Luke Norris is looking forward to round one of the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship next weekend, which will also be his home race at Culham. The Bicester-based racer battled injury throughout 2016, but is looking for some a strong season aboard his Geartec Husqvarna and is motivated to kick off his campaign at the old-school track in a positive way. We caught up with the MX2 racer to find out just how he’s doing heading into the new season. 2016 saw you finish up 19th in the MX2 class, how was the season for you and how do you feel about where you finished in the championship?
“It started out pretty tough for me coming back from a bad leg injury, but I improved each round and ended the year on a high with 4th overall at Foxhills. Overall I was happy with how the year progressed and it’s set me up really well going into the new season.”
Tell us a bit about your history, how things have progressed throughout your career?
“I’ve had some good races as a youth rider. I managed to win a few national races and also won a championship. My jump up to the adult ranks hasn’t been easy, but I feel like I’m really finding my feet now and I’m confident I can get some good results in 2017. “
Was Culham a track that you used as a schoolboy rider, if so what achievements did you get there and your best memories?
“I’ve raced at Culham a lot over the years. I’ve had some really good memories from winning races in the youth ranks and some good results at British championship level. It’s definitely a track I love going back to and it helps just being down the road from me.”
Being a local rider to the circuit, have you ridden the track since the recent revamp and what are your thoughts?
“I raced the track at the start of the 2016 season and loved it - they always do a great job of prepping the track and it gets really technical. Not many tracks get ruts like Culham does!”
What’s your plan / expectation for the season opener and the remaining rounds?
“My expectation is to have a solid first round inside the top 10 then build from there. It’s a long season and anything can happen, but I want to put myself in a good position each round. I’ve had a really good winter training and I’m excited to get the season under way!”
Who are you’re sponsors this season?
“I’m riding for Geartec Racing Husqvarna in 2017. I’ve got a great team of people behind me and I’m using the best equipment out there.”
As the opening round of the Maxxis British Championship is your home race, maybe you can tell us why should the locals get behind this event?
“I think sometimes motocross is overlooked compared to other sports and people don’t always realise how demanding it is, but it’s going to be a great event and certainly one you wouldn’t want to miss!”
Image credit: Conway MX Photo