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One of the fastest dudes on the planet is USA’s Josh Hill. Out in South Africa and ready to race Supercross Africa with the intention of taking the win, we caught up with the number 75 to get his thoughts on this inaugural event.
If you haven’t, book your seat now for Supercross Africa and don’t miss the action. Tickets available here.
Full name: Joshua Hill
Age: 25
Hometown: Portland, Oregan, USA
Years racing: 22
Machine of Choice: Kawasaki
Sponsors: Monster Energy, Pro Circuit, Kawasaki, Dirt Shark, Sunken Skum
Give us some background into your racing career?
I raced factory Yamaha straight out of the amateurs, got 3rd in the Lites West Coast, moved up to 450’s the following year. I was rookie of the year, youngest 450 Supercross winner of all time. I’ve got about 10 overall podiums, seven or eight 2nd places in the 450 class, I got an X-Games silver medal after my big injury.
What goes through your mind when you think about the realization of racing Supercross in South Africa?
It seems like a very well put together event so far so I think it’s just gonna be like anywhere else. It looks like you guys have a great track builder, a great facility and world class riders, so it’s a different environment but it’s going to be the same.
What is your impression of South Africa so far?
It’s great. Everyone is super hospitable. We went down to Cape Town and checked that out. I’m really excited to go see everything.
How much does preparing for a race like this, against riders you’ve never raced with before, in a country you’ve never raced in before, change things up?
It really doesn’t. If you’re always worried about the competitors you’re never going to ride your best. I just have to go out there, focus on myself, ride as smooth and as good as I know how to.
What does your weekly training schedule consist of?
When I’m back home I’m always training with Johnny Louch at the Rockwell Training Facility. Going on mountain bike rides, road bike rides, we work our probably around 3 to 4 times a day, 3 to 4 times a week and ride the same amount, and also some stuff in the gym.
What are your goals coming into this race?
I definitely want to win. Like anything I want to come and win. I feel like I’m back to my normal ability and health, and that my goal all the time. It doesn’t always work out but that the goal.
What goes through your mind when you are on your dirt bike?
Everything. It depend on where I’m at. If I get a good start, that’s all I’m thinking about. If I’ve got a big lead sometimes I’m checking out where all those beautiful Monster Girls are. Everything goes through my mind, same things the dudes in the stands are probably thinking about. I mean there is a lot of focus, at the same time when you’re just cruising and going through the motions that’s when it’s the easiest and it goes the best I think.
In your opinion, who has the best riding style in the world?
Josh Hansen has got one of the best riding styles in the world for sure.
What’s the difference between being a rider and a racer?
I don’t know. I think I’m more of a rider than a racer but I guess it’s that you get fired up and lay it down when the time comes. I love riding, probably more than anything, racing’s what pays the bills but I think as I get older I have the want to do better in racing more and more.
Where would you like to see your racing career go?
I just want to get back up on top. I want to get back to winning Supercross’ and battling for championships. Hopefully If I can keep the same sponsors I have right now until the end of next year, I think that’s a possibility.
Any words for the fans that will be there supporting?
I can’t wait to meet everybody and come say hi. I can’t wait to meet all the fans over here.
