2005 Motocross Des Nations – Yamaha News

The 2005 Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France did a lot more than just live up to the expectations. Excellent weather conditions for most of the weekend, a crowd of 45,000 fans and a three-way battle between home country France, title defendants Belgium and the American team made Ernée an instant classic and a true promotion for the sport.

Stefan Everts and the Belgian team reached the podium, but the MX1 world champion had a disappointing day with bad starts in both races. David Vuillemin, who rode his last race with Yamaha in Ernée, helped team France coming second. An impressive Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki), won the two races he participated in and led the Americans to victory. MX2 world champion Antonio Cairoli, from team Italy, showed excellent speed on Saturday in what was his first outing in the MX1 class. Unfortunately Cairoli DNF'd twice and the Italian team only finished a lowly 13th.

American legend Ricky Carmichael made his intentions very clear from the first race of the day. Carmichael led from start to finish and was never challenged. However the enthusiastic crowd never got bored because the nature of the MX of Nations format meant there was always more than one race to follow, with the mixed class line-up again made for a great show. The French crowd cheered Mickael Pichon (MX1) and Sebastien Tortelli (MX2) to respectively third and seventh. Both Belgian riders had a difficult task recovering from bad positions at the start of the race. Everts suffered arm pump and could not make his mark on the scenic track that had been kind to him before (recording three GP wins there in 2003). Stefan finished fifth in the end, while Billy Mackenzie was the second best Yamaha rider in 10th position.

Race two saw a turn of fortune for Everts and the Belgian team as both USA and France got into trouble, following crashes of respectively Ivan Tedesco and Tortelli. Vuillemin rode a consistent and carefree race and placed his YZ450F second behind Ben Townley (New Zealand). In the tradition of the event the third race would determine the outcome of the Motocross of Nations, the Americans finished the job with Carmichael claiming another win and Kevin Windham coming second. Everts had to make his way through the pack from dead last after a first turn crash and went on to finish ninth. The French team rode to a well-earned second overall with Pichon coming fifth in the combined MX1 and the open class, while 'Le cobra' Vuillemin came home seventh.

After what has been one of the most successful editions of the Motocross of Nations in recent history, 2006 host country Great Britain will try to the top the event on the 23rd and 24th of September at Farleigh Castle. Next year's Motocross of Nations will mark the 60th birthday of the legendary 'Olympic games' of motocross.

David Vuillemin (Team Yamaha PSM Casola- MX1 - Team France) - 2nd in race 1 and 7th race 3 "I got a good start in my first race and everything went pretty good. I was running in third and I tried to conserve some energy for my next race, but I got a little bit lucky when Windham crashed and I was handed second on a plate. The second race was a bit harder for me because I had to go through traffic after a bad start, but I was happy with seventh. I think the end result for the French team was still very good and overall the weekend has been an amazing experience. I think that I did the best I could today considering that I crashed on Saturday and I hurt my knee, and that I ran almost on a stock bike here."

Stefan Everts (Yamaha L&M Motocross Team - MX1) - fifth in race 1 and ninth race 3 "I always knew that it would be difficult to win today, for me the American team was absolutely hands on favorite for the event. And of course circumstances did not help us. I had two crashes in the start today but the most disappointing was that I could not run with the top guys. However I'm happy for the Belgian team that we made the podium. It is my 13th podium out of 13 MX of Nations. And that's already quite special by itself."

Andrew McFarlane (Team Ricci Racing - MX2 - Australia) - 17th in race 1 and 14th in race 2 "The first race was quite difficult, I was suffering arm pump and it was hard to compete with the 450s on this power track. Especially the acceleration out of the corner makes a huge difference. My arm pump was not so bad in the second race and I got off with a good start. The riding was getting more hairy in the last race of the day because the track was awfully rutted in many places. Generally, it's been a bit sad that Australia was not here with its A team. But hopefully we can give it a shot next year with Chad (Reed) and Michael (Byrne)."

