Robbie Maddison- 2006 San Jose Dew Tour Greg Weatherall © Lat34
Maddo Takes Moto To Next Level
Sep 10 2006 / San Jose, CA
There were a few riders braving the gusts during practice on Friday. Robbie Maddison was one of them. No stranger to the international FMX scene, Maddison is making a name for himself as being one of the most talented riders in the world. We stopped to talk to the Aussie who just moved to the U.S. this year to make a big splash on the American scene. And he’s doing just that.
Lat34: How has your first year in the States been?
RM: It’s definitely been a challenge to say the least. I came out here with nothing really guaranteed. I went out to the first Dew Tour stop and finished in 7th, which was a dream come true and pretty much the highlight of my career. So, from there I qualified for the next stop in Denver and I’ve been going pretty consistent. So, it’s been a pretty good year. I got a start at X Games. I guess the only drama for me has been doing to many events. I’ve overcommitted myself. Now, this late in the year, I didn’t realize the amount of stress involved in such a competitive series. So, now it’s time to play it safe and keep it consistent.
Lat34: So, what do you have lined up for the rest of this season?
RM: After San Jose, I fly directly to Madrid for the X Fighters. And then I have the final round of the Dew Tour in Orlando. I also have the LG Action Sports World Tour in Pomona. And then, the one I’m really looking forward to is spending three weeks doing a reality TV show with Crusty Demons in L.A. So, that’ll be really cool.
Lat34: So, you’re living in Temecula, outside of San Diego. How’s that going?
RM: So far so good until last week when someone decided to burn out my truck.
Lat34: What? Someone lit your truck on fire?
RM: Yeah, I just invested some money into a new truck and then someone decided to set fire to it. I don’t know why anyone would try to do this to me. Hopefully it’s just a mistake, and I can rest in peace. I like Temecula, you know? And if it was a tactic to get me out it’s not going to work.
Lat34: Wow. I don’t even know what to make of that. Well, moving on, I understand you have a new manager?
RM: Yeah, Rich Swisher. He also manages Kenny Bartram, Twitch, Bamburg… He’s got a lot of guys on board. And he saw something in me last year and… it’s been good. I realize I have to prove to people [in America] that I’m worth their investment. He can only do so much. A lot of it’s up to me, and that’s what this year is all about. And I’ve done that. I’ve proven that I’m consistent and can handle the pressure. But, he’s done an extraordinary effort to get me a lot of attention.
Lat34: I also understand that your girlfriend travels with you and helps you out quite a bit too.
RM: Yeah, my girlfriend is not only my best friend, but she loves me and puts in so much work. It’s good. I’ve really found the one and without her I wouldn’t be here, that’s for sure.
Lat34: Let’s talk about world records. You’ve broken a couple. Tell us about them.
RM: I broke the distance record on a 125 last year at the Queensland Raceway. I also did the 250cc distance world record with a trick. It was a 246’ Hart attack. It was a big day, because I knew I could do it, but I had never ever seen a set-up like that. I had jumped enough in the bush and in quarries to judge the gap. I knew I had the judgment inside to make those distances. Yeah, and that was a turning point. I realized that I could do it. So, for me it was a big personal achievement.
Lat34: Any more record attempts in your future?
RM: Yeah sure. But, I want to build a name for myself first. You know how it works. I want to build a profile to make my sponsors money, so that people will be more likely to come out to watch me risk my life on a record. And I feel somewhat safer doing Freestyle Motocross than jumping world records.
Lat34: What other Dew Tour sports are you following?
RM: But, yeah, I like watching the other sports. I watch BMX. There’s a lot of Aussies there, and I like to see how they’re doing. And also the technicality and footwork of the skaters. I appreciate it all, that’s for sure.
And I love the Dew Tour. I used to be nervous about it when I was back in Australia. And now I’m here and I feel quite relaxed, so it’s good.
