Richard Wood - World Vets Motocross
Successful businessman Richard Wood is a man who is trying to help the sport of veteran motocross grow in the United Kingdom. Having already been involved in the 2023 and 2024 World Vets Motocross event, run at the famous Farleigh Castle circuit, he is even more excited for the 2025 version as entries have gone through the roof and spectator support gets bigger and bigger.
Motocross fans around the country and World want to experience what is becoming a huge stop in the British motocross calendar. Set for Farleigh Castle on 19th – 20st July 2025, the ultimate motocross weekend for riders aged 25+ of all abilities, plus fun for all of the family.
With a mouth-watering line-up of famous racing legends, past and present, this year’s World Vets Motocross event should be a nice addition to the vintage rage, which is currently running hot around the World.
We caught up with Richard and asked him what we can expect from the 2025 version of the World Vets Motocross event, and it sounds like it just continued to grow, with more riders, more activities and more racing.
MXLarge: Richard, thanks for chatting with us. I have heard that this year’s event has a lot of big changes and major activities for the kids and families?
Wood: The biggest thing this year was the interest from the riders is just overwhelming. In a few seconds of opening the application for entries, we had over 500 riders. Goracemx can do 300 riders a second, so it’s a perfect entry system. We have 300 riders on the reserve list, waiting if somebody pulls out.
MXlarge: You mentioned after the first year, you said it will take time for people to understand the event was even on, and now, you have run two years, and it seems the concept is really different to other vets races and more a fun day for the family, with some great racing. But why do you think it has taken off like it has?
Wood: I mean, this was a big decision when we launched this in 2023, because we knew the first year it would be a big challenge and I spoke to Darren hudson and his team, who run the meeting with us, we need to go in as big as we would if everyone was to turn up for the event. We spent a lot of money on that first event, with good entertainment and all the infrastructure you would need for a big event and unfortunately, we didn’t get a crowd that first year. The people who did go talked to their friends and word got out, that it was a really well-run event, which is really good for the family and the kids. The second year, we still sold out of rider spots, but nowhere near as quickly as this year. The second year we also added a lot more things for the kids, a lot more entertainment for the kids. What I noticed, that worked well, we are not in a small area for the entertainment, and you can see around it all, and it was nice to see the parents having a good time there and right next door was the kids entertainment, so they could also keep a bit of an eye on the kids. That was a big difference from the other motocross events I have attended in the sport.
MXlarge: Which is a bit old school, because like many who got into the sport, I used to go to the motocross with my dad and he would go off and do his thing, and my brothers and sisters would do our thing. It’s hard to do that now in the current World we live.
Wood: It is and obviously a lot more rules now, you cannot ride pedal bikes or electric scooters, but this format we have allows the parents and kids to have a great weekend and the parents can feel comfortable their kids are okay and having fun.
MXLarge: I understand you will have a selection of e-bikes there for the kids to ride and possibly giving the parents the chance to see how that goes with their kids riding, and there will be a chance to purchase a bike, if they like what they see?
Wood: This year we will focus on the family and kids, and we have a little track where the kids can ride the electric minibikes. These are for five, six, seven, or eight-year-olds. The distributor for these bikes will be there, so he will man that area, and if people want to buy one of these bikes, they can.
MXlarge: What about access to Farleigh Castle, when do you guys open the gates?
Wood: Gates will also open a day early, on the Thursday afternoon, so the riders can come in early, the bar will be open, we will also have a large selection of food, so a nice night to chill out before Friday comes and the racing begins. Friday, gates open early morning, and spectators can also camp on Friday. We wanted to make Friday a part of the event and give the families and riders more of an experience. The Pro riders will be there on the Friday to chat with the public and the pros bikes will also be there to look at.
MXlarge: I understand you also have Justin Morris a former GP racer and famous motocross trainer coming, which is great for any families looking at their child wanting to race?
Wood: Yes, Justin Morris will also be there, and he is one of the best at training the riders and if you want your kid to come through the ranks, Justin is the person to speak to and he will be on hand all weekend if parents want to speak with him. He will also lead the track walk, that we have at 2pm. For those wanting to do the track walk, we will split people into groups and you will have a Pro with each group, be it with James Dobb, Mike Brown, jeff Emig , Kurt Nicoll, or whoever you are selected with. So, a great chance to hear from the Pro riders what the track might do throughout the weekend and what to look for out there.
