Mike Brabant Interview
A lot of amateurs always talk about turning pro but never do, what made you stick to your guns?
Well I figured that if I was at the top of my class then I would turn. I made a promise to my self at the beginning of the year to get a certain amount of titles that I wanted and if so I would turn at the end of the year. It looks like I got the ones I wanted!
Did you feel like you had to win to prove to everyone that you were meant to race pro?
I mean turning pro had me a nervous wreck, but I wasnt out there to prove to people that I was meant to be pro. Truly I was out there to just step up to that level to keep my motivation for BMX racing going. But it was sick winning that stuff."
There was some drama about your ""aggressive"" gate start technique, what do you have to say to the haters?
Im not going to say anything against anyone. My gate start is my gate start and if they dont like it then tough crap. To those who think Im scared of getting banged around, think again I will keep getting up and come back stronger.
How did you get faster since the Tulsa, what type of training did you do?
Same as always: gym 4 times a week, skateparks and dirt jumping. I think the adrenaline and hype at Reno made me even faster.
Not to bring up a sore subject, but did losing the Number One Amateur title chase motivate you to make your pro debut a blow out?
Yeah definitely. Im not one of those people who just gets frustrated and negative, I try to keep a positive attitude and correct the mistakes I might have made.
Were you at all considering Sergio to be a threat in Tulsa considering the rivalry between you two and the crash in Tulsa?
Truly I never leave Sergio out of the chase. I know he's always going to come from somewhere and be knocking on my back door. Ss far as the crash goes, I mean its not as bad as everyone was making it out to be. I mean it sucked losing the Grands for the 3rd year in a row but Im kinda glad it happened, its made me a stronger person and rider.
What did your mom say when you cashed out over $1400.00 for the weekend?
Holy crap mike, go open a savings account.
Have you ever had a job in your life, if so what?
I feel like a low life scum saying I havent, but I intend on getting a job after graduating [high school] in may and then also racing and going to college.
Where is that money going?
I recently have put it in my own savings account, and I plan on contributing to it every month.
Did you sponsors step up and support your pro decision?
I could not ask for a better sponsor, Joey [Licata] is probably one of the most laid back and understanding people in BMX. I've been with him and the team since the beginning and its like my family. Of course he stepped it up for me.
What's your goal for the '06 season? Who do you feel will be you biggest comp (specific riders)?
My goal is to just have fun and keep a positive attitude, and just stay out of trouble. I want to turn AA and just try my best and see where that takes me. The biggest comp will be everyone on the gate because once you step it up to the pro ranks there are no moto fillers, its all out or no game."
