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Ex-British Gymnast Gautrey talks about move to racing

MWR Kawasaki's Benjamin Gautrey takes part in his fourth round of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 championship at Thruxton this weekend, debuting into the series at the age of 18 leaving behind him an already impressive sports career before finding his true passion of two wheels.

The Southport rider is a true sportsmen with his career starting off in gymnastics in which he representated Britain, also from which he promises he has left the slinky outfit behind. He then moved into the football arena for which he played at various club levels before moving into motorcycle racing in 2008.  Gautrey admits that the racing has been the biggest thrill of his life and knows that even if he wasn't racing he would want to still be involved in the sport in some way.

Talking to www.bikesportnews.com, Benjamin said: 'I spent two years in superteen, then the Thundersport doing the Aprilia RV450 Challenge Championship. I won the championship. I spent a lot of time on getting a lot of sponsorship as I wanted to move on and try something different. I got some new sponsorship over the winter, bought a couple of 600s which we were intending to run ourselves but I was given the MWR opportunity.'

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'I am amazed by the support you have here, it's not just me, dad and grandad spannering ourselves, getting aggitated and so on. It's really amazing which is good. The 600cc sport series is really mad,it has been a big eye opening in short space of time. In 2007 I went to the aisle of man, the Centurion year so it was a bit more special, but when I came back I wanted to race.'

Gautrey realises and does have support with dealing with the pressures that motorcycle racing can bring, he is aware of how to keep his feet on the ground regarding realistic goals, how valuable it is to learn from others and of course that as an individual, presenting and publicising yourself is so important. Of course being a natural sportsmen it is expected that Gautrey works at most days, but again is focused on getting the balance right and not overdoing it.

In addition to his racing he finishes his mechanical engineering course this year before going to work with Network rail as a junior engineer, again understanding that realistically just focusing on motorcylce racing is not the safest or most sensible option despite having a long term goal of eventually to race at World level, where ever that may be.

Gautrey said: 'I have had to look at what's best and you have to prepare yourself for it, you have expectations of yourselve but the key is not to big that up too much. It's a massive year, lot of lads out there with a lot of years great experience, it's hard but yes I am loving every minute of it. I wouldn't be racing without the sponsors and being here helps as they can see I am in a professional atmosphere. Another thing that happened last year is that I was chosen for the MSA Academy, which helps assist you with nutrition, guidance so I get a lot of support.'

Rounding off the interview he reviewed his riding style and goals for the year ahead, he said: 'I am not an aggressive rider, I am smooth, but I have had to learn a different type of style. You've got to let it work but you've got to make it work as well. A lap isn't just going to come out of nowhere. Qualifying is more important than anything because if you qualify well you are set for the race straight away as in the race everybody is on race pace.'

'I would love to say I could possibly get a top ten finish before the end of 2011, that would be really good but the field out there is so competitive. Each meeting I am setting different goals and trying to work my way up there. There may be one circuit that's just clicks but everybody is quick. That's what I need to appreciate, everybody is so fast and everybody is not willing to give up any tarmac.

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