Interview: Milan Jablan
13 year old Milan Jablan from Saskatoon, Canada is one of only a handful of Canadian kids to have ever been invited to try out at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event. Here we find out what Milan loves most about about racing and what he hopes to accomplish in the future.
Q: Can you describe to us the feeling you get when you are racing motorcycles?
A: When I get on my motorcycle and start racing I get this feeling that all I have to do is go as fast as I can and get past that finish line ahead of everyone else at the quickest pace possible.
Q: I read that your other interests include football, gymnastics, dirtbiking and soccer. Why is motorcycle racing your main focus?
A: Motorcycle racing is my main focus because it fills me with adrenaline and I just love it more than anything else.
Q: In 2011 you won the Canadian National Formula GP and Spec Supersport Championships and then clinched the Wera West Mini 80 Sat. Championship the following year. What series did you race this year?
A: This year I have participated in a few local motocross races and a couple of mini road motorcycle races.
Q: I understand that your racing idol is Valentino Rossi. What would you say to him if you had the opportunity to meet him? Are there any questions you would like to ask him?
A: If I could meet Valentino Rossi I would tell him he is my idol and I would ask him what was the best moment he has had in MotoGP.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about ice racing? How is it different from road racing?
A: Ice racing is fairly similar to motocross but on a flat surface. Compared to road racing the motorcycle used is a motocross race bike and the tires have screws in them. The gear is the same as a set of motocross gear along with a jacket and ski pants for warmth. You can ice race on any frozen lake.
Q: Do you prefer racing motocross or road racing? How do the two styles differ?
A: The difference between road racing and motocross is that the bikes are different. Motocross involves many jumps while road racing is more smooth and has higher top speeds. They are both fun just in different ways.
Q: When you go to school to people believe that you race motorcycles? Do they think it’s cool?
A: My teachers are very supportive of my racing but most people don’t understand road racing in general.
Q: Do you ever get scared?
A: No I never get scared just nervous when I have an important race ahead of me.
Q: What is the hardest part about racing motorcycles?
A: The hardest part about motorcycle racing is braking. You need to figure how hard and late to brake and also whether you should use the rear, front or both brakes at the same time.
Q: You had the opportunity to try out for the Red Bull Rookies Cup this year. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience?
A: I thought the Red Bull Rookies Cup tryouts were a great experience. I got to meet racers from all over the world. I also learned that I need to up my game to get to the level that some of the other kids are at. I thought the program was well run and I am hoping to go again next year.
Q: What was it like meeting and riding with racers your age from all over the world?
A: It was interesting to meet kids from all over the globe that do what I do. We stayed in the same hotel with six kids that came from Australia for Red Bull try outs. They became great friends.
Q: Tell us a little bit about being in Spain and getting to ride the Circuito Monteblanco. How did that track differ from other tracks you have ridden on?
A: Spain is a great place with even greater food. My Dad and I went to Jerez to watch WSBK races, and we visited Seville, Cadiz and Granada which was a great way to experience Spain and it’s people.The Circuito Monteblanco is in between Seville and Huelva. The track is complicated with a lot of fast and challenging corners and some elevation changes.
Q: What do you think all motorcycle racers have in common?
A: All motorcycle racers have in common is that they want speed and fun.
Q: Have you ever had any formal motorcycle training?
A: I was coached by Ed Sorbo during the CBR 125 racing in Canada but I haven’t participated in any formal motorcycle training.
Q: What has been your biggest racing accomplishment?
A: My biggest racing accomplishment was last year when I took the WERA Minis Championship.
Q: What’s next for you and your racing?
A: The next step for my racing is to continue with improving my riding skills.
Q: Anything else you’d like people to know?
A: I would like to thank my parents and sponsors for their tremendous support. Also I would like to thank the Red Bull Rookies Cup for giving me the opportunity to go to Spain.
For more information on Milan please visit www.milanjablan.com
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