Photography: Brent Stallo

Name: Max Anstie
Number: 9 or 99
Age: 15
Hometown: Newbury, England
Resides: Temecula, CA
Racing in U.S. Since: November 2007

Max, how do you like riding for the KTM team? What is the atmosphere like with everyone at KTM?
The KTM Factory Junior Team is awesome! I have so much fun at the races and back in Murrieta where the race shop is based... I am so happy that I have the chance to be on such a great team. The atmosphere isn't like any other team out there from my point of view. There is importance on doing well but more importantly Devin and all the boys just try to keep it fun for all us.

How do you like racing the big bikes compared to the mini's? Are you comfortable on the bike yet?
My 250SXF is awesome! I have had only a little bit of time on them but I am feeling great and having a good time shifting over to being a full time big bike rider. The mini's were great last year. I always had such good finishes on them and I definitely have to say having such good bikes helps out a lot.

What is it like to have one of you biggest competitors, Jason Anderson, on the same team as you?
It's cool! We get a chance to put KTM on the top of the podium every time we get on the track!

Do you and Jason maintain a friendship off the track? On the track, racing is racing, right?
Jason and I are friends for sure. It's cool to have someone at your same level, same age to talk to at the races.

Was there anything in particular that was hard to adapt to upon coming over to the U.S. to race?
I would say it's not too hard to adapt...luckily you guys speak English (well, I still don't see how when you guys sailed from Plymouth which is only about 30 minutes from my house... to Plymouth rock at Thanksgiving you got your language all mixed up) Mum and Mom, Lorry and Semi (truck) umm Rubbish and trash!) I have had a lot of fun coming over and meeting so many new people. The tracks over here are not what I am used to so everything is new and exciting for me. Everyone has been so great to us everywhere we go so I am really pleased to be here.

What is it that makes you stand out from your competitors on and off the race track, besides the fact that you are English?
I think I would be classed a little different from all the American riders… I like to read in between motos, spend time with my family, and just relax. I also bring my schoolwork to the races (I will graduate early 2009 from high school), I don’t think any of the riders in my class like school as much as I…but our English school system is tough work, so I feel challenged and it makes doing the assignments much more appealing to me. I am glad that I will be graduating when I am 16 and I have plans to do some college coursework after that.

You have one of the most laid back, easy going attitudes off the track, do you think that you keep this attitude with you while you are on the track?
I am always having fun off the track, but on the track...I get into race mode, which usually consists of having a Coke on the line and making jokes with my mechanic, then I really just try to focus on doing what I've done my whole life... ride my dirt bike! It's not about taking everything really seriously for me, I just want to go out there and do the best job for my all my sponsors, especially KTM.  If you’re relaxed you ride at your best.

Do you think it’s time to start riding more aggressively as you progress in your career?
Riding aggressive is only necessary sometimes, right now pushing people off the track is not my cup of tea. I just try to calculate and make clean passes and race my competitors. If you’re angry you make mistakes.

What can we expect from Max Anstie in 2009?
We is gonna hire the A team! Well, I'm going to start dance class soon to get my moves ready...so make sure you stop by the pits and come see my break dancing I've been working on. Oh, and big scrubs as usual!

Thank your sponsors.
I want to thank KTM, Devin and Kurt, Donnie and FMF, Brian at Dunlop, Motorex, Alpinestars, Airoh, Spy, Custom Decals, Renthal, Motion Pro, Ogio, and all the track promotors this year. They have been so great to me in my rookie season in the US.