Rob Miller ready to race again

COMEBACK TRAIL: Gisborne sidecar racer Rob Miller (left) on the bike with his new swinger, “Red” George, from Hamilton. The pair have their sights set on the New Zealand sidecar championships at Meeanee in Napier on January 5 and 6. Picture supplied

GISBORNE sidecar racer Rob Miller (8G) has decided to come out of semi-retirement, get back on the bike and have a crack in the New Zealand sidecar championships at Meeanee in Napier next weekend.

The 34-year-old announced at the end of last season that he was reviewing his future in sidecar racing and that he might retire.

“I have made a decision now to have another crack at it,” Miller said.

“I have been missing it,” the former North Island champion said.

He was to team up with new swinger Raymond “Red” George, from Hamilton, in his first comeback meeting in Napier last night. But that meeting was rained out, and so has the Eastland Group Raceway meeting that was to be held tonight.

“Red was having this season off, too, but he’s champing at the bit to get back out on the track again,” Miller said.

Gisborne’s Kerwin Arnaboldi, Miller’s previous swinger, was unavailable to ride with him this season.

“Red and I are just hoping to qualify at the nationals and make the finals night,” Miller said.

They rode together in the Law-Cartmell Memorial event last season.

“I have not missed the politics of speedway, but I’ve missed the racing and the speedway family, my mates who are still racing.

“Red and I will be working together with Gizzy’s Callum Innes and his driver Jason Rees (22G) from Hawke’s Bay.

“It will be good to have two Gisborne bikes racing.”

Innes and Rees have been the only Gisborne riders to compete this season.

Miller is looking for a couple more sponsors to help him along the comeback trail.

“Red’s a good teammate and we are looking forward to seeing how we go as we look ahead to the nationals.

“The bike’s needed a bit of work, but hopefully we will be able to get the best out of it.”