The Phoenix Tools Evenstrokes Kawasaki team have decided to expand the team for the 2022 season after announcing the signing of experienced Grand Prix rider, Petar Petrov. The Bulgarian will be concentrating on the Revo British Championship as well as the MX Nationals UK series but will race a handful of MXGP events as the schedule allows.
Petrov has been added to an already strong rider line up as Jason Meara will also race the MX1 class with Carlton Husband and Sam Atkinson racing the MX2 series.
We decided to catch up with the team owner, Barry Moore to discuss the 2022 rider line up and more.
On the signing of Petar Petrov and the decision to expand the team…
I had contact with Petar about a month ago, at first we was messaging over WhatsApp then as the conversation progressed we were calling each other a few times a week on the phone. To be honest the reason for signing someone like Petar is to get the team podiums and race wins. For sure, he’s very good in the sand but I’m pleased with the whole team and everyone can do a good job.
On the prospect of the team racing Internationally next year…
Yes, Petar is keen to do some GP’s and I know Carlton is keen as is Sam to do some European rounds. To be honest I haven’t spoken to Jason about contesting any European rounds at the moment.
On working with Jason Meara over the past few years and his goals for 2022…
Jason is a great guy, quite laid back and easy to talk to. The goals for Jason and I’m sure he would agree with me is to be a consistent top ten rider in the Revo British Championship and try to push for that top five.
On Carlton Husband and Sam Atkinson who will race the MX2 class…
Carlton showed some really good speed last year, it was more bad luck to be honest, but I’m confident Carlton will be pushing for podiums and race wins next year. There’s definitely no pressure on Sam, like you say it’s a learning season, he will race the pro MX2 class in the British and Expert MX2 in the Michelin MX Nationals.
On the goals for the team, the switch to Kawasaki and the job Gareth Hockey is doing in the British paddock…
My goals for next year is for all my riders to enjoy being on the team, have fun and to win some races. The switch from Honda to Kawasaki was just down to costs really and I have been with Kawasaki before, dealing directly with a manufacturer is obviously better than going through a dealer like I was with Honda. Ross at Kawasaki is a really nice guy to deal with and the bikes are just awesome.
I think Gareth and his team have done a good job under difficult circumstances, the series has definitely improved and I’m sure it will only get better.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
