Kevin Wouts and the Sturmtroopers
The number 75 will be one to keep an eye on in the MX1 World Championship this season. At least if it depends on Kevin Wouts (19) and his new team Sturm-JJS Motors-Kawasaki. Both the young Belgian and his German-Dutch team are eager to prove themselves. So it's high time to let Kevin speak...
Did you get through the holidays well?
Kevin Wouts: Yes for sure! I have recently returned from an internship in the south of France where I taught together with Yves Devlaminck. I haven't driven much myself, but it was really fun to do. Relaxing even. Then I celebrated New Year's with family and friends in Belgium. I feel good at the moment. The bike feels good, I'm physically strong and I'm looking forward to flying again! Now of course we have to wait and see whether the matches will turn out the way I feel.
What are your first impressions of the Kawasaki KX 450F?
Kevin Wouts: The Kawa actually exceeds my expectations. Even compared to the Honda I was on last year. So far the Kawasaki has made an excellent impression on me on every level. In the meantime, I have completed about ten motorcycle training sessions and it was immediately noticeable how powerful it is. On a hard track it might be a little too powerful at the moment. Although you can only really evaluate that in competition conditions, of course. In terms of suspension, things are also great. We have a suspension that has been adjusted by Tom Wijnants from TRP. I have been working with TRP and Tom for some time now, so it is certainly an advantage to fall back on those automatisms.
Last year you switched from the Inters MX2 in Belgium to the MX1 World Championship: a huge step. You were immediately thrown into the deep end, but you still kept your head above water. You collected points in the World Cup, and in international races you were often around the top 10. That's not bad?
Kevin Wouts: The start of the season actually went perfectly. I was a bit shocked myself, but my speed was okay. Moreover, I know that I am physically inferior to few riders. Then I injured my shoulder first and then broke my scaphoid bone. It is difficult to say where I would have ended up in the World Cup without those injuries. There were a few more GPs coming up that would definitely suit me. In any case, injuries are never convenient, but if you cannot show yourself, it becomes doubly difficult to find a new team. (smiles) At the Wouts house, the phone was not immediately ringing off the hook with offers!
How did you end up at Sturm-Kawasaki?
Kevin Wouts: Via Jean Pierre (De Bleijser) of JJS Motorsport in Hulst. Last summer I received a phone call from Jean-Pierre and that got the ball rolling. I knew that Jean-Pierre wanted to set up a GP team. A while later I was told that Jean-Pierre would be working with Sturm Kawasaki. Then they came up with a very nice proposal. And here I am!
People sometimes laugh about smaller teams or private teams?
Kevin Wouts: Then I think those people will be laughing this year! Sturm/JJS Motors is a young team, they are just getting started. That is why it is logical that they still have to grow. But already the whole thing is making a strong impression. I get along well with the people at Sturm, I have known Jean-Pierre for some time. It feels good. Clear rules have also been drawn up. In that practice, the team will work from JJS Motorsport workshop in Heikant (Netherlands). The engines and truck will also be located there. That is also easily accessible for me. No, I really believe in this combination.
Where do you hope to end up?
Kevin Wouts: Hard to say because I don't have a very clear indication of the past year. I mean because of those injuries and the GPs I missed. I just want to get points in every GP and give 110%. In any case, the structure is now a lot more professional than when you compete as a support rider. Last year I spent a lot of time working on the motorcycle with my father. Now I can concentrate 100% on the sport. That should pay off.
What does your program look like? Do you have to ride the ADAC MX Masters in Germany or something?
Kevin Wouts: No actually not. The team gives me complete freedom in the competitions that I participate in besides the MX1 World Championship. Basically I do the full one MX Pro Series (BK) and I want to combine that with ADAC or ONK competitions. Like for so many drivers, my first race of the season will be the 'DT1 trophy' in Lommel on February 14.
Thanks for the chat Kevin and see you in Lommel.
Kevin Wouts: Don't mention it. My best wishes to all MX supporters and MXM readers! I would like to mention a few people and companies who are supporting me this year: JSD Heylen, A12 Motors, Traiteur Maes, Heerkens Groenten en Fruit, A.L. Van De Wetering, Haes Racing, Lazer Helmets and last but not least Willy Linden.
Credit photos: CDS & Kevin Wouts (photo internship)
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