Young Irish talent, Lewis Spratt, is preparing to make his EMX125 debut this weekend at the iconic Matterley Basin circuit. While he’s no stranger to the GP paddock having previously attended events as a spectator, this will be his first time lining up to race at a European Championship level — and he’s relishing the opportunity.
“I decided to do EMX125 at Matterley Basin. I’ve never done an EMX round before, so it’ll probably be a really big eye-opener for me,” Spratt told GateDrop.com. “Even though I’ve never raced, I’ve been in the GP paddock before just watching at the MXoN and stuff. I’ve just never actually been there to race at a GP so it’ll be really different.”
Due to commitments in other championships, Spratt hasn’t previously had the chance to contest an EMX event — until now.
“I just haven’t really got a chance to do an EMX before just because I’ve been hung up on so many other different championships. I’ve just never really had the time, but we have made the time for Matterley Basin this year.”
Heading into the weekend, Spratt is keeping his expectations in check.
“As far as expectations go I don’t really have any. My main aim is to just qualify because I know the European boys are so quick. If I qualify, anything after that will be a massive bonus for me.”
Having watched the racing at Matterley Basin in the past, including at the Motocross of Nations, Spratt has some idea of what to expect — and believes the technical challenge will suit him.
“It does look like a tricky, technical track but I do think I will really like it once I ride it. I like the hard pack, rutty, technical conditions so I think I’ll be all good that way,” he said. “I will probably be a bit nervous if I’m honest just going into such a big event like that as I’ve never done one before. My preparation’s been good all year for it so I’m coming in with loads of confidence but as it’s my first EMX, we’ll just see how it goes from there.”
Beyond the EMX125 round at Matterley, Spratt is also using the event as key preparation for another major challenge coming up — the Junior World Championship in France.
“I think that racing the EMX125 at Matterley Basin is going to be very, very good preparation for me ahead of the Junior World Championships in France next month as they’re both on hard pack tracks. I’m going to be racing the majority of the same guys at both events, so it’ll be a really good indication to see where I’m at heading into the Junior World Championship.”
With plenty of motivation and a sensible outlook, Spratt is ready to take on one of the biggest weekends of his young career and gain valuable experience on the European stage.
