Chatter Box: Kevin Strijbos

A chat with Kevin Strijbos

Momentum is not something that Kevin Strijbos possesses currently, following a handful of injury-riddled seasons. A broken collarbone has even interrupted the testing that he was doing with Standing Construct KTM now too. Strijbos is upbeat entering what may be his final season in the FIM Motocross World Championship, however, and has his sights set firmly on the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina.

MX Vice: The deal with Standing Construct KTM was announced quite late, because of everything that happened with Suzuki, but are you happy with how things worked out?

Kevin Strijbos: Yeah, for sure, I was in contact with them quite early in the year and then we made it happen. It was a bit difficult in the beginning, but then we made it happen quite quick. I think it was done in two weeks or something. We spoke, sat down, got the terms and everything went well. We signed just before America. It is close to my home, just ten or fifteen minutes away, which is also good. It is a small team, nothing big, but there is no stress from anyone. Tim [Mathys] just does it because he loves it. I know the people there from when I was younger, so things are going well at the moment.

Kevin Strijbos faces a race against time after breaking his collarbone (Suzuki Racing)

Was there a particular reason why it was difficult to get the deal done to begin with? Whatever the problem was, was it sorted out in the end? 

Yeah, it was sorted out. It had nothing to do with me or Tim, it was just to do with the brand and manufacturer. It did not go to plan in the beginning, but we phoned again as soon as he got confirmation from the manufacturer and then sat down. Everything ended up happening quite quick.

You must be happy with how everything worked out. Had you been able to stay at Suzuki, you would have been left without a ride at the last minute and scrambling around.

I had to get off the team anyway and I knew that quite early, which is why I was searching. The results did not come good, because of the injury that I had with my elbow, and then I did not know what to do. I began to think that it was going to be last year, even though I did not want it to be. Tim came along though and I think everyone saw that the stress fell off from America on. Things started to go well again, with the riding and everything. There were still a few teams who I was talking to, so I could go to some other ones also, but I think that this was the best and had the best equipment. They had a team in the past and everything was fine then.

A fifth in moto one in Assen last year was Strijbos' best finish (Suzuki Racing)

I am guessing that the factory support was a big part of why you signed. Did any of the other teams that you were talking to have support from the manufacturer or anything like that?

Not all of them. I think one did, a little bit. I do not know what we have now. I just know that we have good bikes and do a lot to the engines inside of the workshop. I am not sure how much we get that factory support, but I am quite happy with the bike at the moment. You do not have to get too much factory support, if the base is good, because sometimes you have so much stuff to test that you end up a bit lost and do not know what to choose anymore.

You have noticed that then, there is less testing than there was at Suzuki World MXGP and that makes it easier?

Yeah, for sure. You have good points and bad points about being on a private team. The good point is that sometimes there is not so much that you can try. You have something and even if it is not one hundred percent, you still have to go with it. That can be a good point, because otherwise you keep on searching and takes days or weeks to find something. We just have a good base now and know the bike well. There are still some details that we need to work on, but it takes time. I am happy at the moment. We will see.

How was testing before the collarbone injury? Was there anything that you desperately wanted to fix before the first round of MXGP? 

We actually started quite late. I was in RedSand in Spain in December, but just with a stock bike. We tested the last two weeks that I spent in Spain. There was not too much, but we tested what we had to test. The engine guy knows what he has to do, so he is working now and the plan was to test a bit more. We both got injured though and now it is pretty difficult. I think that we have a good base to go to Argentina, then maybe we can test a little afterwards.

Kevin Strijbos has spent a majority of his career with Suzuki World MXGP (Suzuki Racing)

Do you think it is one hundred percent that you will be in Argentina? Explain a little more about what is going on with the injury.

My bike will be one hundred percent – that is not going to be a problem. We have to see how the injury goes. I had quite a lot of pain after the crash, which was not normal. I broke my collarbone in 2004 and rode one more lap with it. I had so much pain straight after the crash this time though, because it was already plated from before. I have to go back to the hospital in two weeks to see where we are at, so hopefully I can start to ride between Hawkstone Park and LaCapelle Marival.

We will still have some time. Even if I can start after LaCapelle Marival, it will give me a week and a half. I want to ride before Argentina, rather than the doctor telling me that I can ride Wednesday morning and then that I have to fly to the race that afternoon. If riding goes well, then it is fine. I just need to try to make the best of it. I know it is not an ideal start, but it is what it is. It is good that I can ride instead of just staying home.

