The DTRA supplied this intro and interviews of the Brit riders who will be competing at next weekend's Superprestigio in Barcelona. Get stuck in!
Ahead of the 2017 Superprestigio that will be held on December 16 in Barcelona we asked the UK riders from the DTRA who had qualified for their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming race. The indoor dirt event which is held on a 220m oval in front of huge crowds brings together some of the biggest names in motorcycle racing.
We have four Brits from the DTRA riding in the Open class - Oliver Brindley, Toby Hales, Richard Mason and Tom Neave - and all are looking forward to performing well at this year’s event. The aim is to reach the Open class final which than gives them the opportunity to race their way into the Superprestigio Super Final which brings together the best road racers with the best from other motorcycles genres.
The DTRA has a history with the race since day one. Our riders have always had good results at the event and we are looking forward to more success with a strong field of riders taking part this year.
Oliver Brindley #124
DTRA: How many times have your ridden SP before?
OB: I rode the first event in 2013 as a Junior and the others (including this year) as an Open Pro. Four times altogether. My year racing in the USA riding AFT singles has left me feeling ready for this event.
DTRA: What are your goals for the 2017 event?
OB: I have always set my targets high. I always aim to make the super final. After a year of gaining experience and speed I have set targets at a podium, if not a win.
DTRA: What are your plans and will you practice before in Spain?
OB: Me and my dad (Derek) will be starting our journey down to Spain the weekend before the race. We will arrive on Tuesday to give us time to get setup on identical tracks.
DTRA: What bike will you be riding and who would you like to thank for support?
OB: The Kawasaki UK Team Green KXF450 will be the bike I’ll be riding. My family are always my biggest supporters, although many people have helped me get through this year and to this prestigious event. Hayley, Haith, Morris Lubricants, Boughner Racing, Mick Gardener Racing, RACEFIT, Co-Built, None Pipes, Ron Hamp, Trail tech, KW Race wear, 151s Cameron, Arai Americas, Noyes camp, DEUS, Moto Shack, Light shoe, Greenfield Dirt Track, Dirt Track Riders Association, Sideburn.. Event sponsors- Retford Auto Finishers, LEW, Speedway Lelystad, Franz Helmhart, Paul Hutchinson, Mama tried/Flat Out Fridays, Nigel Turton, Heather Whit/Turton, John and Sue Brindley, Mick Haith. All these people have made my year happen and I want to make them proud finishing the year on a high.
DTRA: Who do you think stands a good chance of wins and who is an outside contender?
OB: Toni Elias will be a contender and the Americans will be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see different riders making a good challenge.
Richard Mason #98
DTRA: How many times have your ridden SP before?
RM: It’s my first time at the event. I have helped the British riders a number of times but it’s my first time in the saddle.
DTRA: What are your goals for the 2017 event?
RM: I want to try and make the Super Final if possible. It’s a tough goal but the event is really unpredictable and it’s all about a combination of luck and riding ability.
DTRA: What are your plans and will you practice before in Spain?
RM: I am hoping to ride Tuesday and Wednesday in Spain ahead of the event. This is to give myself a chance to get to grips with my new bike.
DTRA: What bike will you be riding and who would you like to thank for support?
RM: I would like to thank Lucia and Tim Aucott for the bike sponsorship. I am riding a new 2018 Honda CRF450. I would also like to thank Derek Brindley and George Pickering for helping with transport to the event. And of course the Dirt Track Riders Association for running the best series outside the USA.
DTRA: Who do you think stands a good chance of wins and who is an outside contender?
RM: I think Oliver Brindley has a great chance and Toby Hales is an outside bet if he gets good starts.
Toby Hales #20
DTRA: How many times have your ridden SP before?
TH: Once last year but I fell off in the second race and broke my wrist. A rider went down in front of me and I had nowhere to go except over the bars.
DTRA: What are your goals for the 2017 event?
TH: I want to win like everyone else but I’m going to try my best and see what happens. If I can stay out of trouble I stand a very good chance of doing well.
DTRA: What are your plans and will you practice before in Spain?
TH: I’ll be leaving early to go and practice on a few tracks beforehand.
DTRA: What bike will you be riding and who would you like to thank for support?
TH: I’ll be riding a Husqvarna 450. Thanks to John Kay who has supported me all season and makes it all possible for me. And a big thanks to the Dirt Track Riders Association for landing me the chance to ride at this world class event.
DTRA: Who do you think stands a good chance of wins and who is an outside contender?
TH: I think Toni Elias stands a good chance because he was fast last year and was catching Marquez. Maybe One of the Americans that’s coming over.
Tom Neave #68
DTRA: How many times have your ridden SP before?
TN: I've raced the Superprestigio twice. The first one in 2014 and then again in 2015.
DTRA: What are your goals for the 2017 event?
TN: It has been a while since I've raced flat track so it will be good to scrub up again.
DTRA: What are your plans and will you practice before in Spain?
TN: I will go out and get as much practice as times allows.
DTRA: What bike will you be riding and who would you like to thank for support?
TN: I'll be racing a KTM 450 kindly supplied by Matt Layt and Warren Scott at BMR. Big thanks to Anthony Brown, Uncle Tim and Simon Smith at TC Motors for making it possible for me to be at this awesome event.
DTRA: Who do you think stands a good chance of wins and who is an outside contender?
TN: I never enter a competition thinking I couldn't win it myself. I'm also an outside contender. This may sound cocky but it’s my mind set when it comes to racing. I expect Ollie Brindley will be fast along with all the Grand Prix racers.