Ben Spies "2014 with Ducati"

How's your recovery going? 

The recovery is going well...it was a hard to come back from this injury which was very big.
But everything seems to coming along good now.

Do you already got plans for 2014? 

2014 my plans are already with Ducati in MotoGP. Hopefully we can have a better
package next year and start the season at 100 percent

How can you compare two teams Factory Yamaha and Pramac Ducati? 
There are many differences. Obviously being with a factory team your travel and accommodations are a step up and things like that but Pramac has been very good for a satellite team. The main differences at track are working with the Europeans and not Japanese just a different
outlook on things.

You've been in factory Yamaha team for two years, now it's your second year with satellite Ducati , how much support does the team get from Ducati? 
It’s hard for me to completely know this because of my limited time riding this
year, but to me it looks like that the Factory works closer with Pramac then Yamaha does with their satellite teams.

This year your teammate is rookie Andrea Iannone, how's your relations, you are friends or more like rivals? 
Our relationship is good I would say we have to be more rivals than friends because he speaks little English so we don’t hang out much but he’s friendly so we have no problem.

What was most difficult when you moved from SBK to GP?
 I would say the bikes for sure is the biggest difference and the paddock is much different

Which paddock you like more, WSBK or MotoGP? 
WSBK

This year we've got three American rounds in MotoGP calendar, but which is your favorite? 
Austin for sure....the track is amazing and it’s in Texas

What is your motivation for racing? 
To keep pushing and to better myself.It’s a great feeling when you battle a whole
race with someone and come out on top.

How many tattoos you've got? 
5 I think. one is very big and half of my arm that has a lot of details

Are you superstitious? Do you have any special rituals/preparations before the race? 
I have my routine but I’m not superstitious

Your favorite race track and why? 
Probably Laguna Seca because I’ve been there many times and it’s a very fun weekend

Your favorite occupation outside the track? 
Cycling and my restaurant stack house burgers!

Who would you be unless being racer? 
Probably a baseball player

Which of your races you can name "best of the best"? 
Assen MotoGP when I won was my biggest race. But the most
fun was WSBK in Assen in 2009 when I came from 3rd to 1st with 2 laps to go and won.

Who would be your favorite rider to ride alongside? Past or present. 
I think Colin Edwards who I looked up to when I was young but I got to be teammates with him in Tech 3.

By: Anna Belkina
Photo: pramac.com

Interview:Damian Cudlin

Damian "Damo" Cudlin is  a professional motorcycle racer from Australia. He competes in the Endurance FIM World Championship and the IDM German Superbike championship. He was the 2010 IDM German Supersport champion.This year he was wildcard rider for Desguaces La Torre SAG team in Assen and Sachsenring He's also coach for Australian Moto3 rookie racer Jack Miller.

He kindly agreed for  little chat with me.

BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent on the top step of the podium at the 8 Hours of Doha 2012

BB: Your favorite race track, and why? 

Damian: Phillip Island because of it's fast and flowing corners. Riding a MotoGP bike there in 2011 was a fantastic experience.

BB: This season you moved to the Endurance, are you happy with your results there?
Damian:It wasn’t a bad year. I’m satisfied with the job I did as a rider, but I’d be lying if I told you I was satisfied with the outcome of the season. I was vetoed by two teams before the season began; first from Van Zon BMW in the IDM, and then from QMMF in Moto2. Both teams dumped me last minute in favor of well-funded riders, which left me with only Endurance to race in. Although I rode well in EWC, we suffered from so much bad luck and we wound up 2nd again.

Securing pole position and winning the last round of the IDM as a wild card rider for the RAC Racing Team was probably the highlight of my year, although it only proved that I could’ve won the championship had I not been screwed in the off-season…

I am motivated for 2013 though. I believe I’m finally in a position to win both titles; EWC and IDM, and if I can do that it will make all the shit before it worthwhile!

BB: Do you already have plans for the 2013 season? 

Podium for  BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent in 2011

Damian: In 2013 I’m planning to compete in both the Endurance World Championship and the IDM Superbike Championship, while going to as many GP’s as I can to help Jack Miller as a coach in Moto3. Personally, I think I’m in a position to win both championships in 2013 and that’s my goal. As for Jack, I’d like to see him grow as a rider with a good crew of people around him and build up bit by bit as the year progresses. I’m certain that we’ll see him on the podium next year and I’m excited to see what he can do. Hopefully we can both kick some ass next year!

BB: Are you superstitious? Do you have any special rituals before the race?