Brian Jorgensen (Yamaha L&M Motocross Team - MX1- Team Denmark "Already yesterday I was having serious headache caused by bad toothache, but my qualifying race went not too bad. I climbed up from 10th to finish fifth and Denmark qualified for the A-final so that was good. I went to see a doctor for painkillers and he gave me something to get sleep on Saturday, but it did not help. Again I got the strongest painkillers on Sunday to try and at least be ready to race, unfortunately I did not make it. The pain was unbearable, and it just turned out impossible to race. I'm very disappointed, because my Danish team mates did a good job and my riding was quite ok. This is not the way I wanted to end my season."

Billy Mackenzie (Yamaha UK Race Team - MX1 ) - tenth in race 1 and twelfth in race 3 "Seeing that big crowd out there today made me more nervous than in any race I've ever done before and I am not happy with the performance I put in today. I've been ill with the 'flu all week and although I was feeling better today it still affected me. It's the first time I've ridden the 450 in a year and we had problems setting up the suspension, which in turn gave me arm pump and caused me to slip back from fifth to 10th in the first one. In the second race I was having a good battle with Vuillemin and Vico but all through the race I had an intermittent problem with the front brake sticking on. That caused me to crash and lose a few places which was a disappointment."

Antonio Cairoli (Team Yamaha De Carli - MX2) - DNF in race 1 and DNF in race 3 "It was not a good day today! I did not make one complete lap because in both races I arrive in a dangerous situation and have a very big crash each time. My wrist was sore after the first race although it feels more calm now. It is a shame because yesterday I was happy with my speed in the qualifying race. My style suits riding the 450 and when I make a good rhythm I thought I can ride well. It has been a good season and a nice experience riding here, so I look forward to next year."

RACE 1: MX1 AND MX2 1. Ricky Carmichael (USA - Suzuki), 2. Joshua Coppins (NZL - Honda), 3. Mickael Pichon (FRA - Honda), 4. Tanel Leok (EST - Kawasaki), 5. Stefan Everts (BEL - Yamaha) , 6. Ivan Tedesco (USA - Kawasaki), 7. Sébastien Tortelli (FRA - KTM), 8. Marc De Reuver (NED - KTM), 9. Steve Ramon (BEL - KTM), 10. Billy Mackenzie (GBR - Yamaha), 11. Carl Nunn (GBR- KTM), 12. Joaquim Rodrigues (POR - Honda), 13. Aigar Leok (EST - KTM), 14. Julien Bill (SWI - KTM), 15. Garreth Swanepoel (RSA - Kawasaki), 16. Kazumasa Masuda (JAP - Honda), 17. Andrew McFarlane (AUS - Yamaha), 18. Tyla Rattray (RSA - KTM), 19. Davide Guarneri (ITA - Yamaha) , 20. Maximilian Nagl (GER - KTM)

RACE 2: MX2 + OPEN 1. Ben Townley (NZL - KTM), 2. David Vuillemin (FRA - Yamaha), 3. Steve Ramon (BEL - KTM), 4. David Philippaerts (ITA - KTM), 5. Kevin Windham (USA - Honda), 6. Kevin Strijbos (BEL -Suzuki), 7. Javier Garcia Vico (SPA - Honda), 8. Marc Ristori (SWI - Honda), 9. Yoshitaka Atsuta (JAP - Suzuki), 10. Matti Seistola (FIN - Honda), 11. Carl Nunn (GBR- KTM), 12. James Noble (GBR - Honda), 13. Juss Laansoo (EST - Honda), 14. Andrew McFarlane (AUS - Yamaha), 15. Joaquim Rodrigues (POR - Honda), 16. Tyla Rattray (RSA - KTM), 17. Ivan Tedesco (USA - Kawasaki), 18. Carlos Campano (SPA - KTM), 19. Rui Goncalves (POR - Yamaha), 20. Bas Verhoeven (NED - Honda)