MXLarge: Which riders do you have for 2025?
Wood: At the moment we have Mike Brown, Tommy Searle, Jeff Emig, James Dobb, Kurt Nicoll, Ryan Hunt, Doug Henry, Sebastien Tortelli and Brad Anderson. We are also speaking with some other riders that are trying to work it into their schedules. There is also top UK riders entered in all classes to challenge the pros.
MXLarge: I understand you will also have a Freestyle show?
Wood: On the Friday, after the track walk, we have a free style event, with Jamie Squibb and his team. That will be something nice for the Friday and the spectators and they can get close to the action. After the Freestyle show the music will start and all the food stalls will be open, and it will be a nice relaxing evening. I have a fantastic 80’s band coming and we encourage everyone to get dressed up in the clothes from the 1980s. We will give away prizes for the kids and the women, but the big prize will be for the guys, a free entry to next year’s event.
MXlarge: And then we have the Saturday. Tell me what you have lined up for the Saturday?
Wood: Yes, Saturday will be a full day of racing. Practice in the morning, and then the races. The first two races, they will be qualification for the World Vets Team Cup (which runs on the Sunday). This race will be brand new, and I don’t think anyone has done anything like this. It is for riders who are entered into the other races, and they pay 50 pounds to join this extra race. You can have one 40-year-old, and then the rest of the team can be made up of any other class, be it the over 50 class or over 60s or even over 70s, if you like, it doesn’t matter. A three-man team were you can get a sponsor or simply just name your team as these will be put in the programs, we will need entries as soon as possible for all teams and information on how to enter are on the website Worldvetsmotorcross.com . Whichever team finish top ten on the Saturday qualifier can race the team race on the Sunday. The interesting twist for the team’s race on the Sunday, as the qualified teams line up on the gate, they get to pick a name out of a hat, and they get to pick a Pro rider. So, you could be riding with Jeff Emig, Mike Brown, Doug henry, Kurt Nicoll, Tommy Searle or somebody of that level in your team on Sunday. We will also have all the Pro riders in one race, which is great, because normally, they are in different groups, because they are all different ages. We will again have Jack Burnicle being involved presenting the whole weeks activities, he will do the Q&A with the Pro riders, speaking about their career and that will be a highlight for the fans.
World Vets Motocross 2024 Results
Congratulations to all who took part in the 2024 World Vets Motocross.
Here is a link to the official race results.
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Doug Henry - World Vets Motocross
Doug Henry, who will race at the World Vets Motocross event at the famous Farleigh Castle circuit in England on July 20 and 21, is one of the true legends of the sport of motocross.
Henry, who will ride a specially built Stark Future, electric machine is making his return to England for the first time in many years.
Henry competed in the AMA Motocross Championships from 1988 to 2006. He is a three-time AMA motocross national champion. Henry was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005.
Henry was born in Milford, Connecticut and grew up on his parents' farm in the White Hills section of Shelton, CT. The rural area with extensive winding dirt roads was conducive to him learning the sport he would master. He attended Shelton High School. Henry had his first major success in 1993 as a member of Team Honda, where he claimed the 125 East Supercross and the 125 National Championship.
In 1994, he repeated as champion in the nationals, beating riders such as Steve Lamson and Ryan Hughes while battling a severe stomach ailment. He later appeared on Fox's first motocross movie Terrafirma. He moved to the premier 250cc division for 1995, where he was immediately competitive, winning Supercross mains and outdoor overalls, before a devastating injury at Budds Creek, Maryland ended his season. Henry was slipping off the back of the bike on the face of a hill, inadvertently applying full throttle, launching him off the hill, causing him to fall from nearly 80 feet in the air to flat ground. Henry's back was broken, but he did not become paralyzed. Henry raced Southwick every year to earn national points and keep his trademark national #19. He regularly finished in the top-5 on privateer Yamahas.
Henry fought back and wanted to race again. He slowly worked his way back into shape, and Team Yamaha took a chance on him for the 1996 season. By the end of the Nationals, Henry was winning motos once again and had regained his form. For 1997, Yamaha approached Henry with the idea of riding their prototype YZM400 four-stroke in competition. He accepted the offer. While he raced and led the early part of the 1997 Supercross season on a YZ250, Henry complications from a hand injury forced him to withdraw during the middle of the series.