Damian: A little. I always wear a chain around my neck, and I always put my gloves and boots on left side first.

BB: Do you watch any racing championships, if yes do you have any favorite riders there?

Damian: Of course I watch MotoGP and WSBK for example, but I enjoy to watch all types of racing... My favorite riders are the ones that are the most down to earth and "normal" people. I don't like the Superstar attitude. Troy Bayliss was my favorite rider, and he's also a great guy.

BB: Do you listen music before the race?If yes, what kind of music do you prefer?

Damian: I don't listen to music before the race, but I am a big fan of Rock Music like Metallica, AC/DC, etc.

BB: What is your favorite occupation outside the race track?What you do to relax?

Damian: I enjoy playing my guitars. It's great way to relax and forget about racing.

BB: What do you think is the most important thing for young racer?

Damian:  The best advice I give to kids who plan on making a career out of racing is to work on the things OFF the bike as much as those ON the bike. Learn about motorcycle engines, study data recording, take a suspension course, learn a language, etc. These are things that I’ve learned later in my career, but they’ve made the biggest difference.

BB: And few words for those who will read this interview...
Thanks for the support and don't forget to join the Convict Club! Hope to see you at a racetrack soon!

www.facebook.com/convictclub

Rider bio:

Damian as replacement for Loris Capirossi in Motegi 2011

Full Name- Damian Shane Cudlin

Nationality- Australian

Age- 28

Height- 5’10

Weight- 70kg

Nickname- Damo

Injuries- Broken Left foot, Broken Left heel, Broken right ankle, Broken left wrist, Broken right wrist,Broken right arm, Broken right collarbone, Broken Back.

First Bike- PW50

First Race- 7 years of age

Achievements:

1995 Australian Junior Sidecar Champion

1996 Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion

1997 Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion

1998 Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion

Australian Junior Long Track Champion

1999 6th Australian 125 GP Championship

2000 Formula Xtreme Privateer Champion

7th Formula Xtreme Championship

2001 5th Australian Superbike Championship

2002 4th Final Race World Endurance Championship

2003 9th World Endurance Championship

2004 6th Australian Superbike Championship

2005 4th World Endurance Championship

2006 3rd World Endurance Championship

2007 3rd World Endurance Championship

2008 8th World Endurance Championship

3rd IDM German Supersport Championship

2009 7th World Endurance Championship

2010  IDM German Supersport Champion

            7th Sachsenring Moto 2 Grand Prix

2011 4th IDM German Superbike Championship

          MOTOGP debut in Japanese Grand Prix- Pramac Racing

          2nd World Endurance Championship

Text:Anna Belkina
Bio info: damian-cudlin.com
Photos:motor-racing.tv/bmw/;  damian-cudlin.com

Interview:Mark Fincham

There are many celebrities who in some ways inspire public. Today we've gonna talk with  not really  well-known but great and I think inspiring person, talented rider of MRO Rookies cup Mark Fincham.

Mark Fincham was born and  raised in King's Lynn, Norfolk. He was with bikes since  the age of 13. 

After finishing his A-Levels he decided to embark upon a career in the Royal Marines. Still into bikes but not getting much time to persue the track side of things he just did track days.

In March 2007 Fincham was involved in a nasty road accident where a car pulled a U-turn in front of him,having broken  his back and everything below.  The doctor said  "Time heals all.", but ankle was ruined. In 2009 he opted for an elective amputation of his  lower left leg to continue his career within the Royal Marines.  After an intensive physiotherapy course he was up and walking, running and continuing with life.  

Unfortunately early 2011 Mark realized that his  career in the Marines was over.  

And then he started racing again. At first there were track days, but now he races in the MRO rookies championship. This year he end on second position in championship. He's current bike is Kawasaki ZX-10. 

BB: How you get into the bikes? 

Mark: I remember being in the car as a small boy and my Dad telling me when a bike was coming past, from there I started watching races

BB: Why bike racing, not cars, or some other kind of sport? 

Mark: Well when I was 15 I was heavily into basketball, I wasnt too bad either but I thought I was better than I was, at the time my Dad offered to sponsor me racing as I still loved the bikes.  At the time I prefered the basketball, so it did nearly end up a different sport ( if only I had the talent).  Never would it be cars, cars get you from A to B, bike do the same but are so much more fun.

BB: What do you find most challenging in racing?

Mark: Haha the most challenging thing I face is myself, my standards for myself are unreachable, I think that comes from my former career in the military.