RACE 3: MX1 AND OPEN 1. Ricky Carmichael (USA - Suzuki), 2. Ben Townley (NZL - KTM), 3. Kevin Windham (USA - Honda), 4. Joshua Coppins (NZL - Honda), 5. Mickael Pichon (FRA - Honda), 6. Marc De Reuver (NED - KTM), 7. David Vuillemin (FRA - Yamaha), 8. Kevin Strijbos (BEL - Suzuki), 9. Stefan Everts (BEL - Yamaha), 10. Tanel Leok (EST - Kawasaki), 11. Javier Garcia Vico (SPA - Honda), 12. Billy Mackenzie (GBR - Yamaha), 13. James Noble (GBR - Honda), 14. David Philippaerts (ITA - KTM), 15. Rui Goncalves (POR - Yamaha), 16. Neville Bradshaw (RSA - Suzuki), 17. Kazumasa Masuda (JAP - Honda), 18. Maximilian Nagl (GER - KTM), 19. Juss Lanssoo (EST - Honda), 20. Bas Verhoeven (NED - Honda)

Final Team results

First: United States (Carmichael, Windham, Tedesco) - 16
Second: France (Pichon, Tortelli, Vuillemin) - 24
Third: Belgium (Everts, Ramon, Strijbos) - 31 points
Fourth: New-Zealand (Coppins, Townley, Cooper) - 32
Fifth: Great Britain (Mackenzie, Nunn, Noble) - 56
Sixth: Estonia (Tanel Leok, Aigar Leok, Laansoo) - 59
Seventh: Netherlands (De Reuver, Verhoeven, Van Hastenberg) - 82
Eighth: Portugal (Rui GonÇalves, Paolo GonÇalves, Rodriguez) - 83
Ninth: South Africa: (Rattray, Swanepoel, Bradshaw) - 86
Tenth: Spain (Garcia Vico, Barragan, Gonzalez) - 99

Luke to the Future

Newly crowned Irish Youth 125 Champion, Luke Wilde will ride under the GOMX365 / Russell’s Motorcycle's banner for 2006.
The fast fifteen year old has turned many heads this season; with his all action riding style. Winning the Irish series was the icing on the cake to a successful season. Luke impressed GOMX365 boss, Steve Mills at the recent British Youth Championship meeting at Desertmartin where he carded 3rd place against some of the fastest riders in the UK.



"We are pleased to have Luke on board for next season, I believe that with the correct guidance and structured preparation, this young man has a future in this sport" said Steve.It is anticipated that the Donegal rider, will run his full rookie season concentrating on the MX2 Irish National Championship, although he will race the MX1 Ulster Championships on-board a 250 two stroke Suzuki.

Matchams set to host tense season climax

The eighth and final round of the 2005 Maxxis British Motocross Championship, the premier off-road national motorcycle racing series in Europe, will take place next weekend (October 8th/9th) at Matchams Park, site of the ’05 British Grand Prix. The MX1 class sees three riders in contention for the title. With eight points separating the main protagonists the competition is set for one of its closest finishes in the modern era.

Reigning Champion Josh Coppins, the 2005 FIM World Championship runner-up, took control of the class (250cc two-stroke machines up to 450cc four-strokes) at round seven with his eighth consecutive victory and is very much favourite to successfully defend his crown. The New Zealander of the CAS Honda team has a lowest result of second place in the twelve motos and six rounds he has contested. Coppins missed the season-opener due to a dislocated shoulder and has been slowly gobbling back the 60 points he conceded to Paul Cooper at Canada Heights.

Coppins lies just three points ahead of RWJ Honda’s James Noble who scored a win at Lyng for round three and has dropped out of the top three only four times from fourteen races. "That first moto is going to be crucial," said Noble. "Anything could happen and then there could be all-to-play-for in the last race. I just want to try and get a good start so I can get in the lead early. Josh is good in the sand because he lives and trains in Belgium. We will have to see how it goes; it should be exciting though!"

In third place and eight points adrift is former multi British Champ Multitek Honda’s Paul Cooper who has been struggling with his physical condition throughout the campaign due to a mysterious virus. The 34 year old veteran is staring at possibly his last serious chance of grabbing the title and will push to the maximum on Sunday, stamina restrictions or not. "When you don’t have anything to lose then you just get out there and go for it," he said. "I don’t think I will feel any pressure at Matchams. It will be hard to win the Championship but I will just try to attack the race the best I can and see what happens."

