Interview: Minimoto Racing's rider Bradley 'StuntBoy' Ray
Jul 27, 2006, By Michael Lenz, Copyright 2006, MiniGPX
We first met Bradley 'StuntBoy' Ray this past March when we were in Spain. His natural control of his minimoto made him stick out of the crowd. We caught up with him over email from his home in the United Kingdom.
Name: Bradley Ray
Nickname: StuntBoy
Age: 9
Birthplace: Ashford Kent U.K.
Bikes: GRC RR 4.2, GRC RR 8.5, CONTI V2, XSPORT
First off, how did you get the nickname stuntboy?
I got the nickname stunt boy because I am always messing about on my scooter and bicycle.
What kind of stunts do you do?
I do wheelies, endo's, whips, jumps and will try anything.
How did you get into bikes?
I first rode a minimoto when I was four and a half when my brother and I got I to share for christmas.
Has your riding style or approach to racing changed over the years?
Yes my approach has become very competative and I love to win, my style has had to change as I became faster.
Do ride bikes other your road bikes?
I don't have a road bike, but I do enjoy going on the back of my dad's Ducati.
Why do you race?
I enjoy the competition and being with all my mates at the meetings.
Did anyone inspire you to race?
Not really started off as a bit of fun then my dad found out about a race series and took me along to see if I enjoyed it and it went from there.
Who is your favorite racer?
Theres only one that is Valentino Rossi.
What is your favorite track?
Haven't really got a favourite track I just enjoy being out there and racing.
People have said that you go to the track almost everyday after school, is that true?
Not quite, I would like to but my local track is open to minimoto's every Tuesday and quite a few weekends and I do all of them.
Who are your sponsors? What kind of help do they give you?
My main sponsor is Minimoto Racing who supply me with my minimoto bikes, bike set up and spares I am also helped by Lydd International Raceway (all my track time) Mid Kent Windows, Patio Master, and Newlands Builders my Grand parents also help out and my uncle.
What team are you on?
I am racing for Minimoto Racing this year.
How did you end up on that team?
My dad rang Julian who owns Minimoto Racing and they agreed to take me on.
How does your team help you?
They supply me with my bikes and have a mechanic at every race meet to do the bike set ups his name is Scotty.
Have you traveled much to race?
This year i am doing both the British Championship and the SEMRC championship and have been to Cumbria (twice) Edinburgh, Cardiff, Norfolf, Leicester, Northampton, Newmarket and later in the year will be going to Yorkshire.
What clubs do you race with?
This year it is with the MMRA British Championship and Pheonix SEMRC.
What are your hobbies outside of riding?
My other hobbies would be anything sporty, football, cricket, tennis, golf, swimming.
Does you family support your riding?
My family support me totally if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be able to do it.
What is the coolest things about racing?
Don't know really I just enjoy all of it.
One one event really stands out about your racing?
My first race win and beating Danny Kent on my 4.2 earlier in the year.
When you went to Spain this year you were wicked fast, are you that fast everywhere?
I try to be I just enjoy going fast.
How did the 2005 season go?
2005 was ok for my first year at competative racing, had my first race win and at the end of the year I got the most improved rider trophy for the SEMRC.
How have been things going so far in 2006?
Really well I won the 4.2 winter series and runner up in production, so far this summer I am leading the 4.2 in the semrc ad second on production, in the mmra I am leading the 4.2 and I think 3rd or 4th in production.
Have you started thinking about what you are going to do in 2007?
Yes hope to be racing for minimoto racing on the minimoto's and also to get a ride on a conti v3.
Any plans to travel outside your local clubs?
Would like to have a try in Europe.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Has to be my mum and dad they give up a lot for me to race.
Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
Would like to be riding in the 125 gp.
You have good support from your father, tell folks about him a bit.
My dad is 45 and he is bike mad, will always listen to what I try to tell him and never gets angry with me if I am not riding very well, he will always try to help anybody in the paddock even my nearest rivals.
How has your father helped you in your riding?
Yes, he explains to me about race lines and braking points and always checks with me about the way my bikes are running.
Of all the riders you race with who do you have the most fun with or who do you look forward to racing?
I have a lot of fun with my mates Wayne Ryan and Tom Weedon. I enjoy racing against Josh Brown and Danny Kent.
Who is your strongest competitor?
This year in 4.2 it is Nathan Westwood and on the production bike it is Josh Brown, Harry Cousins, and Danny Kent.
Do you have plans to ride big bikes when you are old enough?
I hope to if I can get some sponsorship.
What is your favorite movie? Why?
My favourite film is Ali G In Da House. It makes me laugh.
What is your favorite song?
I haven't really got a favourite song my dad makes me listen to lots of old music.
What kind of shoes do you wear?
Trainers all the time.
Who cuts your hair?
Mainly my dad, but sometimes I go to the barbers and have tram lines and my race number cut in my hair.
How often does your family read MiniGPX.com?
Before today I hadn't heard of MiniGPX before but will be reading it from now on.
