.gpc - james toseland interview
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james toseland - W-SBK 2004 superbike world champion
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."
James Toseland went on that year to become 2004 World Champion in the Superbike World Championship Series. Congratulations on a job well done!
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