He came back riding the four-stroke full-time and posted top-5 finishes at the first few Nationals, which was unprecedented for a four-stroke machine. Henry raced the bike at the final Supercross in Las Vegas, Nevada, and won the race in the prototype bike's first and only start. Tragedy would strike Henry yet again that summer, as he suffered two broken wrists at Budds Creek, mere feet away from the jump where he had his earlier injury. But Henry would battle back again.
Henry would race the production version of the prototype four-stroke, the YZ400F, for 1998. This machine started the four-stroke revolution in motocross. He battled through a strong but unspectacular supercross season where he finished 7th overall. The outdoor season would be Henry's chance to show the bike's true capabilities.
After a win at his home track of Southwick, Henry followed up with a triumphant win in Budds Creek, the track where he broke his arms and back. He would go on to defeat Jeff Emig, Jeremy McGrath, Ezra Lusk, Kevin Windham, Mickael Pichon, and Greg Albertyn, earning five overall wins in one of the most competitive seasons ever to take the 1998 250cc National Championship at Broome Tioga Sports Center. He accomplished this with one whole round left.
Having accomplished all his goals, Henry scaled back to a partial schedule for 1999, where he dabbled in snocross for the winter. He returned to the nationals in a farewell tour wearing his #1 plate. He started slowly after taking the winter off, but still managed to score overall wins by mid-season. Henry had been a regular on the AMA Supermoto tour, winning many National events. He gained national attention once again by winning the gold medal in the 2005 X-Games Supermoto race. Henry also won a 2005 Grand National Cross Country enduro race in his first attempt on a stock Honda 450. He followed that with a bronze in 2006.
Henry broke his back on March 4, 2007, in a Supermoto race. He now has partial paralysis from the waist down and is working very hard toward yet another recovery. Henry was filmed on September 14, 2009, riding a custom YZ450F and a custom FX Nytro during winter. Henry raced at Winter X-Games 14, in the "Adaptive Snowmobile" class. He took third place.
Career titles
1993 AMA 125 Motocross Champion
1993 AMA 125 East Supercross Champion
1994 AMA 125 Motocross Champion
1998 AMA 250 Motocross Champion
1998 AMA Professional Athlete of the Year
25 AMA Supercross/Motocross overall wins
If you want to enjoy a real motocross celebration and see Henry in action, or even have a chat with the American legend and get his autograph, then get to worldvetsmotocross.com/spectators for your tickets and make sure not to wait too long, its going to be one of the biggest days in the sport in 2024, when the legends return to Farleigh Castle.
Less than a week to go!
Less than a week to go in what will be a great day for the sport, the World Vets Motocross is about to explode into action as a long list of motocross legends, both from American and the rest of the World will go head to head in a celebration of motocross.
Very exciting times for the sport of motocross as returning on the UK calendar is what will be one of the highlights of the 2024 motocross season. On July 20 and 21 the sport will celebrate with a fun, family friendly event at the World Vets Motocross event at the historical, Farleigh Castle circuit. A full weekend of entertainment, motocross legends and a chance for the family to all enjoy this amazing sport.
With legends like former World 125cc champion James Dobb, multiple AMA supercross and motocross champions, Doug Henry and Jeff Emig, two time World motocross champion, Sebastien Tortelli, former AMA 125cc champion, Mike Brown, five time World motocross runner-up and MXdN winner, Kurt Nicoll, super talented, Rob Herring, multiple World number two, Tommy Searle, and Mister Sugo, Billy Mackenzie and many more.
If you want to enjoy a real motocross celebration, then get to worldvetsmotocross.com/spectators for your tickets and make sure not to wait too long, its going to be one of the biggest days in the sport in 2024, when the legends return to Farleigh Castle and we party at one of the best circuits in the World.
Qualification
Futures
Over 60
Over 50 (first 60)
Over 50 (Second 60)
Super Evo/Over 50
Super Evo/Under 50
MX2
Over 40
MX1
Moto Schedule
Futures
Over 60
Over 50 B
Super Evo/Over 50
Super Evo/Under 50
MX2
Over 40
Over 50 A
MX1
Doug Henry to Ride Stark VARG at World VETs
About Doug Henry
Doug Henry is a celebrated motocross and supercross champion, known for his tenacity, skill, and groundbreaking achievements. Overcoming numerous challenges throughout his career, Henry has become a symbol of perseverance and innovation in the sport. He continues to inspire with his use of adaptive technology, proving that limitations can be overcome with ingenuity and determination.
