Interview: Dean Wilson – back racing on home soil at Cardiff WSX
It was a good weekend for WSX to hold it’s first ever event in Cardiff at the weekend as it saw a number of Brits race on home soil. With Dean Wilson focusing on his SX and MX career in America he had the opportunity to race in Wales in front of the UK fans and fans that probably haven’t seen him race in a number of years.
It wasn’t the best night for Wilson with not having a lot of time to prepare and a few crashes but he’ll have learnt a lot about the bike as he needs time to adapt to a Japanese bike.
We caught up with Wilson to discuss the event and more.
GateDrop: Dean, first ever WSX event ran here in Cardiff. First of all, how did you find the event and how it ran? I thought it was a real success…
Wilson: I think the event ran really well. The crowd was awesome, cool stadium and a cool setting. I think it was really cool.
GateDrop: What was it like to be back racing in UK soil and probably seeing lots of people you haven’t seen for years…
Wilson: It was so cool. I had a lot of family here and obviously being in the UK there were so many fans. But you know it was a massive disappointment for team GB. I just wasn’t prepared; I did what I could with the time I had but it just wasn’t enough time on the bike. It is what it is, it was a rough day. I’ve nothing much else to say apart from I need to be better.
GateDrop: You were probably very motivated to race the MXoN for team GB and then this tonight to be racing in the UK… Perhaps it was even a case of trying too hard?
Wilson: Nah, not so much that. I haven’t even ridden this bike on hard pack yet until this weekend. I had been riding on more of an East Coast clay track and so I am just learning how it reacts and things like that. I’ve been on an Austrian bike for eight years, so I just struggled and put myself in bad positions off the starts. There are still some positives, but I’ve got work to do before Melbourne.
GateDrop: What was your thoughts on the track and how would it compare to a more basic AMA SX track? Kenny also mentioned it’s been a long time since he rode something so slick…
Wilson: It was very very slick. In an AMA style track we’d probably have had some whoops we could have skimmed. I feel like it was a lot of follow the leader and it was really hard to pass unfortunately. After the finish line it was hard to pass but it was tough.
GateDrop: Going from RedBud MXoN to this two weeks later, I mean even as a fan watching it is two completely different worlds. How quickly does it take you to adapt and especially in Supercross you need to be switched on from the get go because one mistake and it could be over just like that…
Wilson: For sure. That is why starts are really important as well because you can stay out of the chaos. Being back there, it is just chaotic, crashes everywhere and it was sketchy. But it is what it is, a rough day.
GateDrop: What was your thoughts on the format? I know they do it in Australia so you probably have experienced it before – do you like it or would you make any changes?
Wilson: Yeah, I have done this format. I am not a fan of it, as a fan in the stands I am sure it is cool to watch. But as a racer it is just dangerous, and you are taking three times more risk racing. You just don’t know what is going to happen out there every time.
GateDrop: Just on next year – WSX and AMA Supercross is the plan for you, no AMA Nationals?
Wilson: No Nationals. Just US Supercross, World Supercross and then Australia.
GateDrop: Are you looking forward to travelling to see more of the world next year as part of WSX? I think that’s one of the cool things about this series you get to travel the world and not just racing in America…
Wilson: For sure, you get to travel and get to race your dirt bike. I really enjoy it. I am very fortunate to do that and be in this position, so it is good.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Image: WSX
