Five minutes with Kay Karssemakers
Logic is nice, but once the starting gate drops, it is completely worthless. If a promising youth rider switches to a new class, it is logical that we expect top results again. Top talent Kay Karssemakers (KTM Diga Junior Racing) is well aware of both statements. In the meantime, the 14-year-old student continues to fight, resulting in his second consecutive podium this weekend.
Since 2013, not a year has gone by for the determined Karssemajers without a vice title or championship celebration. Then the stage will feel at least a bit like a second home. However, the first matches did not go entirely as planned for the fast-paced Boxtel resident. After his podium during the Denicol Sand Rookies in Lommel, he scored again this weekend during the ONK in Lelystad. This Sunday Kay will start in the highly regarded Dutch Masters of Motocross in Axel where the second round of the championship will take place.
It was good to see you competing at the front again in Lelystad.
Kay Karssemakers: “In any case, the driving went well. In the first moto I was in the sub-top. Overtaking was quite difficult because there was only one line, but I was able to quickly drive to two. Then I drove to Dave Kooiker. We fought for the lead, I was past him several times and also in the last lap I got into his wheel. He passed the drivers behind a little easier, so I finished second. The second heat was difficult because I had a worse start. Because it took a bit too long to overtake, I had to be satisfied with third place. The starts in particular have to be even better now, that will also happen.”
How are you doing conditionally at this point in the season?
Karssemakers: “Pretty good, physically, I can handle the entire competition well. So that's nice. I also quickly adapted to riding the 125cc. Only the speed wasn't there in the beginning. The pace must and can still be increased, but we are still working on that.”
Since a few weeks ago it seems like you've made the switch?
Karssemakers: “In any case, things are going in the right direction. We have now had two good races in a row. Hopefully I can compete for the podium again this weekend in Axel. In any case, that's what we're going for!”
Axel fits in well in the run-up to the third EMX125 competition in Mantova.
Karssemakers: “Both Axel and Mantova are both very nice courses. Hopefully I can also create something beautiful in Italy! The subsurface in Mantova is somewhere between Den Dungen and Veldhoven. That does feel familiar. I think I will be ready.”
Did it take a while for you to get into shape in previous years?
Karssemakers: “Maybe a little. Who knows, it might have been better to do some extra preparation races. Either way, we can't turn back the clock! That is something to consider for next season.”
This year you will be starting in a major international championship for the first time. How do you view that?
Karssemakers: “In any case, it is better to ride a full season over several races. That's nice! The level is high, so we will work even harder at the front with the aim of being at the front.”
At KTM Diga Junior Racing you work together with Kees van der Ven. Someone with enormous experience when it comes to guiding young riders. How is that?
Karssemakers: “It is nice to work with Kees. Of course, he himself has also performed at a high level in the past. So he knows how to do it. If he says something, you will definitely learn something from it. To be honest, I didn't really know him before! My father knew him a little, but it goes well together.”
Thanks for the chat and good luck in the upcoming competitions!
Karssemakers: “You're welcome, it'll be fine!”
Photos: Eric Laurijssen, Niek Photography
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