Beta Motorcycles Australia is proud to announce that four-time Enduro World Champion and former Australian ISDE representative Matthew Phillips has joined the brand, swinging a leg over the MY26 Beta RR 300 RACE as he returns to riding and racing on home soil.

Tasmanian born and bred, Phillips built one of the most decorated careers in Australian enduro — collecting four world titles and multiple podiums across the EnduroGP World Championship, before stepping back from full-time competition to focus on family following his racing career.

Now married with two young children and nearing the completion of a dual trade, Phillips is back on the bike and excited about what’s ahead.

For Phillips, joining Beta Australia was the result of long-standing relationships built during his world championship campaigns.

“I’d previously ridden under the Paul Feeny group, where I was given a great opportunity to race in the world championship at 19 years old. That’s where I first met Patrick Lowry,” Matt said.

“Fast forward to today, and Lowry Australia is the importer for Beta Motorcycles in Australia, so I reached out — I knew the product well from my time racing alongside Beta overseas. It was worth a shot to get back into some riding and racing on good equipment, and an opportunity to rub shoulders with people I respect.”

First impressions of the MY26 Beta RR 300 RACE After his first stint on the new bike, Matt’s feedback has been positive. “The bike really matched my expectations. It has a strong, rideable motor and handles like a euro race machine — very nimble, and you can ride it all day without getting too beaten up,” he said.

“It’s got all of the great attributes I like: a manual power valve, carburettor and a steel frame. You can bring the power on and off as you turn your hand. It’s a real rider’s bike — you can feel a lot.”

Coming from a career largely spent on four-strokes, the move to the 300 two-stroke wasn’t taken lightly. “It was an easy decision, but there was also a bit of pressure to ride well. Knowing the history of this bike — on top of the world championship more times than not over the last ten years — I felt obliged to do myself some justice, brush up on some skills, and put some hours in.”

Tasmania, family and what’s next Asked about Tasmania’s continued ability to produce world-class enduro riders, Matt put it down to accessibility. “We take it for granted, but you can find nearly any riding condition just by riding out the front door. It has its challenges — the extra cost to get across the water is a pain for aspiring riders — but it adds extra pressure to do well on the weekends, and I think that shapes us.”

While he’s not announcing a return to a full national campaign, Matt’s still keen to get out there. “I still have that competitive streak. I’m in awe of how fast the next generation of riders coming through are. I’d love to get out and watch them, and even race against them,” he said.

“But for the moment, I’m happy to turn up to the local races and enjoy some good days on the bike socially. I love it.”

His 2026 plans include local races, and eye on future A4DE opportunties, and getting more time on the Beta range. “I’m enjoying the local races, heading away with the family, weeknights in the shed working on the bike — all of the good stuff. I’d love to do the A4DE or some one-off events, more for the social side. I’d also love to try the RR 250 RACE and the RX 450 — two very popular machines.”

Matt recently joined the Kooweerup club for a four-day ride in the Victorian high country, with more adventures already in the planning stages. He’ll also be sharing setup tips and content from his garage across Beta Australia’s social channels.

“The punters seemed to enjoy that side of things last time around,” he laughed. “So I’m looking forward to getting back into it.” Keep an eye on Phillip’s journey by following him here:

https://www.instagram.com/matthewphillips19/