Turkey shoot!

By TMX Archives on 12th Dec 03

Motocross

my way through 50 press-ups yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the past two GP campaigns and, as you can imagine, not all those memories have been good ones.It wasn't long before I realised that my '02 season was WHILE PUMPING my way through 50 press-ups yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the past two GP campaigns and, as you can imagine, not all those memories have been good ones.It wasn't long before I realised that my '02 season was going to be a non-event. It's been well documented that the machinery was in its development stage and it had been a mistake for both myself and KTM to try to develop this bike and win a world championship at the same time.This year I was pumped to get back on top form. I'd prepared myself for a real title shot, mixing it with the big three and putting my CAS Honda on the podium at the end of the season - but that wasn't to be. I had so many injuries throughout the year that I stopped even telling anyone about them because I knew that I had a machine capable of winning GPs but my body wasn't up to the job in hand.So, the point here is that this game is about man and machine coming together to make a complete package. A thoroughbred race-bike, a dedicated athlete, a great support team and a bag full of luck is what I have on my '04 wish list. And what great news to start my '04 preparations. My friend and one of the best GP mechanics in the game - Mr Nick Moores - is back in the game.I'm delighted to have Nick back at CAS Honda, we work so well together and he knows me better than most. Having him along will hopefully bring us back to where we were in '01, except this time we'll have the tools to do the job. I'm so pumped to get going and I know that I've got what it takes to do this job at the highest level and will do what it takes to win. I truly think that with Nick on board - and the two moto race format - this could be a great season for CAS Honda.Gone be the days when a GP rider got a few months of rest before the great GP circus started up again. The supercross season's in full swing and heading for Dublin's fair city. Now this isn't an event I'd planned for but how could I let such an event happen in Ireland without racing at it. The Dubliners will have a ball and I wouldn't miss it for anything.The hype around this event is already taking on a life of its own and the promoters - Future West - invited me down to Dublin for the launch and PR morning. Jason Rennie was due to be there with his jumping rig and I arrived and was met by a fleet of journalists and two TV crews who were all there to take some spectacular shots of the flying Rennie - who for whatever reason didn't arrive with the jump rig for the TV shoot.The TV crew were less than impressed and the PR people were in a bit of a fix, so after a quick scavenge around the car park we found a few breeze blocks, a shopping trolley and a few planks, so there you have it kids - a Blue Peter supercross track!After a few hairy moments I had the new improvised jumps dialled in and was jumping over the photographers' heads. As it worked out we ended up with major TV airtime and I was even on the cover of the Irish Daily Newspaper.This superstar treatment was not going to end there and we were rapidly taken to the RTE television studios where I was to be interviewed by a turkey! The programme's called The Den and apparently it's a really popular kids show. Anyway, this turkey was having a right old laugh interviewing me and talking about the supercross. As the interview was coming to a close I indicated that I had enjoyed meeting him (indeed he was not the first turkey to have interviewed me) and was sorry he wouldn't be coming to watch the SX - after all, it is after Christmas. It's not all plain sailing this professional racer lark and that had to be one of the weirdest days in my life.Right after the supercross I'm headed Stateside for my pre-season preparation and a big thanks must go to my mate and BA pilot Stewart Bell for arranging my flights. Also Graham Hannah at IFS Global Logistics who'll ensure that my machinery will arrive there when I do.Come and see me at the Point in Dublin, I'll be up for another win on that tricked-out factory CAS 250 Honda. Thanks again for your support and I hope to give you all plenty to cheer about next season - with two home GPs pencilled in things are on the up for UK MX.Gordy

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