Watts, originally from Australia, had taken two months off at the end of 2004, spending his time visiting his native country and reevaluating his goals. He had considered retirement, but ultimately decided to return to racing in 2005.

Racing seems to run in the Watts family: “My dad used to race, so my brother and I got a bike from Santa and started riding. One thing led to another and we just progressed along into racing, only locally at first, and then it went to higher levels.” Now 32, he moved to the U.S. in 1999 to race in the GNCC.

Given his subsequent success, it’s safe to say that Watts made the right move. According to his bio, he was the first non-American to win the GNCC series and the only one to win GNCC races on more than one engine capacity motorcycle, riding six capacities in one year. He’s also the only rider to win the ISDE overall on a 125cc. A six-time Australian Enduro Champion, he also has the 1997 World Enduro Championship, the 1998 International Six Day Enduro Overall Championship, and the 2000 Grand National Cross Country Championship to his credit.

Watts, who rides the MaxxCross SI, has only praise for Maxxis products. “The greatest advantage of the Maxxis tires is the superior grip they offer. That’s all that needs to be said!” he told MaxxDaddy.

With the arrival of his first child expected in July, 2005 will be a banner year for Watts and his wife Carrie – more memorable even than his many championship victories. Watts’ horizons are expanding in other areas as well, as he and Carrie both passed the final exams for their real estate licenses in May. The Watts live in Debary, Florida, where in addition to motorcycling and spending time at the gym, Shane keeps in shape by riding a mountain bike and jet skiing.