MX Diary LPE team’s indoor only
By Team TMX on 14th Oct 15
LPE Kawasaki boss Steve James will not be running a team outdoors next year.
After a successful 2015 campaign with riders Tanel Leok and Jamie Law the plant hire boss has decided to take a step back from racing, although he will contest the New Year's Monster Energy Arenacross Tour powered by Ford Ranger.
"Basically, I've been doing this for nearly 10 years and I need to spend more time with my business and my family,” he said. "I nearly packed in last year but, after I lost my wife, myself and my son Ben needed motocross.
"Now I've made the decision it's like a big weight's been lifted off my shoulders. It was a tough decision but it was one for me. I had to think with my head instead of my heart for once.
"Tanel wanted to stay but he had a good offer from Husqvarna. He didn't want to take it if I was going to keep on but it was too good for him to turn down so I told him to take it. I'm happy he's got a good ride but, unfortunately, Jamie's not been sorted yet.”
Steve's not completely pulling out of motocross and is keeping his options open. He'll still be supporting his son and hinted at a possible return to the Maxxis series next season for a one-off round with a wildcard rider.
"I'm not saying I'll never come back – I'll just have to see how next year goes.”
A staunch supporter of the arenacross series since it started in 2013, Steve sees the indoor championship as a great shop window to showcase his sponsors and he's even considering running two two-man teams.
For 2016 he's talking with a number of riders including French indoor specialists Fabien Izoird – who won the 2014 title for LPE Kawasaki – and Florent Richier along with up-and-coming Aussie Billy Long and British hope Jack Brunell.
"With arenacross I know I can do a good job for my sponsors in front of a big audience,” he added, "and I'm very lucky that I've got very loyal sponsors – every one has agreed to stay on with me for arenacross.”
