Dave Thorpe has always been a big supporter of the FIM World Motocross Championships. Having won three World 500cc Championships the British legend knows what it was like back in the day racing on circuits that were often dangerous. Times have changed since Youthstream took over and Thorpe can see that.

Q: Dave, what is your opinion of the FIM World Motocross Championship circuits now compared to when you raced?

Thorpe: All the Grand Prix’s run now are perfect. The modern day rider has grown up with perfect and actually when the track isn’t right, it’s a shock. When I go to a Grand Prix in Europe now and I look at the preparation, the venue and the effort they put into the track, it’s amazing.

Q: I remember some circuits in the old days being really badly prepared. What is your opinion?

Thorpe: Not to look backwards, but if you look back into the day maybe 25 years ago preparation on the tracks were nowhere near like we have today. It would be unusual now to go to a track that hasn’t been graded, but back in 20 years ago the tracks were very standard on many occasions.

Q: I heard you rode again recently, how did that go?

Thorpe: We had a dealer day last week and I had a ride, which was nice. I hadn’t ridden since September, I’ve just been too busy, working for the team, for Honda, for Red Bull and of course I have a family. I have to admit I still have that great feeling when I ride. For me it’s still the biggest buzz out there to ride. At nearly 50 years of age I still have that same buzz as when I was 20 years old. I just love to ride.

Q: With the technology of the bikes improving is it still possible to do things you did when you raced?

Thorpe: I sometimes feel like I can do the same things I did when I was young, at least my brain thinks I can, but my body thinks otherwise. I don’t care, you just get on with it, I am just happy that I can still do all the jumps and things I could do when I was 20, I do it slower now, but it’s still a big buzz. It’s just great to ride.

Photo: Dave Thorpe - Copyright: Ian Roxburgh

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