LS Honda Racing welcomes Nikolaj Larsen (22) to the team. The popular Dane joins his former team mate Jens Getteman for his debut season in the MX1 GP class. After his shoulder surgery in autumn Larsen is back on the bike and putting hours on his new Honda CRF450R.
Nikolaj Larsen: “I’m really happy and proud to have been given this chance! At the end of last year it seemed GP’s were no longer on my schedule for 2013. However I kept on training and working like I normally do. Now I’m so glad I did because when LS Honda Racing began talking to us to replace Greg Aranda everything happened quite quickly. When I would ‘ve known before I might have had the surgery a little bit earlier but on the other hand I took my team to heal properly. As a result I feel very fresh now! In terms of race rhythm… of course I need to catch up. I only did one fairly low-level race so far although I won. But the feeling on the bike is just awesome. The MX1 Honda handles so light and precise, it’s incredible! In the air it almost feels like a BMX bike. I had so much fun getting familiar with the CRF450R when I was training in the sun the last couple of weeks.
With the GP’s and the ADAC and Danish championship I surely have my work cut out for 2013. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is what it is and we wanted to honor the agreements already in place. Now I just want to enjoy riding and racing as much as I can. I know I’m performing (at my) best when I don’t put too much pressure on myself. On the other hand I’m super motivated and looking forward to racing again. (smiling) Just try to wipe that smile from my face… When I come to think of it this season already feels like a gift because of my shot at the MX1 GP’s with LS Honda Racing. Maybe that sounds more original than that is a dream coming true!”
Steven Lettani, team manager LS Honda Racing: “Sometimes it’s funny how a plan comes together! We had been in touch with Nikolaj and his family before. Naturally I might add, because Larsen’s Belgian manager Jurgen Van Camp lives pretty close to the workshop. We are keen to start working with Nikolaj and his mechanic Denis. As we speak they’re down in Italy for training and testing.
For anyone who knows Larsen it’s difficult not to be impressed by his work ethic and determination! Everyone at LS Honda Racing is very excited to have Nikolaj on board. It’s nice that he gets along well with Jens Getteman, (laughs) but obviously it was not our main goal to bring them together again! Honestly, I believe Larsen is a very, very underrated rider. While we are convinced he can do great in MX1 we’re not in a hurry. The first couple of GP’s might be a little early but his weight and style certainly suit the Honda CRF450R. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Jens Nielsen from JØ/ARTS Racing, Alexander Krag from KMP Racing, Jurgen Van Camp, Martin Wigh Knudsen from Danmarks Motor Union and last but not least Jorgen and Emil Larsen, Nikolaj’s dad and his brother.”
Photo: Nikolaj Larsen and his dad