Auckland’s Liam Draper, now to race for a
Satellite factory KTM team in the United States
Words: Andy McGechan Photo: Darrin Chapman
DREAM COMES
TRUE FOR YOUNG
KIWI RIDER
t’s a dream come true for young New
Zealand motorcycle racer Liam Draper
with the news that he will now race for a
satellite factory KTM team in the United
States.
From humble beginnings as an apprentice
plumber, based in Howick, and a developing
moto trials rider back home in New
Zealand, the now 22-year-old Draper has
successfully transitioned to first become
a leading national-level enduro and cross-
country dirt bike racer and now he is sought
after by some of the elite teams to race
professionally in the United States.
“I have always dreamed of becoming a
professional racer and, coming from a small
country like New Zealand, you sometimes
think it will never happen. But dreams are
free and hard work ays off.
He was this month approached and
successfully signed up to race for the Tely
Energy KTM Racing Team in the US.
acing in the
is totally different to our
cross country at home. The pro riders are
the last people out on the track at a GNCC
(Grand National Cross-Country series) race
on the Sunday. I have ridden some rough
tracks in the past, but there is nothing like
this.
“It is crazy and the speeds we are doing...
it’s like a rough three-hour motocross race.
I also did some sprints the year where I won
the Pro2 championship title in that.
“I was very lucky to have the opportunity to
live with one of the best riders in the world,
Steward Baylor, who is ranked number three
in the GNCC and is a three-time national
enduro champion (in the US). I am so lucky
to have him and his wife welcome me to live
with them in South Carolina.
“Steward (Baylor) is on the same new Tely
Energy Racing KTM team that I will be on, so
this makes it easier living with Stu.
“I am absolutely stoked about this
opportunity and cannot wait to get started
next year.
“The KTM and Husqvarna bikes are similar,
so it wasn’t too hard a transition to make. I
am very happy about that and I have some
awesome people around me to help me out.
“I will be back in New Zealand on December
17 and I will have a bike, but I will not be
doing any racing in New Zealand while I’m
home as I have to leave again and be back in
the US by end of January.
“I have had some awesome support from
people back home. I would like to say a
massive thanks to (Kiwi former MX world
champion) Ben Townley. He has been a
massive help to me over the years. Also
big thanks to (Kiwi two-time US GNCC
champion) Paul Whibley, who has also been
a big help to me.
“But without the support of my parents my
dream would not have been possible. They
have sacrificed a lot for me and it sure is
tough living on the other side of the world,
away from your family, but it’s what makes
you that much stronger. They are very
happy for me and looking forward to next
year as much as me. Also I want to thank my
sister too for all her su ort.
KIWI RIDER 81