Shaun Simpson MXGP
Grind MX recently had a chance to speak with Shaun Simpson. Shaun is one of the top riders in the World Championship MXGP Motocross series, finishing 4th overall in 2015. Let’s see what he had to say:
Grind MX:
For those of us that don’t know too much about you, tell us about yourself. When and where did you get your start in racing and did you ever think at that time that you would reach the level you are at now?
SS:
My name is Shaun Simpson and I was born on the 13th March 1988 in Dundee, Scotland. I come from a racing family, where my dad Willie was a world championship privateer motocross rider for over 10 years, so naturally I was brought up within the sport. I went to my first GP at 6 weeks old and I got my first bike at 4 years old (PW50)
Riding was never forced on me but it didn't need to be because from the word go all I wanted to do was be on my bike. My father brought me up to understand and respect the amount of work that goes into taking care of a bike along with teaching me the mechanics of it, so right from an early age I was involved in the work on my bike. I had my first race when I was 9 years old (Orkney Islands, Scotland) and entered my first full season of British Championship School Boys at the age of 13 which marked the beginning of my career.
At the time I probably didn’t believe I could reach the level I am at now but it was always the dream.
Grind MX:
You have been racing the GPs for a few years now and have been steadily improving on your results every year. 2015 was your best year ever, finishing 4th overall in the MXGP (MX1) class, with 2 overall GP wins along the way, despite not having full factory support and despite not being able to score any points at the last round in Glen Helen. Do you feel like you have more potential and are still improving over time, and what are your goals for the 2016 season?
SS
2016 will actually mark my 12th year of GP racing and I feel like my experience works in my favour. Every year I feel like I collect extra valuable information with regard to my program and use my winter down time to tweak and improve my program for the following season. This formula has been working over the past few seasons and I still feel like there’s plenty more to come for the future.
2015 was great but for 2016 I feel like I’m starting the season far more prepared than I was for 2015 with added factory backing from KTM. My new team Wilvo Virus Performance KTM are providing me with a solid team structure and support so that I can really focus on what’s important; riding and training. My only goal for 2016 is to improve on my 2015 results.
Grind MX:
On a personal note, one of the other big changes for you in 2015 was that you got married. Do you feel that married life has changed you in any way?
SS
So in 2015 I actually just got engaged and we’re getting married this year at the end of the season.
I’ll let you know if married life changes me in any way but having her at races is such a boost mentally. I’m sure even after all the great results in my career getting married will be one of the most special days of my life.
Grind MX:
You are known for your sand riding abilities, and are considered one of the very best sand riders in the world. How did you learn to ride sand tracks so well?
SS
Weather isn’t one of Scotland’s strong points, so as a kid I was brought up riding wet sand tracks.
For my first season as a professional I made the move to Belgium which is renowned for its sand tracks - living only 10 minutes from Lommel.
I rode sand a lot and developed my technique from hours and hours of practice and I take a lot of enjoyment from how technical it can be. I really like the fact that a sand track can change every lap. For me the rougher the track the better and I think when it comes down to race day at a sand track it really shows who’s done their homework.
Grind MX:
Speaking of sand tracks, the AMA National in Southwick Massachusetts is coming back for 2016. You raced your 1st AMA national at Unadilla last year and did very well, finishing 4th overall. Are there any plans on coming back to the US to race the Southwick, or another US national in 2016?
SS
Unadilla was a great experience, something I’ll never forget. If it’s possible I would definitely love to come back to compete at another AMA.
Southwick would be at the top of my list but the FIM schedule is pretty tight for 2016 so it’s just a case of seeing if we can make it work.
Grind MX:
You raced the Supercross in Lille, France, which was held the very next night after the terrorist attacks. Although the race was held about an hour & a half away, that must have been quite an experience at that time. What are your thoughts of racing that event during that time, and what do you think of Supercross racing in general?
SS
Yeah, Lille was an awesome experience and all credit to the organisers and the French public for going ahead with the event. Being even an hour and a half away was still pretty scary and there were talks as to whether it would even run, but they still packed out the stadium and the MX community showed their support despite the tragic events that had happened just on their doorstep.
When I announced I was riding at the Lille SX it was quite controversial for some people. People asked why did I want to take the risk at the end of such a good season, but I would have to say that I had an absolute blast, I enjoyed every second! Life is for living and I love riding my bike. I got invited so I went; no regrets.
I would have liked to have been slightly more prepared but overall I was happy with my speed and results and I enjoy how tight, technical and intense SX can be. I haven’t done much SX in the last few years of my career but it’s something I enjoy and I would definitely like to do more of.
Grind MX:
The 2015 season saw many top riders go out due to injury in the GP series. I have read that the tracks on the GP circuit are left rough and are not groomed as often as the tracks in the AMA series. Do you feel that the track preparation may be a factor in the increase and what are your thoughts on why there were so many injuries in 2015?
SS
Unfortunately injuries are common in motocross but I would say there was definitely a link between the injuries of 2015 and track preparation.
My view is that the track preparation leading up to these events has been overlooked and it needs to be improved in the future to ensure that the soil is of a quality that it can withstand a full weekend’s racing.
In 2015 the tracks were either under-watered or over-watered on many occasions making for an unpredictable surface like slick spots on an otherwise grippy track which caught out many riders.
As I’ve said before tracks being rough is good. It makes it more technical, the riders have to think and it can make for a more interesting race. Obviously kickers on jumps or deep ruts need to be groomed for safety but otherwise bumps and grooves are what motocross is all about.
I was so impressed when I came over for the AMA round at Unadilla. The track prep was spot on, the soil had been prepared for about a week in advance and it really showed having multiple line choices on every corner making for good passing opportunities and in turn great racing. This is something I’d like to see over in Europe.
Grind MX:
Thanks very much for your time Shaun, and the best of luck for the 2016 season! Your Canadian fans will be cheering for you!
For more info on Shaun Simpson, visit his official web site at http://www.shaunsimpson.com/ You can also join his “Army” by clicking on the “Simpson Army” tab on the site. You can then add a picture and post a personal message to Shaun. .
