Five minutes with Raivo Dankers
Whether you were Dutch, European or world champion, everyone starts with a clean slate in each new class. This is a crucial step for riders switching from the youth categories to the bigger work. Top talent Raivo Dankers disappointed in 2017, but this season he put the finishing touches on him. Thanks to a brilliant victory in front of his home crowd in Assen, Dankers ended his EMX125 career with a fourth place in the final standings.
Raivo finished just eight points off the final podium this year. In the Dutch Masters of Motocross he became vice-champion after an exciting battle with Emil Weckman. A stark contrast to last season, his latest achievements for the HSF Motorsport team. The former 85cc world champion only ranked at a meager 2017 in 19de place in the EMX125. One thing was certain, it had to be different and better. The past year was therefore all about change for the 17-year-old driver from Heesch. After all, he took office with his own family RD10 team. In terms of guidance, he still combined school with top sport through the High Performance Center in Papendal.
“The weekend in Assen was really great actually. After my first place in the timed training I already had a good feeling. In the first moto I had to come back after a bad start. I got to four, but the leaders were too far away. I rode from the inside to the holeshot in the second moto. I was in the lead the entire race and was able to control. The fact that I finally got that victory, and in front of my own audience, was great.”
In the German ADAC MX Junior Cup 125cc, where the final will take place in Holzgerlingen this weekend, he missed two races. Yet he has the most series victories to his name. When he has his day, the KTM rider is difficult to beat. The regularity that Dankers showed on the TT circuit was not enough to allow him to reach the same level in the EMX125. “A number of times I rode one round well and the other round it didn't really work out. Where does this lack of regularity come from? I really have no explanation for it!”
Last winter Raivo rode the KTM 250 SX-F several times in Spain. Since this week, Raivo has been riding the MX2 bike 'full-time', the preparation for his first EMX250 championship has already started. “Even this winter, I think it actually went well. I like riding the 250 and I think it suits me better than the 125. Especially in terms of engine characteristics and the greater power. In fact, I am already used to not using the clutch, so that is now a bonus with the 250.”
Dankers still has one goal left in 2018: the ONK125cc title. Because it is within reach, he opts for Arnhem this weekend instead of the ADAC MX Junior Cup, where he is fourth but has nothing to win. “It would be nice to still win a title. In any case, because of the lead I have, I am in a good position.” In the ONK standings, Raivo has a 55 point (net) lead over Kjell Verbruggen, with Boyd van der Voorn following on 62 points.
“This winter I will mainly be riding abroad on hard tracks to make as many meters as possible with the 250. In addition, I also want to complete a good physical preparation for the new season. On the one hand I see 2019 as a learning year, on the other hand not really! A new class or not, I still want to perform and I will do my best to do so.”
Photos: Niek Photography, Danny Relouw
Also to read
MXMag went to see the Free Energy Trailer in Olmen
The automotive sector is leading the way in vehicle electrification, and now the motorcycle industry is taking a similar step. However, developing a machine intended for competition use is a completely different matter…Robert Fobbe at the start in the USA!
Robert Fobbe will be in action for the first two (2) races of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship! The 23-year-old rider will…Ian Ampoorter makes his return to Portugal
After a lot of injuries, Ian Ampoorter will appear behind the starting gate next weekend. The GasGas rider travels to Agueda in good spirits for the third race of the European Championship…Australia returns to the MXGP calendar!
From 2025, Australia will be back on the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship calendar. After 24 years, another Grand Prix 'down-under' will be held and this will happen...
Your reactions