Staff and shoppers treated to a performance by British racer James Toseland at a Melbourne music store
Date: 
9 Mar 2010

An article recently published in the Herald Sun reported that while in Melbourne for the opening round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship, British racer James Toseland tuned up - literally – for the weekend event at Phillip Island.

The article revealed that while visiting Allan’s Music store in Bourke Street, and much to the amazement of staff and shoppers, there sat Toseland tinkling the ivories – and yes, you guessed it of course, on a Yamaha piano.

"I learnt to play before I learnt to ride," Toseland explained.

"My grandmother taught me to play when I was nine and I started riding trial bikes when I was 12. I play in a band (Crash) and music is probably as important as racing for me."

The dual World Superbike champion effectively swapped jobs within the Yamaha camp recently, taking over the ride from last year's champion Ben Spies, who has filled Toseland's place in MotoGP. Unfortunately during practice at this year's World Superbike event, James had a big crash coming out of the penultimate corner which led to him finishing 13th in the first qualifying session at the Island.

More on Jame's love of music later.

Information and photo for this story from the Herald Sun, February 24, 2010