Vital MX Forum QNA: Shaun Simpson

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Shaun Simpson
GuyB
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GuyB
Edited Date/Time 4/10/2017 4:41pm


This week's guest in the Vital MX forum QNA is Shaun Simpson. Following in his dad's footsteps as a GP competitor, Shaun has been pro since 2005, is a two-time British champ, and has represented the UK several times in the MXoN. In 2015 he took MXGP victories in Belgium and The Netherlands, raced an MX National in Unadilla where he was fourth overall, and finished fourth in the MXGP series. He's currently riding for the Wilvo Virus Performance KTM team, and getting ready for the start of the MXGP season in Qatar.

Bring your best questions, and he'll be peeking in here this week to answer them. As always, keep it respectful, and ask questions that you would like in a face-to-face meeting.

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shuggs
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shuggs 2/23/2016 10:46am
2/23/2016 10:46am
Now The Boss has retired have you gelled with new mechanic?

Do you like Balmullo or just go there as its near home?
Ramrod
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Ramrod 2/23/2016 11:18am
2/23/2016 11:18am
Awesome ride last year at Unadilla over here!

My question is how did you like the Argentina GP last year? To me the track and surroundings looked spectacular.

Best of luck and success for your 2016 season.
Shaun Simpson 2/23/2016 11:43am
2/23/2016 11:43am
shuggs wrote:
Now The Boss has retired have you gelled with new mechanic?

Do you like Balmullo or just go there as its near home?
Things with my new team WILVO Virus Performance KTM have been going well, it's obviously a big change not having my dad working with me but my new Mechanic Robert is doing everything he can to make me as comfortable as I can be. We have already put in a load of hours testing and I'm sure come this weekend in Qatar we will be ready to go.

Balmullo is a great track and can withstand a great deal of bad weather that the Scotish winter throws it. It's obviously easy for me to go there as its close but I believe it's a great place to lay down some bace fitness doing some winter motos.

Cheers Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/23/2016 11:49am
2/23/2016 11:49am
Ramrod wrote:
Awesome ride last year at Unadilla over here! My question is how did you like the Argentina GP last year? To me the track and surroundings...
Awesome ride last year at Unadilla over here!

My question is how did you like the Argentina GP last year? To me the track and surroundings looked spectacular.

Best of luck and success for your 2016 season.
Argentina GP in 2015 was great. A really refreshing change to arrive and see so much effort having been put in to the track and paddock. It was up there with the best in terms of organisation. I loved the track layout and the jumps were cool, the only strange thing for me was the soil. It didn't hold as well as I thought and was like riding on millions of tiny ball bearings, such a strange feeling and difficult to get your set up and tyre choice correct. I didn't have an amazing weekend but I'm looking forward to getting back there this year.

Thanks,

Shaun

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Full Throttle MX 2/23/2016 11:59am
2/23/2016 11:59am Edited Date/Time 2/23/2016 11:59am
When you were racing in USA, you felt it's easier to compete overseas or MXGP?
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Calihusky 2/23/2016 12:03pm
2/23/2016 12:03pm
Thanks for taking the time to take questions. It was very impressive jumping in at Unadilla and doing so well!
Since you have raced in MXGP and also in the US nationals what things do you think the US series could could take from MXGP and what would you like to see MXGP take from the US series.
Also what are your thoughts on the MXGP in Charlotte motor speedway?
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JackLHyde 2/23/2016 12:14pm
2/23/2016 12:14pm
Who are your best buddies in the paddock Simmo?
What does a GP saturday evening look like for you?
Andy McKinstry 2/23/2016 12:27pm
2/23/2016 12:27pm
Hey shaun!
Thank you for doing this!
Do you feel racing the us national has helped bring you a lot of extra exposure and fans in the usa that you wouldn't have had otherwise?

Also, you have ran the number 24 for years. Is there a special reason you run that number?

Many thanks.
Good luck for Qatar!

Andy.
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Sidecar 2/23/2016 12:31pm
2/23/2016 12:31pm
Hey Shaun... When you gonna man up and get on a sidecar? Be good to see you on one at Weston.....
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mattyhamz2 2/23/2016 12:32pm
2/23/2016 12:32pm
Hey Shaun, thanks for doing this!

I've been a fan of yours for a few years now. My dad and I continue to watch the British Championship races over and over again. Your super smooth style and the way you ride the bike in the meat of the power all the time is truly amazing.

Now for my question. Have you thought about coming here to the U.S. to ride the entire National series? I would really enjoy seeing you race all 12 rounds here. Thanks again for doing this and good luck this weekend! You've got a few fans from the U.S. cheering you on!
Muscle-Milk-KTM 2/23/2016 1:15pm
2/23/2016 1:15pm
Hi Shaun

Do you miss racing a 2 stroke & do you ever ride one for fun?

