Bubba Pauli 24 years old from the Edwardsville, Illinois, USA given an exclusive Interview to MotoXindia.com about his experience in the MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Supercross Championship 2017 season at the recent Godspeed Racing Team launch in Indore and Pune, India
After a strong armature career Bubba Pauli earned his AMA Professional License, and made the jump to the Pro ranks in 2014
First, talk a bit about how you got into riding, your journey through
I started riding when I was 10 years old, racing at 11. My first 3 years of racing weren’t very promising but shortly after that, I began to pick up momentum and move through the ranks. At the end of 2013 I turned pro and started working my way through the ranks once again.
This year 2017 you went up to India and raced their MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Supercross Championship. How was your experience up there?
Racing the Indian Supercross series was an amazing experience. It was a series I’ve never done before and definitely an experience I’ll never forget.
In addition two rounds you raced Indore and Pune, which race did you enjoy more, and why?
Both races had some very cool differences. The crowd in Indore was more enthusiastic and never stopped cheering, which was cool. I would have to say the track in Pune was more enjoyable and better for racing so each round had its pros and cons.
Looking back on your first experience in India, Did you learn more than you anticipated you would?
Definitely, it was a bit of culture shock for me but I learned a lot about the people and country of India, it was awesome!
How has your experience been with the Godspeed Racing team?
The Godspeed guys were awesome to work with! Whatever we needed they were there to help us with, they definitely did their best to make us feel at home.
What type of physical training do you engage in to prepare yourself for racing?
As a professional athlete, we must keep up on our training daily. Throughout the year we focus on different things such as; base cardio, max cardio, strength training, core / balance work, stretching, flexibility, maintaining and recovery. Basically no two days are the same for us and we take no days off.
What is the most difficult part about being a motocross racer?
The challenges are endless. Nothing worth having comes easy so I always try to embrace the challenges and struggles by remembering that there’s a reward for pushing through them coming in the near future, sometimes when you least expect them.
What is the most fun part about being a motocross racer?
Being able to wake up and plan your days around Motocross is a dream come true. Other than that, riding motorcycles is always fun!
What are your long-term goals in motocross?
To keep improving my skills and getting better results each year is the main objective.
What was the biggest gain you made as a racer in the past year?
I would have to say building and maintaining confidence. Also managing stressful situations has been something I’ve worked on improving. I believe when you get those two pieces figured out, the rest of the pieces begin to fall into place.
If you were not racing motocross, what career path would you have chosen?
There are several different things I enjoy and have a passion for outside of racing. I do some equipment operating by doing dirt and excavation type of work from time to time. I can see myself having an excavating business one day when my racing days are done. Other than that, I enjoy helping people in need; I’m an EMT / Firefighter on my local volunteer fire department. Although I spend a lot of time traveling, I try to be as active as possible when I’m home.
During the offseason, what do you do for fun?
Here in the USA we really don’t have much of an off season. But when I have free time I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, doing anything that keeps me active, I recently got a stroller from the baby-stroller reviews to take my nephews for a walk whenever I am home.
A lot of young riders have dreams and aspirations of becoming a professional motocross racer. What advice can you offer to a young rider who wants to become a professional motocross racer?
I would say something I wish someone would have told me when I first started. “YOU CAN!” You already have everything you need to be great at whatever you want to do, you just have to figure out how to unlock that greatness. Be patient and don’t quit!
What sponsors do you want to thank for supporting you this season?
Privateer life is never easy and very costly, but there are so many people that help us do what we love to do. First off, my family and friends and all my sponsors such as TXS Productions/Outlaw Motorsports, St Louis Tattoo, Top Secret Designs, Motorcycle Closeouts, BSM, Skillz Racing, JH2, Route15 Cycles, Ryno Power, Pirelli MX, JM Racing, Arai, Novik, Sidi, AMSOIL, Ruralube, Tamer, Rekluse, Dirt Tricks, No Toil, Mika Metals, Works Connection, Bolt Hardware, Dove Technologies, Holiday Mowing, PRL, and anyone else I forgot, I’m sorry, but thanks!