Fittingly the 2005 campaign will culminate at one of the best circuits in the United Kingdom. After an extensive redesign earlier this year Matchams Park, near Bournemouth, drew numerous plaudits and acclaim back in June for the seventh round of the World Championship; an event that was attended by over 25,000 spectators. The loose and sandy terrain will again offer a technical and physical challenge to the best riders in Britain as they face a slew of Grand Prix regulars for the last time this season. Matchams’ ample parking facilities and hard-standing surrounds mean that the location is essentially an all-weather venue and is bound to attract a generous crowd before the winter period.
The MX2 Championship has already been decided after factory KTM rider Carl Nunn celebrated an overdue success at Whitby several weeks ago. The 25 year old from Bury St Edmunds will still be keen to preserve the 100% podium record he has accumulated from fourteen races and travels to Matchams with memories of the emotional and emphatic victory at his home Grand Prix fresh in the mind.

"I am going to go into the last round really pumped," said Nunn who has already inked a deal to remain as a works rider for the large Austrian manufacturer in 2006. "I love the track at Matchams and it was my favourite of the year. Going back to Matchams for the British Championship is perfect for me because I know I will be on a high as soon as I walk in the circuit."

As per usual this term Nunn will face opposition from Billy MacKenzie, who earned his first overall 2005 win three weeks ago in the North-East. The Bike it Yamaha representative is the top rider in the UK after winning three GP motos this season (Spain, Japan and England) and finishing the ’05 MX2 World Championship in sixth spot (two places higher than Nunn). MacKenzie lives just down the road from Matchams and has used the track plenty of times for testing, so he knows the curves, jumps and lines better than most.

Innovate Honda’s Wayne Smith needs to score just six points to rise to third in the standings (Kawasaki’s Tom Church is injured), which would represent his best ever Championship placing. Church’s team-mate, South African Gareth Swanepoel, will again be on the pace after grabbing his first podium of the year at Whitby.

The weather forecast for the weekend is good with cloudy but bright conditions predicted.
Matchams Park is located just down the road from Ringwood on the A31, which runs from Southampton to Ferndown. As well as practice and timed qualifying Saturday morning, the programme of six races will start at noon. Entrance is £15 per adult with concessions for children, students and OAPs. A full colour A4 size programme will give details of all riders and times of races.

MX1 Championship standings after 7 of 8 rounds
1. Josh Coppins, Honda 354. 2. James Noble, Honda 351. 3. Paul Cooper, Honda 346. 4. Yoshitaka Atsuta, Suzuki 294. 5. Jussi Vehvilainen, Honda 246. 6. Neville Bradshaw, Suzuki 219. 7. Mark Jones, KTM 214. 8. Glen Phillips, Yamaha 171. 9. Mark Hucklebridge, Honda 144. 10. Jody Smyth, Honda 122. 11. Jordan Rose. 116. 12. Alex Rach, Honda 114. 13. Martin Barr, Yamaha 103. 14. Gordon Crockard, Yamaha 101. 15. David Campbell, Honda 93

MX2 Championship standings after 7 of 8 rounds:
1. Carl Nunn, KTM 390. 2. Billy MacKenzie, Yamaha 310. 3. Tom Church, Kawasaki 292. 4. Wayne Smith, Honda 286. 5. Brad Anderson, Yamaha 227. 6. Tommy Searle, Kawasaki 221. 7. Eric Eggens, Honda 184. 8. Jason Dougan, Suzuki 153. 9. Shaun Simpson, Honda 144. 10. Lewis Gregory, Suzuki 142. 11. Gareth Swanepoel, Kawasaki 123. 12. Ben Saunders, Honda 115. 13. Jim Murro, Honda 97. 14. David Willett, Honda 82. 15. Graeme Gowland, Kawasaki 72.

Grand Prix of Ireland 2005 - KTM News

Factory Red Bull KTM rider Ben Townley signed off his Grand Prix career with second position today at Desertmartin for the Grand Prix of Ireland, the seventeenth and final round of a long 2005 FIM Motocross World Championship.

