JEFF HERLINGS BLOG |
The 2011 International Dirt Bike Show welcomed many international racers to its halls at Stoneleigh Park and one such racer was Red Bull Teka KTM Factory rider, Jeffrey Herlings. The 17-year old from Holland finished runner-up in the World MX2 class this year to KTM teammate, Ken Roczen. Remaining in the MX2 class for 2012 with the same team and bike, while Roczen heads stateside, Jeffrey has to be the favourite for the title next season. Here's how his time at the show went...
"My girlfriend and I arrived at our hotel at Stoneleigh Park late on Friday night. No time to do anything other than sleep. The guys from KTM fetched us from the hotel on Saturday morning and we headed over to the show after breakfast. The weather was pretty gloomy, but that didn't seem to stop you guys from heading to Stoneleigh as I understand it was one of the best attended shows for years.
"First stop was the KTM UK stand which was very impressive, but a shame they didn't have my bike on display. Some guys I don't know called Roczen and Cairoli had their bikes there, so maybe next year we'll see the number 84 machine at the event. I hope so!
"After doing a couple of videos with the KTM guys, I had a chance to take a look around and talk to some other riders and fans. I even managed not to spend any money.
"Next up was an interview on stage with Jack Burnicle. That went fine, I think. I know that when we race in Britain, you guys really get behind the home riders 110 per cent and so I expected the stage interviews to be the same. There were a lot of people gathered around and nobody threw anything at me, so that was a relief. But at least you had a good laugh when I admitted that I still live with my mum.
"They kept me busy on the stage where I also presented the 2011 AMCA awards. From there it was back to the KTM stand for an autograph session with British KTM rider, Nathan Parker, and another chance to talk to the fans.
"I didn't really have the best results in the mud at the Matterley Basin British MX GP earlier this year, but I like the British crowds and hopefully next year I'll do better.
"I found everyone at the show to be really nice and they made me feel very welcome, which made the trip even more worthwhile.
"I hope the show continues to be as successful and I look forward to visiting again next year."
Jeff Herlings
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