July 9th, 2024 — Barcelona, Spain.
Legendary motocross champion Doug Henry is set to make waves on track at the upcoming World VETs MX Race at Farleigh Castle, riding the Stark VARG. This exciting announcement marks a significant milestone in both Henry’s illustrious career and the evolving landscape of motocross.
Doug Henry, a multiple-time AMA motocross and supercross champion, is renowned for his pioneering spirit and resilience. This event will be particularly significant as it marks Henry’s first race abroad since the pre-fourstroke era, highlighting his long-standing impact on the sport. Known for his incredible comeback stories and contributions to motocross, Henry’s participation in the World VETs Motocross is highly anticipated. Fans and fellow competitors alike are eager to witness the synergy between Henry’s skill and the cutting-edge technology of the Stark VARG.
Innovative Technology Meets Legendary Talent
The Stark VARG is a game-changer in the world of motocross. As the world’s most advanced electric motocross bike, it combines unparalleled power, agility, and sustainability. Designed to outperform traditional combustion engines, the VARG offers riders a unique and exhilarating experience. Henry’s choice to ride the Stark VARG highlights his commitment to innovation and the future of motocross.
Overcoming Adversity with Innovation
Doug Henry’s journey in motocross is marked by resilience and innovation. After a severe crash in 2007 that left him paralyzed, Henry did not let this setback halt his racing career. He adapted by using a specially designed riding harness that includes a lap belt and foot stirrups to keep him securely on the bike. This adaptation has allowed him to continue participating in motocross events and even compete in adaptive sports, showcasing his determination and love for the sport.
The World VETs MX will take place on the 20th/ 21st July at Farleigh Castle, UK. The event is a celebration of motocross heritage, bringing together veteran riders from around the globe. Doug Henry’s participation is set to be one of the highlights, with fans excited to see a living legend in action once more.
“I’ve been on the bike for a week now and it’s working great¨, said Doug, ¨I’m really excited to see what the VARG can do for all us adapted riders. Right now I’m getting ready for one of my first races oversees in over a decade and I can´t wait to line up next to some of my old rivals at World Vets”
Anton Wass, commented “We are incredibly proud to have Doug Henry riding the VARG. His legacy in motocross is unparalleled, and his endorsement of our technology is a testament to the performance and potential of our bike. This is a significant moment for the sport and for our company.”
Ticket Sales
Very exciting times for the sport of motocross as returning on the UK calendar is what will be one of the highlights of the 2024 motocross season. In just two weeks, on July 20 and 21 the sport will celebrate with a fun, family friendly event at the World Vets Motocross event at the historical, Farleigh Castle circuit. A full weekend of entertainment, motocross legends and a chance for the family to all enjoy this amazing sport.
With legends like World 125cc champion James Dobb, multiple AMA supercross and motocross champion, Jeff Emig, two time World motocross champion, Sebastien Tortelli, former AMA 125cc champion, Mike Brown, five time World motocross runner-up and MXdN winner, Kurt Nicoll, super talented, Rob Herring, multiple World number two, Tommy Searle, and Mister Sugo, Billy Mackenzie and many more.
With a weekend of celebrating motocross, this World Vets Motocross event is just the start of what could lead to many more exciting vet races in the future. Promoter Richard Wood gave us a little bit of the entertainment.
“We have a lot of things booked for entertainment, for kids and adults, such as numerous bars, a great array of food stands, trade stands, works bikes on show, rodeo bull, lots of bouncy things for kids castle and slides, kids face painting , plus Friday night karaoke and a DJ in the sail marquee. Saturday night a professional DJ and saxophone player. Not to mention all the mx star riders mingling over the weekend for photos and signatures.”
British motocross legend Tommy Searle is also looking forward to spending a weekend at Farleigh with his family and friends and also the chance to race with old friends from the sport.
“I have never ridden Farleigh before,” Searle said. “This will be my first time. I am looking forward to it and I have spoken to Jamie Dobb about it. He is excited about it too and I have done other veterans’ races, but I want to do a few of them. This one has a different audience and that will be more family oriented. I will be racing a modern bike and the class I am is the modern bikes, which is nice. I am really looking forward to it and it adds some much for the British schedule. Being able to race Farleigh Caste, a track that has so much history in our sport, that is the biggest thing I look forward to.”
