Interview Herjan Brakke (Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing)
Herjan Brakke (30) had to end his active career early due to a serious injury. Nevertheless, he achieved a fine track record. He became ONK MX1 champion twice. Internationally, 8th place at the Lausitzring (2013) and his two-time MX or European Nations victory were his greatest achievements. Now Brakke has a new challenge as sporting manager for Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing.
Last year, the team from Hardenberg made a remarkable entrance at national level. In the ONK, Sven van der Mierden scored with the ONK500 title. Continued growth and further professionalization are high on the agenda for 2019. The team attracted technical manager Henk Zanting and with Van Der Mierden, Michay-Boy De Waal (both MXGP) and Raivo Dankers (EMX250), Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing presents an eager and young trio of riders. On the eve of the first European MXGP round in Matterley Basin, Herjan Brakke stood up with our colleague Andy McKinstry.
The Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing team already contested several wildcard GPs in 2018. Why the decision to take the next step and ride all European GPs in 2019?
Herjan Brakke: “The team owner, Wim Hutten, set himself the goal at the end of 2017 to start a professional motocross team that would become one of the best private teams in the MXGP paddock. Last year was the first year so we focused on the national championships. We also did a number of MXGP races. This year the team is moving up a gear and we are going for a full European MXGP season. Everything is going as expected, the team has the ambition to grow every year and I think we are on the right track.”
Sven Van der Mierden had a good first season on the Yamaha. What do you expect from him in 2019?
Barracks: “Sven's season in 2018 was very good. He made good progress on the Yamaha and is happy in the team. For 2019 we are working more on an international basis with more training on hard tracks and international pre-season races. I think Sven is more than ready for the season and he has great potential to perform in both the MXGP and the Dutch Masters of Motocross. The team just expects him to give his best every time and to enjoy riding in MXGP.”
Van der Mierden seems to fit the 450cc much better than the 250cc, why do you think?
Barracks: “I think Sven is a calm and smooth driver. He also keeps an overview of the track, which is why the 450 suits him well.”
The team has also signed Micha-Boy De Waal. We know he had a difficult winter due to a serious knee injury, how does he feel about the switch to the 450?
Barracks: “Micha-Boy De Waal is a rider with a lot of international experience. Unfortunately, he had knee surgery that took him almost the entire winter to recover. He has been on the bike for a few weeks now and is actually doing very well. Micah learns quickly. It is now important for him to clock engine hours. Physically he is fitter than ever, so I expect Micha to reach his best level halfway through the season.”
De Waal was known for an aggressive style on the 250cc. Does the heavier bike help him become more fluid?
Barracks: “Certainly, on the bigger engine he just has to be more precise, shift earlier and let the engine do the work. That is what we are working on. And like I said before, Micha learns quickly.”
Raivo Dankers also had a difficult winter after his crash in Mantova where he broke his collarbone. What does it look like for him on the 250cc?
Barracks: “In terms of riding, it looks very good for Raivo on the YZ250F. It's just a shame he got hurt in Italy. So Raivo won't be 100% for the first EMX250 round in Matterley Basin this weekend. But we do expect him to be back in shape soon.”
What are your expectations for both de Waal in his MXGP rookie year in MXGP and Dankers' first EMX250 season?
Barracks: “For Micha-Boy, the most important goal is to become 100% fit again. Then he can provide a surprise. Although Raivo is also a rookie in the EMX250 class, we think he can finish in the top 8.”
As a former MXGP rider you have to be able to help the guys in terms of riding. In what ways have you been able to help them get better so far?
Barracks: “My role in the team is to take care of the riders. If they have any problems, they can come to me. I also accompany them when they train on the track, I make their bike training schedule, consult with them about the driving lines, the position on the bike… And of course I make sure they do their job! I also plan together with our physical trainer I-react Center the physical tests, blood tests, sports nutrition, massages and other appointments they have to go to.”
You worked with Dave Kooiker in 2018. Will you continue to work with him in 2019 and what do you think the future holds for him?
Barracks: “Yes, I still work with Dave Kooiker. I think Dave has the potential, he is very young and has a good mentality. The road to MXGP is long, but with the right people behind him he can reach that level.”
As a former MXGP rider, how do you view the current level of the championship?
Barracks: “When I rode myself, the level in the MXGP class was already high. But the sport continues to develop, so I think the level is even higher now.”
If I remember correctly, you had to stop riding because of a leg injury. For those who don't remember, you can come back to this and find out is this an injury that still bothers you?
Barracks: “That's right, on a Wednesday evening before the MXGP of Lommel I crashed during training. I tore almost all my ligaments in the knee, but I also damaged a nerve that runs along my knee. They re-fixed my knee with surgery, but the result of this damaged nerve is that my right foot is a bit paralyzed. I can no longer lift my foot. But hey, I can still do the things I really like!”
Do you want to thank someone?
Barracks: “Of course I would like to thank the Hutten Metaal Yamaha racing team for the opportunity they gave me.”
Tekst: Andy McKinstry
Photos: Eric Laurijssen/ Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing
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