Offroad Viking Interview with Josh Strang
Josh Strang XC1 Class
OFFROADVIKING.com caught up with Josh Strang to discuss his season and future as a Motocrosser/UFC cage fighter! Josh is currently leading the GNCC XC1 points and Overall points where he is in a battle with friend/former teammate, Yamaha pilot Charlie Mullins….
OFFROADVIKING.com
What's up?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Oh, not much.
OFFROADVIKING.com
Good deal. So what’ve you been up to during the break?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Since Snowshoe I have only done the national at Red Bud, and then I’ve had a few weeks off the bike. And now I’m just getting ready to get back into it.
OFFROADVIKING.com
Yeah that was a pretty cool deal at Red Bud. I read where you weren’t fully satisfied with your results, but for an "offroad" guy to qualify is pretty good in itself. Do you plan on doing any more moto stuff this year?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Yeah, I enjoyed it. I really wanted to score points in both motos, but that’s how it goes. My ankle is still sore from that second moto, so that’s the main reason why I haven’t been riding. I would like to do Unadilla and Steel City, but it just depends on bikes and how everything goes leading up to the GNCC.
OFFROADVIKING.com
So, you’re leading the points, and considered a threat at every round. Is this something that has been a long time coming, or are you right on pace?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Well, this is my 4th year at the GNCC, so I’m happy to be where I’m at now.
OFFROADVIKING.com
What kind of influence has Rodney Smith had in your career? A lot of guys would give their right arm to have that kind of mentor.
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
He has been awesome. Rodney and his wife, Lori, took me under their wing in 2007 when i first came over to the U.S., and they have been awesome since the start.
OFFROADVIKING.com
As for 2011, have Rodney and you worked all of that stuff out, or will you be a free agent at the end of the year?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
I have nothing signed yet, but I’m looking to stay with Suzuki again because they have the best bikes. I’m really happy there.
OFFROADVIKING.com
Yeah, it seems like everything is clicking with you guys. Since you gave the bike away at Snowshoe, what will you be riding after the break? Possibly the RMX 450Z?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
I get several bikes a year; so I will be on a new RMZ 450 after the break.
OFFROADVIKING.com
Must be nice! As the second half gets started it's looking like you and Mullins will battle it out right down to the Ironman in Indiana. Do you feel that the tracks that are coming up will benefit your riding style against Mullins?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Yeah, I think the last four rounds will be good. Charlie will be tough, and hopefully Whibley will be able to get up there and mix it up also. I really like all of the last tracks so I’m really looking forward to all of them!
OFFROADVIKING.com
Good deal! Now, Whibley and you have the same accent and are former teammates. Sooooo… do you guys have something worked out to team up against Charlie secretly? ;) Cause if you do, we won't tell.
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Nah, Whibs and I have different accents. We sound similar but it’s different, because he is from New Zealand and I’m from Australia. Ha! I don’t think i have anything planned out I’ll just keep racing away how i know how to!
OFFROADVIKING.com
Ahh to an ol' hillbilly from East Tennessee, Australian and New Zealander sound the same. But we say stuff like y’all and uwant2. So we're not really much of an accent authority. Something we like to ask everyone at the end of the interview is their top 5 on the IPod. So what does Josh Strang listen to?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Ha! Yeh and i know some of our words are funny sounding also.....uh man i don’t know, I listen to everything but probably the most is country
OFFROADVIKING.com
That’s cool, not many guys would admit that. Of course us hillbillies like us some country as well. Alright let's move into the final question in the bonus round...if you and Charlie Mullins entered the octagon in a UFC style matchup who would win?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Ha-ha, well, I think both Charlie and I would work it out and find another way to compete. I lived with him and his fiancée for a few months, and I know he isn’t a fighter and neither am I!
OFFROADVIKING.com
So much for getting some GNCC drama started going into the second half! But hey you two being lovers and not fighters...that's good thing to know! We don't need the top guys killing each other cause then the racing would be boring. Well Josh thanks for talkin at us and before we let you go, who do you want to thank?
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Yeah I want to thank FMF Makita and Suzuki, they keep me on a bike and racing over here. Moose, Sidi, Shoei, Eks brand, Foremost Insurance... all those guys for keeping me clothed and insured etc.
OFFROADVIKING.com
Okay man! Sounds good! Have a good one and good luck with the rest of your year!
Josh Strang (you know…that guy that’s leading the points!)
Yeh, thanks man!