The red and fine Irish sand provided a very rough test for the riders in the season curtain-closer although compared to the sweaty and stuffy conditions in Holland two weeks ago the weather was cold, windy and extremely grey. Almost 15,000 fans braved the sunken temperatures and were rewarded with four tense motos to close the 2005 MX1 and MX2 competitions.

After passing countryman Josh Coppins for second in the first moto, Townley shadowed World Champion Stefan Everts, constantly probing for a way past the Yamaha rider for the second half of the 35 minute and 2 lap distance. Despite several near attempts the 20 year old could not make a solid overtaking manoeuvre and was beaten to the chequered flag by less than a second. Steve Ramon did not enjoy a decent start and had to battle with Mickael Pichon and Kevin Strijbos to earn sixth place. Kenneth Gundersen was feeling the effects of an incident during Saturday practice when a heavy landing caused the Norwegian to damage both of his wrists.

In the second moto, Townley, who leaves next week to attempt the AMA series in 2006, produced a rare holeshot and began assembling a sizeable lead over Everts. The 2004 MX2 World Champion could not sustain his pace however and his Belgian rival closed him down and eventually took the lead. Townley was able to confirm second while Ramon again found himself in a tussle with Strijbos and another Honda rider in the form of Coppins. The Belgian performed a daring move on the final lap to grab third and assume fourth place in the final classification. Jonathan Barragan was eighth overall in his last Grand Prix before moving across to the works KTM team for 2006.

The MX2 class provided a bevy of results for KTM and highlighted the potency of the SX 250F. Tyla Rattray proved that his intentions to win the final three Grand Prix of the season were not hollow claims as he added the Irish trophy to the English and Dutch silverware locked in his cupboard. The South African went 2-1 to round-off the year very much in the same manner that he started with a comprehensive victory at Zolder for the season-opener.


Five KTM riders claimed positions in the top six of the first moto. American wild-card Mike Alessi holeshotted and lead the opening four circulations but was swiftly caught and passed by Marc de Reuver who set the best lap by almost two seconds over any other rider for the remainder of the duration. Alessi then fell into the clutches of a charging Rattray and the duo entertained the wind-beaten crowd with a close tussle until the South African took control and pulled away. David Philippaerts defeated new World Champion Antonio Cairoli for fourth position and Aigar Leok enjoyed one his better motos for sixth spot.Carl Nunn crossed the finish line in tenth after a poor start and then struggling to pass Alessio Chiodi.

Rattray swept past Cairoli and KTM Kosak rider Leok in the second moto while an early crash by De Reuver ruled the lanky rider from Amsterdam out of the running for the overall triumph. He did manage to come back to an impressive third, from twenty-third, in his last MX2 race before switching to the MX1 class for 2006 and the placing was enough for second overall. Leok’s pursuit of Cairoli paid off when the Yamaha rider was forced to pull into the pits with a bent gear lever and the Estonian was able to notch his maiden career podium and form a KTM 1-2-3 for the first time this season. An unhappy Carl Nunn lost any chance of moving up from his eighth position in the Championship when he fell and knocked his head, prompting an early retirement several laps before the end of the race.

Mike Alessi hit the ground twice in the second sprint. He was bumped around at the start and then was chasing David Philippaerts for fourth and a chance of the podium when the two collided and both went to ground. Philippaerts, furious believing the incident to be the American’s fault, pulled out of the race while Alessi restarted to pick up four points for seventeenth. His younger brother Jeff actually finished 5th overall despite allegedly riding with a broken collarbone.

In an active MX1 World Championship for KTM four Grand Prix and six motos from a possible thirty-four were won. Townley and Ramon finished third and fourth in the Championship with the firm taking third place in the manufacturer’s standings. Townley was the first rider in the class to own four motos in succession (Italy and France).Tyla Rattray and David Philippaerts contributed towards KTM’s haul of six Grand Prix wins in MX2 (nine motos from thirty-four). Carl Nunn, Marc de Reuver, Aigar Leok and Manuel Monni also registered podiums as the firm was second in the constructors Championship.

