Redefined – I Never Stopped Wanting To Race

It’s less than a month until Dean Ferris returns to full-time competition, where he will saddle up on the CRF450R at the AMX MX OPEN with Factory Honda.

The 3-time Australian national MX1 champion grew up riding motorbikes on his parents’ farm, where he mustered cattle. This first taste of life on two wheels lit a fire in him that would prove difficult to extinguish.

“I loved my first race when I was 11 and ever since then I have just loved racing, sure there are some ups and downs, and the business of racing can wear on you, but nothing compares to a gate drop, and wanting to win and better yourself,” said Ferris.

A crash in training back in August 2020, where he sustained fractures from T4 through to T7 and 10 broken ribs, became the catalyst for Ferris’s decision to retire.

“After that crash I kept thinking of my family, they rely on me as a dad and a husband. You need to be selfish when you’re competing in any sport at the highest level, the risks can be high so I made the call to retire. There were many people who thought my decision was premature, but I wrestled with it for a while and it was right for how I felt at that exact moment. There were some dark times, as racing has been a big part of my life.” Ferris continued.

After months of rehabilitation, Ferris got back on the bike and acknowledges its positive impact on his journey to recovery, both physically and mentally.

“Getting on the bike was the best medicine, I realised that I still have more left in me and felt like myself again. I spoke to my wife Renae and told her I wasn’t feeling any pain. We then talked about racing again and decided racing is what we love doing as a family, my two girls love riding as well so we are completely invested in my return. I couldn’t do it without their support and I encourage everyone to do what makes them happiest.” Ferris concluded.

Honda Australia’s off road racing director Yarrive Konsky admits he didn’t think this opportunity would ever present itself again.

“I have admired Dean’s abilities and results from afar. I had a feeling he might return to racing, but I respected his decision to retire as he respects the efforts everyone is required to put in to take someone of his calibre racing and he didn’t want to waste anyone’s time. I am proud he has chosen Honda, and I am looking forward to the season ahead,” said Konsky.

The AMX MX OPEN is set to take place on December 11 and 12 in Wonthaggi, Victoria. For more information go to mxopen.com.au