Mick Doohan began riding motorcycles in 1974 at the age of nine when living in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Soon after he began competing in off-road events. His first notable result was finishing runner-up in the Queensland 10-12 years championship. The Doohan family moved to the Gold Coast, 80km south of Brisbane, in 1981, and Michael made his road racing debut at Surfers Paradise International Raceway in 1984 at the age of 19 on a Yamaha RZ350.

In 1985 Doohan rode a Yamaha RZ500 to numerous outright and class wins, and in 1986-87 he was one of Australia's leading riders in the 250cc production class on a Yamaha TZR250.

Doohan's first major career breakthrough was in mid-1987 when he was offered a guest ride on a Marlboro Yamaha Dealer Team FZR750 in an Australian Superbike Championship meeting at Winton, Victoria. He finished fifth. Read more on Mick's Racing Career Background >>