.gpc - troy corser superbike world champion interview
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troy corser - W-SBK
Troy Corser - Foggy Petronas PF-1
I met Mr. Corser in the pits during Friday's Practice at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during practice day ahead of round 2 of the World Superbike 2004 World Championship.
At first I wasn't sure if I was going to successfully complete my interview with Troy Corser. He seemed difficult to engage in a conversation about travel but slowly he seemed to warm to the idea and come to the party, and to share a little about his experiences as a world traveler.
When you look at the calendar for the upcoming year's racing, are there any destinations that you look forward to?
"All of them, cos you get to go racing."
Hmph. Any specific places that stand out?
Phillip Island because my family and friends come down from New South Wales. On the way here (Australia) I spent 5 days in Malaysia, where I had obligations with the team sponsor, Petronas. I also like to visit Laguna Seca, I got tons of friends there."
What do you get up too in pretty Monterey near Laguna Seca?
"Well I don't get to go out all that much because we're not there for a holiday but we do go out for dinner with mates. Point is that I like the long haul trips like Australia and America when I get a chance to get out of Europe and I take the chance to leave just a little earlier so that I can have a little time for friends and to get over the jetlag."
When you were a kid were you ever a fan at the races?
"No, not really. My father was into motorcycles as well and he'd take me out to watch him ride. Places like Oran Park in New South Wales (Australia). I saw people like Gardner and Campbell race there.
Did they inspire you?
I didn't really know who they were, to be honest. They were just the top guys. Blut like I said I don't know that I've ever really sat down and watched a whole race.
Are you concious that there are kids out there on a Sunday watching you and thinking, 'boy, when I grow up I want to be Troy Corser? Was that your experience at Oran Park?
"When I was watching I never thought about being a racer when I was a kid. I was just a normal kid. I'd go with my dad, hang out, go to school, ride my dirt bike. Now every body thinks 'that's the good life, I want to be a motorcycle rider', but its a lot more work than that!
What do you recommend to the kids that dream of being future champs?
"Ride, ride, and ride some more. Don't spend your time dreaming. Do it every chance you get."
And what was your story? How did you get from rider to pro rider?
I started riding local tracks here in Australia and successes took me from there for a couple of seasons. One day my boss gave me an ultimatum, he said, 'give up riding, or give up work'. And I didn't want to give up riding."
What did you do?
"Air Conditioner Salesman"
It was almost funny. I thought he'd made the right decision, Troy knew he had, but there were many people who'd never have taken the risk...
"I apporach it," he took up the thought, "that if it happens it was gonna happen. You can't make it happen, lot of parents and kids think its easy to become a racer, but, and again, it's a lot of work. For me, it happened."
Finally I wanted to know about his favorite musuem.
"Donnington Park is the one I've looked at the most. Also, I have to say the Prince's collection in Monaco is great. Actually that's probably my real favorite. I live there so I've been quite a few times.
Ever been to a Formula One Grand Prix?
I went to Spa and the spectacle was amazing.
Finally I asked Troy to sell his home track for people who'd never been. What should people come to see
"The race! One of the best tracks on the Superbike trail and the view, it's spectacular!
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