Drew Stock has been one of the standout young British riders making his mark in the EMX125 championship while also balancing a busy schedule on the domestic scene. Racing as a privateer, the talented rider has learnt a lot this year racing in Europe. With plenty of experience already under his belt and some big opportunities on the horizon including a trip to America, we caught up with him to discuss his season so far, his challenges, and his ambitions for the future.
“I first got into bikes when Dad bought me an Osset,” Stock explained. “My dad used to ride and race, so it just went from there really.”
Juggling commitments between the EMX125 series and the British Championship has been a tough but rewarding experience.
“On travelling from the EMX to the British series, it is physically demanding on me with the travel and the very intense racing. It is good though and I’ve definitely enjoyed it. The travel is stressful having to come back to the UK for the British and it’s certainly not a cheap sport.”
Stock highlighted the contrast between the domestic and European scenes.
“The British Championship is a bit different to the EMX125 series. In the UK we have a handful of fast riders in the 125cc class but in EMX125 there could be 70 fast riders trying to qualify. The level is definitely high; my aim is to keep it in the top ten next year.”
One of the big highlights of Stock’s year came in Sweden, where he impressed at the bLU cRU Cup taking the win.
“When I saw the rider entry list for the bLU cRU in Sweden, I knew it was possible to win. I went there for one reason, and we got the job done. It took a few days for it to sink in but a good achievement for me. Most of the battles were with Bertram but it was definitely good to have another Brit in the mix and to be 1-2 on the podium.”
That success has now set up a dream trip to America.
“I can’t wait to go to America, Yamaha are funding the trip which is amazing and I’m very grateful. I have no expectations for Ironman, I don’t know any of the riders so I could be 1st or I also could be 31st so let’s see what I can do.”
Behind the scenes, training and preparation play a big role, even if travel makes it tricky.
“I have a training plan which I try to stick to. But it makes it difficult when we are travelling. I need to be getting the start in the EMX125 series to be competing at the front. The GP tracks are next level compared to what we have in the UK, the jumps are bigger, tracks are wider and there are better facilities.”
Domestically, Stock has experienced highs and lows throughout the British season.
“The British Championship has been up and down for me this year. I had a double win at Blaxhall but also got a puncture at Landrake and had a DNF at Duns. Now we focus on the final round at Lyng to end the season strong. The series has been good this year. I am really liking the prize money, but it would be good to get the race length the same as the EMX125 series.”
Looking ahead, Stock is clear on his next steps which will include the EMX125 series again next year where he’ll hope to be stronger after a learning year under his belt.
“At the moment we will stay on the 125cc for next season with the aim to do the full EMX125 championship and we will go from there.”
Stock is a rider to watch closely in the future as it’s nice to see him put in the graft racing the EMX125 championship. Something he’ll hope to benefit from in the future.
