Getting to know the Fastest Sales Team in the World: Mick Doohan

The last, but certainly not least (for 2023), member of our Fastest Sales Team in the World is Mick Doohan. Otherwise known as our President for New Zealand and Australia, Mick is a five-time MotoGP World Champion. In his interview, he explains the synergies between the high stakes racing world and fast-paced business aviation environment.

Can you introduce yourself, and your relationship with Jetcraft?

I’m Mick Doohan, President of Jetcraft Australia and New Zealand. Many years ago, I was a motorcycle racer, winning five MotoGP world championships in quick succession between 1994 and 1998. During this time, I also bought my first private jet to fly to different competitions – marking the start of my exposure to business aviation and my journey into charter and FBO ownership which eventually led to my partnership with Jetcraft.

What inspired you to start racing?

I have two older brothers who used to ride dirt bikes, so I followed their lead when I was around six years old. I began racing motocross and dirt bikes at the age of eight and transitioned into road racing when I was 19. My racing career escalated very quickly, starting with production bikes in Australia, such as the 250cc, and then just two years later, competing on the world stage with a Grand Prix 500cc motorcycle.

What was the most rewarding aspect of racing?

The best thing that comes out of sport is the discipline it teaches you and the commitment to achieve at a world class level. Winning the world championship was always what I aimed for. When I moved into business later in life I took this mindset with me, as well as the organisational skills I needed to coordinate with a team.

What has been the highlight of your career?

The major highlight of my racing career was winning my first Grand Prix and achieving a world title. After a few false starts and nearly losing my right leg following a crash in 1992, it was very special to become world champion. To come back after injury with five consecutive wins was more than I ever hoped for. Another highlight was winning my last world title in Australia in front of my family, friends, and the Australian public.

How is racing still a part of your life?

Racing is still a big part of my life. My son, Jack Doohan, is a reserve driver in Formula 1 for Alpine F1 and a Formula 2 racer, so I’m often at the racetrack all over the world supporting him. I’m also a longstanding board member of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation – we’re behind the promotion of the Australian F1 and Australian MotoGP, it keeps me active and involved with the sport that I love.

How does racing tie in Jet sales and ownership?

They are both fast and exciting. In the Formula 1 and MotoGP paddocks, many drivers, riders and principals either charter or own aircraft, given the frequent need to travel across the globe for races. Additionally, spectators often arrive at the corporate hospitality suites and grandstands via business aircraft, so it’s great for us at Jetcraft to be involved.

There are a lot of synergies between sport and aviation. In a high-pressure situation orin the high speeds of a race you’ve got to calculate a decision that’s going to work on the spot. It needs to be instantaneous. Those quick decisions keep you moving forward towards the right outcome. That’s what sport brings to me and I believe to other sports professionals that have moved into business or aviation.