JASON BUNYAN 2010

HJ: Jason we spoke at this time 12 months ago and you told me then that in 2009 you were determined to finish your first season at Stoke as the #1.
 You did that so were you pleased with your season?

JB: Yes l can’t think it could have ended much better really.  
 Winning the Pride of the Potteries at the end of the season finished things off nicely for me, especially that last ride.

HJ: So you were keen to come back to Stoke in 2010 then?

JB: Yes of course l wanted to be back here.
 I think l got on well with everybody at the club and half way through last season l asked Dave (Tattum) what about 2010, and after he thought a while about it he told me l would be okay for this
season.

HJ: How do you feel about being appointed captain of the Potters in 2010?}

JB: It’s not a lot different from last year really as Lee (Complin) was injured for quite a while and l took over from him at that time.
 It worked then and l managed to get all of the boys going and l guess this season won’t be much different really. Now we just want to win something now!

HJ: You’ve seen the team put together now for 2010 - your thoughts?

JB: I think the management’s idea was to put together a much younger, hungrier seven who don’t like losing.
 Last week was a setback but not a disaster so we’ll just have to step it up a notch or two.
 We need to get out there and score some points now and get stuck in.
 I feel it will take a few matches but l’m confident the results will come.
 We need to up our game away too. Last season was disappointing on our travels so that’s an area we need to up our game.

HJ: How do you feel about the Loomer Road track and how do you like it prepared?

JB: It’s pretty much consistent the way it’s prepared each week and for me it’s very much a case of just get on with it.

HJ: Not a lot of home advantage on this track is there?

JB: No, but l think it makes you race better - it does for me anyway! My last ride of last season gave me a lot of confidence for the winter season in New Zealand.
 It was a good way to sign off here in 2009 that’s for sure. I was flying out to NZ the very next day so l just wanted to make a point to myself really.

HJ: Got you settled in the right frame of mind for a long flight did it?

JB: It did and that was good. It’s a long flight out to Auckland where l was based.

HJ: Tell us more about you time down under then?

JB: Yes l’ve got a good supply of bikes down there and l managed  to get in around 15 meetings in and keep myself in racing trim so to speak!
 It was a nice tour and while l was there l rode with Ricky (Wells) which was good, and had a really great time.
 There was nothing too strenuous really and l managed to win the New Zealand title again which was nice!
 Some of the boys out there are not pleased l keep winning it but l try to help them as well - so it’s good really.

HJ: The sixth time wasn’t it?

JB: Yes l was pleased with that but l have to admit that the quality of the opposition isn’t perhaps as good as it once was, although in saying that you still have to go out and win it and the fact that l did gave me a lot of satisfaction.
 A job well done you could say!

HJ: Did your family go with you?

JB: Just me and the missus.

HJ: So you are based in Auckland you said is that right?

JB: Yes we have a facility over there and use it as our base.

HJ: Auckland is on the North Island isn’t it - so how do you get over to the South Island for meetings such as down in Christchurch?

JB: Sometimes we fly for a one off meeting or sometimes we go by ferry and road which can take 5-6 hours travelling if we are on a tour and take the van.
 It’s quite a distance.
 The roads over there are more like our A roads over here so it’s not a fast drive by any means.
 The only bit of motorway is about 20 miles around Auckland.

HJ: So tell us about your base in Auckland then?

JB: Yes it’s a big factory with all of our race gear inside. A lot of bikes and a few race cars too.

HJ: So you pick up the weather too l guess?

JB: Great isn’t it - it’s their summer so the climate is good (notice his ‘Desperate Dan Stoke fans’)

HJ: So how did this idea of going to New Zealand each winter come about them?

JB: I broke a leg over here in 2001 and towards the end of the season after l had just got back racing, John McCullem, a promoter from out there rang me up  to invite me to race over there.
 He used to help Armando Castagna and Mitch Shirra at one stage so knows his speedway.
 That was seven years ago and l’ve been going out there on tour ever since.
 Great place and a good way to pass the winter.
 I’ve got a couple of Jet Skis out there to enjoy myself as well, so it’s good.

HJ: So riding all winter then makes you sharp for the British season doesn’t it?

JB: Yes you would have thought that wouldn’t you, but the way l rode at Birmingham last week l’m not so sure.
 Still we got some form back here against the Brummies and l have to be pleased with that.

HJ: So what are the
ambitions for Jason Bunyan then this season?

JB: I have set myself a goal of the Grand Prixs - no seriously as long as l get better each year l’m pleased and content with that!
 I do feel l’m getting better each year and of course l just love to get quicker as well which l think l am.
 At the moment l’m enjoying my racing and as soon as l don't then l will know that’s the time to kick it all in.

HJ: So was Birmingham away a total disappointment then?

JB: No it wasn’t all a disappointment because l won heat one and  then got excluded in my second heat and then did all my normal changes which l usually do.
 All my equipment is new.
 Phil Crump’s doing my engines so that should help me have a decent season and at that’s all l can ask for really.
 He’s brilliant and looks after me well. I’ve been with him for 5-6 seasons now - he’s a top man!

Jason was talking to
Howard Jones...