Ben Townley:“I finally got a hole-shot in the second moto and built up a lead of about eight seconds. I don’t think that I went much slower, just that Stefan really picked up his speed. He had better lines than me, especially where he moved through. I pushed so hard but Stefan was just better. I was happy with my riding today. There were a lot of people on the last lap who were clapping me and it was great to see the crowd at the finish line like that. I have built up some great friendships here in Europe and I am going to miss everyone. I really hit me today that I am going.”

Tyla Rattray:“I worked really hard towards winning these last three GPs and I’m really happy to see that the work has paid off. Marc was quick to pass Alessi in the first heat and although I got into second after a while I did not have the same speed to follow Marc. The second moto was good. I took the lead and pulled out a big margin quite quickly. I think it was around fourteen seconds at one point. In the last five or ten minutes I was just cruising around. I am really happy to win today and I think my recent form shows that I could have been in the title chase for sure.”

Marc de Reuver:“The first moto was awesome. Alessi took the holeshot and for the first two laps he was quite quick. I waited for the right moment to pass and then waved at him that he had to come with me but he couldn’t! I won quite easily and was pumped for the second heat. I was aiming for the overall but struggled with Alessi on the start straight. Tyla and I caught up really quick but then I made a mistake like an amateur and crashed. It was in a bad place because I had to waste time turning around and starting the bike again when all the riders were flying past me. I came back to third which was OK but people couldn’t understand that I am disappointed with second; I really felt I was fast enough to win the GP.”

Aigar Leok:“My goal at the beginning of the season was to get into the top five but it went wrong for me pretty much from the first race. I had a good start in the second moto but Tyla was too fast. Switching to the 250 was hard for me in the beginning but it is great to finish the year like this and go into next season on a positive note.”

Mike Alessi:“The first moto was really good. I got the holeshot ahead of my team-mates De Reuver and Rattray and felt pretty comfortable. I got third and was pretty stoked with that. Somebody hit me off the gate in the second moto and at the end of the first lap I went down because someone stalled in front of me. I got up and was catching the people in front of me. A lot of guys went down and I moved up to fifth and was trying to pass Philippaerts for fourth and was on for the podium. On one of the 180 degree turns he was on the outside and I went up the inside and I passed him and then I don’t know what he was thinking but he pinned it right into the back of me and we both went down causing us both to lose the podium. There were two laps to go and there was nothing I could do after that, I was so far back. I thought the Grand Prix was pretty good; the riders are fast. I liked it a lot and enjoyed my time in Europe. I just need a break now. My body says that it is tired and this year has been a lot for a seventeen year old.”

Steve Ramon:“My start was not so good in the first moto and I pushed hard to come to the front but the leaders were already gone. I came up to the back of Pichon but I lost my rhythm slightly. The end result was not so bad. In the second race the start was better but my riding was not that great. I haven’t been feeling too well these last couple of days and the cold did not help. I kept at my own speed and did not take any risks. I followed Coppins and coming up to the last lap I knew a place where I could try to pass and it worked. Third was good but overall I wasn’t that pleased with my riding.”

Carl Nunn:“I knew it would be difficult today because of my bad qualification yesterday but I believed I could do it. I only needed nine points in the second race but I got the worst start ever and although Billy was right there with me I just didn’t have anything left to give after having to work so hard from a bad position in the first moto. I only gained two places in the first race but I rode as hard as I could and maybe should have backed off to save some energy. I felt pretty demoralised with that start in the second moto I thought, ‘I’ve got to come back all over again now’. I was riding terrible. I saw Mackenzie’s position was somewhere in the top ten and I thought that it would not be possible. It was one of the worst races of the year. I could not get a rhythm and was not doing the easy things correctly. I wasn’t getting the best out of the bike and was fighting myself. I eventually had a big crash out the back of the circuit and that was it. I finished eighth in the championship which was the same as last year and that is disappointing. I need to be making my bad days into top ten results instead of DNFs. I need more consistency for next year and that is something I shall be working on.”

Kenneth Gundersen:“It was not a good day. Yesterday was fine in practice but in the chrono I got a rock in my rear brake and went maybe 25 metres too far on one of the big jumps. The landing took both of my hands off the bars. Today I tried my best but it was really painful.”

