Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128218
it's sore, and I will always have to taken anti -inflammatory tablets before the race, but I can live with that. " KTM will stand by Watts for as long as possible. It was, in fact, Watts who helped KTM find success in America with his brilliant 2000 GNCC series win. Watts rode just about every KTM off-road brand to that victory, and the Austrian brand won't forget that in a hurry. "KTM has not put any pressure on me at all. I'm getting close to total fitness, and when I really think I can win races again, I hope KTM feel the same. It's a tough sport, but I've dealt with injuries in the past, injuries which people have said I won't be back, and I've proven them wrong. That's what I am all about going out and doing what people think I can't." Of course many will look at Travis Pastrana and Shane Watts and wonder if two of the most gifted athletes in the off-road world are heading for the same scrap heap. Watts disagrees. "There are a lot of similarities with Pastrana and I: We both have a race or two back and get hurt again. I don't think we can compare that we are guys who have fun; many of his injures came from racing, my wrist came from a supercross race, but my broken leg came from an offroad event. Injuries are a part of racing, and when you want it as much as Pastrana or I do, you're going to sometimes have bad luck." Several years ago Watts was outspoken that none of the top Australian motocross riders were willing to head to Europe or America to race. He would often call them out in interviews, asking the question why they don't seek their dreams out. Watts is still outspoken about that issue yet is also proud of his fellow Australians. "I would love to ride in Australia again, but I must make my living. There is no money in Australia, and while it's the best country in the world, there is no money, so I can't go back just yet. I am really proud of the motocross guys, riders like Chad [Reed] and the others; it's good to see them over in America or Europe racing. I am more of the opinion now that if riders want to waste their career racing in Australia, having their own little world then, they should do that, but if you look at guys like myself or Reed, or McFarlane, then seek your goals and go for them. I really respect guys who take a chance, go to the next level and go to Europe or America." CN SOUTHWICK NATIONAL MOTOCROSS Southwick, Massachusetts - Round #4 • Sunday, June 8th - Starting at 1 pm (EST) ~'J~ .~1IlJJSjviMAiii ",L www.cyclenews.com Then ... Get the Full Story the Follovving VVeek. in EtZJ7flI1ltl:-WY Issue # 2 4 - On Sale .June .... th cue I • n e _ s • ,JUNE 11. 2003 55