Did the injury that Valentin [Guillod] sustained put more pressure on you? Do you feel more pressure to get back out there and represent them?

No, not really. The team is easy. They know me and that I always to do a lot to come back quick. I am working on the shoulder a lot now to make it heal quicker and they know that, so they are fine with it. They just say to not worry and start too early. It is best to wait one more week and then see. That is what I am doing and, yeah, they are happy.

It is likely that this will be his final season at the highest level (Suzuki Racing)

When I spoke to you last year, you said that this would definitely be your final season in MXGP. Are you still set on that or is there a chance that you will keep going?

It depends. The biggest percentage is that this will be my last year, but it depends how it goes. Maybe I can do one more year with this team, if it goes really well? I feel good with them and want to stay with them. Even if things do not go well and I want to stop, maybe I can try to get something inside of the team like a trainer? Like I said last year, this will probably be my last year and I’ll try to get everything good for that. I will try to stay healthy and then we will see where I end up.

Finally, what kind of results would you like to get this year? You proved that you can run top five last year and, with some momentum on your side, there is no reason why you cannot do that again.

Everybody wants that, for sure, and it is not easy to finish in the top five at every round. There are so many riders who can do that. Like you said though, I showed that I can do it towards the end of last year and even now I feel good on my bike. We just need to get some good starts. Starts were actually the main problem last year and then when I got a good start, I showed that I can be top five or maybe even on the podium. There is no pressure from the team. I know that this could be my last year, but that can also be positive. I just want to give it everything that I have in every race. If I can run top five or six, then I will be happy.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Suzuki Racing

10 Things about Dakar

10 Things about Dakar Rally 2018

Dakar Rally 2018 is already done and dusted, the bikes are packed on their way, riders are already home and celebrations are in full swing. But what did we learn from the 40th running of this monumental event? 

Crashes, new manufacturers, navigation errors and massive distances... is it still the toughest off road bike race on earth? 

1. The stakes are high

Winning Dakar still means so much that riders are pushing beyond limits to win. Gone are the days when the smart riders knew when to push and when to take it easy. 

If any one of the fifteen (at least) riders want to win, they have to race hard for every minute of every Special Stage. 

 

Photo Credit: Dakar Media Service

2. Crashing is all too easy

When you ride that many kilometres, that fast on 145kg rally bikes, crashes are gonna happen. 

You might get away with it some of the time, maybe most the time, but sooner or later one of them is going to hurt, just ask Sam Sunderland and Adrien Van Beveren.

3. Seven manufacturers racing

KTM won for the 17th consecutive time and yes, that is mighty impressive. But a customer KTM taking stage podiums, smaller manufacturers like Sherco making the top 10, Hero and Gas Gas teams not just in the race but competitive shows it ain’t all about the big bucks. 

 

Photo Credit: Francois Flamand

4. Yamaha is back

Yamaha’s Factory Rally Team are small by comparison to KTM and Honda standards and it is popular to knock the WR450F-derived machines. 

But their bike is every bit the purpose-built tool for the job. Without Adrien Van Beveren’s wicked, high-speed crash while leading, results could have been so different. 

5. Riding gear is tougher

Neck braces, back protectors, body armour – no question the riding kit is awesome. From minus temperatures at the 4am, high altitude starts to 40+ degrees desert heat it’s a lot to cope with. 

How riders used to cope before they had drinks bladders and pouches we have no clue. 

 

Photo Credit: Dakar Media Service

6. Hats off to Malle Moto riders

As if the Dakar isn’t tough enough the Malle Moto riders are doing it basically living out of a box. Race all day, do all your own maintenance and the pitch your own tent each night. Mucho respect. 

7. Media, media, media

Dakar still claims high global media coverage which Dakar organisers claim runs second only to F1 in terms of audience awareness – ahead of WRC, MotoGP, WTCC and certainly Enduro GP. That’s without mentioning the immense volumes of social media coverage. 

8. Gigantic distances

Wherever you’re sat imagine tomorrow you got up and set off riding at 4am for 426km, where does that get your in your country? 

Once there take a five-minute break and then race flat-out for 288km to some place else before doing another 280km liaison back to your base. Madness. 

 

Photo Credit: Gas Gas

9. Brain strain

Ever since five-times winner Marc Coma became Dakar Race Director huge altitude changes (five days at or above 3000m) and huge distances (almost 9000km in total) are the base-setting. 