Does Herlings still wear a Leatt neck brace?

Great ride at the recent Hawkstone International. I'll be cheering you on this year for sure.
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brimx153 2/23/2016 3:41pm
2/23/2016 3:41pm
Hi . Are you looking forward to Desert Martin in the Brit Champs this year. You always ride really well there .Be great to see you ride it again . the first time i ever heard of you . i think you were only 14 at the time racing there for Irish champs there . Best of luck in the GP s this year Smile
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Spydee 2/23/2016 11:52pm
2/23/2016 11:52pm
What's up Shaun? When you over over to the States to ride Unadilla how many members of the public actually recognised you? and did they even know where you were from judging by your accent? Whenever I've gone over to there they seem to confuse the Welsh accent with Australians... god knows how they came to that conclusion Grinning

Good luck for 2016 dude.
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HenryA 2/24/2016 3:22am
2/24/2016 3:22am
Hey Shaun!

The KTM looks like a perfect fit for you, but what's the worst bike you have ever raced?
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Starcrossed 2/24/2016 5:59am
2/24/2016 5:59am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2016 6:01am
Hey Shaun, thanks for taking part in the QnA. I had a chance to say hello and take a couple pics at Unadilla. Congratulations on a terrific performance. Do you have any plans to race any of the nationals in 2016?



philG
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philG 2/24/2016 10:46am
2/24/2016 10:46am
When did you realise that you could win at your first MX1 overall at Lierop.

Did it feel like a home GP.. i have never been in a crowd like that.
Sandwarrior752 2/24/2016 11:27am
2/24/2016 11:27am
Hey Shaun, first of all thanks for the memories i was at Lierop when you won u'r first Gp!

How did you become such an exceptional sand rider ? And how was your experience doing the Unadilla National ? I was really stoked to see an Euro rider go over to the USA to race an outdoor round!
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RG1 2/24/2016 1:09pm
2/24/2016 1:09pm
Hi Shaun, great to see you here on Vital. I was fortunate enough to be at Blaxhall last season when you put on that incredible ride from last to win the last moto, it was probably the best ride I have ever seen, you rode with so much confidence and aggression that day.

My question is, do you think that racing in the British Championship, winning a lot of races and being the best guy there week in-week out has helped you reach the level where you are challenging for GP wins and podiums each week? It's something I noticed with Max too that he seemed to gain confidence and win lots of GP's, I was just wondering what your thoughts are.

Cheers Shaun, best of luck in Qatar and for the entire 2016 season

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DP#201 2/24/2016 1:57pm
2/24/2016 1:57pm
Hi Shaun. What are your goals and expectations for 2016? And I think it was so cool to see you race a national last year. I be rooting for you in the GP's this year, go Shaun!!
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LittleDragon 2/24/2016 2:43pm
2/24/2016 2:43pm Edited Date/Time 2/24/2016 2:44pm
Hi Shaun thanks for joining us. My wife really wants to go vacation in Scotland and even though she is ALWAYS right, and I mean always, I have to admit I am hoping we can make it.

Who was your favorite rider/riders growing up?

How hard is it to get Celtic tickets?

Are Kilts mandatory?
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Ewan 2/24/2016 3:38pm
2/24/2016 3:38pm
Hell yes!

No Kilt, no entry!
Shaun Simpson 2/24/2016 11:10pm
2/24/2016 11:10pm
Full Throttle MX wrote:
When you were racing in USA, you felt it's easier to compete overseas or MXGP?
Racing in the USA is easier as you are totally geared up for motocross. I mean, when we go to Thailand or Mexico it's difficult for the guys there to know what the track should be like as the level there is much lower. In the U.S. Everything is set up real nice and makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Fly over, ride your bike on a nicely prepped track and go home, no drama.

Thanks
Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:07am
2/25/2016 12:07am
Calihusky wrote:
Thanks for taking the time to take questions. It was very impressive jumping in at Unadilla and doing so well! Since you have raced in MXGP...
Thanks for taking the time to take questions. It was very impressive jumping in at Unadilla and doing so well!
Since you have raced in MXGP and also in the US nationals what things do you think the US series could could take from MXGP and what would you like to see MXGP take from the US series.
Also what are your thoughts on the MXGP in Charlotte motor speedway?
Having races the two different series last year I would say that the MXGP series could learn a lot from the track prep and the way that creates good racing. Also in the U.S. There was only 2-3 classes and they have time to work on the track so it's great for the pro riders. On the flip side I think what the U.S. Could take is running the race on only one day is quite hectic, although I like the one day format I think it's Over quickly and sometimes a bit of a rush... Maybe it's because I'm used to it feeling like a long weekend.

