LIVE Motocross Edition #4

EDITION

W W W . L I V E M O T O C R O S S . C O M

#04

/MARVIN MUSQUIN/

BEAST

FROM THE

C /06/

MONSTER ENERGY

e i k o o C World MXGP champion Romain Febvre has started his 2016 campaign exactly how he ended in 2015, winning races and leading the world championship. With two rounds complete, the talented French rider is sitting nicely on top of the points table with a 6 point advantage over rookie Tim Gajser. Next round of the World Motocross Championship is on Easter weekend in Valkenswaard, Holland.

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With 4 races gone, Jeffrey ‘The Bullet’ Herlings has a 100% win record on his return to top flight world championship motocross. The pressure of going into the unknown at round 1 in Qatar was lifted off his young shoulders, in Thailand he stepped it up again with 2 more victories. The pressure now is on everyone else to perform at his level. In Valkenswaard will we see Jeffrey at his best in sand - should we just give him the world title now?

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R AY C H U S S R AY A R C H E R / K T M R A C I N G

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/TOM GRIMSHAW. After a nightmare ending to his 2015 season when he suffered ligament damage to his leg at the final round of the Thor British Youth Nationals at Fat Cat Moto Parc, things have moved on for 14 year old Tom Grimshaw.

Hey Tom, we are two weeks or so away from round 1 of this year’s Thor British Youth Nationals, a little birdy tells me you’re moving up to the 125cc class?

“I had a great time racing my 85cc bike and really I could have gone another year as I am still only 14, but I was getting to big for 85cc so we made the the choice to move up to 125.

This would also keep us in line with European competitions and would give me two years racing 125 before moving up to 250F unless, of course I grow out of the 125.”

As you say you ended 2015 with a painful injury, explain what happened at Fat Cats as it looked nasty?

“Yes it was a big shame to end my 85cc racing that way. I took a fast left hand corner and stabbed my leg hard into the ground.. At first we thought I had damaged the knee cap but after examination I had over extended the ligaments which was really painful and a brace was fitted.”

How long did it take for you to get back riding and what was the rehab like?

“I spent one week sitting on the sofa then six weeks recovering with lots of Physio at Nuffield Health which involved lots of swimming schedules, spin cycling & rowing.

I was recovering very quickly which was great and unexpected but knowing the 125 was calling from the workshop spurred me on!. We started out with some slow practice sessions and built it upwards until I felt fully

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comfortable with my knee. I then had a silly off and broke four metatarsal bones in my foot, so it was back to the beginning again.

Plaster cast for 6 weeks then to Nuffields Health for 6 weeks rehab. All is 100% now (fingers crossed)” Nice one. Is the plan to just race in the UK in 2016 and build confidence on the bigger bike or are you going into Europe once more, as you seem to enjoy racing there?

“The plan was to do selected 125 Europeans but unfortunately this is not the case as we have signed in for the Yamaha European YZ125 Cup which doesn’t allow you to race Europeans this year. As a carrot dangling if you win YZ Cup then Yamaha will take you to Europeans the following year as Full Factory Supported rider, however I will be doing the Dutch Nationals, Selected Internationals & BYN Championship.”

You’ve picked up a few sponsors for this year, what’s new?

“I have been very lucky through my racing to be well supported by the top brands within our industry and its great continuing our strong relationship. DBC Motorcycles have come on board and will be supplying me with my bikes which is mega. I have also more private sponsors on board to help with my racing financially which I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supports me.”

//WHO DID WHAT?/

< From the Editor > We are literally days away from the opening round of the Maxxis British championship, this year feels positive, a few changes here and there which could put the championship back where it should be, right back at the top of world motocross national events.

EDITOR Ray Chuss GRAPHIC DESIGN Ryan Burisch

Both classes look super competitive and with the introduction of the MXY2 as the support races, Sunday at Lyng will be a lot of fun. Fingers crossed the British weather is on our side, for those going I will see you there and remember to say hello.

HEALTH AND FITNESS Leah Preston CONTRIBUTORS Rick Blyth

We are 4 issues in with ‘Live Motocross’ and the feedback has been great, so thank you to all who have sent us messages of support, it really is much appreciated.

