Dakar Rally adventurer, former Dawn to Dusk Ironman winner and all-round good guy Neil Hawker is the latest rider to throw his Dirty Dozen answers into the ring, and here is how it went…
Dirt Hub: Do you have a Pre-Race Playlist you listen too, and if so name a couple of tracks that are on it?
Neil: I have a huge eclectic mix of songs and genres I listen to on the way to ride and in Dakar there were a few long road liaisons so a few of these bangers were blasted out:
You get what you give (New Radicals)
Push em (Travis Barker, Yelawolf)
On Top (flume)
Any Sublime, Offspring, Scooter ?
DH: When was the last time you cried?
Neil: After braking my arm in Dakar then finishing the stage and a 100km road ride back to the bivouac knowing I was out of Dakar and the pain kicking in and adrenaline going.
DH: What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Neil: Do one thing every day that scares you and wear sunscreen
DH: Do you have any weird suspicions or pre-race rituals?
Neil: Before I go away to race I clean the house.
DH: What drives you most to get up in the morning and go training?
Neil: The motivation of the next event and the want to do as well as I can for myself and the people who support me.
DH: If you didn’t race what sport would you play?
Neil: Rugby… I have played a little but always injured myself for riding.
DH: What is your biggest Phobia?
Neil: I’m not keen on spiders
DH: Who is your biggest sporting idol and why?
Neil: Dougie Lampkin for sure! At a young age, I followed him around trials and idolised him and fortunately, I have ended up working with him
DH: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Neil: Having another crack at Dakar and taking a step back from racing and putting more effort into coaching and helping riders.
DH: What is your all-time favourite movie?
Neil: Hot Rod – I must have watched it 20 times still funny
DH: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Neil: I’ve learnt a lot from lots of great humans and been very lucky to work with some inspiring people I can’t pin point one to be honest.
DH: What is your philosophy on life?
Neil: Go fast take chances !
Always smile in the face of adversity!
Have fun we are only here for a short time!
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