Simpson focuses on main targets
By TMX Archives on 28th Jan 09
WITH the new season almost upon us, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Shaun Simpson has confirmed his commitment to winning the World Championship and to defending his Maxxis ACU British Motocross title.Twenty-year-old Shaun will join his other KTM racing team-mates on the east coast of Spain for a ten-day training camp, as the young Scot makes his final preparations for the long and tough season that lies ahead of him. Simpson has spent the winter months at his new base in Belgium under the watchful eye of the legendary Stefan Everts. The ten-times World MX champion has been closely monitoring the progress of the KTM factory's latest recruit as he embarked on an intensive training programme to put the young Scot in the best shape for an all out assault on the 2009 World MX2 title.
Since signing his two-year factory deal last summer, Simpson has been fully aware of his priorities and goals for 2009. Winning the MX2 World Championship remains the prime objective, both for KTM and Shaun, with the 15 Grand Prix meetings taking precedence over all other competitions.
In addition to the World series, Shaun has also committed himself to contesting all eight rounds of the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship in an attempt to defend the domestic crown he won late last year.
With Simpson's riding activities limited to trials and enduro training over the last few months, as part of his winter programme, devised by KTM trainer, Hugo America, the reigning Maxxis champion was glad to get back out on track proper in the past week.
Shaun explained about the year ahead: I feel in the best shape ever, the winter lay off has allowed my body to recover, and the training programme has really helped to take my fitness to the next level. I am really hungry to be riding again, and I am looking forward to riding as much as possible over the coming days in Spain.
Mantova, on February 8, will be a good chance to gauge where I am at, but while I will be doing my best to win, I am also aware that there is a long season ahead with the main focus being on the World championship which kicks off in Italy at the end of March.
Apart from a few pre-season internationals, I have not committed to any other races at the moment outside of the GPs and the Maxxis British championship, as they are my two main priorities and will tie up 23 weekends in total.
With a slight smile, Shaun concluded: There are some additional races I would like to ride, but ultimately the final decision about my schedule will be down to KTM. However, I am sure if I manage to win both titles, then there will be a fair bit of flexibility!
Full details of Shaun's 2009 schedule and all the latest news about the KTM teamster can be found on his official website www.shaunsimpsom.com