Motocross rider from Lithuania
Who I am?
I am Justinas Drapanauskas, 23 years old motocross rider from Lithuania. Riding in Mx1/Open (Proffesionals) class
What is motocross?
Motocross is a type of off-road motorcycling race. The races take place on gravel, mud or grass road circuits and the discipline is one of the most skilled, exciting and energetic motor sports around.
Why motocross is an unique and hard sport?
Motocross is a very physically and mentally challenging sport. While undoubtedly the bike does a lot of the work for the rider, to manoeuvre and stay on the 100+ kg machine requires a high level of strength, power and endurance. Riding is an one peace of puzzle. You need to work on your endurance by doing cardio (running, biking, swimming, etc.), then it comes to the muscle strengthening. You have to be fit, well prepared before you sit on motorcycle. Riding part also takes a lot of time and energy from you. As far as I don’t have mechanic, I am dong technical part by my own also. Every weekend is races .So you need to put all those things together and train and compete in races regularly if you want to move forward with your riding and achieve more.
How did it started for me?
I started riding at 13 years old. Remember that day like It happened yesterday. Sneakers, hoodie, gloves from someone I got that day. It was in forest, mid winter weather and this is how it started. Remember first day I was struggling to move from the starting point. I was struggling with how the clutch works J From that point it was all about learning and putting time in.
First race..
My first race was Lithuanian championship in 85cc (kids till 14 years old class). All the excitement and nerves that day, remember like It was yesterday J I can’t remember which place I finished, but it was somewhere about the middle J
What’s the best thing of being a motocross racer?
I love motocross, I really do. It’s a passion . I’m doing it for a 10 years right now, and every year I get more excited about the upcoming season. I mean, It’s the best sport ever to me, and I am really, really happy to have sponsors like Witt trucking, because without them I wouldn’t be in the position I am and I have a lot of respect for Erik Witt and all the Witt trucking team. They put a lot of work in, to help me achieve my goals, because motocross is expensive and in Lithuania, it’s hard to find sponsors .
What’s the worst thing of being a motocross racer?
I would say injuries. I mean, pain is one thing, but when you put a lot of work, time and money into it and then making small mistake which costs you big time. If the injury is bigger than some scratches or bruises, your season is done.
Achievements?
Lithuanian cup vice champion, Lithuanian championship prizewinner, Lithuanian cup prizewinne, Supercup prizewinner, Latvian cup prizewineer.
Goals?
Champion name in PRO class.
Also I would love to do some racing abroad in the near future.
Plans for upcoming season?
Injury free and to achieve best result I can.
Plans are to go abroad somewhere to Italy, to train in winter time because of Lithuanian weather in winter time. Hopefully that plan will work and I will be well prepared for the upcoming season.
What it means for me to be sponsored by Witt trucking?
For me, to have a Witt trucking by my side it’s a honor. As I said, it wouldn’t be possible to have all that preparation and train as I do at the moment. They are sponsoring me for a several years right now and I am really glad to have them.