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gareth Hockey

The World championship started with a lot of excitement in Qatar and Thailand, it never really lived up to what it could have been, if the opening events were in Europe, unfortunately we can’t do anything about that. But for some the season starts in Valkenswaard on Easter weekend, I for one can’t wait, lots of riders, superb racing, a packed house and a fun weekend in Eindhoven with the lads - isn’t that what motocross is all about?

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Margaret Stephens PHOTOGRAPHY Ray Chuss, Simon Cudby, Rick Blyth, Suzuki Racing, Monster Energy, Ray Archer, Yamaha Racing, Kawasaki UK

Chussy EDITOR.

/CONTENTS/ 010

TOM GRIMSHAW - HOPING TO START 2016 WITH A BANG

Rookie 125 rider Tom Grimshaw sets his sights on a solid first year in 2016

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5 OF THE BEST FLY AWAY GP’S

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4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW The up’s and downs ABOUT RIDING of the fly away MXGP SAND races, love them or hate them, they’re here to stay

With the season fast approaching for many, we sat down with Maxxis British MX1 Champion and one of the fastest sand riders in the world to discuss the do’s and don’t about tackling the deep stuff

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BYN ALL STARS - WHO TO WATCH IN 2016?

With the Thor British Youth Nationals about to start on April 2, we look at 5 riders who could be the contenders in the respective classes in 2016

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7 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT THE EAST COAST SUPERCROSS

The East Coast Supercross is super strong in 2016, but what makes it different from the West Coast series and why we love it so much.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Carl Nunn is one of the legends of British and GP motocross but what is he up to now since retiring from the top ranks?

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M O N S T E R E N E R G Y, S U Z U K I R A C I N G , H U S Q V A R N A , K T M R A C I N G , H O N D A P R O R A C I N G

Flyaway R AY C H U S S

THE

WEATHER

You can look at in two ways, really nice to get out of the cold and mud of Europe or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so hot itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can be very very dangerous. As we know Qatar was a night race so temperatures were cooler than racing in the day but Thailand was scorching hot in near 40 degree heat. After each race every rider headed to the plunge pool to cool off and get their body temperature back to something like normal. Sunshine yes but uncomfortable for some. /013/

OF THE BEST//

/02 THE

NEW

BIKES/ For most of us mere mortals, the flyaway races will be the first time the factory bikes are shown to the world in their full glory. At the pre-season races you just don’t get the finished article. It’s a shame the European fans will have to wait until Valkenswaard for their first view, believe me it’s worth the wait.

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THE

EXCITEMENT

OF

THE

NEW

SEASON

Whether it’s fans, riders or anyone in the industry, ask them how they feel about the start of the new year. I can tell you now even though I’m not a fan of racing in Qatar, I still had goose bumps before the start of the first race, I don’t think I’ll ever lose that feeling no matter where it is in the world.

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/04 Who would have thought it? MX2 World Champion Tim Gajser stepped into the unknown for his debut MXGP race in Qatar, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint as he won both races. Not bad for his Rookie race. The 2016 season is huge with 16 rounds still to come.

Could Tim repeat the feat when he hits Europe at the end of March? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wait and see on that one.

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<05> //COURTNEY DUNCAN

Remember the name as Courtney Duncan could well be the biggest surprise package of the year. Making her WMX debut the teenage Kiwi sensation upset the applecart with two impressive victories against female riders who may have thought otherwise. This girl has some serious talent on a motorcycle.

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@AntonioCairoli

@crtwotwo

@fearlessmx

@foxracing

@mxgp

@rickycarmichael

@ShaunSimpson24

@SupercrossLive

@SuzukiWorldMXGP

@MotoMan1963

BEST INSTAGRAMS OF THE MONTH

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>WAT

After years of racing on water, British, Eu recently took up the challenge to race moto

R AY C H U S S

RONNY MAC

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You’ve been racing jet ski since 12 years old, so you now fancy getting dirty in the mud instead?

