Behind every top motocross rider is a dedicated mechanic, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly on race day. Ross Hill only knows this all too well. After a racing career of his own, Hill transitioned into the paddock as a mechanic, bringing years of hands-on experience and passion for the sport. From his early days working with Brad Todd competing in the British Championship and now stepping into the full MX2 World Championship with Van Venrooy KTM and working with Cas Valk. We caught up with him to discuss his career, life in the GP paddock, and what the future holds.
GateDrop: Ross, let’s start at the beginning. You used to race and focused on the British championship. Can you tell us a little bit about your racing career?
Hill: I finished a couple of the school boy championships on the podium, then went into the pro ranks in 2008. I had way too many injuries but also some good results with top tens, and a wildcard at a G[ in 2012. I decided to call it a day in 2016.
GateDrop: When you were a rider did you take interest in the mechanical side of things – that would have obviously helped you with your next role…
Hill: Yes I did massively, my Dad would always rebuild all my engines and maintain my bikes etc, so when he was in our workshop I was out there with him learning the ropes.
GateDrop: You decided to go into being a mechanic and I believe the first rider you worked with was Brad Todd. How did the opportunity all come about to work with him?
Hill: I had retired from riding myself when Simon Gabriel decided to start his own team with Brad, and he asked me if I would be interested.
GateDrop: You must have learnt a lot of things working with Brad, what sort of things did you learn working with him?
Hill: You have to learn how to build a trust between rider and mechanic, something I always had with my dad. Luckily I think I’m an easy enough person to build a good working relationship with. (I still speak to Brad quiet frequently, he’s a good guy)
GateDrop: Last year you had the opportunity to work at SS24 KTM. How did the all come about because I believe you actually took a year off?
Hill: I decided to take a year out and go back to my original line of work as a plumber, when Shaun and Simon got together they decided to go a bit bigger. They wanted to go into the GP paddock, I got a call from Simon asking if I would be interested, after some thought I went for for it.
GateDrop: What was it like being away from the sport for a year – what did you do instead?
Hill: It was a nice reset for me I think, I went back to plumbing and bathroom fitting. But I was ready to get back into paddock.
GateDrop: What was it like being in the GP paddock last year contesting the EMX250 championship?
Hill: It was extremely exciting and it was very nerve racking for the first couple of rounds. It’s a lot of hard work that people from the outside don’t really get to see, but I also had a great time.
GateDrop: Just what is a GP weekend like for you – I imagine it is very busy!
Hill: It is very busy! From the moment you arrive you have a huge awning to put up, then onto the bikes and technical control! If it’s a wet weekend it really is non stop, but all worth it.
GateDrop: You worked with Cas Valk last year and won the British Championship with him – what was it like working with him? He has a very nice family and seems very down to earth…
Hill: Cas is genuinely one of the nicest people in the paddock! He is very easy going for a rider at his level and very respectful. His family are great, they’re always very welcoming and trying to support Cas as well as myself.
GateDrop: So for 2025, you’ve followed Cas to the Van Venrooy KTM team – was this a difficult decision to leave the SS24 team?
Hill: It was difficult, yes. I had conversations with the team and Shaun and they were very understanding. In the end, I felt like I wanted to go and do the full GP series. I’m very grateful for the opportunity that SS24 gave me. Van Venrooy KTM have made me feel very welcome and it feels like home.
GateDrop: What was the winter like preparing for the 2025 season – the full MX2 World Championship. I imagine some very long days testing…
Hill: Our winter prep went very well, we spent some time in Italy and Sardinia with the factory KTM boys. Winter prep is always long days and nights.
GateDrop: I was speaking to you last year in the paddock and I didn’t get the impression you’d end up doing the full MX2 GP season but here we are! Are you looking forward to doing a full season?
Hill: Things can change and I’m happy with the jump I have made. I’m really excited for the full season in the paddock.
GateDrop: Are you based in the Netherlands this year? What is that like being away from your family?
Hill: I’m back and forth between England and Netherlands. I am always travelling and it’s very busy. I’m lucky to have a supportive partner so that makes it easy for me to be away a lot.
GateDrop: You are just back from Argentina, what was your first experience of a fly away GP?
Hill: The fly aways are a completely different experience. The normal GP weekends are busy but fly aways are crazy! The experience it really cool though.
GateDrop: Cas was impressive finishing sixth overall in Argentina – that third in the first moto was great – you must have been happy with that?
Hill: We were all very happy with that third place, and then the sixth overall just topped it off! All the hard work is showing and we want to show what he can really do.
GateDrop: What’s the future look like for you – do you see yourself staying in the paddock for many years?
Hill: Time will tell, ask me at the end of this season (laughs).
