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British Championship

Chatter Box: Brad Todd

A rising star in Britain.

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It would not be too surprising if you had not heard of Brad Todd prior to this season, although he did log consistent finishes in Britain last year. There is no doubt that you are familiar with the JK Yamaha rider now, however, following some impressive showings both in Britain and abroad. Heck, just last week he defeated Alessandro Lupino and Alvin Ostlund at an Italian race! Seeing as Todd is quickly moving up through the rankings, this seemed like an ideal time to learn more about his career.

MX Vice: I would imagine that this was the first season that you entered with fairly high expectations. Was that tough to manage, especially after your immediate success in Britain and EMX250?

Brad Todd: Yes, well, I left off last year by having a good consistent season, just missing out on fifth in the championship. I worked really hard over the winter, just making sure my fitness and speed was next level, so after the season started I was bang on the goals that were set. It was nice to get some more support off people after getting some results and a lot of people started to see the financial struggle, so when I got some help it was like pouring fuel on the fire for me.

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Brad Todd finished tenth in Britain, despite missing a round.

ConwayMX

Just recap your season as a whole for a second. There were obviously high points, but then some struggles along the way too.

Yes, well it all set off awesome. I was enjoying life and the results were following! I broke my scaphoid at Valkenswaard, which was a little bit of a step back, but I still raced the following weekend at the MX Nationals and came away with a 1-1 result. When I had the chance to heal and rest, I didn’t, mainly because I was on such a high that I felt it was not going to stop me. I stupidly went and done a local race for a bit of fun, clipped a rider and went down in a big crash. I tore the muscles in my shoulder and missed the next round of the Maxxis [British Championship] at Canada Heights, which I was so pissed about.

I then rested and healed up. We turned up at Hawkstone Park, but I was honestly so unfit and not ready. I needed to be there though. I had a bad day there with mechanicals, which was kind of lucky in a way, because I never would have finished the races going forward, then onwards from there it was a mix between me and machine. I did get some results, but nothing I was happy with myself.

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Todd shot to prominence by finishing second in his qualifying session at the first EMX250 round.

ConwayMX

Was one of your goals for this year to leave with full support for next year, which would allow you to travel around Europe etc. comfortably? I’m guessing that was quite stressful at points.

Exactly, it is always my goal to get as much help as possible. I spoke to Dickie at JK Yamaha most of the year. I introduced myself at Trentino and was in contact from then on. They helped me out when my mechanic, Brandon, and I were out surviving on our own the following week in Belgium. They gave us a place to stay and showed us places to ride out there, which was awesome.

When things were not going to plan I was getting so down about it all, I was honestly about to call it a day. I sat down with my Mum and Dad and agreed that this was going to be the last year and then I would be done racing at a high level. For what my parents done for me as a child and growing up, I said I would never take a penny off them for racing again. It just so happened there was a deal creeping up where I would not need to worry about the bikes financially.

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Todd stood atop the box just last weekend, after defeating Alessandro Lupino and Alvin Ostlund in Italy.

ConwayMX

Was the JK Yamaha deal clearly your best offer or did other teams show interest? Did you come close to going elsewhere?

Yeah, I honestly needed somewhere that could take me to all the EMX rounds. It just opens up so many more opportunities for you riding at those. I had other British teams looking my way, but I was kind of certain this was the route I was going to choose.

Was there any talk of you doing the MX2 series next year or were you always going to race in EMX250? Obviously you did that final round in MX2 this year…

There was indeed the French MXGP, which I did as kind of a try out. But, unluckily for me, it was a wash out, so nothing went my way that day. The ride I have now is the full EMX250 series and selected GP races that do not clash, then obviously the Maxxis [British Championship] as well. But, anything can happen, we will just see how the winter training goes.

In an ideal world, would you move on from EMX250 to MX2 in 2019? What do you think you can achieve in that series next year? 

Yes, well it is something I have been thinking about. The deal I have now is kind of a two-year deal, but it is contracted for one year. So, basically, if I go around like Ronnie Mac I will not have a ride for 2019, but I’m confident that will not be the case. It is lined up for me to do MX2 in 2019 but that would be my last year in MX2 at Grand Prix level, because of the age rule, so maybe I should bump up to MXGP, because, after watching top riders in MX2 struggle to find MXGP rides, it would maybe make more sense to catch a ride whilst there is one floating about. That will be something to discuss after the targets for next year are hit, which are top five in the MX2 class in the Maxxis British Championship and top six in EMX250.

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A third at the first Maxxis British Championship round was a career-best result.

ConwayMX

That win in Italy the weekend before last must have boosted your confidence, right? What was that experience like?

Italy was awesome! I spent a few days meeting the Italian side of the team and ended the year for them in a great way and gave them something to look forward to. The track was something a little bit different. It was only small with sand like Assen, but it still had loads of passing places. I just went out with a clear mind and just did what I know I can do best. After winning the main, it has opened a new door which is competing in the full AX World Tour. It is something that I have always wanted to do, but there are people who think it is a waste of time doing it with the injury factor. The AMA riders can do it though, so I’ll give it a shot. You never know, it might be something I’m good at!

Finally, you are coming off of a bike that is known for being the best 250F around. What do you like on the Yamaha compared to your old bike and what is something you are struggling to adapt to? 

Yeah the Husqvarna is very strong out of the box, but it certainly does not handle anything like the Yamaha. It is something I jumped on and fell in love with from the start. The race engine is great and has the power I feel I need to get the job done. I feel as if I jumped from a Yamaha to the Husqvarna it would have taken a bit of adapting to, but going the other way around has been great so far.

Interview: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX

British Championship

Bickers to supply UK market with Alpinestars

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This is great news for UK motocross dealers, who can now order Alpinestars Boots and Protection for the motocross and enduro community.

