“I have just been out the in the dozer building
new tracks and jumps and stuff, then riding
them and cycling too. I am very ready to go
back GNCC racing it has been a long eight
weeks with no racing. I am hoping I can get
some good results and get some more wins.
We are heading back to the same GNCC we
left at in Georgia because this is one of the
states that is opened for sporting events and
larger gatherings.”
Draper is fifth overall in the XC2 (250cc) class
standings after three round thus far.
“This year has been an okay start it is a better
start for me than last year, but definitely not
where I know I can be and should be,” he said.
“I know this especially because last year I
finished the year with a ranking of second
overall and I have yet to step on the podium
this year.”
Draper finished seventh at round one in South
Carolina in February, then seventh again at
round two and managed sixth in the XC2 class
at round three.
“I just haven’t had good races and so I am way
off where I should be. I know I can be up there
as I have done it before and I have won races
there before.
“So, with that being said, I had a good winter
training over here in the US and trained too
hard to not be on the podium and winning.
I lived in Florida for two months at the start
of the year, where I stayed at the home of
(KTM’s seven-time GNCC XC1 class champion)
Kailub Russell. So there was no better place to
be than with the seven-time champ and the
whole factory KTM team.
“It was an awesome experience and I learnt a
lot and something I will never forget. The long,
hot days in Florida where tough. I was riding the
sand every day, with whoops (hollows) as deep
as a bike because we never groomed the track.
There were some days it did suck getting up and
knowing you’re going to do an hour session on
sand whoops and it’s 32 degrees outside.
“But then you think again that you’re doing
something you love and getting paid to do it,
so it’s all worth it.”
Draper does not yet know when he will be
returning to New Zealand but hopes he can be
back home for a break again in the New Year.
KIWI RIDER 15