Despite his friendly manner he was in his time one of the toughest and hardest men in the sport and from 1981 until the end of the 1980's he was the main stay for the British Motocross of Nations team.

Despite being a youngster in that first team in 1981 Thorpe quickly found some form of success with Team GB finishing in second place behind Team USA. It was the start of a special relationship with the American riders as Thorpe was often one of the few GP riders who could match the mighty Americans.

Q: Dave, can you tell me about your first experiences at the MXoN?

Thorpe: My first one was in Bielstein, Germany in 1981, I was second or third in one race, I think I had a problem in the second moto, but I can't remember. Then we had 1982 in Wohlen, but I think I went 2-3 or 3-2, it was the year Danny "Magoo" Chandler won everything.

Q: Can you remember how many MXoN you did?

Thorpe: It started in 1981, I did most years until I was injured, I think until 1989. Q: Obviously winning against David Bailey at Gaildorf must have meant a lot to you? Thorpe: It was nice to get a little respect back for the Europeans, because while the press over there (America) belittle the Grand Prix riders, the riders in America don't belittle us. There was never a problem with the American riders (showing respect); it was just the way the press in America portrayed that. It is still like that I guess. I think between Stewart and some of our boys we have the fastest riders in the World.

Q: And Motocross Action had an article that you were the fastest amateur in the sport or something. What did you think of that?

Thorpe: I remember reading that on the toilet and I know where it went. At the end of the day a journalist will write whatever he feels, and it's the same with girls, some guy might say she looks okay, but the next guy will say that isn't for me. That is life, and some people portrayed me in a light and other people saw me differently, it didn't really bother me. The thing is results speak for themselves.

Q: What MXoN was for you the worst experience, 1996 maybe?

Thorpe: That was a tough race because I got beat, but the hardest part I think was Gaildorf when Kurt broke his leg, because we were in with a shout that year.

Q: How about 1984 and being involved in that team?

Thorpe: I was team manager in 1994, for all the years I raced the des nations and to never win it, it was kind of nice being involved in a winning team. Malin, Herring and Kurt rode out of their skin that day. They hadn't their best form, Paul rode out of his skin and we knew Rob and Kurt could do it; it was just a matter of doing it on the day. I think that track in Roggenburg suited us, fast and grass and dirt, it suited us.

Q: I wrote an article on MXlarge a month or so ago on British Motocross being down at the moment. What is your opinion on that?

Thorpe: I read that and I disagree. The whole economy has affected the scene in England, before we could attract riders like Josh (Coppins), and Ken (De Dycker) but the way everything is the money is tight, the teams have it tough with costs, but overall we have Tommy (Searle) in America, Jake (Nicholls) is starting to come better, we have Stephen (Sword), Jason (Dougan) and Tom (Church) and okay if you like they are not winners, but they are solid. Behind that the ACU has an academy going, with Mark Hucklebridge and we have some good young boys in there.

Q: Yes, but you are always positive?

Thorpe: Always, if you don't have positive people around these kids, then they will never succeed and I think there are a few out there. I don't want to mention anyone because that causes more pressure, but I believe with a good roll of the dice, some hard work and some luck, they could make an impression in the Grand Prix's in the coming years.

Q: There are so many really young riders on the scene now, like Roczen or some of the young French kids. Do you think that is a must now?

Thorpe: Not really. Look at Jake (Nicholls), he has been around for a while, but people have this thing about if you haven't made it by the time you are 20, then it's over. I don't go with that, I think if you have the desire and you want it, then you can still win at an older age.

Q: Another young British rider who is riding well is Mel Pocock?

Thorpe: Yes, and Mel has no pressure, he is on the back of a top rider (Osborne) , and I think slowly and surely he is getting there. We (British MX) haven't got somebody who is going to light it up instantly, the only one we had was Tommy and he's gone, but I hope one day that Tommy comes back to do the GP's. Saying that, there are some good kids in England and I like to think in three years we will have people knocking on the door.