If you like your racing exciting, wild and on – and sometimes over – the ragged edge then Graeme Irwin’s going to tick all the boxes for you this season.
The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland is lining up for 2013 on a Heads and Allthreads Suzuki UK machine in the MX2 division and after finishing last season in third he’s set his sights on moving up a couple of places…
Q: First off, how the hell are you Graeme?
GI: “I’m really good thanks.”
Q: How’s your pre-season training and testing gone?
GI: “My pre-season preparation went really well. I’m feeling good and ready to go racing now.”
Q: The MX2 class is stacked this season but you must fancy your chances?
GI: “Yeah, I believe I’ve put myself in a good position and have good people behind me to help get the job done.”
Q: Who do you see as your main rivals?
GI: “There are a lot of riders who have good speed this year and some will be fast on some tracks and some will be better on others. But if I had to pick one then I would say Stephen Sword – he’s a smart guy and knows how to win championships.”
Q: What do you think to the new format that gives you races on both days?
GI: “I think it’s a great idea and it’s a bit like a world championship format which we know works. I think it will bring the Red Bull Pro Nationals up to a new level.”
Q: What’s it like lining up against the 450s on your 250 – if you don’t get the start there’s a lot of roost to be eaten…
GI: “The roost is nasty but I’m up for it and I want to try and win a race overall this year and be the first MX2 rider to do so. I think that would upset a few 450 riders.”
Q: Out of the tracks released so far which is your favourite and why?
GI: “I like Culham and I rode good there last year. The track flows really well and it’s nice to ride.”