Another British motocross legend Kurt Nicoll rode at Farleigh in 2023 and the World Vets Motocross event and is really happy to be invited back for the 2024 version. He too will be signing autographs throughout the day and mingling with the spectators.
“I mean, Farleigh was the first GP race that I won, and I always did well at Farleigh. I love going back there. It is one of the iconic tracks. A track like that will never be used for a Grand Prix again, because things have moved on. It is nice to look back at old tracks like that, like Namur, Wohlen, Payerne and those places are gone, and Farleigh still remains. I think it is fantastic that we can all get together at a place like Farleigh Castle and reminisce and still be able to love what we are doing.”
If you want to enjoy a real motocross celebration, then get to worldvetsmotocross.com/spectators for your tickets and make sure not to wait too long, its going to be one of the biggest days in the sport in 2024, when the legends return to Farleigh Castle.
The Story of 2024
It is one of the legendary circuits from motocross Grand Prix history, Farleigh Castle, a circuit that raced around a castle. Begun in the late 14th century, Farleigh Hungerford Castle was for 300 years the home of the Hungerfords, a family that after distinguished beginnings suffered a series of disasters and scandals – some of which took place within the castle walls.
A ‘romantic ruin’ since the 1730s, it retains two of its corner towers, parts of its outer courtyard defences and a well-preserved chapel with outstanding 13th-century wall-paintings, family monuments and collection of unusual human-shaped lead coffins. And fortunately for our sport they decided to race motocross around this mystical venue.
They first ran motocross there in 1938 and the track was an undulating field, one third of a mile long and not a lot has changed over the years. Of course, on July 20 and 21, this historical circuit will be opened for what will be one of the highlights of the 2024 British motocross season, the World Vets Motocross. A celebration of the sport, with some of the biggest names from the past and from the present. Make sure to get your tickets right here.
Promoter Richard Wood is excited to be putting on this event and enjoy a weekend with his friends and his hero’s, and heroes of all of us. Names like our last World motocross champion James Dobb, AMA legends Mike Brown, Jeff Emig and Doug Henry, current British hero, Tommy Searle, two-time World champion, Sebastien Tortelli, 500cc legend and MXdN winner, Kurt Nicoll, and so many more.
“What we try to do is make it more interesting and not just a race weekend,” Wood said. “With good entertainment and a lot of things to do for the family. It is more a fun weekend and at night we have bands and numerous bars open and good food outlets, and it is a big change from your typical motocross event. When you are older you want more comfort, and our events also cater for the older riders and their families.”
Jeff Emig who won himself multiple AMA motocross and supercross championships, is known for ending the title reign of Jeremy McGrath in supercross and led Team USA to Motocross des Nations success returns to England for this event and can’t wait to experience the whole Farleigh Castle vibe, something he holds close to his heart.
“I love the travel,” Emig said. “Going to Farleigh is a circuit that is something like I had never ridden before. I grew up on the mid-west, where you would think there are tracks like that, but Farleigh is tough and the roost hurts like a Moth++++cker. When you put 60 bikes on the track, that place has such an amazing feel about it, really legendary place.”
For 1996 and 1998 World motocross champion Sebastien Tortelli, the whole Farleigh Castle vibe will be something very new to him, but racing the Stark Future electric bike around this legendary circuit is something he looks forward to.
“I have never ridden Farleigh,” Tortelli said. “I know it is an iconic circuit and what I like about it, it an old fashion track, with natural layout and todays track are too many jumps and short, but this old track, more natural, a bit narrow and you get less speed, but its good for an old guy like me. The Stark is easy to ride and will suit a track like this. I am looking forward to racing some of my old friends.”
2001 World 125cc champion James Dobb was fortunate enough to race at Farleigh, and although he never raced a Grand Prix there, he knows what lays ahead of him, and having been practicing with Tommy Searle to prepare for this event, he expects to at least enjoy a little success, but also revisit old times, with old friends.
“I raced the support class in 1989 and I won that,” Dobb said. “I never raced a GP there, but they had British champion rounds there. I won a couple, got second in a couple. It hasn’t changed too much. People have come in before us and in my eyes ruined it a bit, taking the steps out the back and tried to make it a more traditions set-up, but I liked the old steps. The fundamentals are pretty much the same, the historical first turn around the tree.”
