Motocross is a sport that is heavily underrated in the motorsport world, with events like Formula One, Moto GP and Formula-E taking most of the limelight. Gloucestershire based rider Tom Butler explains the highs and lows of what can be such a thrilling sport.
“It’s always just been something that I have enjoyed (motocross), but obviously there’s been times it’s been challenging especially when you’re training hard, putting in the hard work and the results aren’t showing it can obviously be frustrating.
“So, my dad, he raced from the age of, I suppose, approximately ten up until 27, after which my oldest brother he raced, but yes the fashion began via my dad, so me and my brother were given a pathway into motocross and I began at the age of six.”
The 18-year-old had a huge setback in late 2021, breaking his fibula, which caused a two-month period of not being able to get back on the bike.
“In the last year I actually snapped my fibula. The break was quite serious, because it was close to causing muscle and ligament damage and I could have been out potentially for 6 months.
“But I was lucky it didn’t damage any of the ligaments or tendons when I broke it, so it was just a couple of months out and then I was back to the grind.”
Butler’s hard work and determination has seemed to of payed off, as he has had a great 2022, winning the Nora British Championship Cup and placing second in an international event, which earned him his place on the American based, Nora CRS development team, as well as a few sponsorship deals.
“This year, I won a British championship cup and I was also winning an international event. I did fall off and came second instead. But that was a point that’s solidified my place on this team and I’m also signing more deals in the future as well so yes, there has definitely been a good few moments this year.”
In a sport that is so demanding and time consuming such as motocross as well as starting at the young age of six comes sacrifices, whether it be giving up free time, or missing a friend’s birthday party, it will have an impact on the riders’ willpower.
“I have definitely missed out on things like not being able to go out to parties and not being able to do the late nights and the drinking. But obviously I wouldn’t have it any other way, because I want to try and go pro and when it is that sort of thing you don’t want to give up.”
