural contractor sees him driving heavy vehicles in the Macarthur region, he’s no stranger to speed.

He holds eight Australian titles over several different classes including the Mac Park (Mt Gambier) Australian Historic Title.

In April this year, Lachlan mentored Colin Sleigh -- a newcomer to the Australian racing scene -- at the historic Mac Park race meet and then at the Broadford track.

Hill soon realised Sleigh was riding bikes owned by a mutual friend, Tasmania’s Grant Boxhall.

The Macarthur local, with his typical dry sense of humour, asked Sleigh when he’d be invited to Europe to compete in return for his tips on track.

To his surprise, some days later he received an email invitation to compete at the Red Bull Ring in August.

After some planning and luck (including taking a punt that his precious leathers would arrive at the destination during this current cargo worker shortage – they did), the rest was history.

When asked what’s next for the farmer, Hill said he had his sights set on the Irish Classic Bike Festival in 2023.

“And perhaps sampling a Guinness while I’m there,” he said.

He has made some new friends in Europe and is canvassing the opportunities for racing in England and Ireland.

Hill also wants to get to Scotland to see where his grandfather ‘Papa Jim’ was from.

The local laughed at the suggestion of any prizemoney benefits from the trip and said apart from the world-class MotoGP and Superbike events, everyone else was self-funded or has found some sort of sponsorship.

Despite the lack of prizemoney, Hill said the winning feeling kept him chasing more future success.

“I really like seeing the chequered flag, first is the best feeling,” he said.

“These days I mainly race classic bikes.

“The rider’s age seems to reflect the bike’s age, and though there are some riders a lot younger than me, there are also some really fast and more senior players too.”

Hill said he has been surrounded by great people in Australia through the sport.

“I ride for Ron Angel in Australia and he is amazing,” he said.

The 48-year-old stays fit with the help of a race friend and personal trainer, Rodger Knape.

“He helps keep the boxers from Mocka’s Boxing Club in Hamilton fit and I get to train with those guys – they are next level,” Hill said.

“Oh and the mountain bike gets a good workout round the sheep.

“It’s funny, I did do a few days crutching (sheep) before I left and it always seems that when you get home from a big meet like winning a national title, you find yourself on the handpiece and it brings you back to reality pretty quick.”