Current British championship racer, multiple World number two and without doubt, the most popular British rider of the last two decades, Tommy Searle will be one of the fastest over the weekend, and the whole Farleigh Castle experience will be a new one for him.
“I have never ridden Farleigh before,” Searle said. “This will be my first time. I am looking forward to it and I have spoken to Jamie Dobb about it. He is excited about it too and I have done other veterans’ races, but I want to do a few of them. This one has a different audience and that will be more family oriented. I will be racing a modern bike and the class I am is the modern bikes, which is nice. I am really looking forward to it and it adds some much for the British schedule. Being able to race Farleigh Caste, a track that has so much history in our sport, which is the biggest thing I look forward to.”
And finally, a man who finished second in his class in the 2023 World Vets motocross event, Mark Eastwood, well, he has raced the place, and his father (Vic Eastwood) was one of the first British GP winners, back in the 1960s. He knows the place well, and returning to his child-hood playground is something he will enjoy.
“A lot of good memories,” Eastwood said. “Like jumping in the river while my dad was racing and messing around with my mates and then later watching the races when my dad had retired and watching Dave Thorpe, Eric Geboers, Georges Jobe and all those great GP races and dad being with me and giving me tips and also seeing them race Namur and for me, a lot of nostalgia at these tracks. At Farleigh I raced there, but we did British championship races. We didn’t go to Farleigh when I did GPs, we went to Hawkstone Park, but I never did a GP there, just the British championships.”
So, make sure, on July 20 and 21, you make your way to his legendary circuit, because the entertainment, the racing and the vibe of Farleigh Castle is something not to be missed. Legends racing a legendary circuit, and in the peak of summer. You can’t ask for more, can you?
Ticket for the event are available here: Spectators - World Vets Motocross
Searle and Dobbs - Video
Tommy Searle and his good mate, James Dobb will both battle the Farleigh Castle circuit in July 20 and 21 and Searle put this little video together to show us that the former World 125cc champion still has it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbM_JMw_3Y
Mark Eastwood Interview
Mark Eastwood is a name very well known in the industry, not just in the UK, but Worldwide. Son of a British motocross legend (Vic Eastwood), former factory Grand Prix rider for Honda, team manager for the British Motocross of Nations efforts and supporter of the sport. A wealth of experience and somebody well respected for his outspoken and at times controversial comments and his positive vision for the sport.
Now long retired from GP battle, Eastwood still works at his father’s motorcycle shop and races veteran races when time permits. Always a good chat about the sport, so we called him up and asked him about his future plans, which include racing the World Vets Motocross at Farleigh Castle on July 20 and 21.
Now, before we start, it should be noted, that his father (Vic) was one of the early GP winners at Farleigh (Vic Eastwood won there in 1968), and while Mark was too young to remember those victories, he himself did get to race the circuit in his career and also visit with his dad to watch some of the all-time GPs in the 1980s at the historical venue.
MXlarge: Tell me, for those too young to remember your racing career, I was pretty close to it, and I remember some really good rides by you in the 1990s, at Brou in France and some other ones. Can you remind the younger riders about your career, the standout moments?
Eastwood: Yes, Brou was a good one, I led both races at some point and led the second one for a couple of laps and was then second for a lot of the moto and finished with 5-4, which was a really good day for me. In that era, the 250 class was so deep with talent. Also, Indonesia, Brazil, a lot of places, Foxhill in the first moto and the second moto, up the sixth and DNFed after my electrics broke and I crashed. San Marino, I did well and plenty of GPs where it all went wrong. I did well in 1994, finished with a 6-8 for seventh overall in deep sand. Days I will never forget, and it was the toughest class with a lot of British riders. Back then a top ten or top five was really something special.
MXlarge: You have obviously done a lot of veteran’s races and you still take it seriously, maybe not Mike Brown serious, but you want to do well?
Eastwood: I don’t know about that, I mean, I want to do the best that I can. I want to put on a good show for the fans, but I wouldn’t say I take it as seriously as Mike (Brown), he is definitely on it you know. He is flat out and I am trying and enjoy it really, but of course I want to do well and when it is breed into you, it is hard to not take it seriously. It is a bit of fun, go down and enjoy it, but as soon as you go to the start line, you are in race mode, and I can’t help it.