“Yeah, I’ve raced stand up jet ski’s since I was 12, and now currently race sit downs in the very male dominated USA AquaX. I never grew up around bikes (my parents are not fans), I

was only introduced to them in 2012 when Katy Bullock (Stuntwoman) got me on her bike, that was it I was hooked and loved the buzz.

The switch should be easy, surely?

“The transition to a bike from a jet ski is not as easy as the other way around, we

TER CHALLENGE

...NEW FOR JET SKI CHAMP ANYA COLLEY/

uropean and World Jet Ski champion Anya Colley ocross. don’t have brakes, clutch, gears, ruts, table tops etc…

So I think I got addicted to the challenge and learning something completely new.

Motocross is so much harder than those top boys make it look that’s for sure, the physical and mental side is the best training I could do to be prepared for my season.”

Is it going to be permanent or just a bit of fun?

“I used to just ride motocross purely for fun but after entering a race, setting off from that start gate and beating some boys, I’m definitely up for another one.”

What’s next in your jet ski career?

“I plan to race the USA AquaX again this year in the Elite 300 class and I’m sure like everyone I want to grab a few podiums and aim for the win.

This championship is majorly competitive now so I need every preparation I can to compete against those men!”

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Sand <04>

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I

W I T H

D

S H A U N

I

S I M P S O N

With the season fast approaching for many, we sat down with Maxxis British MX1 Champion and one of the fastest sand riders in the world to discuss the do’s and don’t about tackling the deep stuff The start - As always, the start in any race is important. In the sand it’s a good idea to raise your gate out of the rut as much as possible, using damp sand to do so, making a slight ramp at the rear, packing it tight as you go. Sit a little more towards the middle of the seat and from there just perform your normal starting technique.

Bike setup - In the sand, bike setup is very important. You want to change the setup from harder tracks so that the bike is higher at the front, more like a chopper. That way the front will feel lighter and won’t tuck so easily in the corners. /024/

G

R AY A R C H E R

Goggle prep - Massively important in the sand is goggle prep. I usually go for rolloffs in the sand which makes sure you will get to the end of the moto with clear vision.

Picking a newer set of goggles with no sign of damage to the foam will make sure that no grains of sand get in your eyes.

SHAUN SIMPSON

N

Practise makes perfect Quite an obvious one here but I believe that putting in the hours in the sand can really improve your strength, stamina and technique.

Standing as much as possible, using your knees to grip the bike, keeping your feet on the pegs as much as you can is the best way to use as little energy as possible.

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AMA SUPERCROSS ARLINGTON 2016 CRASH JOEY SAVATGY

MAX ANSTIE CRASH MXGP OF THAILAND 2016 MX2 RACE 1

2016 SAN DIEGO 2 SUPERCROSS COOPER WEBB CRASH

ROMAIN FEBVRE CRASH MXGP OF QATAR 2016

2 0 1 6 M X G P + S U P E R C R O S S

BRUTAL BUBBA STEWART CRASH AT DAYTONA SX 2016

CLINT BOWYER EDGES OUT GREG BIFFLE

PAULS JONASS CRASH MXGP OF THAILAND 2016 MX2 RACE 1

SHORT & HAHN HARD CRASH - MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS - 450CC HEAT #2 ATLANTA /031/

RYA N S WA N B E R G

THINGS WE ABOUT THE

East Coast

Supercross

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Venues Moving East opens up a whole new world stadium bling. The East Coast venues are just so different from the West Coast, our favourite being Arlington in Texas with its massive jumbotron TV

Fans Big city fans in places like Atlanta and Toronto act a little bit different than the guys in California, maybe a little more rowdy and they seem to drink more beer and still just as passionate about their Supercross racing

250 Class We can safely say this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 250 East Coast lineup is stacked with talent. Really not sure who is likely to come out on top but if Adam Cianciarulo was there - this years championship would have been the best ever

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/06

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Cities So many cool cities on the East Coast, if you’re coming from the Europe maybe the quickest and easiest Supercross to attend is East Rutherford, New Jersey, just 35mins from downtown New York. Flight time of 7 hours and prices start at around £399 - take the wife for a long weekend

Canada The only round to leave the USA, which is a shame as we would love one in Europe.

