Exclusive: Chris Hollis Interview

CDR Yamaha rider, Chris Hollis, recaps the opening round of the 2015 InsureMyRide Australian Enduro-X Nationals, and discusses Enduro-X racing in general…

Unfortunately, Chris, you crashed during the first Pro Final at the opening round of the Enduro-X. What’s the damage?

I was going through a straight log section that I wanted to double. When I hit the first log, a little bit harder than I probably should have, my right arm came off the handlebar, and as soon as that happened, the back wheel hit the log and I cart-wheeled over the bars. I landed on my right shoulder pretty hard, which tore the tendons on the AC joint. I got up straight away and picked the bike up, but when I started riding I could feel it moving. I thought I might have broken my collarbone, again, but yeah, it was my shoulder.

How did you feel you were performing prior to the crash, taking into account that it was the first race of the 2015 season?

I felt really good, actually. I was happy with my speed, although I was almost last in the first Pro Final because there was a pile-up in the first corner that I got caught up in. By the second or third lap I had passed Toby Price, and I think he was sitting around fourth. I felt good and the bike felt good. It’s just a shame that I crashed the way I did. These things happen though, and there’s not much that can be done about it.

Do you like Enduro-X racing? If so, why?

Yeah, I really enjoy it. It reminds me of the Stadium-X days we had back in like, 2004 and 2005. There was a good series that took place in New South Wales and Queensland. I used to do a lot of that racing, and Enduro-X is very similar to that – obviously now there’s just the rocks, logs and technical bits and pieces to get around, which makes it fun. The layout and the atmosphere is all the same, though, and I really enjoy it. It’s good for off-road racers, too, because it allows spectators to see what we do out in the bush when we’re racing AORC rounds. I think people respect what we do a lot more after they’ve seen it with their own two eyes.

How does it compare to off-road racing? Surely your bike and body cop a hell of a lot more abuse?

I’ll start with the bike. They cop a lot of abuse wear and tear. Even when you’re just training, the bikes get damaged, which makes things really annoying at times. You wreck rims and you break spokes and you get flat spots and all sorts. You smash radiators all the time, too. When it comes to your body, the more you ride this style of racing, the more your body will adapt to it. It’s kind of like supercross. You have to learn how to time everything perfectly and get through the obstacles while conserving energy. The races only have five laps, but they’re at a really intense level. You need to keep your cool to maintain balance, but it’s hard when the intensity is up like that. It’s probably the most intense form of racing you can do.

And your heart rate must be through the roof at all times as well, right?

Yeah, mate. The blood is pumping the whole time. Sure, it’s only a short amount of time, but it’s running through the roof. You need to train your body to be able to cope with that.

Thoughts on the track at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway?

It was really good! The track had a bit of everything in it. It wasn’t ridiculously technical, either. It made for some really interesting racing, that’s for sure. It’ll be good to see what they do with the future rounds.

You won’t become the reigning two-time champion this year, due to your injuries. Who do you think has the best shot at taking home the crown?

Mate, it’s really hard to go past Brownie (Mike Brown, Round 1 winner). He was seriously on fire at Brisbane. I think I could have given him a bit of a run for his money, but it’s hard to say that, considering I was so far back in the pack due to the pile-up I got caught in. He’s the man in Enduro-X at the moment – I mean, that’s what he does full-time in America. He doesn’t have to worry about off-road rounds. When he raced the A4DE last year, he didn’t dominate it, like he did with the opening round of the Enduro-X. I’ve definitely got my money on him from here on in.

Thanks for your time, Chris.

Cheers, mate.