Max is on Traxs
By TMX Archives on 16th Apr 09
ELEVEN-year-old Max Griffin from Silsden, Yorkshire, who is just starting his fourth season of motocross, was given the opportunity during the Easter break to attend a training day with one of his heroes, American ace Mike Brown.
The training was held at the Preston Docks Traxs circuit and young Max, alongside 19 other lucky lads, was treated to an intensive day of tuition by the former British Champion and T+MX went along to see how the day panned-out.
Prior to the event, weather conditions were far from perfect with heavy rain and strong winds, however glorious sunshine on the day, accompanied by strong winds, left the track in perfect condition – and it was graded to perfection with hardly a bump in sight and the lucky lads were ready for some serious mental and physical training.
Right from the off, Max was at the front and eager to learn, putting 100 per cent into everything. The morning's practice included tight turns, table top jumps, fast corners and accelerating out of them, each with an in-depth explanation of what to focus on accompanied by demonstrations from Mike.
As time passed, Max's confidence grew and he really got stuck into what he was being told, making sure he got all he could from the day.
Mike was really good with all the lads and offered everyone lots of personal tips and the opportunities to ask questions.
Lunchtime came and it was time to re-fuel – Coco Pops did the job for Max – while dad Chris gave a quick fettle to Max's Honda 150R. Previously a KTM two-stroke rider, Max has just switched to a four-stroke for 2009.
After lunch it was time for some starts. Following a demonstration from Mike, Max was again at the front and raring to go – and was he hot out of the gate – showing just why he claims so many holeshots! After four or five runs Max's dad stepped in and persuaded him to have a rest and save some energy for the rest of the day – as he was wearing his clutch out!
As the day came to a close T+MX was able to grab five minutes with an exhausted Max to gather some of his thoughts on the day. "Brilliant,'' was his all-encompassing response. He told us that after some one-to-one tuition, he had learned to change up on the approach to some of the jumps, after which he cleared a jump that he hadn't done before and could continue to do it.
And would he want to come again? "Yes!”
Mike, who flew over specially from his Tennessee base for a series of three training days in Britain, told us that they had been a really good bunch of lads who all listened carefully and then did their best to put into practise what he had been telling them saying: "It's really great bringing the younger lads on.”
And the Traxs guys were right on the ball with a well-prepped track and a super-safe environment with trained marshals and first-aiders.