Toronto in Canada is such an amazing place to visit.

The stadium is incredible, so much so it has its own hotel within the venue, some rooms actually overlook the track

Marvin Musquin The 2015 East Coast 250 champion enjoys his time racing away from California, he seems more at home for some reason, maybe it’s the sandy circuits or that he’s away from the west coast craziness

Daytona Part of the Daytona Bike Week, it’s 7 plus days of absolute motorcycle insanity.

Everything you wanted to see and do and not do on a motorbike and more can be found in Daytona - spring break gone berserk

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BLASTI YOUR AB’S /FOR CORE

STRENGTH/

We would all love a super six pack but unfortunately for some of us we just can’t quite get there. Here’s six exercises that will help you on the way to a awesome summer tummy

OBLIQUE CRUNCH Myth...your elbow does not have to touch your knee! Keep a gap between your chin and chest. When doing oblique crunches you should always lead with your shoulder and not your elbow. Push the one shoulder as high as possible towards the opposite knee to work those internal oblique muscles deeper.

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REVERSE CURL No cheating...do not push the hands into the floor! Perfect for focusing on the lower abdominal area. Keep the legs straight and lift the hips off the floor (this hasn’t got to be a massive movement, half an inch is perfectly fine and you will still feel those muscles working). Really focus on using the abs to lift up the hips and not the momentum of throwing the legs over the body.

ING

PLANK Great for all over core muscle strengthening (this includes the main abdominal groups and lower back muscles, also shoulders and legs) Easy to do and so many variations to try too! If you have back discomfort then you can always work off the knees.

R AY C H U S S

CRUNCHES Remember, keep a gap between your chin and chest and always look towards the ceiling. Like the oblique crunch we always lead with our shoulders and keep those elbows dropped out to the side, to make it easier you can always place the arms across the chest. Keep the reps slow, this will give you more time to get the shoulders higher and use more muscles fibres in the rectus abdominis.

STRAIGHT ARM PLANK AND ROTATE This takes a little more control so take your time. Start in a straight arm plank position and rotate the body on the toes in to a T shape position and then rotate the body down and then towards the opposite side. Not only focusing on the main abdominal muscles groups but also adding strength into shoulders and legs.

LEAH PRESTON

V-SIT HOLD Working the rectus abdominis and engaging the hip flexors, this easy ‘do it anywhere’ exercise is so simple yet so beneficial. To make this one easier, simply place the feet on the floor. Try to hold this position for as long as possible, it’s a toughie!

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/MAXXIS READY FOR THE O

/MAX IN THE MIX/

The opening round at Lyng will see the added bonus of World Championship rider Max Anstie making a Wild Card appearance on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine in MX2.

Last year Max opened his championship campaign at Lyng with three race wins, he will sure be looking to repeat that again this year, while gaining some extra race time on his new bike.

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/SIMPSON VS SEARLE VS THE REST/ The early Grand Prix rounds have proved that both Shaun Simpson and Tommy Searle seemed to be settling in well with their new teams. The big question, who is going to come out on top in the British MX1 class? Simpson seems to be able to get the starts and run at the front in GP’s while Searle has the speed to come from behind in the GP’s but is currently lacking the starts.

K A W A S A K I R A C I N G , R I C K B LY T H , H U S Q V A R N A

Following a long, wet and cold off season we are only a few days away from the opening round of the Maxxis ACU British Motocross supported by Pro Clean at the Cadders Hill circuit of Lyng in Norfolk.

After months of pre-season training and testing with riders changing teams and classes it’s finally time to see who will come out on top at round one

R I C K B LY T H

OFF AT

On the home front Graeme Irwin, Jake Nicholls, Brad Anderson and Kristian Whatley have all shown good speed in the recent MX Nationals round. Could one of them steal the headlines from Simpson and Searle?

