Reigning Motul MX Nationals MX1 class champion Dean Ferris will enter this weekend’s 2017 season-opener at Wonthaggi as the title favourite, back with CDR Yamaha to defend the number one plate. After clinching second in the New Zealand nationals last weekend, recently launching his official website at www.deanferris.com.au and unveiling a unique merchandise range available online and at events this season. MotoOnline.com.au spoke to the 26-year-old Kyogle resident for his take on a variety of subjects this week.

Why is it such good preparation to race in NZ prior to the MX Nationals?

It’s good to get the first race jitters out of the way and we use the nationals there as a testing ground. We’re testing our new settings, new goggle set-ups and things like that, while there’s obviously good competition there as well.

Why does wearing the number one plate change your approach – if at all – for the 2017 season?

It hasn’t changed my approach at all and, so far, it all feels the same. I’ve been doing the same preparation and there’s the same pressure to win. Having one more year of experience under the belt is positive, so it doesn’t change much at all. We’re with the same team and we’ve got the same goals, because we’re in a new championship and it’s a new opportunity for us.

Why did you sign a motocross-only deal for 2017 and is that still the plan?

I signed that motocross-only deal just to give myself an opportunity after the MX Nationals to chase something in grand prix or AMA, without being tied down to Australia. It’s still the plan, but I want to put in a big effort in June, see what that gets me and depending on the outcome, that will depend if I do supercross or not. I’m fully aware that I signed that deal before supercross even started last year and it went a lot better than I anticipated, plus I really enjoyed it. It depends on what I do in 2018 whether I race it again or not.

Why have you decided to launch your own merchandise line this year?

It’s all part of the bigger plan. My girlfriend and I launched the website to interact with fans and try to get closer with them. With the merchandise, from my experience coming from Europe, where everybody cheers for their countryman, we don’t have that here because we’re all Aussies. I felt like this is an opportunity to separate myself from the others and give kids a hero and someone to cheer for, so launching a merchandise range is a good way to do that and none of my competitors have it. I launched it at Hervey Bay recently and it was overwhelming, the response I got, whether it was the kids, families or even some of the older fans. I saw them all running around on the Sunday at the race with the Ferris shirt on, that type of thing, so it’s definitely working so far.

Why does having a quality website benefit a pro motocrosser?

I think that the sponsors I have really appreciate it and any potential sponsors that I approach, it makes it easy to show them what I can do, the results that I have and my story – all they have to do is click onto my website. So, that’s been a big benefit so far and just being able to write a blog, put it somewhere and provide something more for the fans. You know, if they’re interested, they get to know me more through my website pretty much. There are links to my media, albums from over the years, links to my merchandise, where I’m going to be and Kevin Williams has allowed us to stream the MX Nationals live through my site. It gives people a good chance to get on and check it all out, what I’m up to and where I’m at.