Photo by: Motoverte
Got to love Shaun Simpson. When you call the Scotsman up for an interview he gives you 100% of his time, and that often means great conversation and a long interview. Once again we are going to split this Simpson interview into two parts. The first this week and the second part next week.
In this installment Shaun talked about the Lille Supercross, held under tough conditions for the riders and people involved. He also talks about his personal life, changes happening in 2016. A marriage and a lot more.
Shaun, first up, last weekend in Lille was a tough weekend for many after the horrible attacks in Paris. How was that for you personally?
It isn’t something you expect to be part of or so close to what happened. Especially for the nation of France. It was a big deal for them and a big deal for us just being there. There was the uncertainty of what was going on and for a short period of time we didn’t know if the event would run or not. Some said it should run, some said it shouldn’t, was it right to run it or not. I think for many of us, we figured we had to do what was right. I think the powers that be made the right decision and had a good reason to make that decision to let the event go ahead. The decision to go ahead gave us all a lot of confidence that we were doing the right thing.
How did it feel arriving at the Stadium on Saturday? I imagined the security was massive.
It was strange for me, because I was at the stadium on Friday for press day and everything went okay on the Friday. There wasn’t really much in the way of security as such, and we were actually saying that anyone could have walked into the stadium. Our feeling on Friday—before the terrorist attacks in Paris—we felt there wasn’t enough security [for an event as big as this]. On Saturday it was clear to everyone that the right procedures had taken place, a lot of security and body checks as we entered the building, things that should happen at any event of that magnitude really. We all felt much more at ease.
I get the feeling it was a pretty special moment that you guys continued on with the show?
Yes, we had that for sure. It was clear to see from the open ceremony. There was a minute of silence, and from my limited French I could understand they were showing respect to the people in Paris. He ended with saying in English “the show must go on”, as if to say we are not going to let these people change how life should be. Everyone just came together and we continued with the show and life in general. That sent a message back that we wouldn’t let what happened change how life should be lived.
How was it for you personally, the racing side of the weekend?
Overall it was a controversial race. Many people saying I shouldn’t do it, and why mess around with Supercross. Many saying I should it would be fun, but when it came down to it I made the decision for myself, just for me, not for anyone else. That was the most important thing really and I had a blast doing it, and will go again. I felt like I had limited preparation, and [Romain] Febvre said he had the same thing, what with weather or a suitable track. I was getting better and better, and I felt like Sunday that I could have actually pushed for a top five or a podium finish. I was happy how I progressed.
You always come off as a good guy, speak well, and there seems to be more to you than just a guy who is fast on a bike.
Yes, I think so. I would like to think there is a lot more to Shaun Simpson than just a motocross rider. I am articulate, and I am different than a lot of other riders. When it comes down to it, I am a hard working guy from a background where you had to work hard and I respect everyone who has helped me. When I go to new places and these new events, I really respect and enjoy it and I see it as an adventure. Some riders just see it as another race, but I see it as an exciting time. These are things I want to look back on in my career and be happy I did it.
You seem in a really happy place personally at the moment. You got engaged this year, that must rank right up there with all the race results. How was that for you?
Yes I did, back in January. I would say it is on the same level. I have told people that, but some people screw their face up and are like, “really?” Then I tell them getting engaged was one of the happiest days of my life. Not just the moment, but telling family and seeing their emotion about it, really a special day in my life, maybe the happiest. For somebody who has won GP’s and British championships, and has a goal to win a world championship, I have had some pretty special moments, but getting engaged and finally getting married on October 8 in 2016, those are going to be one of the next biggest days of my life. Being a human being and being connected to one person and wanting to spend the rest of your life with one person, that’s pretty special. Sounds mushy and I am not a mushy guy, but it touched me. I am looking forward to the rest of my life with Rachel.