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/MAXXIS CHAMPIONSHIP RECEIVES TV BOOST FROM EUROSPORT. / One of the biggest announcements relating to the championship sees a change in the TV coverage for the coming season. After being broadcast on Sky Sports for a number of years, the championship will now be shown on Eurosport. The big bonus is the coverage will now be shown on Saturday directly after the event alongside other two wheeled motorcycle sports such as World and British Superbikes, Speedway, putting the sport in front of a much larger audience. Except to see some exciting changes to the hour long broadcast when the first round airs on Saturday 26th March.

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/WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?/

/EXTRA SUPPORT FOR 2016/ The championship has also received extra support during the winter with a number of new sponsors throwing their support at the Maxxis ACU British Championship including Pro Clean who have increased their sponsorship of the championship further by becoming the secondary title sponsor meaning the 2016 championship will be referred to as the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean. Other new sponsors include Kobold, Dave Thorpe Honda Off Road Centre, Honda Adventure Centre, Phoenix Tools and Diamonds Ltd, Venhill, K-Tech, Sbs Brakes, Motul, Datatag Security, Skye Energy Drinks, Surf and Turf and Autohome Assistance. With all these brands supporting the championship it is sure to be a great year.

The Cadders Hill circuit at Lyng is located near Norwich and can be found using the postcode NR9 5QZ. Camping is available on site from 2pm on Saturday with admission prices at £20 for Adults, £5 for children under 14 and £45 for a Family ticket. Practice starts at 9am with the MX2 class out of track, before the first race of season starts at 11:55am.

As the old saying goes the Championship can’t be won at the opening round but it can be lost, so make sure you’re there to catch all the action as it happens.

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KTM VERT ZIP HOODIE Hooded sweat jacket with high collar.

Black hood lining, large KTM logo, printed READY TO RACE logos on the sleeve. 70% cotton / 30% polyester.

Sizes XS to XXL. SRP: £65.91 // www.ktm.com/gb/powerwear

GET RX1 POWER SYSTEM So, you’ve heard of Get and noticed they sponsor the MXGP and numerous GP & AMA teams? Well now the power can be in your hands. The RX1 system is specifically for 2016 bikes, and has been engineered in Italy by the Athena team, to give you an up to the minute ignition system complete with WiFi control unit, that allows you to make mapping modifications from your mobile phone. Accessories include the LC GPA (Launch Control Unit) that can be mounted on the front fender or handlebar. The GP1 version will soon be available for older bikes, for further information visit http://apico.co.uk/get SRP: £425.00 (does not include launch control unit) // Apico.co.uk

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FORK COMPRESSION VALVE REMOVAL TOOL This is a neat little tool for removing the compression valves from the inner cartridge on KYB forks. Made from 6061 T6 Aluminium and with a blue anodised finish and laser etched Apico logo makes it a nice addition to your tool range. KYB FORK FITTMENT, CRF250R 10-12, CRF450R 09-12, KX250F 11-13, KX450F 09-12, YZ125/250 05-12, YZ250F/450F 06-12 SRP: £13.00 // Apico.co.uk

CROSS PRO DTC ENGINE GUARD Cross Pro have a new range of motocross engine/sump plate guards available. The DTC range are made from 6mm plastic with no welded sections providing unrivalled strength and durability.

Being 40% lighter than the average aluminium guard. The plastic variation also offers reduced vibration compared to the aluminium and are far more resistant to impact. The range is available in manufacturer bike colours as well as black for a range of 2 & 4 stroke fitments from 65cc to 450cc.

SRP: £70.00 // Apico.co.uk

APICO WIRELESS HOUR METER Apico now have a wireless hour metre to make monitoring service intervals even easier!

Automatically starts and stops from the running of the engine.

• No wiring required. No Power, ground or pick up wire required. Just peel and stick • Includes Resettable trip as well as total hours accumulated • Includes double sided tape and mounting screws • Waterproof and shock resistant, holds a IP-68 Rating • Built in battery with a 7 year life span • Supplied with log book to track the service life, oil changes, valve adjustments, spark plug settings etc.

SRP: £50.00 (Ex. bracket) SRP:£60.00 (Inc. Bracket) // Apico.co.uk

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65 Junior Class - Ollie Colmer finished in 4th place in 2015 in the 65cc Junior class, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had the winter to grow his confidence and become a little bit stronger on the bike and challenge for the 2016 British crown.

