Catching up ... with Tyla Rattray

After claiming the 2008 FIM MX2 world title, the South African heavy hitter chose to leave Europe and head for America where he joined the highly acclaimed Pro Circuit Kawasaki squad. It was not long before Tyla made his mark in the USA, quickly being labelled a podium guy. With numerous race wins and multiple podium finishes, Tyla took his place as the 2010 and 2011 AMA Outdoor Runner-up.

Unfortunately for the popular South African 2012 and ’13 saw him face his fair share of hardship with injuries hindering his results. Looking to turn things around and ride out the last years of his career on top, Tyla has opted to return to Europe and contend for the 2014 FIM MXGP World Title. We had a chat to Tyla after hearing this exciting news to refresh where he’s been, what he’s done and where he’s going. Photo Copyright: Husqvarna Racing

Question: If you flash back over your entire motocross career what has been the most memorable moment?

Rattray: Definitely winning the MX2 world title in 2008.

After being a consistent front runner in the FIM Motocross World Championship for at least 6 years, you then made the decision to head over to the USA, what was the biggest factor in making this decision?

I really wanted to come over to America and see how everything went here with Supercross and also outdoors. Supercross I had some good races and motocross I fought for the title 2 years in a row and finished 2nd twice. Obviously they say the gold of racing is in the USA so that’s why I wanted to come here and race and see how competitive I would be and its something I don’t regret doing, I’m happy I got the chance to experience racing Supercross and outdoors in my career as it’s every kid’s dream to race Supercross in America!

You did pretty well in your first two years over there. You see a lot of the Americans who come to race in Europe struggle to make the transition, what do you think is the key to making the transition as smooth as possible?

Well I raced in Europe for 8 years in my career and I have now raced in the USA for 5 years, I will definitely tell you that it’s harder for a rider who has raced here (USA) their whole life to go over to Europe and compete, as the tracks are so much different to here, and also the lifestyle is so much different.

It has been confirmed that you will be racing the World Championship in 2014, how significant is this opportunity for you? Is it where you want to be?

Yes, I will be returning to Europe in 2014 to carry on the last part of my career there. I have had a great time racing for Mitch (Payton) and the pro circuit guys and can’t thank them enough for all the good times and memories I had racing here in the USA!

Also, you will be competing in the MXGP class, the most star studded class. How do you think you will stack up?

I have raced with Tony (Cairoli) and the MX1 guys before. It’s not like I’m going to be racing guys I’ve never raced against, it’s going to be fun heading back there for sure!

What are your plans training wise, will you be based here or there? Will you be continuing to work with Aldon?

I will be based in Belgium as that’s where I was based before I headed over to the USA so I know everything there and it’s very central for the GP’s. I will still continue to work with Aldon while I’m racing in Europe.

Lastly, have South Africa announced their team for MXoN? Are you competing? What’s happening?

No, unfortunately we won’t be coming to the MXoN as South Africa don’t have the budget to send a team this year.

Thanks for answering these questions and look forward to seeing you back! Thank you and see you in 2014.