BURGER KING | Bikesportnz

CMR Red Bull KTM rider Luke Burkhart made an impressive return to the New Zealand motocross scene in taking the overall MX2 class win with 1-1-1 results at the Elf Auckland Motocross Championships last weekend.

Determined as ever, Burga #99 nailed holeshots, set the pace up front and remained calm under increasing pressure from the second-placed rider overall, Hamilton’s Darryll King (MXDK Rockstar Yamaha).

Having tested Harrisville track two weeks before, Burga was keen to stand on top of the podium, setting a benchmark for the up-coming New Zealand Motocross Championship, starting in February 2012.

Sharon Cox caught up with Luke to see how it all went, what his focus has been and what lies ahead going into NZ’s MX season.

SC: Congratulations on the MX2 win, 1-1-1 is pretty impressive, how did it all go for you?

Burga: Thanks a lot. Yea my day definitely went pretty smoothly for sure. I was happy with my starts especially after six months no racing. It totally makes the day and each race a lot easier when you get out front and ride your own race. From there I just did what I needed to do to get the job done each time.

SC: After a break from MX racing and returning top of the podium, what has been your focus over the past few months?

Burga: Well right after the nationals finished I was straight into crayfish season which is at least three months at a time. Once that was done for the winter on September 1st, I had plates and screws taken out of my bad wrist and also one of my collarbone plates as well. While I haven’t been able to ride I did a lot of cardio training to get prepared for riding again. Having a good base fitness level helped me a lot with the transition back into riding. The Auckland Champs was like a feel out race for me to see where I am at. I’m obviously pretty happy to be winning at such an early stage of my comeback for summer.

SC: Bringing it altogether in your first championship event back must be a great feeling. MX2 remains competitive as ever, the quality of racing was great to see, was this expected?

Burga: It was totally expected to be honest what I wasn’t expecting was for DK and I to have the gaps we had on everyone at the end of each moto. MX2 is always the toughest class, depth wise, and that’s why I love it. There’s always a handful of guys capable of winning a moto as opposed to MX1 where there’s maybe two guys.

SC: Racing KTM 250F under CMR seems to be an awesome set-up … your thoughts?

Burga: Riding for CMR Red Bull KTM is a sweet deal, they’re such a cool bunch of people who all get along and seem to never forget it’s supposed to be fun. After coming back from America in 2009 the most important thing for me was to get involved with people I enjoy being around and that’s exactly what I’ve got with these guys. We learnt a lot from last season and the team are fully committed to do whatever is needed to get this #1 plate on the front of my bike.

SC: Finally, what will be happening for Burga #99 in the next few months?

Burga: The next few months for me will basically be a steady build up to the big summer races at Whakatane SummerX, Woodville, then straight into the nationals. The big difference for me is that I will actually be prepared for this season. I got the results earlier this year based purely on speed and no conditioning. I can tell you it’s going to be a totally different me that people will see and I’m looking forward to it.

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