SW85 Class Another rider who just missed out on a top 3 BYN overall British championship podium was Louie Kessell. Louie was super consistent in 2015 and expect more of the same and better in 2016 from the Cornwall based rider.

We take a look at who to look out for in the 2016 Thor British Youth Nationals. Riders who may come out swinging and challenge for the respective class British titles. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long, tough season as the championship has been extended to 6 rounds covering much of the UK from April to September. /046/

R AY C H U S S

125 Class - Most of the last years 125 class riders are now moving up to the Youth Open in 2016, Callum Green made the decision to stay put and focus on his quest to become a British champion. Definitely a rider to watch this season amongst the competitive two stroke 125 riders.

Youth Open Class - Alexander Brown is the British 125 Youth Champion and moves up to the Youth Open Class in 2016 and like Eddie Wade has already showed his rapid pace by already winning races this year. Zander as he likes to be known, could be the rider to catch this season if his early season form is anything to by.

BW85 Class - Eddie Jay Wade moves up to the BW85 class having just missed out on the SW85 title in 2015. Word is Eddie is loving his BW85 Husqvarna and has already won races in Europe in 2016.

Will Eddie go one better this year at the Thor Youth Nationals and take a British title?

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R AY C H U S S

Two time British Champion and MXGP race winner Carl Nunn is one of the legends of British motocross, we caught up with Carl to discuss his time away from racing and what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to now

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So what year did you hang up you pro boots so to speak?

“I finished racing professionally in 2010. Since this time I carried on racing in the Eastern Centre championship for a further 4 years winning four consecutive titles ,and a couple of stints in the Arenacross series. I just wasn’t ready to stop racing completely so this gave me the buzz I still needed because as a racer for 30 years it was tough to stop completely.”

I bet it was. And now?

“During this time it gave me the opportunity to start up Carl Nunn MX Training. I used to do training schools with my Dad Stuart from the age of about 17 ,so I got used to working with riders early and felt it was a natural progression for me to start my own training school. Throughout my racing career I learned so much, so to be able to pass this knowledge onto other riders is cool and I still get to be out at the tracks.

I’m still learning every day but now as a trainer, finding ways to get the

most out of the riders.

In 2013 I teamed up with F-15 MX Tracks and started Carl Nunn Mx training Academy, concentrating on up and coming youth riders, taking them from club level racers to National competitors.”

You now run your own team as well don’t you?

“Yeah we started up a small team to help these young lads and give them a platform to grow from. We spent a year racing in the GT Cup in 2014 as a trial year for the team and our boy Calum Mitchell came away with the 85 small wheel title. This was perfect as our next step was to head to the Thor British Youth Nationals for 2015.

Things were busy during 2014 so my racing came to an end, so I could concentrate on the team and academy riders progress.”

That’s a pretty cool thing to do.

“It was cool to take our team and academy riders to the BYN and see what level they were at.

They had some great results in

some races including moto wins and podium finishes but more importantly giving me an insight into what they needed to work on individually.”

This season changes again then?

“Things have shifted a little again coming into this season, we have got George Grigg-Pettitt as our main guy, racing in MXY2 and BYN. The academy is growing and we are moving forward with help from our team sponsors.

In addition to this I taught my three children to ride over the last year or so. Its great watching them ride and have fun and that really takes me back to why it all started for me.

I have a brand new website www. carlnunn.com, so check it out and see what news and events I have coming up along with the details of what training I offer and a list of our sponsors.”

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H U S Q VA R N A

<I DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT/ M A

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A N

X S

T

I

E

My Polar watch, my trainer Kev at Step One Fitness has gotta keep track of me when I’m making gains!

My Rockstar can keeping me buzzing all day

I try not to leave home without my smuggling duds pants on. Riding without pants on feels weird

My girlfriend Milly, I’m not happy if she’s not around

I try not to forget my phone, Madskills is the best training nowadays If I’m not cruising in the Range Rover, I have my Austen Trading Van keys with me with a bike in the back

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