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."