Winning Ways with David Goosen

Hot off two massive wins in both the MX1 and MX2 classes at the penultimate round of the 2016 Monster Energy TRP Distributors SA Motocross Nationals we catch up with David Goosen to chat about his winning ways.

Congrats David, you’ve had a tough but positive season, what made it come together so well for you this weekend?
Racing is tough, whether it be motocross, cars or the sport that you do. We all go through ups and downs but it’s the strive for the ups that count. As of late, I have managed to find my happy place on my bike, with my team and my efforts towards my racing. I went to the national in Harrismith with no expectations but just a happy self and wanting to go out and ride to my potential.

Can you tell us some of the essential physical, mental and technical preparation that goes into a winning weekend at the track?
I was lucky enough to get the day off work on Friday, so I spent the morning going through my kit getting goggles ready, etc, and that’s always a good way to get the mind in the right place. As for the body, it was really chilled as its been pretty busy at work which isn’t always easy, a bit of stretching is also always good, Not too much though as it can also fatigue your body. The track was a tough one, technically I went through some notes and checked I had some of the equipment needed for possibly getting the bike setup better, if it was needed.

Once the gate dropped, was it all you till the finish?
It definitely wasn’t just me, I had some tough competition as always. The pace is very strong and we have a great bunch of riders at the top this year. All 4 races were tough. My second 450 Moto was the best as I had the holeshot and led every lap, it’s cool to stay clean.

You won both MX1 and MX2. Is it as easy as stepping off one bike and onto another or does it take a lot more to win on both bikes?
The bikes are really different. My Yamaha’s are good in the fact that the chassis are identical. I run a slightly different set up on suspension because of the inertia of the two different bikes. The 450 is really fast and also very heavy., it takes a more smoother and thorough approach, whereas the 250 is slower but needs way more aggression and speed.

How would you describe MX1 vs MX2?
MX1 on the 450 is the premier class, the bikes are fast, heavier and the guys ride them really well, so its tough. You most definitely need good fitness for it. The MX2 250 class compared I’d say it’s a balls to wall sprint for 20 minutes trying your hardest to make up any time at all. It’s an even class where we’re all riding balls to wall, but man it’s a fun bike to ride.

2 wins in one weekend must be great for your confidence, how will you use this confidence boost to keep winning?
I’d say the feeling has been great, I don’t want it to end. However the goals will be set to the next race and I would hope to achieve any goals that I set. Mainly just feel that confidence in what I achieved and believe in myself at the next race. Of course the main goal is to have fun.

What outside support does is take for you to bring your a game to a race?
Support is one of the key factors that a rider needs. My team, Tinstwalo Out of Africa Yamaha, is always great to me and give me the tools for the job at every event we do. My family are there through thick and thin all the time even though they live in the UK. My girlfriend, Shannon goes through the most with me and supports no matter what. Fox for my kit is huge also and Monster Energy has also become a great support factor. There are also many other people behind the scenes and I’m very fortunate for all the support I get.

One race left in the season, what can we expect from the Goose at the season finale?
Ahh yeah, it’s a common type question. Really I just want to go out and race from start to finish the best that I can, that in its self is an achievement. I’d love to just go out at the last race and end on a high, that sets my mind to a good place for the off season.

Photos by Eric Palmer