Interviews

Nicky's UpdateOctober 17

It's nice to be able to check in with you guys after a few solid races and things have been a lot of fun. It would be real nice to keep it rolling and be able to go out strong with Repsol Honda team. I owe a big thanks to my team because after I got hurt and missed a few races we really dug our heels in and were able to pick ourselves up off the floor and keep swinging. I'm proud to be apart of such a strong group.

Also for my fans who never quit believing in me. Thank you.

I'm sure a few of you are gonna want to hear my take on the drama with Puig and him calling me out and stuff. Well, yea its a bad deal for the team and maybe I got carried away when I said Puig runs our team but sure he has a lot of influence, I  think its a shame we got to talk so much about this and its getting the headlines when there is a 250 title up for grabs, Rossi just won another title and Di Meglio just got his first and  all the good stuff going on in moto gp. Rest assured, it doesn't bother me and I think its a bit funny. Lets face it, people like it when it gets personal and truthfully, talking about tires is pretty boring!! 

Well that's about all I got. Its bed time in Malaysia and its hot!!! Its been raining a lot since I've been here so should be another wild weekend, So we need to try to get a result and see if when can close up on Dovi in the points. I know after being a champion to say I want to try to get  in the top 5 is a little embarrassing but that's the goal. It wont be easy with just 2 races and Dovi is always strong!.

Thanks again for all of your support and hope to see you at the races soon.

Peace,

Nicky

Interview with Phil BakerWe caught up with Nicky's manager, Phil Baker from International Racers Inc, to ask him a few questions

NWT: Thanks for talking with us Phil,  It must have been a really tough call to make when you decided to miss out on the Czech GP. What was the reasoning behind that call?

PHIL: It was a call that Nicky made based on the advice from the Doctors. We've seen a number of riders try to come back too quickly from injuries which has only resulted in them having a longer period of recovery, so I'm convinced that both Nicky and the Doctors made the right call

NWT: How would you describe the season so far?

PHIL: It's been frustrating for Nicky. We know his ability and know that he could be winning races. Hopefully that will now come toward the end of the season and into next.

NWT: What have been the high spots?

PHIL: As in each year, there are always great highspots in this sport. Some of those high spots are actually not at the Moto GP. For example, when Nicky rode the Indian at Indianapolis earlier in the year, it was a huge priviledge to be there and see it. 

NWT: What are Nicky’s hopes for the remainder of the season?

PHIL: He's a racer....to win races. 

NWT: The question on everyone’s lips at the moment is the 2009 season and Nicky’s plans. Can you tell us anything about this yet?

PHIL: Not really. We hope to be in a position to make an announcement for the future probably soon after the race at Indy. 

NWT: As fans we tend to only see what goes on at or around the track. Can you give us an insight into the workload that you and Nicky undertake during a season away from the track? 

PHIL: Well, Nicky's workload is huge. He has many PR commitments both for his team and for his sponsors. He is also one of the most dedicated to his job which means that his fitness program is highly intense. For me, it is always about coordinating Nicky's schedule. looking at sponsorships, the programs, dealing with the manufacturers, teams and tire companies etc. Basically, we at International Racers look after everything off the track while Nicky looks after business on it.

NWT: Can you describe what you and Nicky have to do over a race weekend? 

PHIL: There are many PR commitments. We have to make sure that what is being requested is worthwhile and time efficient. That's where it is important for us to oversee everything for him in the paddock. 

NWT: How do you and Nicky work together over the season?

PHIL: He probably gets bored of me by the end of the season as we see a lot of one another throughout the year. We try to restrict the amount of time we spend together at the track as he needs to focus on the job in hand. Between races we probably exchange e-mails or phone calls at least two or three times a day. 

NWT: Nicky is well know for his professionalism both on and off the track and is seen as a good example to young riders. As a professional manager what advice would you give to young riders coming through?

PHIL: Basically exactly that. Look at how Nicky conducts himself. How he carries a professional approach to everything he does. As he will tell you, to be a world champion takes more than just raw ability - you really have to work at it. He is your ultimate person to aspire to if you are serious about reaching the top.