Motocross world shattered: Joel Evans dies at 30 as baby's arrival looms

By Lewis Barnett 28 April, 2025 5 mins read 162 Views

I can't believe I'm writing this. Another rider gone too soon.

The motocross community is reeling after Joel Evans, just 30 years old, died following a devastating crash at Adelaide's Gillman Speedway. The Australian star was competing in the elite ProMX Championship when disaster struck. Emergency services rushed him to hospital, but doctors couldn't save him.

God. The worst part? Evans and his partner Michaela were expecting their first child in October.

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A family torn apart

The family's tribute hit me like a punch to teh gut. They described him as "the most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul" who "devoted his life to this sport." I've covered dozens of racing tragedies over my 15 years in motorsport journalism, but something about this one feels different.

Their words continue to haunt me: "He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October."

That unborn child will never meet his father. Only know him through stories and photographs.

What makes us keep coming back?

I interviewed Evans back in 2018 after his remarkable comeback. He'd broken his neck in a horrific 2015 crash that would've ended most careers. Not his. The determination in his eyes when he told me, "This sport is worth every broken bone" – I remember scribbling that quote down, thinking it perfectly captured the paradoxical relationship between riders and their passion.

His sister Renae's words are particularly poignant. "He used to joke about not wanting to get old, now he never has to." How many times have I heard riders make similar jokes in the paddock? It's that gallows humor that helps them cope with the dangers they face every time they twist the throttle.

Ten years of love

Evans and Michaela had been together for a decade. Last time I saw them at the Melbourne Supercross (must've been late 2023), they were inseparable. She'd roll her eyes at his pre-race rituals – always had to put his left boot on first, then right glove, then left glove, then right boot. Weird superstitions that made perfect sense in his world.

I remember Michaela telling me, "I've accepted that loving Joel means loving motocross... even when it terrifies me."

Now her worst fears have materialized.

The brutal truth nobody wants to admit

Listen. We all know this sport is dangerous. We've seen the ambulances, the red flags, the hushed crowds. Yet somehow we convince ourselves it won't happen to "our" riders. The ones we follow, interview, cheer for.

I spent $400 on tickets for my nephews to see the ProMX Championship next month. Evans was one of the riders they were most excited to watch. How do I explain this to them?

His racing number – 81 – will likely be retired from the series. Small consolation for a life cut drastically short.

Renae's plea

Evans' sister ended her tribute with words that should resonate with all of us: "Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don't ever take your time for granted. Tomorrow isn't promised for any of us."

After 12 years covering this sport, I've written too many obituaries. Each one chips away at my love for motocross. And yet... there's something about these riders, their courage, their absolute commitment that keeps pulling me back.

A colleague texted me this morning: "You still coming to Canberra next weekend?" My response: "Wouldn't miss it."

And that's the complicated relationship we all have with this beautiful, brutal sport.

Rest in peace, Joel Evans. The dirt tracks won't be the same without you.

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