The Biker Place

Our successful series of interviews with the country’s up and coming young motorcycle racers continues here with an interview with Jack Booth.

If you have missed any of the previous interviews you can view the motorcycle interviews here. If you are interested in getting an interview yourself, get set up on The Biker Place and contact us once your profile page is up.

An Interview with motorcycle racer Jack Booth

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

From the age of 6 I watched my uncle Rod race minimoto sidecars, he was British Champion twice before moving on to F2 600cc outfits, he got me my first ride at the age of 7 on a hire bike and then helped my dad find me my first Pollini 4.2 minimoto.

You started racing minimotos in 2002, 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?

Definitely minimoto’s, just look at the riders who have come from them! I raced with the MMRA British championships and I still believe this to be the best championship in the UK. Also Metrakits are a great introduction to Gearbox & suspension race bikes.

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

Throughout the winter months I play rugby league at quite a high club and area level I put in approx 8 hours training a week for this as well as games at the weekend. I believe the fitness levels needed to play rugby help a lot with my stamina when racing. I also ride dirt bikes in the winter and during the racing season I continue with the rugby training along with a little gym work and as many track/practice days as we can manage to fit in.

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

I have raced with and against some of the best Chris Jones (CJ), Scott Redding, Alex Gault, Robbie Stewart, Azman and Danny Kent to name but a few but my biggest rivalry has been with Shaun Winfield right from minimoto’s through the Metrakits and the Aprillia’s.

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

There have been a few but winning the British minimoto PG class in ‘04 following in the footsteps of Chas Davies and Alex Gault stands out.

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

Again there have been a few, crashing in Valencia whilst lying 5th on lap 2 of the World Metrakit challenge and being told that I had been deducted 25 seconds for an alleged yellow flag infringement whilst being interviewed on the winners podium at Knockhill last season stick in my mind.

Could you give us a little run down on where you will be racing in 2008 and on what machine(s)?

The Scottish F125 Championship is my main aim for ‘08 on the Aprillia’s, I will also be campaigning the RS125 Honda and the Aprillia’s at Anglesey, Aintree, Croft,and Mallory and possibly one or two other club meetings.

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

I really believe that I have a good chance in Scotland this year, I also want to learn and progress with the Honda and to ride as many different circuits as possible this year.

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

In ‘09 I will move to mini-twins as soon as I’m 15 to gain experience on the four strokes before hopefully moving to 600 fours in 2010 when I’m 16. My aim is to ride in BSB superbikes before my 20th Birthday.

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

Obviously Mum & Dad also CJ, Scott Redding and Alex Gault all spent time with me and showed me the ropes when I first started in minimoto’s, Alex and his Dad still help me a lot even now. Dave Wadsworth (Max’s Dad) who taught me a lot, all my sponsors, family and friends for all the help and support and last but not least TheBikerPlace for the added exposure.

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

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