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Joburg based Joshua Mlimi will be heading off to Spain this weekend to represent South Africa and compete in the 2015 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship (18 and 19 July). We caught up with the 16 year old to chat about the race and his preparation.
How many years have you been racing for?
I have been racing for 10 years now.
Give us some of your highlight moments and championship standings over the years?
My highlights are my national championship, which will always be my highlight as it was my first, being chosen to race for SA multiple times in the AMU and the Junior World Champs.
How has the 2015 season been treating you so far?
2015 season has probably been the most consistent of them all. My worst finish is a 3rd. Out of all of them so far I’ve won one national and that was the Cape Town round, the rest have all been 3rd’s. Hoping to have some confidence when I get back for the 5th round at Dirt Broncos
You’re racing in the 125cc class. Where are you standing in the championships at the moment, and who is your toughest competition?
Currently I’m lying in 3rd place in the national standings. I’m trailing behind the leader by 16 points and hoping to close those up. My toughest competition are the people that are ahead of me, being Charl Van Eeden and Dirco Vd Westheiuzen.
What is your game plan and goals for the rest of the season?
My game plan is to give it my all as we have three rounds left. Two of them which are at home. I really want to win this years championship. I feel like I’ve put in the work and hoping for all of it to pay off at the end of the season.
You will be leaving for Spain this weekend to compete in the World Junior Championships on the 19th July. Tell us a bit about the trip and the race?
So basically I leave South Africa on the 13th and it will be a day and a half of traveling. When I arrive in Spain I will do some testing with the new 2016 KTM and prepare for the weekend’s racing. Saturday will consist of practice and qualifying, this will determine the riders that will line up on the gates on Sunday.
How have you been preparing for this race?
I’ve just been training hard and riding hard, prepping for this race. In the races that I’ve done, I’ve basically raced in the MX2 class to try and improve my speed and endurance. It has helped me a lot and I’m feeling good, and I’m hoping to make it this year.
Give us a run down of your typical week regarding training and time on the bike?
Well now it’s the holidays so I’ve been riding on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also on the weekend, Saddle time is much required for me right now. Gym work is also done with my trainer Darrell Fitz-Gerald in the week when I’m not riding.
What are you hoping to achieve in Spain?
I’m hoping to achieve a qualifying position firstly, and I would be more than ecstatic with a top 20 finish.
What are you looking forward to most at the World Junior Champs?
The thing that I’m looking forward too the most is the atmosphere, the vibes, good people and everything revolves around the moto-life. It’s just like one big family reuniting from different parts of the world.
What does a race of this caliber do for your career?
A world-class race like this makes me a better rider after it. It leaves me with knowledge. I definitely learn a lot of new things when I go overseas. I put all of this into practical motion and see what the outcome is.
What goes through your mind when you’re on your bike?
The finish line, and basically me just finding my flow every single lap, thinking of hitting a specific rut or corner in a specific way, just improve on the track lap by lap.
Do you have any specific thing you do on the start line before you are about to drop the hammer?
Normally I just pray, reach out with my left hand and say “let’s do this”, and then I know, this is what I live for and its time to get the job done.
In your opinion, what is the best thing about racing motocross?
The ability to whip, rail a rut properly, to scrub. Well, to basically ride a bike to the way you like, having a good bike and a good track and a good mindset. There’s just nothing better.
Any shout-outs to friends, family and sponsors before you leave?
I’d like to shout to all my sponsors – KTM South Africa, TRP Distributors, Xtreme Projects, Red Bull, Pelotrain, Designer Spokes, 100% goggles, Bel-Ray, Gaerne, Thor and my mechanic, Kevern Pelser.
And, to everyone that helps me and supports me. All of this is possible with your help and I really appreciate the help and for you guys to believe in me. I feel like this is my time to shine and I’m doing it with the best people backing me all the way.
Photos by Traxtion Photography
