Features 10 Jul 2012

Five Questions Why: Brad Anderson

MotoOnline.com.au hits British import Brad Anderson with Five Questions Why.

Carlton Dry Thor Honda Racing’s Brad Anderson was imported from the UK to spearhead Team Red’s campaign with the sole intention of ending Honda’s MX1 title drought.

MotoOnline.com.au tracked down the defending British Motocross Champion and threw some stiff questions his way to see if he could handle the heat – Without further ado, here’s Five Questions Why with Brad Anderson.

Brad Anderson, a former British motocross champion, made the move to Australia for 2012. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Why did you decide to come to Australia to race instead of defending your UK crown?

I have won the British championship twice now and feel I needed a new goal. I have ridden the same tracks in England since I was eight years old and was ready for a change. The Carlton Dry Thor Honda team offered me an opportunity to race in Australia for a year, so here I am.

Why will you win the MX1 title?

I always put in a 110 percent effort. Every time I get on a bike I try my hardest and I never give up. Motocross is my life.

Why has supercross struggled to gain traction in Australia?

The only thing I can think of us the physical distance between meetings. Australia is so big and the races are spread out, in England you can drive to and from all the races in a day. I haven’t done any supercross racing here in Australia yet, so I can’t really comment.

Anderson currently sits third overall in the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals MX1 standings. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Why is the new CRF450 a title-winning machine?

The Honda is a very strong all-round bike. Honda has a great name when it comes to reliability, the engine is strong and the suspension really complements the entire package. I love the Honda. I’ve been with them a few years now, and couldn’t be happier with them.

Why is – or isn’t – the UK better than Australia?

Each country is so different. There are advantages to each country. Obviously the weather is a lot better here than it is back home, but I feel the racing format is better in England. I don’t understand the point of having two back-to-back 15 minute motos. Why not have two 30 minute races, or three 20 minute races?

You don’t have time to change, wash the bike, and the mechanic can’t check over the machine and make changes if you get a bad start. It also gives you no time to come through the pack, which is what people like to see, and the stopping and starting knackers your body.

I think the team set-ups are better here in Australia, but I love the fact there is a lot less travelling in England. Both countries have good riders, and the level of competition in both countries is very similar.

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