Exclusive: Interview with Josiah Natzke
Some of you have probably heard of New Zealander Josiah Natzke, others may not. Josiah Natzke is dominating youth matches in his own country and was noticed by Ben Townley. Former world champion Townley became Josiah Natzke's supervisor and helped create the opportunity for his group to compete in two EMX125 and the Junior World Championships in Lierneux last season. These results and the way in which they were achieved struck a chord with KTM, making the 'Kiwi' an official member of the Junior Factory KTM 125 team this year, led by none other than one Stefan Everts.
Hi Joshiah Natzke, You are a long way from home, how does this all work for you? “Yes, I arrived here about four weeks ago, on Thursday, and am here as a guest of the 'Factory KTM 125 Team' run by Stefan (Everts). Now that I'm here we drive a lot of sand, because we don't have that kind of sand where I come from. But it is already nice to be here”
This is your first race in the Belgian Championship, how do you feel about that? “It's a challenge and I like that. Because you can still speed up the Lommel course there, but here in Mons you have the trees, the pits, ... it is tough. However, the variety of course types is great.”
How does it all work for you when it comes to the practical matters of school, living,… “(Laughs) Yes, I go to school there every now and then. And at the moment I live on a campsite with my mechanic and his wife. From there we commute between our 'home' and the KTM workshop. We can find Stefan in that workshop every day and then it is just a matter of physical training and riding the motorcycle. Oh and some relaxation too, going to the movies for example.”
So you basically live in a caravan? “Yep, that is indeed the case, but it is one of the larger ones. For example, we have two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and everything else we need.”
What are the plans and goals for this year? “The plan is that this year I will complete the full EMX125 championship and also the Junior World Championship in Spain. They also told me that I can participate in something like an electric Motocross race in Zolder. We will supplement that with a competition here and there such as this one here in Mons. My goal is simple, I have come from a very long way and I just want to do my best.”
How does working with Stefan Everts go? “It's going very well, also because I ride a lot of sand here, and Stefan was known for his enormous technique in the deep sand. At home I worked with Ben Townley and he helped me with almost everything except sand riding. So it's good to hone my sand skills now. It is always good to be 'all-round' and not just 'hardpack'."
Have you had the chance to meet Jeffrey Herlings yet, or is the junior team and the MX2 team strictly separated? “Our junior team shares the workshop with the MX2 team. However, I have not yet met Jeffrey Herlings there. On the other hand, I and the rest of the Junior Team have a lot of contact with Pauls Jonass. He often trains with us, which is pretty cool.”
That's probably a nice plus that you can train and also learn from one of the fastest MX2 pilots of the moment. “Yes, he is undoubtedly one of the three fastest in the MX2 World Championship at the moment. In addition, I have an incredibly fast teammate in Jorge Prado, he is 14 years old and goes incredibly fast and then Conrad Mewse who also goes crazy fast. Personally, I think it's great that we all train together so often and thus push each other to be better.”
How can you compare racing between New Zealand and Belgium? “It's so completely different. In New Zealand we have shorter series. I was also able to win there with a +30sec lead in the 125cc class, which is why I also rode it in the MX2 class. If you look here you have at least 10 fast guys and all those guys push each other to a higher level. It is a lot more difficult here and motocross is also taken a lot more seriously here. Everyone lives and breathes motocross and almost everyone has a mechanic so they don't have to do any tinkering themselves..."
Do all New Zealand motocross talents dream of the European Championships and the World Championship? “Oh no! Everyone there is usually AMA, AMA, AMA! That may be normal, but I think the European circuit is the right way if you want to become a true champion. The EMX Championships are without a doubt one of the best championships to progress your career in motocross. Last year I was here, did some races and finished on the podium in one of the EMX Grand Prix's. That was without a doubt the most fun thing I've ever done in my racing career. That makes me certain that EMX is the competition you should participate in.”
For you personally, do you also secretly think about the AMA event? “(Smile) I would like to taste both. Some variety doesn't hurt and I like supercross. But ultimately I would prefer to win a little here and then win a little there. It might be nice to start my career here and then maybe try it in America. We'll see where the future takes me. Look at Ryan Villopoto, he also needed a change and suddenly ends up in the WKMXGP!
Interview and Processing: Frederik Van Eeckhoven & Matthias Van Eeckhoven
Photo Junior World Championship: Frederik Van Eeckhoven – Photo EMX125 Podium Counter: CDS
Photoshoot KTM: Gino Maes
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