Five consecutive Victorian WMX crowns, a 2008 National title and a wildcard into the 2010 MX Nationals to compete against the boys makes for a pretty impressive CV by anyone’s standards.

However, there is one accolade the determined 22-year-old wants back, her Australian Women’s Motocross Championship.

“You always go out to do your best and hope it’s enough to win,” she said.

“Again there will be another group of riders coming up from the juniors so the quality will rise again, so you’ve just got to give it your best.

“But I definitely would like to win.”

2009 saw the emergence of teenage WMX sensation Tori Dare, who took all before her on the way to the WMX Nationals crown in her first year on the senior circuit.

Gillespie had to settle for second place, but this year has the experience and tools that could see her once again return to the top of the podium in Wodonga.

The first improvement has been her bike, with the 2008 WMX champ riding a 2011-model KTM, a piece of machinery she hopes can give her an edge on the field.

“My preparations haven’t been too bad, but I’ve only had my new bike for about three or four weeks and only had a handful of rides,” she said.

“The new bike is completely different, it’s got so much more power.

“When I ride I use a lot of bottom end power and with this bike I’ve had to change my style a little bit.”

“I would say it’s the best bike I’ve had.”

Not only has her equipment improved, but Gillespie believes the experience riding as a wildcard during the Wodonga round of the MX Nationals was the ultimate first-hand lesson.

“It was a great experience to race against some of the best riders in the world,” she said.

“You get on the back of these guys for two corners and you learn so much.”

It appears Gillespie has already begun to use her new techniques, riding her way to a fifth consecutive Victorian Women’s Motocross Championship.

This remarkable run of wins, coupled with the fact the WMX Nationals will be held at her home track should have the star brimming with confidence.

A grounded Gillespie won’t be caught reading too much into such things as past deeds and tack knowledge.

“I’m not a big believer in home track advantage to be honest,” she said.
“It’s nice that it’s my home track and I live about five minutes from there, but there will be a lot of good riders here and I don’t think it’ll play a big part.”

The 2010 Motul Pirelli Women’s Motocross Nationals will be held in Wodonga on October 24.