Steve Dixon interview - British GP

Posted on March 18, 2019

Here are not many like Steve Dixon when it comes to passion for the sport. As a young boy, he ventured to Hawkstone Park and Farleigh Castle to watch the legends of the sport in the 1980s, and what followed is something of a fairy-tale trip through the sports history.

As a mechanic he picked up a British GP victory with Paul Malin in 1995, has run his own team in the UK since the 1990s, has been promoter of the British GP from 2005 until this year’s event, making him one of the longest running promoters in the sport in Great Britain. Also, former team manager for Team GB, mechanic for Paul Malin when the Brits won the MXdN at Roggenburg in Switzerland in 1994, and finally, a really good man for the sport and also as a human-being.

As always, we had to catch up with the British GP promoter and ask him about the British Grand Prix this weekend. The first GP of the 2019 season in Europe and with a good weather forecast and a very well-prepared circuit, expect some brilliant racing as six British riders try and fight for a podium finish, and who knows, maybe a shock GP victory.

Of course, you can get tickets at www.britmxgrandprix.com.

MXlarge: Steve, thanks for your time, I can imagine you are very busy. Are you at the track?

Dixon: Yes, I am Geoff.

MXLarge: When was your first British GP as a kid?

Dixon: Jesus, back in the 1980s, Farleigh.

MXLarge: it is amazing to think what you have done in the sport really. You went as a fan, won a British GP with Maler in 1995 at Foxhills, MXdN win with Paul in 1994, promoted MXoN and GPs in the UK, team manager for Team GB, team owner. Well done Steve.

Dixon: As a promoter I did 2005 at Matchems, then 2006 at Matterley, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, MXoN in 2017, 2018 and this year. So, this will be my 10th GP and 11th GP as a promoter. My 10th GP at Matterley, and the two MXoNs.

MXLarge: I mean Matterley is now as famous as Hawkstone Park, Foxhills and Farleigh Castle.

Dixon: You know we have had more GPs at Matterley than anywhere else in the last 20 or 30 years in the UK. Consistently running year after year, apart from maybe the 1980s, we have run more than anyone.

MXLarge: And you had two MXoN, one really good (2006) and one really shit (2017).

Dixon: Yes, but we go the Brits on the podium in 2017, and a double winner in Max, so it wasn’t that shit.

MXlarge: How is the weather looking there?

Dixon: It is good.

MXlarge: As you have been posting on Facebook, the weather forecast is looking very good. 17 degrees on Sunday and sun?

Dixon: Yes, I mean definitely happy about the weather forecast.

MXlarge: What are you doing there now?

Dixon: All the internet for the press, cables, also fences and other stuff. We have a small group here. We will be alright.

MXlarge: There are three British riders from each class that have a shot at a podium finish, and who knows, with a little luck a surprise GP victory. What do you think?

Dixon: I think Max can shine here and I think Tommy is pushing for it also, Shaun I don’t know, but I know Tommy and Max can pull it off. MX2 I think Watson can do well, and Sterry and Conrad has won on the 85cc. I think we will see at least one British rider on the podium.

MXlarge: And obviously your former rider, Dean Ferris will win MXGP?

Dixon: Yes, maybe……

MXlarge: It would be nice, but I was joking Steve. He is a nice addition to the line-up with so many guys out injured. He should do okay, because he likes the track.

Dixon: Last time he rode here he went through the FOX barrier, but yes, it is a nice addition and good for the event, 100%. How is the weather in Holland?

MXlarge: It has been great over here. A little rain this morning, but the temperature is up and at the very worse we won’t be having any rain for the rest of the week, which is great news.

Dixon: Yes, sunny on Sunday.

MXlarge: Do we need to bring sun cream?

Dixon: I would say so if you are coming from Belgium or Holland yes.

MXlarge: What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

Dixon: The end of it….

MXlarge: You know what is great about this interview. You always give really long answers, but today you are so busy, the answers are nice and short.

Dixon: It is a lot of work, full-stop.

MXlarge: Are you stressed?

Dixon: No, not stressed, it is just a lot of work. I have a good team back at the work-shop and it is all going well.

MXlarge: Darian went straight to America after Argentina. How is he doing now with his virus?

Dixon: He rode yesterday. He is feeling alright. He hasn’t ridden for a while, but he is managing it alright. It takes a while to get over it, your immune system is low, and he got ill in Argentina and it takes you down more than for normal people.

MXLarge: I can imagine a lot of people will turn up. The weather is better and it’s the first GP race in Europe for this year. No matter than some riders are out injured, it should still get a good number.