MXLink covered NZ’s Josiah Natzke racing European Motocross Championship 125cc class with KTM Junior Factory Team in 2015 – filming interviews in NZ and Europe pre-during-and post racing. The main goal was to capture Josiah’s journey and experience racing in Europe under the expertise of 10x World MX Champion – Stefan Everts – filming interviews with Josiah and Stefan at GP’s, at their base in Belgium, and at KTM HQ in Maffighofen in Austria.
With the main objective in place, planning started on how to film Josiah’s transition from growing up riding and racing in NZ to competing in MXGP feeder 125cc class. Filming began at 2015 NZ MX Nationals Round 2 at Timaru with Ben Townley interviewing Josiah on taking the overall win of the day followed by connecting with Sky Sport NZ Speed Show to interview Josiah prior to departure with the story broadcast on TV.
The next step was to connect with KTM Junior Factory Team Manager – Stefan Everts – to gauge how the settling process was going for Josiah and team-rider’s Jorge Prado and Conrad Mewse. Indications on where Josiah was placed against all competition were soon evident with the #33 taking 5th overall in the opening Round at Trentino, Italy followed by a stellar performance in Round 3 in Spain, going 1 – 2. Race footage and post race interviews were compiled for Sky Sport Speed Show to be broadcast on TV which not only engaged viewer’s back home on Josiah’s results in Europe but also increased Brand awareness of KTM to NZ’s mainstream audience.
Josiah Natzke interview at 2015 NZ MX Nationals at Timaru winning the overall – BT on the mic Film: MXLink
Face-to-face time through Skype provided a personalized account on how Josiah was adjusting to the racing/training schedule through-out the 8 Round Series. These conversations formed the basis of articles completed on MXLink website. Film footage of racing provided by MXGP was edited over the course of the Championship into a full length documentary which was published after Josiah returned to NZ post the Final Round.
Results gained momentum with Josiah taking double moto wins at EMX 125 Round 5 in France – the first overall win by a New Zealander since BT and Josh Coppins posted GP wins in 2007 and 2008. Josiah followed up the victory with P2 overall at Round 6 in Maggoira and plans were made to travel and cover the Final Round at Assen, Netherlands on August 2, 2015.
Josiah Natzke taking double moto wins at EMX 125 Round 5 in France. Film: MXGP
Heading into the Final Round points were too close to call – Jorge Prado held a 1 point advantage over Josiah – 271 points to 270. The man-made sand track was certainly a curve-ball circuit in the Series, pressure to perform was obvious, with Josiah finishing 2nd and Jorge taking the Title. Interviews with Stefan back at KTM Factory Junior Team base in Belgium followed by travel and interviews at KTM HQ in Austria was a great opportunity to question the challenges, rewards, highs, and lows of racing with all content adding another dimension to the documentary completed when we were all back home.
For Josiah, the disappointment of not winning 2015 EMX 125 Championship was bitter sweet, as he came so close. Yet, the victories he achieved were monumental. The double moto win in France, a total of 5 Race wins and 9 podiums in his rookie year was worth more to the kiwi teenager than ever could be imagined growing up, riding, and racing in NZ. A rare feat indeed, and one that hasn’t been repeated from any other kiwi rider since.
Header photo: 2015 EMX 125cc Championship podium at Assen, Netherlands – left to right Josiah Natzke, Jorge Prado, and Maxime Renaux.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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