After many years living in the Netherlands, Chris Mills made the decision to come back and live in the UK this year. This has meant we’ve seen him race in England again by contesting some British championship and fastest 40 rounds.
For the 2025 season, Mills hope to contest the entire British Championship. We caught up with Mills to discuss his season and more…
GateDrop: Chris, this year you moved back to the UK after many years living in the Netherlands, a few years ago you told me you seen yourself staying there for a long time. What was the reason behind moving back to the UK and what’s it like being home?
Mills: I moved back to the UK in March. There were a few reasons behind it really, family situation, my dad wants to be closer to his parents and needs to take care of them. I also realised the GP dream was over. The last two years I have been racing nationals in Holland and to be honest it’s even less rewarding than in the UK. There are not so many teams that operate in Holland like there is in the UK. Yes, the Dutch Masters is good but you are racing with 5-10 GP riders so you still end up going home with nothing.
GateDrop: Being back in the UK, you’ve been racing the British Championship as well as the Fastest 40 championship. What is it like back racing in the UK?
Mills: I love being back racing in the UK. It’s nice to see some old faces again. I wasn’t really planning on doing any big races as I had seven months of the bike from August last year and didn’t properly start riding until April, I think I rode about six times between July and April.
GateDrop: What’s your thoughts on both the British Championship and Fastest 40 championships?
Mills: I wildcarded the last three British rounds and a few of the fastest 40. In my opinion both very good championships and the tracks were awesome. I don’t think the British championship could’ve had any better tracks on the calendar.
GateDrop: Racing in the Netherlands for as long as you did, those deep sand tracks only really go one way, gnarly! Is it nice being back on British tracks that maybe don’t get to that survival stage of rough? Or maybe you prefer the rougher tracks?
Mills: Yes I must say, I really adapted to the Dutch style tracks, deep bumps, sand, ruts etc which I like the most. The UK sand tracks are more of a hard base, so very unpredictable, slippery, hard square edge bumps, not as physical, but harder to play with the bike. I still like to call myself a rider that likes all types of tracks, but this year, as I had no winter training and no physical base, I was happier with the easiest tracks on the calendar (laughs). It took some getting used to, especially with such little seat time on a 450cc.
GateDrop: What’s the level like of the MX1 British Championship? Herlings and Mewse at the front makes things very fast!
Mills: The MX1 class has had some very good competitive racing this year. Yes Conrad and Herlings are on another level to the rest, but after Gilbert in third, the pace is very similar between fourth and just outside the top ten. I was at the tail end of this group this year, but I know with the proper preparations and testing that I can be in the top six consistently.
The only challenge with the UK at the minute for pro riders, is trying to get quality practice days in. The novice and intermediate riders rule the country and it was very difficult trying get some sort of fitness when I was limited to 15 minute sessions at a public practice track, this is why so many riders have private tracks over here. You can’t blame the track owners though as everyone needs to have something out of it. The cost to ride over here is also 3 times more than Holland and you get a lot less seat time. Maybe pro riders should come together and rent a track once a week, I would pay more money if it was for quality seat time.
GateDrop: You also raced the EMX Open series at Lommel. How did that event go for you and did you enjoy being part of the GP paddock?
Mills: It was awesome being back in the GP paddock. A big thank you to Lee Webber from Cab Screens who gave me the opportunity to race in the EMX Open class. The weekend started off well with eleventh in qualifying but unfortunately I didn’t finish the races due to bike issues. Nevertheless I still really enjoyed it.
GateDrop: You were at Heerde for the Junior World Championship helping your brother in law, Jayson van Drunen. He started to go really well in the EMX125 class – what’s your thoughts on him and perhaps he could have a bright future?
Mills: Yes, I was with Jayson at the Junior Worlds, he is at that age when sometimes it’s better for someone to be in between him and his Dad. Jayson has had some bad injuries over the years and hasn’t had the chance to show his true potential. However this year he has had lots of highs being a regular top ten rider and with quite a few stepping up to EMX250 next year, his goals will definitely be running up the front in the EMX125 class.
GateDrop: Marcel van Drunen is a former GP rider, what’s it like being close to him? I’m sure he can help you? The MvD gear looks great too (laughs)…
Mills: Marcel has been a big help to me over the years with him being my father in law. It’s always helpful taking on his advice. I now operate MVD in the UK and look forward to seeing that progress as well.
GateDrop: Have you got any plans for the 2025 season yet? I imagine the plans are to get a team to take on the British Championship for a full season?
Mills: Ideally for 2025 I want to be racing the full British championship. I am currently discussing some options and hopefully will have something finalised within the next few weeks.
I would like to say a special thank you to Lee Webber for the support this year, Gary Beale, my parents, wife and all my sponsors that supported me.