Full PR:
Bickers are pleased to announce a new partnership with Alpinestars, from 2024 Bickers will be a
newly appointed distributor of Alpinestars Off-Road range of MX, Enduro and Trials footwear and
protections.

Alpinestars has been redefining protection for motorcyclists ever since the company was established
in 1963. Commitment to innovation has led Alpinestars to become the world-leading manufacturer
of professional motorsport racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance
apparel, technical footwear, and helmets. Alpinestars understands that the best design and research
is achieved under extreme conditions. Their involvement in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, World
SBK, AMA Supercross and Motocross, MXGP, Dakar and more has led to the creation of the most
advanced technical equipment for the racing world’s top athletes.

Bickers and Alpinestars will be working together in the UK and Ireland (via Bickers Dornan) to create
an industry leading integrated sales program, reaching the Bickers dealer network; carrying stock in
2 strategic locations in the UK and Ireland to ensure next day delivery on all items.
Stock is in the UK and available now, to see the range visit alpinestars.com or bickers-online.co.uk.

Chris Hillard (Alpinestars Communications Manager)

Alpinestars are pleased to welcome Bickers as a distributor of our MX/Off-Road range in the UK and
Ireland. With their proven record in offering next day service to dealers; we see Bickers as a logical
partner to add to our already strong network of Dealers and Distributors in the region. With focus on
offering keystone hard goods from our range; namely Footwear and Protection. Central to our plan,
inside July/August 2024 Bickers will also become an Official Alpinestars repair and service center for
MX Goods, with the aim of increasing efficiency for our UK/Ireland based racers and customers
moving ahead, and we look forward to developing this partnership.

Derek McMartin (Bickers)
“Bickers are extremely excited to be able to service and sell Alpinestars Range of Off-Road Footwear
and Protection and cannot wait to start offering these great products to our dealers”
To see what Bickers offer, please go to bickers-online.co.uk
You can visit the Full Range at Alpinestars direct alpinestars.com.

Picture – KTM Group

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Breaking News

NPC 2024 IS ON! All eyes are on Oakhanger.

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Oakhanger will host the first round of the NPC series this weekend. Gulf Racing Fuels, which will support the series for the next three years, will be in attendance. The line looks impressive, while entry lists are still being worked on. Starting a series from scratch is always hard, but trying to do that in a recession and with industry budgets at an all-time low is even more challenging. The guys behind the NPC have been working around the clock to make this happen.

MX1 and MX2 classes will provide some exciting racing with this at the weekend. MX1 will see Tristan Purdon, Brad Todd, Jamie Carpenter, Carlton Husband, Tom Grimshaw, John Adamson, Dan Thornhill, Chalie Putnam, and Aaron Patstone lining up. MX2 will offer some great racing with Charlie Cole, Charlie Heyman, Ollie Colmer, Ben Mustoe, Glen McCormick, Callum Mitchell, Syd Putnam, Ben Franklin, Harvey Cashmore and Liam Bennet all looking to get some hours in the bank racing.

Justin Barclay and Alfie Smith have produced a stunning track for riders to compete on. As I’m typing this update, more British riders are signing up, and they will be confirmed every day leading up to what will be a historical event. I say historical because I believe this series will go from strength to strength and offer one of the best championships in the UK and, hopefully, Europe.

The Acerbis is cancelled this weekend, so places at the NPC are filling up fast. There are four groups, and wildcards are still available in each group.

Entries for the event can be accessed here: https://nora92.com/event/nora-pro-championship-round-1/#tribe-tickets

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British Championship

Andrew Short confirmed for the 2024 VMXdN at Foxhill

No Short measures for Team USA

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The promoters for the annual VMXdN Foxhill have announced that former factory HRC, KTM Factory Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha rider Andrew Short will be racing at the legendary Wiltshire Grand Prix circuit over August bank holiday weekend (August 22nd-26th) as part of the American squad.


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Supplied


Short has had a stellar sixteen-year pro career, during that time, he earned over 50 podium finishes and nine wins, he is also one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet. One of his personal highlights was being part of the American Team that won the 2010 Motocross of Nations held in his home state of Colorado. 

After he retired from professional motocross at the end of 2016, Short then worked as a team advisor and brand ambassador for Factory Honda HRC before making a big transition to compete in rally racing and take on the ultimate rally race – the Dakar.

After a steep learning curve, he was able to become competitive in rally and even took his first win at the 2019 Rallye du Maroc, a leadup to the 2020 Dakar. He raced for the Rockstar Husqvarna team as well as the Monster Energy Factory Yamaha rally teams.

After a nasty injury while riding at home, he is now back to full fitness and bang up for the challenge that is Foxhill, the greatest 2-stroke event in the world. Short will race a 2002 YZ 250 built and maintained by the crew at DocWob. Team USA won the inaugural event in 2022 and finished 3rd behind Team GB and Team Northern Ireland in 2023. 

The race is already creating a huge buzz with new and returning legends being announced weekly, it really is a whos’ who of the sport through the golden heydays of the 90’s and 00’s era.

Labelled by RacerX magazine as “the Woodstock of two strokes” the event simply goes from strength to strength.

With ticket sales up year on year, the promoters have been blown away at the response to the event and are urging spectators to purchase tickets asap. Could this be the first outdoor motocross event in the UK to be ticket only? Camping passes will be capped at last year’s numbers as simply putting it – it was full!

Ensure your place at the most anticipated event on the British MX calendar by booking early.

Saturday, Sunday, Weekend and Camping passes are available at https://vmxdnfoxhill2024.eventbrite.co.uk

Keep up to date with all the VMXdN Foxhill news

www.vmxdnfoxhill.com 

www.facebook.com/vmxdnfoxhills 

https://www.instagram.com/vmxdnfoxhill/

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