Just 12 months ago, Errol Willis was regarded as one of the sport's leading rising stars, fresh from dominating the 2011 Under 19s titles for Raceline Pirelli Suzuki.
Just 12 months ago, Errol Willis was regarded as one of the sport’s most sought after rising stars, fresh from dominating the 2011 Under 19s titles for Raceline Pirelli Suzuki.
Now, the 19-year-old finds himself unsigned for season 2013, coming off a difficult rookie campaign in the Lites that was impacted by a serious hip injury mid-season during the MX Nationals.
Willis is adamant that he can step up to the challenge next year if the opportunity arises, hoping his third place podium finish at Newcastle’s Australian Supercross finale will trigger interest as we approach the end of this year.
“I’ve got nothing really on the table,” he told MotoOnline.com.au this week. “I’ve got no one saying that, ‘yeah we want to have you’, or anything like that. So I mean it sucks, but that’s the sport and that’s how it goes.
“I can accept the fact that I had a bad year, but I know there is a lot more I can do in the sport. Like I said before, there’s those guys that are always going to be good there and I feel like I’ve had my year.
“I’ve had a horrible year and if someone can give me the chance to prove myself, I know I can make it a lot better.”
While Willis is becoming increasingly desperate to secure a seat for 2013, he is aware that winning in the Lites is no easy feat, but maintains that his target is to battle for race wins and championships.
“Well I don’t want to go down the same path as I did this year and say that I think I can do really well and chase a championship, but I’ve got the same common goal as every other rider on the track,” he continued.
“I’m there to win, I’m there to be on the podium, I’m there to chase the championship, but so is everybody else. I mean, I’m just going to go down the route of how I did with the Under 19s.
“If you have a look at my first year of Under 19s, I had one race win and besides that I had nothing – I never even stood on the box or anything like that. Then in my second year I came out and I dominated.
“I’m not saying it’s going to be the same, I’m just saying I feel like I’ve learnt a lot from this year. I know I can move forward through the sport with the right people around and hopefully I can get a team on my side to be able to do that.”
For the complete interview with Willis, check out this Catching Up interview, presented by Arnette.