Exclusive: Egan Mastin Interview

Egan Mastin holds a one-point advantage in the MXD (Under 19) ranks of the Australian MX Nationals. With the class returning to the schedule this week at Conondale, Transmoto’s Johnny Bonnar caught up with the 16-year-old.

Hey Egan, you have had a mid-year break in your series. What have you been doing?

I have been staying up in Queensland with Brock Winston, concentrating on my fitness so I haven’t really had any time off.

You held a one-point lead in the series going into the break, how has that played on your mind during the time off?

It doesn’t really bother me. I’m just taking every race as it comes. I am not looking at the points. I will worry about the points at the end. I am just trying to get race wins really, it makes you more motivated and I don’t want to think about the points too much. I don’t want to put more pressure on myself I just want to get out there and race.

A few of you boys have established yourself as the lead pack in that class, what do you think it will take to get the upper hand on your competitors like Jack Simpson and Nathan Crawford?

I’m not too sure, we are all pretty close at the moment, probably just speed. Really, the first half of the season is about getting good results and points under the belt and the second half of the season is about getting some good solid points in every moto. 

With that being said, what is your game plan heading into the second half of the season?

Pretty much just going out there and trying my hardest and going for the win. 

You are competing on a two-stroke this year. With a lot of debate in the MX2 class about the two-stroke versus four-stroke saga, what is your take on the whole situation?

I don’t think it is much different. It is hard on privateers with not much money, they can’t just go out and spend 10-grand on an engine like the factory bikes. I personally think they are about the same. 

Even though you currently hold the red plate, you haven’t gained much media attention. How do you feel about being considered the dark horse?

I’m not too sure why I don’t get much exposure like the other fellas. On the day I just want to win and if I do I think that will bring good exposure.

Lastly, I hear of you riding with older riders like Brock Winston and Kirk Gibbs a bit. What is it like riding with those guys who compete in the MX1 class on a regular basis?

It is definitely good. It is good for your speed and they always push me, it definitely helps. 

Cheers for your time, Egan. Catch you at Conondale.

Yeah thanks mate, talk then.