. James Toseland - Superbike World Champion -w-sbk/moto gp motorcycle racing rider interviews

> DRIVER / RIDER INTERVIEWS:

I've been fortunate enough in the last almost 30 years to visit circuits and speedways around the world and in my travel I've bumped into motorcycle racers and racing car drivers from all the major world series. Here's the interviews for...
NASCAR Nextel Cup . WSBK . F1 . Champ Car / IRL Stars

James Toseland - W-SBK / MotoGP

James Toseland - Fila Ducati 999F04
I met Master Toseland in the pits during Friday's Practice at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during practice day ahead of round 2 of the Superbike 2004 World Championship.

James Toseland strikes you immediately as an intelligent, articulate young man, keen to take up the oportunities his efforts have rewarded him with. He is polite and poised, picking up cues quickly, and ready to take up the role of spokesperson for the best funded team in his series.

I asked James where he liked to visit on his hectic world tour?

"I like to visit tracks where I do well," he said, "like Imola and Misano. I like Assen too."

What about for tourism and leisure before, during, and after a race weekend?

"I do't really go out that much. When I travel it's for work and I have racing responsibilities. I need to get focused. Tourism is not really on the agenda. But I do have a nephew who has a motorcycle now and whenever possible I try to get out to see him ride."

Before you were a racer, were you a fan?

" No one in my family rode a motorbike. When I was about 9 my mom met this guy, her boyfriend, who rode a road bike. He got me my first racing bike and that's how I became invovled."

Did you ever go to the races yourself as a spectator?

"No. I rever really did go out and watch racing too much. I saw some on TV. I wanted to be out there. When I did go, Cadwell Park was the main place. It was a good road from our house and we went, I remember, a few times. As soon as I saw it I wanted to do it. I've always been a doer rather than a watcher."

Were you inspired by anyone particular?

No, because even when I was young, I didn't wander the paddock. I didn't know the riders. I wasn't in 'the circle' of being in the paddock and knowing the racing people. I was only a spectator, and I didn't even know who I was watching, but I was taken by the speed and action, and I knew I wanted to do it!"

And do they make you do silly stuff on the road, for promotional purposes?

"Well the strangest thing I've ever done was yesterday, when they asked a bunch of us to shear sheep for a press thing. It turned out to be great fun. I didn't realize sheep were so oily!

What about a favorite motor musuem? Are you into race history?

A good friend, Tony O'Neil, has collections of vehicles and including some great stuff from Team Ducati, F1, and Le Mans. He has them in several locations in England, including Gatwick. I've seen his pictures of the cars and they look great. Ikeep meaning to stop out to see some of them, but I haven't had a chance yet. I must though. I am interested and I'd love to - but whenever there's time, something else seems to come up."

Piergiorgio Bontempi - W-SBK

Representing Suzuki on a #5 Zongshen Team - Suzuki GSX 1000R, this affable Italian says the Phillip Island Circuit is a favorite for the challenges AND the views. Read the exclusive grandprixcities Bontempi interview.

Pier Francesco Chili - W-SBK / MotoGP

What can I say? Yes, I met the legend himself. Fearless Pier Francesco Chilli says he is getting a little tired of traveling, but still looks forward to some great competition on world class circuits! I've been blessed to meet Famous Fast Folks (interviews) in my life but spending 30 minutes with Frankie was a thrill I'll never forget.

Troy Corser - W-SBK / MotoGP

Aussie motorcycle legend Troy Corser says he doesn't have time to be a tourist. He's too busy doing what he does - riding bikes!

Garry McCoy - WSBK / MotoGP

After the heartbreak of the 2003 MotoGP season, Australian legend, Gary McCoy talks, took a ride on the #24 Team XEROX Ducati, and spoke to me about the new itinerary that comes with his 2004 WSBK Ducati ride. In 2006 it was a pleasure to see him taking out the new Ilmore for another visit to Moto GP.

Jiri Mrkyvka - SS / SBK

Bike (#23 JM SBK Team - Ducati 988RS) & language problems meant for a short interveiw with the pride of the Czech Republic, Jiri Mrkyvka, but I did get a promise to follow up via an interpreter by email ASAP! INTERVIEW EVENTUALLY.

Gianluca Nannelli - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Italian racer Gianluca Nannelli who in 2003 was riding the #69 Team Pedercini Ducati, says he gets up to surf at 7am on the perfect March waters off Phillip Island, Australia. "Extra Cool!"

Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

The young Flying Dutchman, Van Den Goorbergh is a verteran of many series in his young life. You name it, he's raced it across the many corners of the world, but the hardest to visit is his homeland, Assen, the Netherlands. Jurgen Van Den Goorabergh

Chris Vermeulen - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Young Aussie rider Chris Vermeulen is causing quite a stir, vaulting from SuperSports Champ to the front end of the big league world sbk in 2004 and onto MotoGP in 2006! Nice guy too.

Chris Walker - / W-SBK / MotoGP

When I met Chris "the Stalker" Walker he was riding the #9 Foggy Petronas FP1. He told me that his motorsport travel itinerary will include more and more "stops on the way". Read the interview.

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