Koala Biker: A Legendary Animal in the World of Motorcycle Racing
Who doesn't know koalas? This animal that likes to bathe in eucalyptus trees is quite well known by many people, especially as a symbol of Australia. However, did you know that koalas are also famous in the world of motor racing?
Yes, you read that right. In several motor racing competitions, koalas are known as very popular figures. Not as a racer, but as a performer before the race begins. The Koala Biker is a unique mascot that is a fascination for many motor racing fans.
Koala Biker first appeared in the 500cc motorcycle racing series in Australia in 1988. At that time, the koala, wearing a biker jacket and helmet, appeared before the race in front of thousands of spectators. The sensation and good reception from the koala biker made this figure continue to appear in various motor racing events in Australia.
Then, how did the koala become a motor racing icon? The history of the Koala Biker stems from the emblem of the Fitzroy Motor Cycle Club, a motorcycle racing club founded in 1924 in Melbourne, Australia. This club crest features a koala riding a motorbike. This motif was inspired by the passion of John Porter, one of the racers, who often came to races with his pet koala in a basket.
Then in 1988, the Fitzroy Motor Cycle Club held a 500cc motorcycle race in Phillip Island, Australia. They decided to bring up the club crest as the opening act which featured a koala riding a motorbike. The presence of the Koala Biker, with its unique appearance, immediately received a good reception from the audience, and stuck as the motorcycle racing mascot in Australia.
Until now, the Koala Biker has become the main attraction in a number of motor racing events, not only in Australia but also in various parts of the world. Koala Biker does not only appear in motorcycle races, but is also present in MotoGP and other motorcycle races in various countries.
Koala Biker riding a motorbike, wearing a leather jacket and a biker helmet, gives its own color to the experience of watching a motorcycle race. In addition, the koala biker is also a symbol that represents the toughness and courage of the racers on the track.