Simpson enjoys a busy homecoming – 01/06/09
By TMX Archives on 1st Jun 09
Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson enjoyed both a busy and successful homecoming, despite the twenty-one year old not actually being able to compete in the British MX Grand Prix held at Mallory Park over last weekend.
Whilst his fellow MX2 title challengers were out on track fighting for valuable championship points Shaun was occupied with a whole range of PR duties and autograph signing sessions throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Having been absent from the paddock over recent weeks since breaking his left leg during a training accident at the end of April, Simpson was warmly welcomed back into the paddock by his Red Bull KTM factory team, his rivals, the industry as a whole, the media and his many fans. The reigning MX2 British champion used Saturday morning to catch up with his various valued sponsors so he could update them on his recovery, which will probably still keep him out of action for a further two months at least.
In between signing sessions at Leatt and T+MX, Shaun managed to find just enough time to enjoy lunch in the Red Bull Energy Station where he got to meet up for the first time with fellow Red Bull athlete and offroad champion Dougie Lampkin. The British duo shared an interesting conversation packed with mutual respect, with Lampkin keen to gleam some tips on how to improve his speed for his forthcoming outing at the Erzberg extreme enduro, whilst Simpson had some questions about taking his trials technique to the next level.
Shaun ended his Saturday schedule by addressing the gathered media during the MX2 press conference, where he spoke positively about his recovery to date and the recent arrival of Marvin Musquin to the Red Bull KTM factory team. Sunday saw Simpson attend no less than three further autograph sessions, the first of these being alongside his various KTM team mates, where hundreds of fans queued up patiently in the soaring heat to grab a few words with their ‘orange heroes'.
With his injuries currently keeping from lining up against his MX2 rivals, Shaun took the opportunity to get a different view of Sunday's racing as he joined Paul Malin in the TV commentary truck for the MX2 first moto. Having completed most of his duties the young Scot then watched the second MX2 race with great interest in the bright sunshine, as his team-mates Musquin and Rui Goncalves recorded an impressive 1-2.
Shaun has now returned to Scotland for a short break, before flying back to Belgium early next week to under go a minor operation to remove two screws that are holding the pin in his tibia. If all goes to plan Shaun will then visit the German GP later this month.
Updates regarding his recovery will be posted on the news pages of Shaun's website, where you can also send you personal messages of support.