My Way

Greatest moment of your career?

Probably rolling around the sighting lap at the Motocross of Nations at Teutschenthal, Germany, last year. Being selected to represent New Zealand, seeing the crowds and soaking in the atmosphere was a cool feeling.

Toughest race ever?

Probably the last moto of the Des Nations. The track was rock-hard, rutty and slippery, the late afternoon sun was in my eyes and I was tired. It felt like the longest moto in the world. I finished 32nd or something. The qualifying was my best result – I placed 12th in that, which was awesome.

Long-term goal?

To try and make it properly in Australia. I want to race there for the next few years, improve each year and get a solid longer-term contract with a factory team. I’d love go to the US, but I want to make it happen in Australia first and see what happens from there.

Favourite track?

Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. I grew up racing there on a 50 and I still enjoy every race there. It’s a flowing, natural terrain type track and has this weird surface. It can be loamy and almost sandy in places, but can also get hard and slick sometimes.

If you weren’t a racer, you would be?

Probably a signwriter. I did it a bit for a motorcycle graphic company before I went full-time racing. I enjoyed it and would definitely look into it again if I had to give up racing.

Arch-rival?

Everyone, I guess! I seem to battle different people all the time, but if I had to pick someone it’d be Brad Groombridge, seeing as he’s one of the guys still racing who I grew up with.

Greatest inspiration?

Ben Townley. He’s from New Zealand and did the move overseas when he was young and had some tough times. I know him as a friend and it makes it feel more doable to do. I know what he went through and how he got to where he is, and that’s been a big inspiration to me.

Superstitions?

I used to have heaps like put a knee brace on a certain side and never go out for dinner the night before a race, but I’ve got rid of them all during the New Zealand Nationals because they didn’t seem to be working. I just want to have fun instead.

Training methods?

Cycling, running, crossfit with my trainer in the gym, and riding three times a week, including on the weekend.

Goal for 2014?

I want to finish the season off in the top five to 10. I know where I stand and what I can achieve. If I can finish in the top six, seven or eight after my first year on a 450 I’ll be happy. Suzuki just wanted me to have fun and were happy if I’d gain top 15 placings, especially as I’d never raced a 450 before this year.

Off the Wall

Best all-time moto DVD/video?

The Great Outdoors. I love the whole series. I like the depth they go into with the teams and behind the riders and their perspective on things. It’s a good insight into the sport.

Non-bike related hobbies?

Surfing and golf. Last year I got my handicap down to 14 but I was playing too much and I’ve pulled right back now. I’ve gotta keep training to hang off the bigger bike.

Do you read your pit board?

I never used to, but this year I have been so I understand what’s happening on the track and to get the message from the mechanic.

What do you drive?

A 2001 Toyota Hiace. It’s my mum’s van – we’re on a tight budget here in NZ!

Favourite magazine?

I don’t really read, to be honest. I’d rather watch a YouTube video.

What’s on the iPod?

I guess it’s a mix of dance, hip-hop and party music. I’m not really a huge music fan – I just listen to whatever’s on the radio or whatever the girlfriend’s playing.

Best thing about the MX Nationals?

Getting to travel around Australia, seeing new places and hanging out with everyone. It has a cool atmosphere and I really enjoy it.

Who will win the 2014 AMA Motocross?

I should say Bubba because he rides Suzuki, but I think Roczen will do it.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I used to be a fat kid. At primary and intermediate (years 6-7) I was actually the prop in the rugby team. Me and Ben Townley were both fat little buggers.

First and last

First bike?

A homemade PW50 bitser that dad and his mate built for me.

First kiss?

It was probably at primary school when I was 9 or 10. I think I was in the corridor heading to class after lunch and gave the girl a quick kiss before I left. I can’t remember who it was or anything; it’s too long ago for this kid.

First proper injury?

When I was 14 I snapped my wrist at the Tokoroa Supercross and put the bone through my arm.

First time you got in a fight?

At my second year at college I got jumped by 15 Maori dudes on the rugby field because I didn’t want to play with them. It didn’t end very well for me. That’s Rotorua for ya.

Last album/song you downloaded?

High by Peking Duk.

Last movie you watched?

Despicable Me 2. It’s awesome.

Last holiday?

After the Des Nations I had four days off in London. That’s about as much of a holiday as I’ve had before I had to get back into training and riding for the upcoming New Zealand summer season.

Last big crash you had?

Before Wonthaggi I had a big get-off at a sand track at Mangakino. The bike stepped out on me coming out of a turn and I went over the bars and landed on my back and head. I was pretty sore after that one.

One or the Other

Two 30-minute motos or three 20-minute motos?

Two 30s.

Monster, Red Bull or V?

I don’t do them, but I’d take a Red Bull if it came with a vodka.

PC or Mac?

PC.

McDonalds or KFC?

Maccas.

Europe or USA?

USA.

Two-stroke or four-stroke?

Four-stroke.

MX Nationals or supercross?

MX Nationals – I haven’t done a lot of supercross.

Blonde or brunette?

Blonde. My missus is blonde so I’ve gotta say it or I’ll be turning up to Swan Hill single!