Take 5; Mick Kennedy
The 2019 season is over and that means looking back but also looking ahead! In this Take 5 we speak with Mick Kennedy. This South Hollander has been trying to make a breakthrough for a number of seasons, but it always goes wrong. We look for the story behind those setbacks.
MXMag: This year you were active in KNMV ONK 65cc Grote Wielen. You finished twelfth in the final standings because you only played four games. How did your season go?
MK: “The season actually started really well! I was in good shape and we also had the YZ65 in good shape after a lot of testing with the suspension. Things went completely wrong during the first competition of the EMX65. During the second heat in Slovakia I fell backwards on a table mountain. I fell just short, resulting in a nice crash. I broke my elbow and that's why I had to miss many games. Later in the season I also broke my hand and then my foot. Now I have to say that I cycled by foot even though I wasn't cycling myself! In short, it was a season to forget!”
MXMag: Despite that setback, you were at the start during the EMX65 final in Loket and you also became the best Dutchman in the first round with sixth place. How did that match in the Czech Republic go for you?
MK: “I was very happy that I could participate in the competition in Loket. And it went well, I had a good start in the first heat and was able to follow well. The second heat also went less well after a poor start. I was behind a rider and I thought they didn't jump into the finish hump. So I held back, but he jumped anyway and I wanted that too. However, I came up short and hit the second bump with the front wheel. I went off headfirst and got lost for a moment. I couldn't finish the race and that was a disappointment after the good first heat.”
MXMag: Your name sounds familiar, did your father also race?
MK: “That's right, my father Mike has always ridden for the KNMV Youth. First both youth and later progressed through the seniors to the Inters. He drove the same until 2009, but now he no longer drives.”
MXMag: What does your schedule look like in 2020?
MK: “I am switching to the 85cc Big Wheels and I will ride the KNMV ONK and the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross. I also want to ride the EMX85.”
MXMag: What is your goal for 2020, when will this season be a success?
MK: “The goal is to ride in the top ten in both the ONK and the DMofMX. I would like to qualify myself for the EMX85 during the competitions. If I can also get points in 'North-West', my season will certainly be a success.”
MXMag: Anything else you would like to add to this conversation?
MK: “Very much, because I would like to express my gratitude to Motorcross AAD (Fred van Wordrageren) for the years of support. Also, Shock Therapy (Bert van Keulen) for making a super-suspended motor and EHR Tuning (Eddy van den Hoek) for preparing the super-fast motors. Finally, the gentlemen from Double D Designs (Alan and Erik) for the Kenny Clothing, Scott glasses and the sticker sets because thanks to them there is always a nice 'picture' ready for the competitions.”
MXMag: Thank you for this conversation and good luck! We will follow you!
MK: Thank you guys.
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #FvdEPhotography
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