Smoking burnout by Aussie MotoGP star Jack Miller forces CBD building evacuation

Firefighters were called in and people were evacuated from a CBD building when a promotional event for the Australian MotoGP went wrong.

MotoGP star Jack Miller (left) decided to do a burnout in a city laneway. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A smoking burnout by Aussie motorcycle racer Jack Miller caused the evacuation of a Melbourne CBD building today.

Miller, who rides for the factory Ducati team, was taking part in an Australian MotoGP promotion event in AC/DC Lane.

The media were shooting footage of Miller riding a Ducati sports bike when he stopped for a burnout.

The smoke from the bike set off a fire alarm, forcing the evacuation of the Pastuso ground-floor restaurant and bar, and residences above.

MotoGP stars Jack Miller and Remy Gardner pose for the media. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Jack Miller starts the burnout. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The burnout was part of the Australian MotoGP promotion event. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The burnout filled AC/DC Lane with smoke. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Two fire engines arrived on the scene soon after.

Miller and countryman Remy Gardner had earlier added the finishing touches to artwork created by Melbourne artists Marco Pennacchia and Justine Millsom aka Juzpop.

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix returns to Phillip Island this weekend after a three-year break.

The smoke from the bike set off a fire alarm. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Pastuso ground-floor restaurant and bar, and residences above, were evacuated. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Firefighters leaving Pastuso restaurant and bar. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Miller and Gardner putting the finishing touches on a GP artwork. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The Grand Prix, regional Victoria’s biggest sporting event, starts on Friday with the race on Sunday afternoon.

Miller and Gardner will fly the Australian flag in the event – the first time since 2007 that two Aussies have been on the starting grid.

Miller, 27, married long-time girlfriend Ruby Mau last weekend in Townsville.

Originally published as Smoking burnout by Aussie MotoGP star Jack Miller forces CBD building evacuation