The Biker Place

The Biker Place interview series with the future stars of British motorcycle racing continues here with an interview with Jay Dunn, 2007 GSXR Under 23’s Trophy winner.

Jay will be competing in the National Junior Superstock in 2008 and The Biker Place would like to thank him and his dad Steve for taking the time to do this interview.

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

I rode a little motocross at around age 10 before i got bored of it due too having to clean it. Then back in early 2002 my father had bought a bike after 17 years and i loved going on the back of it, as time passed i got more and more into my extreme sports, and in mid 2002 i had a go on a minimoto at NASS 2002 Event, and my love came from then on.

You started racing minimotos in 2003, 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?

For the young riders out there, phoenix racing will sort you out, also i advise anyone who starts and doesnt have the ambition to go professional, dont empty your pockets because its not easy in the long run. And secondly, race for pleasure and passion, motorsports have unfortunately lost a little passion and money is all most are interested in. Just LOVE IT!

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

My training consists of 6 days per week cardiovascular with 4 days weight training, and I am adamant that fitness is as important as both attitude and skill. Practice or “testing” as us racers say, it is important that you get track time, practice makes perfect, the longer and the more you do something, the more it becomes a part of you. Recently my team and I have’nt participated in any testing due to complications with certain regulations, but we will be out in march and ready to take on the world.

2007 saw you win the GSXR Under 23’s Trophy and finishing runner up in the GSXR Trophy itself, a great acheivement. What did you take away from that years racing? and would you recommend the GSXR Trophy to junior racers as a stepping stone to future championships?

You probably expect a racing judgement from this question, but all I can say is that, I took away happy memories, and contacts of great people from this championship, if I may say so, its a no bollocks, cheap and friendly championship, with a level playing field and I recommend it to anyone. A great stepping stone into national level racing.

How did you find competing in the European Superstock championship and the GSXR 750 European Cup?

Well, one sentence to sum it up, “doesnt get much harder than that” after racing at Assen in the 750 cup and finishing 11th, i over estimated myself and when i got to 600s I very much payed the penalty, these kids are just as much the future stars as me or alex gault, BJ toal, leon camier, james toseland etc. 30 future champions, all elbow to elbow and its hard work, you learn a lot from european level racing but i advise anyone not to bother unless you are winning everything in your country, otherwise you may come away with your hood up kicking up the leaves.

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

I have 4 all in contention.

1. Finishing second in MRO at silverstone after nearly breaking my back the day before.
2. Finishing 2nd after going onto wet grass at 140mph on lap1 dropped to 15th against 1000cc machines on a 600.
3. Putting the forks through 5mm allowing me to win the last 2 rounds of the GSXR cup with ease.
4. Breaking Casey Stoners Lap record at 3 Sisters in 2005.

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

Anglesey 2007, GSXR cup, 20 laps, rode my heart out, leading, next minute 3 seconds back and in 3rd place, fought my way back took the lead on penultimate corner, gas on 2 late and beaten to the line. Dad says nobody being interested in me after last years achievments in The ACU GSXR Cup and then reading there looking for the next great star in racing this year,(whats that all about?).

Give us a little run down on where you will be competing and on what bike(s) for 2008?

I will be competing in the National Superstock class for 2008 riding a Honda, for team TFM who will be having their official grand opening at Snetterton on 22nd of March.

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

I Will Be 2008 National SuperStock 600 Champion, “Watch This Space!” - Dad says dont be to cocky LOL

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

British Supersport, onto World Supersport, hopefully Motogp will announce supersport over 250s and then on to Motogp.

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

My Dad more than anyone, but Mike Hawthorn my mentor and mechanic, phoenix racing for starting me off, and every sponsor since then, inc, Richard Baker and Roger Sando, also Stuart Hibbert for putting lots of effort in for me over the past few weeks.

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

Its a pleasure, P.S. Back the future starts fund!

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