BB: What was your first bike?

Mark: My first bike was some field bike, I cant remember what it was, I do remember getting chased alot on it.

BB: You end this season really good, huge amount of trophies, 2nd overall, congratulations, are you satisfied with this results?

Mark: Well when we entered this season I wanted to win, my tolerance was top 3, but had accepted the fact it might be top ten.  So when you look at it like that finishing 2nd in my first ever year isnt too bad, but I m not happy as I made a huge mistake in the last meeting of the year that cost me the championship.  I had been faster than my competitor all weekend and hadnt pushed myself so I know that without that mistake I would've won the title.  I have come away from this year with about 26 trophies out of a possible 30 so thats not too bad I guess?

BB: Do you already have plans for 2013?

Mark: My plans for 2013 are too continue racing with BMCRC at the premier level, and possible do a few BSB rounds in the Superstock class

BB: Are you superstitious?Do you have any special rituals/preparations before the race?

Mark: I'm not really superstitious, but I have a few routines, leathers- my left leg ( prosthetic) goes on first, right leg, pull them around my waist and make sure my fake leg is on properly. Boots on next, followed by back protector and leathers going on my top half (undone).  Left ear plug followed by right, helmet, right glove, left glove then leathers zipped up.  I usually go for a nervous wee before all that happens too.

BB: I guess you train a lot, what does your usual training session consist of?

Mark: My training can be limited with a prosthetic leg, but I swim like a fish, hand cycle loads, then I do all endurance boy weight stuff for strength.

BB: In your opinion what is the most important thing for a young/rookie rider?

Mark: The most important thing for any rider is to enjoy it, every weekend has its ups and downs, not many are completely up.  The more I am enjoying a weekend the fast I go..

BB: Who would be your favorite rider to ride alongside?Past or present

Mark: Wow to ride alongside?!  Without a doubt Marco Simoncelli, without a doubt Valentino is a god and very clinical, but there was something about Marco, he was the Ayrton Senna of bikes, capable of making his bike do things it shouldnt and in such a style that made me grin like a kid everytime I saw him battle.

BB: Do you watch any racing championships?And who's your favorite rider? 

Mark: I watch GP, WSB, BSB, my favourite rider is Valentino, he is one year older than me and I have been lucky enough to watch his career develop.  Its a shame that people says he's lost it when at that level you need the machinery to perform, Vale doesnt need perfection but he needs more than what he has at Ducati, think about it he is 1 second off the pace around a 3 mile circuit..1 second!!  Look at your clocks and watch it tick once.. thats how much slower he is on the Duke than a Honda around 4800 metres of track.  

BB: And lastly, small message for the our readers. 

Mark: To all your readers,  thank you for reading this interview, if any of you come to the club racing or BSB paddock and see me please come and say hello, I'm hard to miss, not many racers have one leg :)  Also you can follow me on twitter @markfincham23

Rider bio:

Name - Mark Fincham

Nickname - 'Finchy'

D.O.B - 9/7/80

Height - 185cm

Weight - 97kgs

Current Bike - Kawasaki ZX10R - Ducati 916 - Honda Fireblade

Text:Anna Belkina
Photos: From Mark Fincham's  personal FB page 

Томми Хейден: короткое интервью

Томми - старший из братьев Хейденов, сегодня отвечал на вопросы в Q&ASTARS. 
Вот несколько  вопросов из этой сессии которые я взяла в интервью(не все они задавались мной).


Твой любимый гоночный трек?
Лагуна Сека, по нескольким причинам: во первых- прекрасный трек, во вторых уик-енд комбинирован с MOTOGP, именно тогда мы с братьями можем погонять на одном треке.
Как считаешь, ты будешь более конкурентноспособным в этом сезоне, с учетом того, что ты уже уверен в том, что у тебя есть место в команде?
Да, я считаю, что после этого я буду более конкурентноспособным, потому что теперь могу быть более сфокусированным на гонке  и меньше думать о будущем.
То, что у тебя есть дети, как-то влияет на гонки?
Нет, просто после гонки я чуть больше спешу домой.
Есть ли у тебя какие- либо "спец" ритуалы перед гонкой?
Нет, у меня нет никаких ритуалов
Ты слушаешь музыку перед гонками?Если да, то какой стиль предпочитаешь?
Да, иногда. Обычно реп/хип-хоп, но иногда это может быть и рок.
Что ты считаешь самым главным для молодого гонщика?
Самое главное для молодого гонщика практика и тренировки.

