Mid-week with Yamaha rider Ben Burrell

The 2010 E1 Ballard’s Wellard Yamaha rider, Ben Burrell, had a good year. In the E1 class he finishing a solid fifth and placed sixth Outright for the series. But next year you won’t see him amongst the Oz Off-Road crew (although he may make an appearance for the A4DE); he’s heading over to Europe to test his skill in the Enduro World Championship.

So you’re going to Europe next year. What was the deciding factor there?

I had a lot of deals here in Australia, to stay, but I thought I’m young and I’m on a learning curve and thought I’d go give it ago. You’ve just got to go do it.

How did you get the money to get over there?

Just working. I’ve been working like crazy. Scrimping and saving on things. I’ve been working at my Nan and Pop’s farm and the local builder in town. It’s harvest time at the moment so I’ve been driving the header.

Who are you going to stay with while you’re over in Europe?

At the moment I’m staying with Paul Edmondson in England and when it gets closer to the World Championship, hopefully slip into Italy or something like that.

How much racing do you think you’ll be doing in 2011?

At the moment I’ll be doing the first two rounds of the World Champion Series and then hopefully do the A4DE back home. Then do the next rounds of the World Championship. And a few regional rounds like the British Championship.

Are there any deals in place for next year? Like gear, bike or transport?

Not as yet. We’re still working on a few things. But Paul Edmondson is being really helpful lining up a few bikes and that kind of thing. But as far as sponsors, there’s nothing lined up. There’s a few things in the pipeline but nothing has been signed yet. But I know I’ll still be on a Yamaha.

Will you have the resources to race the entire EWC?

The biggest factor is the expense of it all. If I’m getting some okay results and I’ll probably stick it out and ride the whole year. But the main thing is it costs a fair bit. The whole thing is about experience and giving it a go. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come back to Australia and the experience I’ve gained over there can be used back here. But if do well over there or show any inkling of good results I’ll just stay there.

Best of luck next year, Ben.