Cheers

Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:10am
2/25/2016 12:10am
JackLHyde wrote:
Who are your best buddies in the paddock Simmo?
What does a GP saturday evening look like for you?
My best buddies at the track are probably my teammate Adam Sterry, Ben and Nathan Watson, I suppose I'm mates with just as many mechanics as riders. I don't got to the races to hang out with the boys, it's work but it's nice to keep it fun now and then. A bit of British banter goes a long way...

Thanks Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:13am
2/25/2016 12:13am
Andy McKinstry wrote:
Hey shaun! Thank you for doing this! Do you feel racing the us national has helped bring you a lot of extra exposure and fans in...
Hey shaun!
Thank you for doing this!
Do you feel racing the us national has helped bring you a lot of extra exposure and fans in the usa that you wouldn't have had otherwise?

Also, you have ran the number 24 for years. Is there a special reason you run that number?

Many thanks.
Good luck for Qatar!

Andy.
I would say racing in the U.S. Really opened people's minds to who I am and what I'm capable of. It was as much a dream for me to ride over there at a national but I think it's been great for me to gather some more exposure and fans. People kept thanking me for taking the time out to go over and have a go! I really enjoyed it and can only thank everyone for being so friendly and welcoming!

Basically I finished 24th in the MX2 championship in 2007 and it kinda stuck, I had a great season in 2008 running the '24' and liked it... So kept running it...

Thanks Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:14am
2/25/2016 12:14am
Sidecar wrote:
Hey Shaun... When you gonna man up and get on a sidecar? Be good to see you on one at Weston.....
I have actually tried this before, brutal! I tried riding it and on the side... I was useless at both... I'll leave riding sidecars to the pros...

Thanks
Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:17am
2/25/2016 12:17am
mattyhamz2 wrote:
Hey Shaun, thanks for doing this! I've been a fan of yours for a few years now. My dad and I continue to watch the British...
Hey Shaun, thanks for doing this!

I've been a fan of yours for a few years now. My dad and I continue to watch the British Championship races over and over again. Your super smooth style and the way you ride the bike in the meat of the power all the time is truly amazing.

Now for my question. Have you thought about coming here to the U.S. to ride the entire National series? I would really enjoy seeing you race all 12 rounds here. Thanks again for doing this and good luck this weekend! You've got a few fans from the U.S. cheering you on!
I have never counted out coming to the U.S. And riding a complete championship. I would love to do it and take on the new challenge but at the moment I still feel like I have some unfinished business in Europe and feel like I've got a good crack at it for the next couple years so I'm focus img on that. You will probably see me at a national or two in the next year or so though. Watch this space! Thanks for the support!
Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:20am
2/25/2016 12:20am
Muscle-Milk-KTM wrote:
Hi Shaun Do you miss racing a 2 stroke & do you ever ride one for fun? Does Herlings still wear a Leatt neck brace? Great...
Hi Shaun

Do you miss racing a 2 stroke & do you ever ride one for fun?

Does Herlings still wear a Leatt neck brace?

Great ride at the recent Hawkstone International. I'll be cheering you on this year for sure.
Good question, I haven't rode a 2 stroke fire ages! I really need to get one for fun riding and see what I think to it again. I'm sure it would be strange as I really enjoy the torque of the 4 stroke so I'd have to watch out for the 2 stroke snap... I'm sure I'd be ok...

For some reason JH84 has stopped using his Leatt Neck Brace. I still feel as comfortable and protected as ever wearing mine so I'll continue as usual.

Thanks

Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:21am
2/25/2016 12:21am
brimx153 wrote:
Hi . Are you looking forward to Desert Martin in the Brit Champs this year. You always ride really well there .Be great to see you...
Hi . Are you looking forward to Desert Martin in the Brit Champs this year. You always ride really well there .Be great to see you ride it again . the first time i ever heard of you . i think you were only 14 at the time racing there for Irish champs there . Best of luck in the GP s this year Smile
Desert Martin. Now there's a great circuit. I will surely be looking forward to this round of the Britisj Championship. Many a good memory from there back in the day. Always so much effort goes in to the track there which is great to see.
See you there!
Shaun
Shaun Simpson 2/25/2016 12:23am
2/25/2016 12:23am
Spydee wrote:
What's up Shaun? When you over over to the States to ride Unadilla how many members of the public actually recognised you? and did they even...
What's up Shaun? When you over over to the States to ride Unadilla how many members of the public actually recognised you? and did they even know where you were from judging by your accent? Whenever I've gone over to there they seem to confuse the Welsh accent with Australians... god knows how they came to that conclusion Grinning

Good luck for 2016 dude.
Do me it was good timing. I had just won the GO at Lommel a week before so people did recognise me. We had a feel laughs about my accent but it was all good... Funny story though - One guy introduced me as Shane Simpson from Scotchland!

Cheers Shaun

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