Roger Magee - Team Lizard Honda - Interview by Geoff Meyer

Roger Magee is a man who has been around motocross for many years. He is also one of the men who runs a privateer team (Lizard Honda) in the Grand Prix paddock. We thought it might be a good idea to find out how he ventured into the sport and what it takes to make a Grand Prix team run. With a strong Northern Irish background in the sport and with the Grand Prix of Ireland just two weeks away it was a good time to chat with the likable Magee.

Q: So how did you get into the sport?
A: We started off racing in 1973 along with Lawrence Spence, Stephen Russel and Dave Watson. That was when the schoolboy thing got going in Northern Ireland. My brother also raced for the Irish team in the Motocross of Nations in 1982. We have been involved in the sport since then.

Q: You also worked with the famous Killinchy club in Northern Ireland?
A: I was also involved with the Killinchy Motocross club of which I am currently the chairman. The Killinchy track ran from the 1960's and we had the International John Donnelly until 1985, then we had Grand Prix 125 until 86 to 91 and then in 1992 we had the 250cc GP. Because of the poor crowds run in some Grand Prix at that time Killinchy decided not to run another Grand Prix. The track is still there, there are some houses near the track, but the track is still there. The guy who owns it does not want to have any events on the circuit and I don't see another race being run there.

Q: It is expensive to run a motocross team, what type of work do you do?
A: Our main business is electrical and plant hire contractors. We cover a lot of street lighting and that type of thing. We also have a pub in Northern Ireland. My grandmother was the oldest licence in the whole of Ireland, she lived until one month after her 100th birthday. The pub is one mile from the oldest Motocross circuit in Ireland, which is the Tommy Stewart. The circuit has been running for 54 years, and we had riders like Dave Bickers, Roger Harvey, guys from the 1970's racing there. I think Willie (Shaun Simpson's dad) won our big race once. We are going to run the event on the 15th of October this year, and it's a typical old school type scrambles track.

Q: How did it come about signing Shaun Simpson?
A: I have known Willie (Shaun's father) from the old days, he rode for me when I was team manager of the Irish team in 1994 and 1995 when he rode with an Irish license. Although we didn't qualify for the main A final, Willie won the B final. I have been keeping in touch and watching Shaun's progress. I decided to start a team when the Chambers Honda team folded. I talked to Shaun at the Dublin Supercross and then got talking with Roger Harvey from Honda. We came to an agreement with Honda for some 250F's and we also support another rider Adam McKee, and Gary Magee. The team has snowballed. We bought the ex-RTT Honda truck, which is the set-up you need to do the Grand Prix. I got talking with Marc Pauwels from Youthstream about getting into the GP for 2006. Thanks to Youthstream for allowing us into the series, and after Namur Youthstream upgraded us, so I am very thankful for that.

Q: What about the future of the team?
A: Next year we are looking at running Shaun once again in the MX2 class and a top class rider for the MX1 class. We are having negotiation with some manufacturers, but we would like to stay with Honda.

Q: How has the first season been, have you enjoyed it?
A: It's been a learning curve really, we were late in, so we had to work hard to get sponsors. People like Street lighting have come in with some cash for diesel, which has been great. We are looking at a major sponsor for next year, and we will announce a big sponsor at the Grand Prix of Desert martin. It's been hectic, you don't spend much time at home. My wife and daughter are giving out flyers for the Grand Prix of Ireland today (at the Isle of Wight). My daughter has a quad and loves motocross. She has made a lot of friends in the paddock.

Q: How can you improve the team, or go to the next level?
A: To get to the next stage you need product support, and a major sponsor. Obviously we have put nearly all of it in this year, but if we are to do it better, then we need to have financial support. This year we also have support from SOBE (energy drink), we are the importer in Northern Ireland, and hopefully they will go bigger in 2006.

Shaun Simpson - Interview

There are privateer riders who are working hard in this years World Motocross championships. Making little money and enjoying their charge through the ranks. Shaun Simpson is one of those riders who can see steady progress and has possibly a bright future in the sport. Being the son of former GP racer Willie Simpson is without a doubt an advantage as his father gives him advice from his days at the GP.

