Greg Atkins is well known in the world of motocross. For more than a decade, the track designer from New Zealand has designed tracks for the MXGP, and has always given 100% into his work. He was also applauded for his efforts in 2015 at circuits like Assen, Argentina, and so many others.
Having ended his relationship with Youthstream this year, Atkins is now going out on his own building specialist circuits all around Europe and in other parts of the world. In two weeks time, on the holiday beaches of Scheveningen in Holland, Atkins will build one of the most demanding and thrilling sand circuits in the world. We caught up with the veteran circuit builder, asked him about what he has been up to and what he thought of some of his 2015 masterpieces.
Greg, firstly what is all the fuss I am hearing in Holland about this beach race. Sounds like it will be something very special.
The Red Bull Knock Out, it’s a pretty exciting event. They will have 18 television camera’s coming in and as you know Red Bull television cover it live and the have helicopters and it’s a big job for them. I am in charge of building the circuit. They want this to be the biggest sand race in the world, and with 1500 riders it is going to be pretty big. We have a double start gate, split lane sections, a 600 meter wave section and some pretty cool things. It’s all sand with no wooden structures or anything.
Speaking of brilliant sand circuit you must have been happy with how Assen turned out?
At the beginning everyone was skeptical what would happen, but then once people started coming in and you could feel the atmosphere and the track held up really well, then people started realizing what a special event this could be. I want to be back there next year, they want me to, Argentina want me back, as do some other countries. Valkenswaard want me to do their circuit, but it’s up to Youthstream if they want me there.
What else have you been up to since stopping with the MXGP gig?
I’ve done some circuits in Russia, which was really nice what they are doing there. What they are doing there is trying to get motocross to grow and I helped build some motocross facilities. I made a small track in Czech Republic, and everyone went nuts about that.
What about the future?
I am also looking into doing a motocross facility/park in Spain, but I need some financial backing to do that. I have already found two possibilities, one in the south of Spain, and one a little further north. That is something I thought I would do when I am older, but maybe it’s time to do it now. I am still trying to work out if I go back to New Zealand or do I get back into the motocross work again. The people I have worked for are really appreciative and I enjoyed the work I did.
Information: For anyone wishing to contact Atkins for a new motocross circuit, help with a motocross facility, or maybe get involved in his exciting Spain project give him a buzz at greg@actiongear.eu
