DMX Motocross held its Gala and Prize Giving evening on the 7th May 2015 to honor all the riders, supporters, parents, sponsors and contributors to the 2014/15 season. It was a spectacular evening held in the Le Meridian hotel with members of all ages and nations in attendance. DMX is seeing a strong revival in member numbers, support for all ages and a general community which is tremendously helping in growing this healthy outdoor sport.
The event honoured all the classes from youngest to oldest and everything in-between with prizes going from the first to fifth placers in all classes. Special awards were presented to the following for exceptional performances and also competing and being part of the DMX Club. Jake Shipton accepted the award (in absentia) of Club Champion having scored the most points and championships for the season. The Most Improved Rider award was given to Ashley O’Connor for the best improvement in lap times from the beginning up to the end of the season. The “Dirk Donks” All-Rounder award, for best sportsmanship, personality and all round good guy went to Adam Ridgeway. Rider’s Rider was well earned by Nic Kefford who was a great sport admired by both the young and old this season for his flair and speed.
Proud sponsor, Fluor (Global Engineering Construction Company) really went out of their way to support DMX and the sport in general this year. Besides sponsoring really awesome prizes for all the winners, Steve Hopkins was also there in person to donate a massive cheque (financially and literally) to the club which will go a long way to supporting the races for the new season. A massive amount of thanks goes out to Fluor for all the ongoing support!
Closing out the successful evening, Scott Kefford, the DMX Club Chairman had the following to say:
“First, I would like to thank our major sponsors this season – Fluor Construction, KTM UAE, Organics Cafe and Portable Shade UAE. With local businesses supporting our club it gives us a strong sense of belonging to our community here in the UAE. DMX will once again welcome back our sponsors for the upcoming season as well as constantly seek further local support to bring motocross here in the Dubai to an international level.”
The 2015/16 season kicks off on the 18th of September with a registration day for all new and existing members. The club is also pleased to announce that a new ladies class will be debuting this season. Next year is looking at some major track changes, which will push the competitors and enhance their riding skills.
If you would like to join the club here in Jebel Ali or for further information please follow DMX of their official Facebook page at DMX (Dubai Motocross).
We get in touch with Mr. Ravi Nair, Divisional Head of Liberty Kawasaki and ask him about his thoughts with regards this season of DMX.
Congratulations on another successful DMX season! How does this year compare to the other ones?
It was different in terms of challenges we faced as a team — this year, the team had to compete with 2015 model bikes while they had 2014 bikes that have been through a lot. So it was both a handicap as well as a challenge for our riders.
What are some of the highlights for this season?
One great highlight would be that despite, the condition of the bikes; the team did quite well to get podium positions in all categories – a unique feat for older model bikes that have been through wear and tear.
Were there any difficulties for this season? How was it managed?
Definitely having the older bikes – we were up against 2015 models which had several improvements over their 2014 models. What’s amazing is how the technical team managed to keep the bikes up and running against new bikes.
In your opinion, how has Liberty Kawasaki fared this year?
In majority of the categories we managed to get podium positions. So I think we did a great job – both the riders and the technical team.
How has the team improved in terms of camaraderie and teamwork?
We have a great fighting spirit. I would have to say that the courage of the team showed. With this in mind, I could say that we have improved a lot especially in the midst of all the challenges we faced this year. The team has definitely become stronger because of this.
What would you say is the inspiration for the team?
The Kawasaki brand, and the faith and trust that our riders put in it. The entire world knows what a Kawasaki is capable of in terms of motocross and around the globe Kawasaki remains on top. So the confidence in the Kawasaki brand inspires the team to go further.
Out of all the riders in the DMX, who showed the greatest improvement? And who do you see has the most potential for next year?
Ross Runnals who is one of our best riders. Even though he was off to a slow start, he managed to secure top spots. Despite having an injury midway, he remained neck to neck with the other riders. Another big improvement worth of note comes from the 85 and 65cc riders. They have all matured in terms of skill and professionalism. I have very high hopes for Ross Runnals Dale Jullien and Jinan CD, All of whom are great riders in their respective classes.
Just a fearless forecast: How does Kawasaki plan on winning the next season of DMX?
The new bikes for the team have arrived and all our riders will go through rigorous training. The entire team will get full support from Liberty Kawasaki especially when it comes to the technicalities of the bikes.
Now that the event has come to a close, what comes next for Liberty Kawasaki?
The new season will commence September next year. That gives us some time to take a break and have a rest for awhile. Other than that, the team also has to practice on the new bikes and as time goes on, we hope to expand Liberty Kawasaki’s portfolio.
What can people expect in next year’s DMX?
They can expect Kawasaki to be number one next season.
Words By: Mark Ackerman