Navigation is a major sting in the tail during each stage. This is Dakar and some of the reasons why it remains the toughest dirt bike race on earth. 

10. The Bucket List

The tenth thing about Dakar 2018? Well, despite all the trials and tribulations discussed above, for better or worse it’s still the race that tops our Must-Do Bucket List, like pretty much every other off road dirt junkie out there!

Beach Racing...Le Touquet Beach Race

1000’s set for Enduropale Le Touquet Beach Race

 

Enduropale du Touquet, hits the sandy beaches Cote d’Opale at Le Touquet, Northern France this weekend. 

Of enduro interest, EnduroGP number three Nathan Watson starts as one of the favourites, alongside 2017 Enduro 2 runner-up Jamie McCanney. 

Watson, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, is something of a sand specialist and has been concentrating his racing in Northern European sand since the end of the 2017 EnduroGP season.

Watson won the Berck Beach Cross (a few kilometres south of Le Touquet) in October 2017. 

He beat a healthy field including Axel Van de Sande, Yamaha Rally rider and 2016 Le Touquet winner Adrien Van Beveren and former MXGP front runner Steve Ramon.

McCanney starts for Yamaha

Outsiders Yamaha Enduro team rider Jamie McCanney will also race Le Touquet. 

McCanney will swap his usual WR250F enduro bike for a specially prepared Yamaha YZ450F.

Enduropale typically runs a 13-15 kilometre lap and has been dominated by French riders and Yamaha in its 13 year history. 

Kawasaki France’s 2017 Le Touquet winner and French Sand Champion Axel Van de Sande will have a say in that though. 

The strong list of entries also includes plenty of French beach race specialists plus a host of MXGP current and former racers. 

Camille Chapelière, Milko Potisek, Daymond Martens, Steve Ramon, Jeffrey Dewulf, Nico Aubin, Ken De Dycker, Xavier Boog and Richard Fura, who was third in 2017, all take to the start line.

Le Touquet attracts huge numbers of riders, as many as 2000 across all classes over the weekend. 

With crowds of around 500,000 organisers claim it is one of the world’s biggest motor sport events.

Hectic Triple Crown SX

Triple Crown format ‘too hectic’ for full supercross season

 Post: Alex Gobert

450SX leader Anderson against unique schedule on a consistent basis.

Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson has admitted that he believes the three-race format of last weekend’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross Triple Crown event would be chaotic over the course of a complete season.

After finishing third overall via a 7-3-1 scorecard to extend his 2018 championship lead to 11 points, the former 250SX West champion wouldn’t want to see the entire series switch formats in the future.

Anderson was forced to sprint his way through from 13th on lap one to seventh in the first final of eight minutes, improving to third in the second leg and then comfortably winning the third moto to seal a podium on combined scores. He said that starting against the elite riders of the sport three times in one night to decide the round results was a difficult task.

“[It’s] way too hectic for 18 rounds of that,” Anderson said. “No way [laughs]. It’s kind of scary, honestly, one start a night with all the top guys is one thing, but tonight doing three starts with everyone is pretty crazy.

“Those first laps if you’re not one or two, you don’t know if you’re gonna hit the triple or double it, so it’s pretty scary. At the same time, it’s probably a little bit more action for the fans, but for us it is hectic doing three starts.”

The opening race saw Anderson start in the mid-pack and soon caught up in an opening lap incident with Broc Tickle and Malcolm Stewart, however he managed to rebound for seventh in one of his most important rides of the night. He displayed patience on his way to position and moved forward from there as the moto-length extended.

“It’s so short of a race and it’s so hard to make up time,” Anderson said. “I’m lucky I was able to get up to seventh and salvage something out of that, but that first race was tough – it was all about the start. It was a lot of racing tonight and… it was kind of crazy. It was a curveball for us and for me.”

Rated: Opening AMA Supercross rounds

 Post: Simon Makker

Assessing the first three events of the 2018 season in America.