вопросы: Анна Белкина, Q&ASTARS.
фото:sportrider.com

Интервью:Брэд Биндер

Брэд Биндер-молодой Южно Африканский пилот,который в этом году пришел в новый класс мото3.У него за спиной два сезона в RedBull Rookies Cup, Региональные и Национальные титулы, а началось все в 9 лет с картинга, в котором этот парень тоже преуспел.
Брэд любезно согласился провести коротенькое интервью,просто для того,что бы представить его моим читателям.
BB:Насколько я знаю ,начинал ты с картинга, почему после этого выбрал мотогонки?
Brad:Нету какой либо особой причины.
Просто я решил, что два колеса это круче ,чем четыре:намного больше веселья!
BB:В двух предыдущих сезонах ты выступал в Red Bull Rookies Cup, в этом сезоне ты в новом классе Мото3. Насколько большая разница между мотоциклами этих классов?
Brad:На самом деле эти мотоциклы нельзя так просто сравнивать. Мотоцикл Rookies Cup двухтактный, а мотоцикл Мото3 четырехтактный. Но есть одна большая разница между этими мотоциклами, мотоцикл Мото 3 имеет телеметрию.
BB:Этот сезон для тебя начался не очень хорошо, из четырех гонок ты финишировал только в одной, какие прогнозы на остаток сезона?
Brad:Пока я просто надеюсь достичь хороших результатов, конечно же попасть в топ 10!
BB:Есть ли уже планы на сезон 2013?
Brad:Планирую остаться в Мото3..
BB:Следишь за какими то чемпионатами, за кого то болеешь?
Brad:Я люблю Южно Африканский супербайк, и конечно же мировой супербайк!Моим любимым гонщиком всегда был Валентино Росси. Я думаю, все молодые гонщики брать пример с него.
BB:Веришь ли ты в приметы, есть ли у тебя какой то особы й ритуал перед гонкой?
Brad:Жаль вас разочаровывать, но у меня нет никаких особых ритуалов. Правда за пять минут до каждой практики и гонки я посещаю ванну. Это считается?
Brad:Что по твоему самое важное для молодого гонщика?
Никогда не сдавайтесь! .. Но это банально.
Я бы сказал, молодым гонщикам нужна хорошая поддержка семьи..и хорошие спонсоры!
BB:Короткое пожелание тем кто будет читать это интервью:)
Brad:Присоединяйтесь ко мне в твиттере @bradbinder41 !!! :)

В моем блоге вы сможете читать обновления о Брэде по ходу сезона.

Огромное спасибо за это интервью @BradBinder41 и  @Ella23MotoGp :)

Text:Hannah Belkina
Photo:Official Brad Binder Facebook page 

Few q's with Brad Binder

Brad in Le-Mans.

Brad Binder is 16 year old South African Moto3 rider who came in this class from Red Bull Rookies Cup.Hope you enjoy our little interview
BB:As far as I know your racing career had started in kart racing, but why did you choose bikes after that?
Brad:There's not a specific reason, I just thought two wheels were better than four wheels : much more fun!
BB:In seasons 2010/2011 you raced in Red Bull Rookies Cup,now you moved to the new Moto3 class. What is the difference between RedBull Rookies Cup and Moto3 bikes?
Brad:Well these kinds of bikes are not really comparable for one big reason, the Rookies Cup bikes are 2 strokes,while Moto3 bikes are 4 strokes. One big difference of GP bikes is that they have telemetry.
BB:This season started not very good for you. What are your predictions for the next races?
Brad:Well, I just hope to get good results possibly inside the top 10!
BB:Do you already have plans for the season 2013?
Brad:I just plan to stay in Moto3..
BB:Are you superstitious?Do you have some special ritual before the first race?
Brad:No sorry to disappoint you but I have no special rituals.. Actually I go to the bathroom five minutes before each practice session and race, does that count?
BB:Do you watch any racing championships? And who's your favorite rider?
Brad:I love watching South African superbike and of course World Superbike! My favourite rider has always been Valentino Rossi, I think every young rider should look up to him!
BB:What do you think is the most important thing for a young racer?
Brad:Never give up!.. but everyone says that!
I'd say young riders need good support from their families mainly.. And good sponsors!
BB:And short message for those who will read this interview.
Brad:Follow me on Twitter @bradbinder41 !!! :)

Huge thanks for this interview to the @BradBinder41 and  @Ella23MotoGp :)

Text:Hannah Belkina
Photo:Official Brad Binder Facebook page