AN INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS WITH ANDREW MCFARLANE

ÿAlthough the focus has been on Mike Alessi and his quest for consistent finishes in the 250F class, the most consistent rider on the track has been Aussie import Andrew Mcfarlane. The Yamaha of Troy rider started off the season with a third place finish, and has hovered around the top five since then. We caught up with Andrew at our top secret sand track to find out how his season has been progressing and where he expects to finish as the outdoors continue.

The last time that we talked to you was before Hangtown. How do you feel thus far after four rounds?

Obviously the first round was pretty good because it was my first National and I got my first podium. I was pretty pumped about that. The track conditions were pretty treacherous because of the bad weather, so it made for some pretty tough racing. In the last three rounds I’ve settled in a little bit and I’ve been trying to find my speed. I really didn’t expect to do as well in the first round as I did. I’ve decided that if I get in the top five then I’ll be pretty happy. I’m consistently up front, and although I struggled a few races, things have been good. I’m one of two riders that has always been in the top ten in every moto at the four rounds that we’ve had. Now I have to step it up because I’m sixth in the championship but 14 points away from third. The season is long. We’ve been working really hard on the bike changing suspension and trying to make little improvements. Now it’s just up to me. I need to focus a little bit more on the starts and do the work in the first five or six laps. I’ve been trying to study the first four races and figure out what everyone else’s strengths and weaknesses are. I know what mine are and I’m trying to work on them. I don’t want to be the sixth rider in the championship; I want to be in the top three.

Have there been any surprises so far?

Not really. I knew that the riders were capable of winning races and doing well like they have been. For me, the biggest surprise is how fast everyone is at the beginning of the race, but how they aren’t super strong at the end of the race. Like I said though, I have been working really hard to do my homework and the team and my mechanic are right behind me.

How do the racetracks in America stack up to the European circuits? Which do you prefer?

The racetracks in America are good because there is a lot of variety. We’ve already completed a sand race, which was new for everyone because they ran the track backwards. The different tracks are exciting to me because in Europe they’re all pretty much the same. Overall, I enjoy racing here in America.

What tracks do you look forward to racing at the most as the outdoor season progresses?

The next two rounds (Red Bud and Unadilla) should be really cool. I’ve heard that Millville is cool but that the weather is really hot. Glen Helen should also be fun. I guess that I’ll see how the tracks are prepared and just go from there.

You take offense when people say that you’re from New Zealand instead of Australia. What’s the big deal?

There’s some animosity between Australian and New Zealand people. They’ve got some issues with sheep and we don’t want to be associated with that [laughter]. The Aussies are good people.

You’re riding a YZ450F for practice. Are you still doing testing for Yamaha?

No, that was just to help Yamaha out at the time when Chad Reed had the problem with his shoulder. Now I just use it to work on a few things for outdoors. The 450 is something different and I try to hold onto it for a few laps.

In a few weeks you’re heading to Chad Reed’s house in Florida. Are you aware that he’s a very good golfer, and will you try to beat him on the links?

Well, you can’t bury yourself into the ground with training. We’re going to have a lot of fun back there chasing each other around on the track. I know that Grant Langston, Tim Ferry, and a few other guys will be around, too. Chad also got a new wakeboard boat so we’re probably going to do that and play some golf. We’ll get the job done and have fun afterwards.