John Adamson experienced the rare privilege of lining up for a Grand Prix on home soil at Matterley Basin, and while the results didn’t quite reflect his potential, the Scottish rider soaked up the atmosphere and energy from the local fans. In this candid interview, Adamson reflects on the highs and lows of the weekend, the contrast between Saturday and Sunday’s track conditions, and what it’s like to finally be racing a GP season. He also shares his honest thoughts on the current state of the MXGP paddock, the growing appeal of AMA Pro Motocross, and how he’s enjoying being part of a reinvigorated British Championship.
GateDrop: A home GP, something you don’t get to do all the time. First of all, what’s it like having a home GP and racing in front of your home fans at this high level and just talk me through your day really?
Adamson: Yeah, it’s always nice when you can sleep in your own bed on a Friday and just travel up your Friday morning. Obviously you hear all the air horns and you know it’s going for you which is always a nice thing. I got really close to the crowd in qualifying, I could hear them all over the quad. I think that was them shouting for their life really. But yeah, it was a bit of a frustrating weekend, we had a little mechanical in the qualifying race and then I don’t know if it was me or the bike, but I had a false neutral on the take-off in the first race. I think the riding was okay and in fact I think it was pretty good especially on Saturday but I don’t think the results show it again.
GateDrop: The track completely different today compared to Saturday. Saturday was no ruts at all, flat out, but you could pass. Today, ruts and probably more technical but not so much passing. Did you like it today or yesterday?
Adamson: Today it was fun to ride but for the racing and spectators I think it’s boring. Like nobody passes, it’s just follow the leader. For me you have a track that’s this wide, you soak it and you can’t use much. So for me, okay, yesterday was a bit dusty, maybe a bit too much. But yeah, I think when the track doesn’t have ruts, you say it’s not as technical, but it seemed like Herlings was a lot faster than everyone else. So, there’s a definite different skill. It’s great for people like Febvre to come through the pack and get to second where they belong, whereas today it’s just follow the leader.
GateDrop: Just on the GP’s, this is your first year at it really, which is hard to believe because you’ve done some AMA and some GPs here or there, but just how you find it being full time in the paddock? Are you enjoying it, you know, traveling to all these different places, different tracks, different cultures, everything is different?
Adamson: It’s always something I wanted to do ever since a young kid. I obviously got a little distracted when I was 18, 19 and went away partying. It’s something I always wanted to do and obviously I’m here now. I do think the AMA is the future for motocross. I know you might disagree with me, but I think if you’re a young kid, the AMA is the pinnacle, and this seems like a stepping stone now. If it’s a traveling circus, the riders are the clients here.
GateDrop: But in terms of, you know, the actual racing when you get out there on track, do you enjoy racing this level and do you enjoy the tracks? Because you don’t get these type of tracks in England?
Adamson: No, definitely when you go home and race the nationals, it feels like the tracks are super smooth, like it gets pretty gnarly out there. I’m sure they make them technical and rough. They catch everyone out.
GateDrop: The British Championship, how are you finding that? Obviously, a new era with Paul Irwin. I was at Canada Heights, there was a good crowd there and, you know, the live stream’s positive. How are you finding the championship?
Adamson: Yeah, I think it’s taken a great step forward and I think both classes have got a strong field this year. I think Paul’s doing a great job personally and it’s taking British motocross the right direction.
GateDrop: And just on GPs, obviously no prize money for riders. You know, it’s tough for the smaller teams… What would you like to see InFront do to try and help guys like yourself and teams that you’re with?
Adamson: I think it’s a total joke. The riders get absolutely nothing. I spoke to a marshal there today, he gets 130 quid and even if you come sixth or whatever, it’s the team that needs to pay your bonus. Infront, they give the rider back absolutely nothing. It’s such a big series now for any small team to do it. It’s incredibly difficult unless you’re Honda Racing Corporation and got unlimited budget or near enough. It’s incredibly difficult.
GateDrop: What’s it been like having Josh Gilbert as a teammate? Obviously, he’s not here this weekend with the virus, but do you get to ride much with him and what’s that like? How are you enjoying putting the laps in with him and can you learn from him as well because he’s kind of an established front runner in the British?
Adamson: I’ve actually got on with Josh a lot better than I thought I was going to. He’s not as reserved as you think when you get to know him. So, it’s been really nice having him as a teammate and getting to know him and Rebecca. Personally, it’s been a bit of a refresher.
GateDrop: Just to go back to the AMA championship rounds you’ve done, I think you’ve done 3-5, I can’t remember exactly how many but what was your experience like over there and did you enjoy the level over there? Probably the biggest thing was the heat…
Adamson: For me, I much preferred the AMA. You go over there, you race. If you do well, you get a little prize at the end. The whole event, I would say is more laid back. You feel more welcome, and the Americans are super friendly and welcoming.
GateDrop: Plans for next year? Have you got anything on the table yet or is it a case of just getting this season done first before you worry about next year?
Adamson: Yeah, I am just going to focus on this year and see what comes up.
