Exclusive interview with Kyle Chisholm
The tall Kyle Chisholm (23) was one of the underdogs of American motocross for a long time until he got a dream opportunity last year as a teammate of James Stewart. Ironically, it also became the biggest disappointment of his career. However, Chisholm fought back, riding a solid SX season (10de) and fell just outside the top 5 in the outdoors. The sympathetic Floridian even finished second in the Bercy Supercross and seems ready for a strong 2011.
What was it like being back in Europe for Bercy?
Kyle Chisholm: “Great, it was my first time in Paris. I had to get used to the track and the competition format a bit, but it was a good experience. My starts were not always optimal, on the other hand I have noticed that my speed and my fitness are okay. It was also good to get into a competitive rhythm here because I haven't done a single race since the end of September. That is something different than just training in preparation for Anaheim 1. In a race you always encounter situations that you cannot imitate in training. That gives you some head start to make certain changes to the engine before the new season if necessary. “
For someone who is used to SX in a large stadium, a race like Bercy means a big adjustment. Can you compare it to the smaller Arenacrosses in the US?
Kyle Chisholm: "Not quite. It's between an Arenacross and the SX' I rode in Germany last year, but it's smaller than one real AMA Supercross. The tunnel in Bercy is a bit special, although it is a cool circuit in general.”
Besides Bercy, you have also ridden in Geneva in the past. Compare that SX experience in Europe the real thing?
Kyle Chisholm: “It's the combination of everything together that makes it completely different. As I said, the circuits differ, also because of the other course designers, the types of obstacles also differ... Furthermore, you have very different riders. There are of course fewer SX top riders than in the AMA, but here there are also guys with good technique, strong GP pilots. They are just a different type of pilots which also gives you different races. As an American you have to get used to all that. I don't mind that, on the contrary, I have always enjoyed my time in Europe!”
We are constantly shown images in the winter of riders completing laps on SX test tracks. It seems almost impossible to test more than SX riders in the run-up to Anaheim 1, even in MotoGP there is not that much testing?!
Kyle Chisholm: “(laughs) I know what you mean! You hope to be 100% ready with the bike for the first Supercross, but then you also notice the difference between a test/training and a race. The competitions are also different every weekend. You want a good base and then you make small changes depending on the layout of the track and the surface. Once you are satisfied with a basic setting, the main work is done.”
It must be very satisfying to come back strong this year after a disastrous year in 2009.
Kyle Chisholm: “Certainly, but actually 2009 had already started badly before January 1! After signing an SX-only contract with San Manuel-Yamaha, I had a serious knee injury in October 2008. As a result, I had to ride with an injured knee the entire season. I never used it as an excuse, but it was frustrating. My options were simple: if I chose surgery I would miss the entire SX season, on the other hand I could try to make the best of it and take my chance on the best team in America. It was also my first season on a 450, which made it even more difficult. Immediately after the SX Championship I went under the knife. I was out for six months before I could drive back. I won the two Supercrosses that I rode in Germany last winter (Munich and Dortmund) and after that I gradually returned to my best form. Although I had to miss Anaheim 1 because of Dortmund, it was good for my confidence.”
On top of your disappointing performance, you also got involved in a feud with Chad Reed in 2009 (hinder while doubling, ed.) Do you think such a season has damaged your reputation?
Kyle Chisholm: "Certainly. You can miss a season like that like a toothache. There is so much competition that after a year like this you quickly end up forgotten. And of course there was a lot of negative publicity because of that incident with Chad Reed. Now all that is a long time ago. I apologized to Chad and just moved on. But the whole situation with Reed, my injury and all that, definitely affected me. Fortunately, I was able to reverse that negative spiral. This season went well and I would like to continue that trend.”
What is your goal for this season?
Kyle Chisholm: “I don't want to put a number on it. But this season I went for a top-10 in the SX and Nationals. I also wanted a few top fives both indoors and outdoors, and I succeeded. I haven't thought too much about how that translates in 2011. Just to do my best every time, that is my goal. If I win with that, that's fantastic, if I win 10de That's a shame, but then I just know I'll have to work even harder. I especially want to compete with the top players. That's the only way you can get better. If you are not there from the beginning, you can shake it. Dungey, Villopoto, Reed… are so fast that if you have a bad start you won't see them again! Getting into the waters of those men is a guarantee for good results.”
You have been working with David Vuillemin for several months, who is also team manager of MotoConcepts-Yamaha. How does that work?
Kyle Chisholm: “That's going well, I've spent a lot of time in California and he has regularly come along for training. He sees a lot of little things, has a lot of experience and knows what he is talking about. It was also good to have him there in Bercy. This way we have also been able to work together in competition conditions so that we are already attuned to each other for Anaheim 1.”
We heard very little from James Stewart this winter other than his music video last week. You guys are good friends, do you know what's going on with him?
Kyle Chisholm: “Sometimes he seeks publicity and at other times he prefers to stay in the background. James has obviously had a very difficult year. I think he's laying low for a while, but I think he'll be ready by early January. No one can doubt his talent and he is still very driven.”
For many people in Europe it is a bit strange for a sportsman to talk about his faith. You are Christian and you talk about that during interviews. How important is faith to you?
Kyle Chisholm: “That's important to me, it's a part of me. I wasn't raised religiously, but my fiancée introduced me to it. Because of all the traveling, it is not easy to go to church and so on. In recent years it has become an important part of my life. I have no problem talking about that either.”
Do you have any favorite races in the SX Championship or outdoor?
Kyle Chisholm: “They are all fun in Supercross, but Anaheim 1 stands out. It's a new season and it can really be overwhelming if you're not ready. But it's really cool because everyone there is so excited about our sport. I also like riding in Saint-Louis, they have a great surface there, Las Vegas is also very cool. In terms of nationals we also have a lot of great races. If I had to choose one it would be Red Bud.”
What is the best thing about your job?
Kyle Chisholm: “Everything actually! Driving and putting on a good show for the audience is really fun. Furthermore, traveling, discovering new places and people... I feel honored that I have been able to make motocross my profession.”
Thanks, Kyle. Merry Christmas, happy New Year and an awesome season.
Kyle Chisholm: “All the best for you guys in Holland and Belgium!”
Photos credit: CDS, Yamaha Racing
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