MxLarge Story
Simpson interview - Ready for Red Bull Pro National debut
Interview Friday 03rd March 2011
Shaun Simpson is looking at having fun in 2011 and a fun event/series to do is the Red Bull Pro Nationals. Despite his packed Grand Prix schedule Simpson will race the first two rounds of this year’s Red Bull Pro Nationals in a bid to get as much competitive action under his belt as possible in 2011.
Why have you decided to race in the Red Bull Pro National series this year?
I’ve heard lots of good things about the championship. It is really well organised and it visits some of the best circuits in the UK. I’ve wanted to do it in the past, but I couldn’t because of other commitments. This year I have a lot more freedom to do what I want to do, and one of the things I want to do is race in Britain as much as possible. I also just want to have fun away from GPs.
Round one of the Red Bull series is just one week before the first Grand Prix…
Yeah, and that’s another reason I wanted to do it. It will be my last opportunity to blow out any remaining cobwebs prior to the first GP in Bulgaria. Racing is very different to practicing, it is much more intense. This year I have tried to squeeze in as many races as possible before the first World Championship round so that when GP1 comes around I’m already well into the routine and firing on all cylinders.
Which track are you looking forward to riding the most, FatCat or Landrake?
To be honest, I am really looking forward to both circuits. FatCat Moto Parc is a great facility and the track is always in top condition, and I’ve always loved riding at Landrake, which is just an awesome track. I couldn’t pick between the two as they’re both so different. I just hope the weather’s kind to both events so neither is a wash out.
How stiff do you think the competition will be at the Pro Nationals?
It will definitely be tough, there is no getting around that. Most if not all of the top British MX1 riders will be there so both rounds will be a really good test for me. Obviously I will have to play safe and make sure I’m fit for the GPs, but I’m sure once the gate drops I’ll be banging bars with guys like Brad Anderson, Tom Church and Swordy. The line-up looks great.
Will we see you at any other Red Bull Pro Nationals?
Sadly I cannot do any of the other rounds because the dates clash with the GPs, or with the Belgian Championship. I am riding for a Belgian team so it is important for them that I compete in their domestic series, which is cool, but unfortunately it means I won’t get to do as many of the Red Bull rounds as I would have liked.
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I’ve heard lots of good things about the championship. It is really well organised and it visits some of the best circuits in the UK. I’ve wanted to do it in the past, but I couldn’t because of other commitments. This year I have a lot more freedom to do what I want to do, and one of the things I want to do is race in Britain as much as possible. I also just want to have fun away from GPs.
Round one of the Red Bull series is just one week before the first Grand Prix…
Yeah, and that’s another reason I wanted to do it. It will be my last opportunity to blow out any remaining cobwebs prior to the first GP in Bulgaria. Racing is very different to practicing, it is much more intense. This year I have tried to squeeze in as many races as possible before the first World Championship round so that when GP1 comes around I’m already well into the routine and firing on all cylinders.
Which track are you looking forward to riding the most, FatCat or Landrake?
To be honest, I am really looking forward to both circuits. FatCat Moto Parc is a great facility and the track is always in top condition, and I’ve always loved riding at Landrake, which is just an awesome track. I couldn’t pick between the two as they’re both so different. I just hope the weather’s kind to both events so neither is a wash out.
How stiff do you think the competition will be at the Pro Nationals?
It will definitely be tough, there is no getting around that. Most if not all of the top British MX1 riders will be there so both rounds will be a really good test for me. Obviously I will have to play safe and make sure I’m fit for the GPs, but I’m sure once the gate drops I’ll be banging bars with guys like Brad Anderson, Tom Church and Swordy. The line-up looks great.
Will we see you at any other Red Bull Pro Nationals?
Sadly I cannot do any of the other rounds because the dates clash with the GPs, or with the Belgian Championship. I am riding for a Belgian team so it is important for them that I compete in their domestic series, which is cool, but unfortunately it means I won’t get to do as many of the Red Bull rounds as I would have liked.
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