Take 5: TBS Conversions-KTM team boss Tom Steensels
In just two seasons, the TBS Conversions Racing Team has emerged as a strong team in the paddock. Former rider Tom Steensels is at the helm of the team. We visited the team boss, who comes from Pelt, for a short conversation about 2020 and the coming season, where the team will focus on the EMX250.
MXMag: We know your name as a motocross rider, but you have closed that chapter. You have built a wonderful company (TBS Conversions) and you have also started a team, which cannot be combined, right?
TS: “Yes, certainly. It can be combined very well. The company's work is often motocross related, making it easy to combine. I dare say that we also collect work through the team. Many teams choose our man because they know that we are present at almost all Grand Prix when there are problems. We can provide optimal advice to the teams because we know from our own experience how they work and what their wishes are.”
MXMag: The first year (2019) you had five riders, last year no less than eight riders. Now you're going back to three, what was too much last year?
TS: “If you were purely based on the number of drivers, you would indeed think so. In 2019 we only had one EMX rider with Wannes van de Voorde. You help the other riders with clothing, stickers and other things. That's purely a courtesy. In 2020 we would be active with six riders in EMX and WMX. That then became something more because friends or children of sponsors joined. In the coming season we will focus on three drivers so that we can guide and support them even better. We have added a chief mechanic and the support from KTM Austria has increased significantly.”
MXMag: Last year you had different nationalities, including many Dutch. We also see two Dutchmen (Elzinga and Van Essen) for the coming season. Is there a special reason for that?
TS: “The collaboration with Rick went very well over the past year. He is a very good rider and a nice guy to work with. That is why we are very happy that he will stay with us for the new season. At Twan's request we sat down at the table and the feeling was immediately good. Twan is a very pleasant rider and just as importantly pleasant off the bike. I don't think nationality has much to do with that.”
MXMag: Rick Elzinga's real breakthrough is yet to come, will this be an important year for the motocross rider from Zenderen?
TS: “We hope that it will happen this year, of course, I can be honest about that. We believe in him and with the right support and guidance the chances are very good. The qualities are there given his past results. Now it is up to us to put the right pieces in the right place.”
MXMag: This year Meico Vettik impressed me several times, but it wasn't until Lommel that he was picked up by a team. What was your reason for hiring him?
TS: “We had known Meico for a number of years. Previous collaboration was not possible due to circumstances, but due to the absence of a rider during the EMX125 competitions in Lommel, there were possibilities. I immediately made him a proposal for the rest of 2020. This collaboration has been so good for both parties that we have decided together to continue this in 2021. We want to compete for the EMX250 title.”
MXMag: Like Elzinga, Van Essen has had some injuries in his career. He is clearly on his way back, can he cross to the top of the EMX250 with you?
TS: “I am sure that Twan has much more to offer than he has shown. The past year was good but there is certainly more in it for him. He has a beautiful and pure driving style and it is clear to us that he can show great things with us in the coming season.”
MXMag: In recent months the world has been under the spell of the corona virus, has that caused you any problems as a team?
TS: “We as a team have actually had little to no trouble with this. The matches were canceled or postponed, but we were able to continue working and training as much as possible. That's why we haven't had any complaints!”
MXMag: In the new year all arrows will be focused on the EMX250. Why only this class?
TS: “We discovered during the season that as a team it is better to focus entirely on a championship. This is of course the case for the trips to the competitions, but also for the components. It works much better to have everything from one type of engine.”
MXMag: Do you still have ambitions to grow towards the World Cup?
TS: “Who knows what the future will bring. If you ask, is that the goal, then I will say YES now, but it is simply too early for that!”
MXMag: Finally, would you like to come back to anything?
TS: “Certainly, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone involved who has always been there for TBS Conversions Racing Team. The first is my wife, but also the mechanics, the driver and cook and of course the sponsors. Then I'm talking about sponsoring parts. We have a wonderful group of people who provide us with the best equipment. An extra thank you to the main sponsor of the whole thing. The company Junior Construct, that is Christophe and Jess Albrecht who have supported us for the third year in a row and continue to believe in the team!”
Door: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: TBS-KTM
Also to read
VIDEO: A walk through the paddock in Philadelphia
Tonight, round 14 of the AMA Supercross will be held in Philadelphia. Our American colleagues from MXA walked through the pits to photograph all the bikes, and we…Phil Nicoletti is quitting
Phil Nicoletti has decided to end his career after this season. The American (35) will finish this season with Team Club MX-Yamaha-Muc Off and then after…Tiny van Erp passed away
Earlier this week, Tiny van Erp passed away. De Brabander made a name for himself in the motocross world for decades with TvE Sport and he was also closely involved in the Grand Prix...VIDEO: Inside MXGP and the Yamaha riders' race in Trentino
Inside MXGP is at round four of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Trentino, Italy. And in Yamaha's white and pink anniversary colors in honor of 50 years of YZ! “You thought that…
Your reactions