Glad it's all over!
By TMX Archives on 4th Jun 04
NOW NORMALLY I haven't got a bad word to say about the editor of this publication, in fact we get along just fine considering he's a northerner. NOW NORMALLY I haven't got a bad word to say about the editor of this publication, in fact we get along just fine considering he's a northerner. But now I've got good reason to send a couple of bruisers around his house, drag him from his bed, tie him up in electrical cable and throw him down a disused mine shaft under the cover of darkness (not the glam rock band, although that would be something of a punishment).The reason being for my current resentment is that while on the phone congratulating me and the team the day after the British GP, he casually mentioned that this 'ere column was due in the following day. Don't get me wrong, I love writing my column every month - it's just I could've done with hibernating for a while.As JDH has always said, care of Swiss Tony, 'making a motocross track is very much like making love to a beautiful woman...first you have to plan your moves and what areas need the most attention...then you have to lay her out...after you're satisfied with the way she looks you must fettle her with things to see if they get the desired effect or not...' Okay, enough Swiss!What I'm trying to say is that the whole experience was a knackering affair, almost like rampant sex but more prolonged. Mind you, five months is considerably longer than four minutes and 13 seconds. It was certainly the longest build up to a climatic experience I've ever had.Like Rob, Julie, Lil' Jonny and the rest of the team, the British GP has been a lump in our heads since Rob put his scribble on the contract in Gaildorf last year. I'm stoked just like many others I'm sure that he put pen to paper and brought back world championship motocross to Britain.Although now all I want to do is switch off and not think about the event at all for a while. I hope that those of you who went could see the effort that was put in to make it the best GP of the year so far. The track worked awesome as the racing proved. Me and Lord J were still a little apprehensive on Saturday afternoon that our design wouldn't work but once the racing started it was clear that there were plenty of lines as the riders started to get creative.There was some emotional moments for all of us who were involved - I think we were just plain tired and the adrenaline was getting us through. I bumped into Jonny by the jump I call Devil's Whip (that's the one nearest the main road) when the first bikes went out for practice on Saturday morning. We both just stood there looking down the valley with not only lumps in our throats but also in our trousers - luckily no-one was nearby.We'd stood there plenty of times over the last few months imagining what it would be like to watch the GP stars whip it over the brow of the hill and see the valley sprawling with people - suddenly it was happening. It felt surreal for a moment. I have to admit I nearly let go at one point - by that I mean with tears not bowel movements.When Roger the commentator asked for the fans to show their appreciation for Rob and the RTT crew and the air horns went into a frenzy, I only just kept it all in check. You know stiff upper lip and all that. I welled up a little bit but luckily I was stood next to the digger on my own so no-one saw my bottom lip quiver. That was definitely an emotional moment for me, I don't know how anyone else involved must have felt but at that time it was my proudest moment - so thank you for that.There have been so many people who have been supportive to make the British GP what it was. I'm speaking for the whole team here from now on when it comes to anyone that I thank. Andy Baker at HM Plant was amazing throughout, supplying us with what ever machinery we needed to get the whole site built and landscaped. There are always so many people who work tirelessly, like all the security, first aid, fire officers, track workers, litter pickers - I could go on but you know who you are and you deserve praise.The weekend was everything I expected it to be and then some. The weather was with us and although we didn't get a British winner, Josh's victory was the next best thing. I'm made up he will always remember his first ever GP win was at our first ever GP at Gore Basin, Isle of Wight.We learned so much on what to improve, it's the steepest learning curve I've ever know. Sure, we had some problems and a few mindless vandals but bear with us, it's only our first attempt and we are not the sort to rest on our laurels. And anyway, our problems were nothing compared to the bloke who got collared by his missus in the Showgirlz marquee!So next year's GP will be bigger and better rest assured. In the meantime, there's the British championship to work on for September 5 and the race team for '05. It's exciting for me that's for sure and for that I'd like to personally thank Rob Bradley for getting me involved in something special. And I'd like to think you are also thankful for all the effort, sacrifice and time that he and Julie have put in - I know as a motocross fan that I am.Words by Jeff Perrett