Hamish Harwood (CMR KTM Red Bull Motorex) holds 2nd Overall in MX2 Australia’s MX Nationals with the final 2 Rounds wrapped up in just over a week.
Heading to Gladstone, Queensland for Round 9 this weekend, Harwood remains calm and confident, despite recovering from a wrist injury at Round 8.
Dubbed the ‘dark horse’ of Australia’s MX2 class, Hamish has proved that maintaining consistent top 5-7 results at each Round, plus being able to mix it up with Aussie’s top 250cc contenders under pressure has earned him 2nd spot Overall from Championship leader Luke Clout.
I caught up with Hamish, to see how he’s going with prep for the Final Rounds.
SC: Heading into Round 9 at Gladstone, what are you looking forward to come racing?
Hamish: I’m just looking forward to being on the bike and racing. I’ve taken the last 3 week gap easy as I hurt my wrist at Raymond Terrace. I have only ridden twice but have really stepped the fitness up. I’m keen to get out there and give it everything.
Australia MX Nationals 2014 has proved to be extremely competitive in all classes, with down to the wire results. MX2 class is certainly a crowd pleaser.
SC: What is the competition like on the track compared to competition in NZ MX Championships 2014?
Hamish: I think the main difference is the depth of competition. I had a terrible NZ Series coming off surgery and not feeling comfortable on the bike. In Aussie, instead of 5 fast guys there are 15. It makes racing a lot more intense and close.
10 Round Series is physically demanding, not to mention the financial costs.
SC: Has your training on and off the bike altered as the Series has progressed?
Hamish: Yea, it definitely has altered depending on the gap between Rounds and noticing where my weak points are as to whether I choose recovery, endurance or high intensity training. The schedule also changes if I’ve had a hard week on the bike or if I’ve had time off.
As for the financial side of things it’s very tough, ‘being on a budget’ is an understatement! But we manage to make do and have a good time along the way.
SC: Given Rounds 9 and 10 are back to back what will be your focus in the lead-up to Coolum Sunday week?
Hamish: I think it all depends on my wrist and how it is after Round 9. I would like to get a few rides in during the week. I feel my fitness is good so I’ll continue my normal routine up to the Final. Looking forward to it!
Cheers, Hamish.
Words: Sharon Cox 21st August, 2014
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