MXlarge: I have mentioned it many times, I am not a risk taker, not into speed or danger and watching motocross, for sure even more so the last few years as the bikes get quicker and quicker and the riders are technically better and I watch you guys race and keep reminding myself, this is a ridiculous sport. A guy gets on these machines that can go amazing speeds, around a track that is full of danger, so many variables, maybe more than any other sport. It just seems crazy to me. What attracts somebody to that?
Eastwood: It is something you start riding bikes, and if you love it and enjoy it, it gets you, it is like a bug and you got to get out and ride bikes and it doesn’t even matter what level you get to, but if you get to a level, travelling around the World, and making a living and the speeds get faster, the tracks get bigger and you grow with it. Looking back, it would be hard to race a GP in Lommel, or Hawkstone Park, or Farleigh Castle, if you haven’t done all that what I mentioned. You more or less grow into that speed and danger, just naturally. You just end up at that level and it is where you wanted to be and if you get there, you don’t want to moan about it, but you are correct, it starts off as fun.
MXLarge: I sometimes think that motocross riders have some type of short-circuit in their brain and common-sense leaves when the gate drops. Then its just balls out and as fast as you can go? Obviously, it isn’t that way, but it sure looks that way watching.
Eastwood: I would think, you are 100% right. When you are around motocross riders, they are not the same as normal people, you have to be wired differently to take these risks.
MXLarge: How old are you now?
Eastwood: I am 53.
MXLarge: So, you are in the 50-age group with Mike Brown, and it is a stacked class.
Eastwood: Yes, I did it last year and it was stacked out and it was a great day. I did pretty well, finished second to Mike (Brown) and I really enjoyed it. I like this race, because it is on modern bikes. A lot of the other vet races are on old bikes, and I know a lot of people love that, but for me, we raced those things to death in the 1990s and my Grand Prix career was on those bikes and definitely for me, it isn’t that exciting anymore.
MXlarge: Obviously it’s a lot safer for an old rider to be on the new ones or not?
Eastwood: Yes, and that is exactly it. At the time, when we raced those bikes, they were the best we knew and the latest technology and I remember when we raced them, all we tried to do was get more bottom end power and the rear suspension was always a challenge and some people can ride those old bikes, but now I am over 50, I don’t want to race those old bikes. Give me a modern bike any day.
MXLarge: Were you old enjoy to remember your dad racing at Farleigh, or were you too young?
Eastwood: I do remember later on, but I don’t remember him winning there, because I wasn’t even born yet, but he raced there until 1978 and I do remember being around the GPs of Namur, Luxembourg at the camping and stuff. I remember all those guys being around there, playing badminton with the likes of Roger De Coster, Heikki Mikkola and those type of guys and at the time, you didn’t think anything of it. Looking back, pretty special times with Noyce (Graham Noyce) and everyone else and of course my dad.
MXlarge: These veteran races have really taken off, so many now in the UK, but what gets me the most is the camaraderie between the old riders and the stories they tell. Old rivals suddenly become best mates, and everyone is there to have fun and reminisce about the past.
Eastwood: That is correct. I don’t get to see Kurt, or Mike or Dobber, and then we get to see them and its nice to see your old rivals and as you said, even if you hated each other, it doesn’t matter anymore. You try and go and have some fun, but then as I said, you get on start line, it all changes again.
MXlarge: Do you like a beer, are you likely to end up in the beer tent at some point?
Eastwood: I do like a beer, but I can’t really be drinking on a race weekend. If I am racing the next day, I need to be feeling well. Last year at Farleigh, as I said, I had a really good day and then a week after I was doing the old shake-down on the old bike for another veteran’s race and I busted my leg, and it turned out to be pretty serious. I have only been riding a couple of months now and only now getting it back together. I will go down and have some fun and rider around.
MXLarge: As you said, you visited Farleigh as a kid and you raced there, but can you tell me some stories about your time there, both as a kid and a racer?
Eastwood: A lot of good memories, like jumping in the river while my dad was racing and messing around with my mates and then later watching the races when my dad had retired and watching Dave Thorpe, Eric Geboers, Georges Jobe and all those great GP races and dad being with me and giving me tips and also seeing them race Namur and for me, a lot of nostalgia at these tracks. At Farleigh I raced there, but we did British championship races. We didn’t go to Farleigh when I did GPs, we went to Hawkstone Park, but I never did a GP there, just the British championships.