The opening trio of rounds of the 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship have been a scintillating affair so far. Just when you think you’ve got your tips and fantasy teams figured out, the format changes and the cats are thrown among the pigeons again. With so much action going down early so early in the season, we take a look at how the first three rounds at Anaheim and Houston have stacked up.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Round: One – Anaheim 1
Rating: A
Rundown: All the hype, speculation and pre-season talk was put to rest with the gate dropping on the opening round. And there’s one thing you can always guarantee at the first round of the championship – there will be upsets and Anaheim 1 had plenty. While Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin continued his terrific off-season momentum with a great ride to the win, pre-season favourite Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) crashed out while leading the race and received a shoulder contusion for his efforts, as Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Dean Wilson also had shoulder dramas with a crash in his qualifying heat. Meanwhile, Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) was the talk of the night with his superhuman comeback from an arm injury almost a year ago to finish fourth. On top of all the on-track kerfuffle, there was a number of structural changes to keep the sold-out crowd interested, including a new, slightly-tweaked points system and steel gates that were introduced for the first time. On the downside, the move back to two heats and an LCQ (rather than the two heats, two semis and an LCQ we saw up until last year) felt like a step back in time.

Round: Two – Houston
Rating: B+
Rundown: Off the bat, the AMA Supercross circus moving to Houston, rather than its recent tradition of sticking to the more typical coastline was something that pricked up the ears of moto fans. The racers encountered a technical track that seemed like a big jump from the season-opener a week before. Eli Tomac (pulled out of practice) and Dean Wilson (out following press day) were still warming the bleachers for the main event, but they weren’t alone, with championship leader Marvin Musquin ejecting over the bars and also injuring his shoulder in the heat race. He missed the main, leaving Jason Anderson to sort out a rapidly-improving Ken Roczen and fast-starting stand-in rider Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Knich Yamaha) on his way to staking claim to the championship lead. Meanwhile, in the 250s, Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha) took the bit between his teeth and tore to his first win of the season, snatching the red plate from Anaheim 1 winner, Troy Lee Designs Red Bull KTM’s Shane McElrath in the process.

Image: Supplied.

Round: Three – Anaheim 2
Rating: A-
Rundown: The return to Anaheim was eagerly-anticipated as it was the first of three Triple Crown rounds this year and the only one that West Coast 250SX riders will race. Riders qualified straight from qualifying (no heats), with an LCQ to sort out the final four spots (won by Chad Reed in the 450s). That meant the fans were treated to three main events in each class of increasing time length. The fotmat used the Olympic scoring, where first place in a main event gets one point, 10th gets 10 points, etc, with the rider with the least points winning the overall. We knew it’d shake things up, but wow, we didn’t think it’d have as much of an impact as it did. Eli Tomac returned to the madness and was welcomed back to the top of the podium, courtesy of a 5-1-2 result, with a super-impressive Cole Seeley (Team Honda HRC) in second (1-2-7) and Jason Anderson third (7-3-1). Plenty of the series’ fast-starters struggled with the short, high-intensity motos – Barcia finished eighth, Roczen ninth and Musquin 13th after pulling out of the final moto. The 250s were filled with drama too, as Joey Savatgy (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) chalked himself down as the third winner in as many races, courtesy of a consistent 1-2-1 result. While not everyone was happy with the changed-up format, the vast majority of people – including the paying spectators, who got to see more of their favourite racer on track – seemed to welcome the new style of racing. The only factor stopping Anaheim 2 gaining our A rating was the fairly non-challenging track. While it kept the racing tight, it made passing difficult and the racers couldn’t find that little extra something to make up some time each lap.

Winter Ride in Sweden - Jesper Borjesson

This looks like a nice track to ride on but maybe slightly colder than I like. However, sometimes if you want to ride you have to ignore the weather. If you do find yourself wanting to ride in this type of weather I suggest you visit www.flyracing.com and pick up some of their excellent winter riding gear. You might as well stay warm and ride with style!

Ride On!

NY Track Opens for Second Season

Motocross on track to open for second season

 

FORT ANN — A new site plan application for the ADK MX Racetrack on Route 149 was approved Monday night by the town Planning Board, but not before the applicant backed up and persuaded the chairman to change his vote.

In the first time around on Monday night, Jeremy Treadway, owner of the motocross track, had his proposal denied.

His modified plan included hours of operation being extended, using new testing methodology for noise, revising the length and width of the dirt track, and allowing ATVs and UTVs (utility task vehicles) being allowed on the track.

The original application, which was approved in 2016, also stated fueling stations be prohibited at the track, though cans of gasoline could be sold.

Town Planning Board Chairman Don Bedeaux voted down the application because of the extended hours and fuel stipulations.

The vote was 3-2, and Treadway needed 4 yes votes.

