O' what a year...
By TMX Archives on 18th Dec 08
BRAD O'Leary, a dominating force in the AMCA MX2 Series in 2005, 2006 and 2007, steered into a different direction for 2008, hung up his old boots, adandoned the KTM 250 for a bigger beast (a 450 SXF KTM four-stroke), and set off to make his name in MX1...here, EMMA SIMISTER catches up with Brad after his debut season with the big boys...
T+MX: How was the move from MX2 up to MX1 and how has the transition affected your overall performance?
Brad: At first the transition was cool and comfortable but I soon realised that my speed wasn't up to much, but after plenty of riding I'd say I'm nearly there now.
T+MX: You contested both the AMCA MX1 Champs and the IMBA MX1 Series aboard the 450 KTM, how did you feel the bike coped with the different levels of competition?
Brad: The KTM is, in my mind, the best 450 on the market, it's a proven winner from club level through the AMCA and IMBA ranks and into the Grand Prix's. So being aboard the KTM has given me great confidence.
T+MX: How have the challenges of the double change kept you motivated? And what continues to keep you motivated?
Brad: Changing classes has given me a new lease of life, a passion for winning and doing anything to achieve my goals is what keeps me motivated. I'm not the type of person to just settle for what comes my way, I'm here to make a difference and do my best at whatever I do.
T+MX: How do they (motivation) compare to those that inspired you to three MX2 titles?
Brad: Getting motivated during my three titles wasn't hard as there was plenty of people telling me I hadn't deserved it and how I was no AMCA champion. I think three consecutive titles proves those people wrong.
T+MX: Has the upgrade to a bigger class made an impact on your training and riding and how do they compare to previous years?
Brad: My training has only really consisted of running, cycling, swimming and a few weights. Being a full time builder keeps me fit and to be honest after a real man's day's work I'm too tired to train. A couple of years ago I worked hard and trained even harder which took its toll on my health, by the weekend all I wanted to do was sleep which meant I wasn't motivated and wasn't in any way ready to race.
T+MX: Have you found your expenses have been affected by the move? If so, how?
Brad: Moving classes hasn't really affected my budgets or spending, I still maintain the bikes to the same high standard. Competing in the two championships can be expensive but I think that there's no point doing something half heartily, it's got to be 110% or nothing.
T+MX: How easy was it to adapt to the bigger bike?
Brad: The KTM 250f and 450f are very similar because they share the same chassis, etc, the only adapting I had to do was the power difference, which took a few months but now it's all good.
T+MX: Did you change any aspect of your training this year? (How...who helped?)
Brad: As I mentioned earlier that my training doesn't really consist of much, I was slightly lazy leading up to last season with general fitness which cost me dearly at around mid point of the season. My fitness was around a month late, so I've learnt from this and I'm looking forward to 2009.
T+MX: Can you describe the differences between the bike prep and training between the 450 and 250?
Brad: Bike preparation has always been and always will be a big part of winning any championship, you only get out what you put in. So my prep and training will never really change a great deal.
T+MX: How has your support team, mechanics and technical crew handled the change?
Brad: During the three years and three titles I had one mechanic called (Billy) Graham Hill and he was so meticulous every bolt was checked and double checked. We got to know the 250 really well and apart from minor hiccups, we had no problems.
Billy decided to do the MX1 championship himself as a rider in 2008 so up stepped Steve Meacham, Steve has joined the team and has brought knowledge, confidence and with proven history the team is already feeling the benefits.
I have Alan Hambridge who keeps my motors running sweet, and again Alan's knowledge is second to none as a current mechanic for KTM and ex-GP mechanic.
T+MX: What have been the main differences between the old and new bike?
Brad: The general appearance is all the same etc, mainly the power difference between the 250 and 450. One major difference is that the 450 comes standard with electric start, this was a God-send at the final round of the AMCA championship in the wet and muddy conditions.
FOR FULL INTERVIEW AND PICTURES SEE T+MX NEWS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008
Brad leads Charlie Hollis at round two of the AMCA MX1 Champs at Condover.