Interview: James Dunn
Before the start of the season some people have forgot about the talented Brit, James Dunn. James has had some horrible injuries in his career but he made a comeback near the end of last season and showed some good speed.
However, coming into the 2016 season he finally had a full off season to prepare for the season and we are already seeing an improvement from last year. James was able to land his first overall podium at the first round of the British Championship at Lyng, finishing third overall.
We caught up with James to discuss his day and how having a full off season should help him fulfill his potential.
Gatedrop: Can you talk me through both your moto’s at Lyng?
James Dunn: In the first moto I came off the concrete really well but got shut down a bit in the first turn where I fitted into 8th after the first few long fast sweeping turns they have at Lyng. Then a pile up on the first lap from some of the riders in front of me moved me into 4th where I pretty much rode my own race till the end finishing 4th. In moto 2 I had a better start coming round the first turn in 3rd till I had a small crash half a lap later and picking myself up in about 15th. I pushed hard and got back to 7th, nearly getting 6th on the last lap.
Gatedrop: A podium at the first round for you, it couldn’t have gone much better for you! Did you think you would get a podium this quickly in the season?
James Dunn: Yeah, my first British Championship podium so I was really pleased! I wasn’t really sure what to expect coming into the first round as I hadn’t had long riding the new Husqvarna so was just looking for a solid top 10, but to podium was a great start to the season.
Gatedrop: Have do you find the transition from KTM to Husqvarna?
James Dunn: I really like the Husqvarna, the first time I rode it I felt really comfortable. They feel a lot lighter and seem to turn and handle really well.
Gatedrop: What are your expectations for the EMX250 championship? It looks like a very competitive class!
James Dunn: The EMX250 class is crazy, there are so many fast guys so I’m just looking to go and have some fun and put down some fast laps. If my speed is there I know we can be running up the front.
Gatedrop: Do you feel better prepared for this season after having a full off-season? It’s been a few years since you’ve had a full off-season to prepare!
James Dunn: Definitely, this is the first time since 2011 I’ve had a good off season where I was able to race the Arenacross through the winter which has helped a lot!
Gatedrop: What’s your thoughts on the new British Championship format?
James Dunn: The new format at the British Championship races works much better I think, the longer two motos helps us British riders out at the European races as its a similar format now, also there is a bit more time during the day which is nice – not to be so rushed like last year.
Gatedrop: What’s it like having Roger Magee as the team owner?
James Dunn: Roger has supported me since 2012 when I was racing the 125cc European championship so I am very grateful for his continued support and help over the years. Roger always manages to put together a strong team and get the results so I’m happy to ride for the Hitachi Revo Husqvarna Team again this year. Also, I have huge support from Mark Yates at Revo this year which is helping me get to that next level.
Gatedrop: You rode the British Arenacross, how did you get on in that series and what are your thoughts on the series?
James Dunn: The Arenacross was great fun, really enjoyed each round from start to finish. I ended up 12th in the championship with my best result a 4th in Sheffield. The series was run really well, the atmosphere and racing at each round was awesome. I’m looking forward to it again next year if things work out!
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Pic: Elliot Spencer