“I don’t agree with the fuel and I don’t agree with changing the hours ... Everything else I don’t have a problem with,” Bedeaux stated firmly.

At the same time as the application was voted down, board member Richard Winchell, who also voted the application down, made a motion to table the item. That motion didn’t have a second so it didn’t carry.

Treadway retracted his requests for extended hours and selling fuel at the track and told the chairman he’d compromise if it meant passing his application.

Treadway was aiming to have his track open until 7:30 p.m., or dusk, but instead the times were approved as they were in his original application, plus being open on a Monday in case of weather cancellations and on federal holidays.

Treadway also noted that he wasn’t concerned about selling gas at his track, but sometimes visiting vendors at races sell fuel.

“If those are the two conditions, then we’ll work with that. We’ll do it,” Treadway said.

The application was passed 4-1.

“I think any time that any business goes in front of any town, there always has to be compromises, and I am completely fine with what we decided on,” Treadway said.

“Now we still have to fight the court system,” he added.

Lawyer Claudia Braymer, who represents six residents who have filed legal action against Treadway, sat front-row at the meeting with some of her clients.

Braymer said she was disappointed that the board approved the changes and she and her clients plan on challenging the board’s latest approval. She didn’t specify on how they’d challenge the Planning Board.

The residents she represents filed a preliminary injunction on Nov. 27 to prevent the Planning Board from granting a new site approval plan for the motocross track. But on Jan. 3, the judge adjourned the case to see what action the Planning Board would take first.

Because the site plan was approved, the track will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The width and length of the 4,300-foot dirt track is not as cut and dry as it was originally, Treadway explained. Because the track is always changing due to bikes being on it and dirt being kicked up, the board granted the track to stay within a certain parameter that was outlined on a map.

“It will allow for turns to be wider so it’s safer,” Treadway explained.

His motocross track will also now follow current American Motorcyclist Association standards, including for noise standards, which is 94 decibels.

Comparatively, that’s equivalent to a power lawn mower.

Another amendment made was that instead of supplying sound readings weekly, they will now be done upon request.

“It’s nice to finally be on the same standard as every other track,” Treadway said. “It will allow us to keep moving forward.”

The track will open on April 1 and operate until Oct. 31, which is two weeks longer than last year.

Something Different from Harley!!!

H-D Debuts Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb at 2018 X Games

MILWAUKEE (January 18, 2018) – In an X Games first, Harley-Davidson® Snow Hill Climb will make its debut at X Games Aspen as a medaled event alongside ski, snowboard and other action-sports competitions. The new medal sport will close out X Games Aspen 2018, which airs January 25-28 on ESPN and ABC.

In the Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb, riders will race modified twin-cylinder motorcycles up the flat  bottom of the SuperPipe course. In each heat, riders will line up side-by-side at the start line at the base of the SuperPipe for a head-to-head race.

The first racer to ride the length of the SuperPipe and clear the finish line at the top will earn the “W.”  Each Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb race motorcycle consists of an extended swingarm widen frame and a high-torque, twin-cylinder motor.

“For 115 years H-D riders from all walks of life have expressed their freedom from the seat of America’s favorite motorcycle, so it’s natural for us to continue to blaze trails – this time off the road and in the snow,” said Scott Beck, Harley-Davidson director of marketing. “We’ve raced the ice and climbed virtually every kind of hill, and the Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb is another way for us to grow the sport of motorcycling. We know our riders, and X Games fans and athletes alike share a passion for adrenaline and speed.”

The gold-and-bronze-medal rounds of Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb will air January 28 at 10:45 p.m. ET live on ESPN. Preliminary rounds and qualifying will stream live at 10:15 p.m. ET exclusively on facebook.com/harley-davidson.

The riders invited to  compete in the Harley-Davison Snow Hill Climb are Logan Mead, Logan Cipala, Austin Cardwell, Jake Anstett, Dan Lauters, Josh Mueller, Louie Lauters and Travis Whitlock.

“There’s a story behind every mile you ride on your Harley-Davidson, and I’m honored to be one of the first to ride mine up the Snow Hill Climb during X Games 2018,”  said Josh Mueller, who’ll be racing a modified Harley-Davidson Sportster® motorcycle. “History will be made in Aspen, and every athlete will look on with envy as we race up the SuperPipe.”

