Joshua “Bubba” Mlimi #SchoolsOut

Over the years we’ve been watching Joshua “Bubba” Mlimi making his way through the motocross ranks, winning races and championships in various classes. Now, the young gun is on his rookie year in the MX2 division and about to finish high school.
We caught up with Josh to chat about his rookie season, his career and where to from now to bring you this #SchoolsOut video and interview feature:

Name: Joshua Eury Mlimi. Most of my friends call me Bubba, JM, J-Leems or Bubba Smalls.

Age: 17

Class: MX2 (250cc)

Years racing: 11

Championships: 2 x SA Champ, 5 x Northern Regional Champ

Bike setup: KTM 250cc Factory Edition with FMF exhaust system and KTM Powerparts

Sponsors: KTM South Africa, TRP Distributors, Red Bull, Gaerne, 100%, Bridgestone Tires, Designer Spokes and Watprop.

What does the sport of motocross mean to you?
The sport of motocross means a lot to me obviously, I’ve been riding since I was little and I want to race and make a living out of it. I would like the sport to take me around the world, racing with the best riders in the world.

How did you get started and when did you realise you were hooked?
It started off with my dad, he had a dream to come to Johannesburg to race, and when I was little he got me a PW50. I was really up and down with the sport, I wanted to race then I didn’t want to. I really got serious in 2008 and thought I can really do something with this sport.

What have been some of your highlights of the 2016 season?
Firstly lining up next to the best riders in the country with many years of experience behind them. My best highlight so far is my heat race win at the Harrismith National. That gave me a confidence boost for sure, and I hope I can have more solid moto’s in the future just like that.

Where are you currently standing in the championship?
It’s my first year in the big class (MX2) and I’m currently in 4th position.

How are you feeling going into the final round of the MX Nationals at Terra Topia?
I am feeling really good. Obviously with some confidence from the Harrismith National coming off a 2nd overall finish in a stacked class, It makes me want to fight for the top step every single time, so I’m going to give it my all at the final round.

Where do you need to finish to get the season result you want?
I came really close to an overall finish at the last national so I would be more than happy if I could end the season off with an overall win. I know I can get the job done. Unfortunately the top 3 have a huge gap over me so I’m pretty happy to end of my rookie season in 4th place.

Who is your main competition?
My main competition is pretty much the top 10. The class has many riders that can come out with the victory, so it is pretty much anyone’s victory to take.

What does your weekly training regime consist of and how often are you on the bike?
My training regime consists of saddle time, with school during the week I can fit a practice day in on a Wednesday and then obviously the weekend if there is no racing happening.

Which tracks are your favourite?
Teza, Zone7, Bloemfontein and Syringa. These are my favorite because of the flow and rhythm they have to their layout, the jumps that create some airtime for some quality turndowns, and a good foundation of soil with lots of moisture in it.

How would you best explain the feeling of riding and racing dirt bikes?
When someone is hooked on drugs! I’m hooked onto my dirt bike, riding my bike takes me to another world where I can just be free and be myself, if I’m having a bad week I know when the weekend comes my dirt bike cures me instantly, the feeling is almost indescribable.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?
Pre-race rituals would be praying on the line, the lifting of my left hand, and I know it’s time to get the job done.

On the gate and the 5-second board goes up, what’s going through your mind?
A lot of things go through my mind, but the main thing I focus on is finding my flow and rhythm and nothing but 100% effort, because that’s what’s going to get me to finish line.

You’re about to finish high school. What are your plans for next year and moving forward?
My plans for next would be to go to America for as long as possible. I have the opportunity now to go over at anytime during the year, as I won’t have school restricting me as it has been in the past. Moving forward I would definitely want to make a name for myself in the states.

Where would you like to see the sport of motocross take you?
I would like to travel the world with Motocross being my main source, there is no better feeling when you line up with 39 other guys that are just as passionate as you are to want victory so bad. America is where I want to be based at because of the AMA Supercross series and I would definitely want to see myself there mixing it up with the big dogs.

Any shout-outs?
My Family for everything they do for me and the support that they give me, I don’t think I would be where I am and as positive as I am without them.
For sure my awesome awesome sponsors, man they invest in me and give me the goods I need to go out there and do what I love, with their help I am able to push to the next level and become steps closer to achieving my dreams and making them come true.
My friends too, for being there for me and their positive criticism [laughs], I have the best people backing me all the way.
Big shout out to you guys at LW Mag for hooking this up, much appreciated for the exposure.