IN FOCUS: DYLAN YEARBURY'S AMERICAN DREAM
Before ‘Rona locked down the entire world, kiwi racer Dylan Yearbury was mapping out his 2020 season racing in America. We caught up with Dylan to see how life’s going back home on the couch. Netflix and Chill?
Name
Dylan Yearbury
Bike
Husqvarna FC250
Team
Lojak's Cycles Pennsylvania
Location
Based out of Travlers Rest, South Carolina (currently in NZ on lockdown)
The Dirt: You did some GNCC racing in 2019 right? How did you find racing in the U.S. and tell us a little about your time and results in 2019.
Dylan Yearbury: Yes, I raced the last 4 GNCC and 2 NEPG (National Enduro) rounds. The racing is tough compared to racing in New Zealand. There is way more competition, and just in general way more people on the track. So the tracks get a lot more chopped and rutted out and you’re nonstop passing lapped riders. But the racing scene is incredible; at a Eational Enduro it’s nothing to have 800 riders race. And a GNCC over the weekend can have up to 2000 racers. It’s impressive just to be there and witness a race of that scale and to see all the factory teams lined up. I had some mixed results in 2019, but the best I managed was 5th in XC2 (250 pro class) and 14th overall at GNCC, and 2nd in Pro2 (250 pro class) and 8th overall at a National Enduro.
What made you decide to head over there to race innitally?
After getting a few good results in 2019 I felt that if I spent a bit more time there racing and getting fit that I could get podium results and maybe even a fully sponsored ride.
You have had a good run of results in NZ recently. Tell us about the last 6 months of racing in NZ and why you were on the FC MX bike as apposed to the XC bike?
I didn’t get to do to many events while I was home, but I raced the Nut Buster Hard Enduro and the Husqvarna Hardcross Enduro. I managed to win both races which I was stoked about. I decided to race the FC250 in NZ because that’s the bike I would be racing in America, so I just wanted to get some seat time on it and find a good setup before I left for America again. The FC's close ratio gearbox suits the gncc races better than the XC and FE's do. GNCC is like a 3 hour motorcross through tress really. You have to fit an IMS quick-fill tank to the bike no matter if its an FC, XC or FE so there’s no tank size issues with an FC.
Does the FC lack in any areas compared to the FX or FE and what are the biggest advantages you notice?
The only thing I noticed compared to the FE was the FC didn’t turn the really tight corners in the trees quite as well. So i changed the steering head offset from 22mm to 20mm which is what the FE bikes come stock with. I also fitted an 18" rim. The FC has a more powerful motor than the FE which is nice.
Congrats on getting the US ride. How did that come about?
Thanks, I was hiring E bikes off of the Lojaks team to pre-ride the GNCC tracks, so I got to know them and then after some results I asked if they would be willing to help me out and they said Yes.
Tell us a little bit about the team you are riding for.
I’m riding for Lojak's Cycles Pennsylvania. It's a Husqvarna/Yamaha motorbike shop owned buy 9 times overall GNCC champion Eddie Lojak. They help me out with all my parts and gear and bikes.
What was the plan for 2020 in the U.S and were you going to be there all year?
Yeah, the plan was to be in America all year, but at GNCC round 3 I had a big crash and broke my left arm, and then Covid-19 started to get out of hand so we came home to NZ. The dates of when racing will resume in America are getting pushed back every week, so we are in limbo until this is over really. But I’m only at the 4 week mark with my arm, so I still cant ride yet anyway.
And training wise when your over there?
I do lots of different things but mostly riding, cycling and swimming.
What were your goals for your first full year racing GNCC.
I'd love to get some more top 5 finishes and a podium, but I’ve got a lot of work to catch back up now that I’m sitting around with my broken arm. But thanks to everyone who helps out, Lojaks, Enduro engineering, xcgear, jdp suspension, evans coolant, DP brakes, MX graphics, Pirelli tyres, 100% goggles, Troylee designs, Carolina pedal works.
I encorage anyone who wants to race in america or anywhere overseas to go over and have a go - the sooner the better. When you watch it all on tv or the internet you get the impression that they’re at an unreachable level, but we have an incredible level of riding here in New Zealand, and with some overseas experience you can gauage yourself and see what you need to work on and you'll realize it doesnt have to be just a dream.