Simpson to make Duns comeback!
By TMX Archives on 13th Aug 09
BRITISH MX fans are in for a treat as Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson will make a surprise return to domestic racing at round seven of the 2009 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship at Duns in Berwickshire, Scotland on Sunday August 23. After breaking his left leg at the end of April, Simpson was scheduled to make his competitive comeback at the penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Champion-ships in Lierop on August 30. However, the 21 year-old's rehabilitation has been going well since he got the go-ahead from his doctor a fortnight ago. From that point, Shaun has been busting out the laps on his factory KTM in a bid to get race fit, and now feels ready to line-up on the starting gate a week earlier than planned.
The doctor said I could start riding two weeks before I expected him too, said Shaun. So while I originally thought I'd have just one month to prepare for Lierop, with his blessing I suddenly had six weeks. Because I got those extra two weeks of training and riding I'm now feeling really good on the bike, plus my fitness is where it needs to be and my speed is good, hence I saw an opportunity to get some proper race time under my belt prior to the Grand Prix of the Netherlands.
Those thinking Shaun will have an advantage on a track he knows like the back of his hand will be surprised to learn that he's never actually ridden at Duns, and doesn't really know what to expect from the hard-pack circuit.
I can't wait to get out there, to be honest. The opportunity to race in Scotland in front of my home fans is really attractive, and it also means I can get any nervous tension I might have out of my system a week before the GP. continued Shaun. In my head, I'm approaching it like it's a pre-season race, and I'm thinking it'll help ease me back into the fray. Saying that, though, and make no mistake about it, I'm going there to win.
The timely event will not only afford Shaun some vital race time before making a return to Grand Prix action the following weekend, but it will also give him the opportunity to demonstrate his form in front of those charged with selecting Team GB's line-up for this year's Motocross des Nations.
I hope to send a message to the people who'll be choosing the riders for the British team. I'm back, I'm fit and I'm ready. Declared a clearly determined Shaun. Representing your country is the biggest accolade you can get as a professional motocross rider. It's a proud moment. I did it last year and I want to do it again, as I know I can do a good job.