MXGP Mechanic: Ray Hansmeyer
The riders are always in the spotlight. But no matter how good they are, the motocross bike cannot perform without a good mechanic. That's why we want to put a technician in the spotlight once a month. This month it is Ray Hansmeyer.
MXMag: Introduce yourself:
HR: “My name is Ray Hansmeyer, I am 27 years old and from South Africa. I live in Heesch in Brabant because I work as a mechanic for Raivo Dankers.”
MXMag: How did you get into motocross?
HR: “I started a KTM team for a local dealer in South Africa, but motocross has been in my blood all my life.”
MXMag: Which riders/teams have you worked for?
HR: “In South Africa I worked with various riders, when I worked for a Yamaha team I worked with Neville Bradshaw and Jesse Wright. I came to Europe for WILVO-KTM, where I worked for Adam Sterry. A year later I joined Raivo's private team and now I have ended up with him here at Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing.”
MXMag: What is your position within your current team?
HR: “I am the mechanic for Raivo, I will train with him and also work with him during the competitions.”
MXMag: Highlight as a mechanic:
HR: “The victory during the last EMX125 last year in Assen. That was a great weekend, one I won't soon forget.”
MXMag: Favorite Tool:
HR: “My hands, without those two all tools are really useless.”
MXMag: Never stand in the pit lane without:
HR: “The flat screwdriver”
MXMag: Best pit board shout:
HR: “Easy Flow….”
MXMag: Prefers to tinker with two-stroke or four-stroke:
RH: “I don't have a preference for two or four strokes, the two-stroke engine is easier to work on.”
MXMag: Who is the world champion among mechanics:
HR: “There is actually no real top player or champion. I think we all are.”
MXMag: Finest GP:
HR: "Shafts. The atmosphere there was special all weekend.”
MXMag: Thank you for your cooperation!
HR: “You're very welcome and thanks for your attention.”
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: Own photo
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