Quotes from Ken Roczen

Ken Roczen may not have finished on the podium at the third round of Monster Energy Supercross, held at Angel Stadium on Saturday night, but he still hogged headlines. It was the anniversary of the season-ending crash that he encountered twelve months ago, hence why the spotlight was firmly on him. Did everything that was going on effect him at all? Well, his post-race quote in the HRC press release was rather intriguing.

"Tonight was very interesting," Ken Roczen said. "It's Anaheim 2, which is obviously where I crashed, and even though I tried not to think about it at all it lingered subconsciously in the back of my mind. I didn't feel like myself at all out there. I was riding bad and couldn't seem to do anything about it. I went into the first main, got a bad start, felt terrible on the track and basically went backwards. That definitely wasn't the plan, but the worst part was I had two more to go [laughs].

Ken Roczen admitted that it was hard not to think about what happened at Anaheim 2 last year (Honda Racing Corporation)

"Even though I didn't feel good, it was great to just finish it and get this one off the checklist," Roczen continued. "It was big night and, obviously, it could have gone worse, as we saw here last year. We are walking away from here super healthy and looking forward to next weekend's race. All in all, it is a tough pill to swallow as a rider because I want to win or at least battle for the win. It for sure was not there today though. I want to move on, forget about tonight and start looking forward to the next one."

Before signing off, Roczen revealed why he chose to wear the same gear that he crashed in last year. "It was my idea to wear the same gear from last year's crash," Roczen said. "It was all about making a statement and I think it did that. Not everyone was crazy about the idea, but I'm not superstitious and felt this was a cool way to officially put everything behind me and move forward."

After finishing ninth overall at round three, Ken Roczen has slipped to fourth in the series standings. Fourteen points is the gap between Roczen and the current series leader with fourteen rounds ago.

Interview: Honda Racing Corporation | Lead Image: Honda Racing Corporation

Ireland’s first indoor KTM electric motocross park to open in Moira

Ireland’s first indoor KTM electric motocross park to open in Moira E-Trax NI Irelands first KTM indoor motocross E-Park due to open in County Down in Spring 2018. E-Trax NI Irelands first KTM indoor motocross E-Park due to open in County Down in Spring 2018. Published: 15:21 Tuesday 23 January 2018 Plans are underway for the construction of a purpose-built indoor electric motocross park near Moira, using pioneering KTM Freeride E bikes to bring the off-road experience indoors. Located close to Moria (junction 9 of the M1), E-Trax will be the first facility of its kind in Ireland, using e-bikes that have no gears or clutch, nor do they produce any noise or air pollution. The 35,000 square foot center, due to launch in spring/summer 2018, will include raised viewing gallery, coffee bar & restaurant as well as two core tracks.

The first for children as young as five, where they can come and try out the sport in a safe and controlled environment; the second will be a super-cross style, fast flowing track with banked corners, rhythm sections and table top jumps. This track has also be designed to be the first in the UK to offer MX Duals - where two riders compete against the clock and each other on identical tracks in the opposite direction. The motocross park will be Ireland’s first certified KTM e-park. As a well-known and recognised global brand, E-Trax is thrilled to have their backing. Matt Walker, KTM, UK Managing Director said: “I’m very pleased to welcome E-Trax as a KTM Experience Partner, and we wish the venture every success. Offering the opportunity to ride the KTM Freeride E in this professionally run environment is a great way to showcase the wide range of skills of the machine and to have a great experience with the KTM brand. Both new and more experienced riders will be able enjoy the KTM Freeride E’s abilities throughout the year, and given Northern Ireland’s passion for motorcycling, we expect that E-Trax will thrive in the community.” Catering for kids parties, corporate events, team building, club meetings, and stag/hen parties, as well as experienced motocross riders who are looking for additional ride time, the centre is aiming to become a destination hub for all things motocross. Company Directors Gareth George and Kyle Rainey said: “We are keen to create a unique all-weather indoor facility that will give everyone the opportunity to experience riding an off-road motorcycle in a fun, informal, yet controlled manner. With Northern Ireland’s world class track at Desertmartin, and international road races like the Ulster GP and Northwest 200, there has always been a massive following of motorcycle sport here. Yet with limited facilities and the unpredictable weather it can be hard to find somewhere to ride. We have no intention in trying to replace great outdoor practice tracks such as Magilligan or Mid Ulster - places that we use ourselves - but to create somewhere that people can come to try it out, or practice their skills using the latest in electric motorcycle technology.”