KIWI RIDER SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL2 | Page 45

LIAM DRAPER RACE SERIES : GNCC
TEAM : Tely Energy Racing Team ( KTM Factory Supported Team )
BIKE : KTM 250SX-F ( XC2 ), KTM 350SX-F ( XC1 )

Liam is currently placed 5th in the GNCC , with three races to go . He ’ s placed 2nd in the Sprint Enduro Series Pro Class for ‘ 21 .

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT RACING OVERSEAS ? I love meeting new people , and the racing over here is so big it makes you almost feel like a Supercross or Motocross rider as we have all the big semis and stuff here . But mainly the fans and kids are so excited and so into the sport , cheering you on . On the mudholes you are almost guaranteed to never get stuck as there are 100s of people to pull you out .
WHAT ’ S THE HARDEST PART OF RACING OVERSEAS ? There is no real hard part now as I have been here for four years , but in the beginning it ’ s tough as you don ’ t know anyone or what to expect . Once you get over here everyone is so helpful and friendly . If you ever want to come over feel free to message me on social media and I ’ ll for sure help out with the major stuff
like advice for visas and insurance .
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET A NEW BIKE ? On the GNCC bikes we use the same frames all year unless it goes under the measurements or gets damaged , but every race it gets pulled apart down to the frame , replacing lots of stuff that doesn ’ t need done but they do it just to make sure . The motors are done every three races unless they ’ ve been hot or it was a really muddy race . Chain and sprockets every two races , plastics and graphics , grips , tyres , brake pads every race , and suspension every two races .
DO YOU HAVE A PRACTICE BIKE ? I have two race bikes and two practice bikes . I have a GNCC practice 250SX-F that I do about 40-50 hours before it ’ s replaced , and I have a 350SX-F practice bike where it ’ s the same .
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE ? The plan is always changing with coming off a race weekend or going into one , but normally three times a week in season . A couple of
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