"First time I can remember, I think 1995 when there was a Grand Prix at BallyKelly I remember him riding a 500cc Maico, I was just a small kid playing around on my pushbike in the paddock. Later on when he was doing the Scottish championships in 1998/2000 I can remember those results and stuff. By then I was riding often during the week."
The father/son relationship can be a stressed affair, although Willie and Shaun work well together and make the most of their weekends away from home. It also helps that Simpson senior has been there before, having raced the Grand Prix series some 20 years ago.
"Dad has always been good help, giving me little tips and letting me know where I am going wrong. Most of the time we get on good, we stay in the truck together and do everything together, we are more like mate, sometimes we might fall out, but it does not last long, a few minutes later it's okay again."

Simpson was part meant to be part of the Chamber Honda team for the 2005 season, only to find out last in 2004 that the team would not compete in the World championship, leaving riders like Mark Hucklebridge, Chris Burnham and Simpson without a ride.
"At the beginning of the year I was going to ride for Chambers Honda. I was going to do just the British championships as a privateer. Then Roger(team manager of the Lizzard team)contacted us decided to just go full on with the Grands Prix. I broke my shoulder at the Hawkstone International, which set me back a bit. We missed Zolder, but did Spain and Portugal."

For Shaun it's been a life around Motocross and one he wants to continue in his own career. At youngster has the fighting qualities to make it in the sport, and like all young MX riders he is doing it the hard way, making his way through the last chance races and turning heads on the odd occasion.
"My first ever Grand Prix was Isle of Wight in 2004, I didn't qualify, but then I also did BallyKelly and I was second reserve. I also did South Africa and scored seven points. South Africa was mega, but it was an easy Grand Prix because some riders where not there. We went to Spain, got the call on Tuesday night that we were allowed into the GP. We trucked down there and it was a good experience. I was laying eight in my heat race and crashed out. I then went to the last chance and I was laying sixth for ages, but a couple of guys got me. I qualified for Portugal the next weekend, that boosted my confidence. We went to Namur and Germany and I qwalified for both of those. The next one I didn't qualify was Italy, it was so hard packed and the Italians and French guys were really quick."

The brightest moment of the season so far came at the Grand Prix of France, when Simpson held down a top three place for some laps, eventually finishing in 14th place for seven points.
"The highlight was in France I got a good start in the first moto, I was third. I thought I got an average start, but the first couple of corners I did a really good job and felt great. I felt good, France was good, a lot of lines and bumps and it was a little more technical, plus a little slower and technical. I like that, dad has always said train on hard tracks, with big bumps. When I ride tracks that are fast and one lined I struggled a little."

Time away from home means he is building his character and learning enough about the world and his place in it. Shaun Simpson is not about to sit back and wait for his future to come to him, instead working hard and looking for his time to shine. Making money from this years series is possible, although it's a hard grind.
"We have been away from home a lot this year. We train during the week, and this year has been really good. I have 14 points up to date, so I am happy with that. Bill Brown from Willsport helps me out with bonus points at the Grand Prix and stuff, that is kind of what we are doing this year. Roger has given us the chance to ride the Grands Prix, so we have to live it as it is."
Surpringly Simpson also like sand tracks, and is looking forward to racing Lierop this weekend and also his teams home Grand Prix in Ireland. Look out for him to make his mark on the series around the DesertMartin circuit.
"We have some sand tracks coming up and I want to end the season on a high, the sand it better for me, rough and bumpy. I want to prove myself as the season end and see what happens in 2006."
As the 2006 season comes around Simpson hopes to be challenging for series points and making the progress he needs if he is ever to reach his goal of becoming a World champion, like his hero's Joel Smets and Stefan Everts.

"Next year I want to qualify for all the Grand Prix and score points at every race. I want to be top 20 next year. In England I have been getting into the top five this year, so next year I want to be on the podium. Everyone wants to be world champion, so that is something I want, but you have to try as hard as you can, and if you make it great."