The Biker Place

Our series of interviews continues here with Alex Gault, who will be racing in the National Junior Superstock in 2008 for Astro Kawasaki and we would like to thank him and Alex Snr for taking the time to do this interview.

What first got you interested in motorcycle racing and who inspired you to get involved?

In fact it was by accident, I wasn’t inspired by anyone really it just sort of happened. No one n the family raced bikes or anything like that, my Dad had raced Karts when he was young. I was 9 or 10 at the time and seen an advert for a minimoto hire event, I remember it was the same weekend, I was meant to go and see Wrestling at the SECC in Glasgow. I chose to go to the minimoto event.

You started racing minimotos in 2000, what advice would you give to anyone out there who would like to get involved in racing but doesn’t know where to start or who to get in touch with?

I’d say you do not have much choice, since racing involves a lot of travel, unless you are really committed; you have to go with your local club or organiser, although I started off in car parks, now there is so much bother from minibikes being used irresponsibly go to organised events or get permission from the land owner.

How much time do you put into training/practicing to be a competitive racer?

Not much when compared to others, it is difficult for me to get track time in Scotland so we have to travel, I do quite a bit of physical training which I feel is important but would like a lot more time on the Bike.

Since you began racing have you had any battles or rivalries with any other particular riders?

I remember racing Chris Jones, Scott Redding, Ross Wiltshire was another good racer, last year I got the chance to race against BJ Toal and David Paton both have gone on the greater things this year.

To date what has been your most memorable moment/acheivement in racing?

I get asked this quite a lot, I haven’t got one really they are all great memories.

And, what has been your worst/most disappointing moment in racing?

I’d have to say the way things went with the Malagutti, that was a great opportunity for me, it just went wrong.

2007 saw you winning a ride in the European Suzuki GSXR Cup, only to be told you couldn’t race due to being too young. How much of a disappointment was this? And what did you end up doing the 2007 season?

That was a great disappointment; we had started the process of preparing for it, so much so I would say it knackered my year up. Still you go through life and learn many lessons. I can’t say it was a disappointing year though; we got on top of the bike and had many great races with some good results.

For 2008, like a lot of riders listed on this site, you will be competing in the Junior Superstock Championship for Astro Kawasaki. Can you tell us a little more on how this ride came about and how do feel about moving to a Kawasaki?

We were contacted fairly early on by Stuart Tromans the Boss at Astro, Although it was not certain I would ride for them it has turned out perfect as not only was it a good offer but the people at Astro are first class and I get on really well with them, I only hope I don’t let them down, in what looks to be my toughest challenge to-date!

What are your aims or what do you think you can acheive in 2008?

It is an unknown: with it being a new class, on a new bike and in a new team there are so many variables, not least the very talented riders that have entered the series.

Can I answer this one after the 3rd or 4th round? (admin - Sure, we’ll ask you again in a few months)

What would be your ideal career path in motorcycle racing from where you are now?

I guess now I would have to choose the European route, so much depends on finances and the logistics of doing such a championship, but Ideally Euro Stk600, or 1000’s then Super Sport.

Any people in particular you would like to thank or mention for getting to where you are so far?

My Parents have put so much effort and time into my racing; I will never be able to pay them back. Then there are my sponsors and supporters, I know I would not still be racing if it were not for them, I think they know who they are so I don’t need to name them, there wouldn’t be the room on this page but I am grateful to every one of them.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, good luck for the 2008 season.

My pleasure, thank you for doing so much to promote young racers in this country

Best Wishes

Alex #17

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