Tommy Searle Interview
Multiple British motocross champion, World runner-up and GP winner, Tommy Searle is at the back end of his illustrious career and its more about having fun in these final days as a motocross racer than the day-to-day grind of Grand Prix racing or racing the big 450 machine. Moving down to the 250 class in the British motocross championship he is enjoying his racing a little more and trying to make the most of these final seasons, after having a career with so much success.
Searle will also line-up at the World Vets Motocross, at Farleigh Castle on July 20 and 21 and cannot wait to spend some time with old friends and former rivals and meet as many fans as possible. We caught up with Searle and asked about his 250 racing and also that exciting Vets event.
Find out more here about the World Vets Motocross: World Vets Motocross.
MXlarge: Tommy, I see your results on the 250 are not bad, but how have you felt on the 250 this year?
Searle: 250’s has been good. I didn’t expect to come in and smoke everyone, the competition is high, but its fun and that is why I decided to do it. I am always carrying an injury these days and the 450 was hard to race. I still race the 450, a lot actually, but doing the whole season is more fun on the 250 than the 450.
MXlarge: Tell me, for more than a decade, you have been the most popular British rider, and with your Youtube channel and other things you do, many people really love following you. How important is that for you?
Searle: It is just a difference aspect now with the Youtube. I edit a lot of the videos, shoot them, and it is a lot different now, and not like being 20 years old and charging around the World wanting to win races. People pay me for different reasons now, for my video reach and a wider audience, and it is a little bit of both. I still work hard, and train hard, and I don’t want to not do that and be tired in races or in danger of hurting myself. I have structured my program, I have my own sponsors now and I do a lot of different things, be it social media, the Youtube, but I am still at the races, but I know my future isn’t racing, not the long-term future. It is coming to an end soon. I am still enjoying it and it isn’t just focused on racing results.
MXLarge: I understand you and Jeffrey (Herlings) have a pretty good relationship now?
Searle: I speak to him a lot, which is nice, and we went to dinner when he was last over. He is still World level, and he is at the back of his career, but he can still win. It is hard and he is racing riders of a similar age, but he has faced a lot of adversity, and he still loves it and works as hard as ever. You can see that with some races he has won this year.
MXlarge: The World Vets Motocross, I know you have mentioned in the past you like these one-off events. What excited you about this one?
Searle: I have never ridden Farleigh before; this will be my first time. I am looking forward to it and I have spoken to Jamie Dobb about it. He is excited about it too and I have done other veterans’ races, but I want to do a few of them. This one has a different audience and that will be more family oriented. I will be racing a modern bike and the class I am is the modern bikes, which is nice. I am really looking forward to it and it adds some much for the British schedule. Being able to race Farleigh Caste, a track that has so much history in our sport, that is the biggest thing I look forward to.
MXlarge: A lot of big names racing it. Do you know many younger guys who will race it?
Searle: Yes, I do, and you don’t have to be older to race it, but I am 35 and a friend of mine is racing it. It will be nice having Tortelli racing and Dobber and so many others. It will be going with the family and over two races and a lot of racing, so it will be fun. Billy Mackenzie is racing it and of course he did so well in the British championship, and he was winning a race until Herlings passed him. He does a lot of the veteran races now and he takes it pretty seriously and it’s nice to see all these old faces enjoying themselves.
MXLarge: You are getting close to the end of your career, so these fun races are probably your future?
Searle: Yes, I enjoy riding, I enjoy the training, and, in the UK, we have some young guys coming through and I want to keep racing, but more fun events and not race full-time. Even the British championship races, the competition is still top ten riders and being older its hard, but these veteran races are just good fun, and you don’t have to push too hard, but can still race. I am really excited for this one, as it is a new one for me and as I said, I have never raced at Farleigh.
MXLarge: You have always attracted spectators and your British GP results have often been good, winning in 2007 and then again in 2012 in that classic against Herlings. What are your best memories of those two GPs?
Searle: Yes, I won in 2007, it feels like a lifetime ago. I remember that first one in 2007, it is hard to remember, and it feels longer than 20 years ago. I was still living at Jamie Dobbs house, and we went for a barbecue at his house after winning. I nearly won the one before in Ireland, but Tony (Cairoli) won, and I finished second. He then moved up to the 450 class for the British GP and that opened up my chances of winning it. There were a lot of us could have won it and none of us had won a GP yet and I went 1-2, I think. Matterley in 2012, I would say that was my best GP win ever. With Jeffrey there and the rivalry we had, and I came out on top in both races and that was the best race day of my life.