SC Sporthomes Husqvarna racer Charlie Putnam is the latest British Motocross rider to take the stand and answer our Dirty Dozen questions, and here is what he came back with…
Dirt Hub: Do you have a Pre-Race playlist you listen to, and if so, name a couple of tracks that are on it?
Charlie: I wouldn’t say I have a playlist I listen to, but I do like to play some songs over a speaker to have a laugh and dance before going to the line, which puts me in a good headspace before the War!
DH: When was the last time you cried?
Charlie: Not the most emotional person, but a Legend called George Fountain died not so long ago, and he was a good friend of mine, not ashamed to admit I let a couple go at that time.
DH: What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Charlie: “I’m not lifting until I see God or the Chequers” probably sums up my riding style. Not much talent, but give it a good effort!
DH: Do you have any weird suspicions or pre-race rituals?
Charlie: I am very superstitious, I have lucky gloves, I won’t wear green on me, Lucky ways to wear my kit, the list goes on!…
DH: What drives you most to get up in the morning and go to go training?
Charlie: I’m not much of a morning person. I get up and go to work Monday to Friday just so I’m not late, but I train hard in the evenings to be able to race harder, which is the only reason! I do boxing training, but that’s more of a love for Boxing than feels like training.
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DH: If you didn’t race, what sport would you play or take part in?
Charlie: If I didn’t race, I would have done boxing full-time as a kid, fought on a few shows as a teenager, but the racing took over a little more as I went on.
DH: What is your biggest Phobia?
Charlie: I’m not a big fan of heights. I turn into a little girl, but in my defence, I am only 5 feet tall, so I’m pretty used to being close to the ground!
DH: Who is your biggest sporting idol and why?
Charlie: I think my favourite rider of all time has to be Cooper Webb. I absolutely love how headstrong that guy is. Even when he knows he isn’t the fastest, he always finds a way and is pretty funny with how he gets in the other guys’ heads!
DH: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Charlie: Who knows, I don’t really have many long-term plans. I like to live in the here and now, and it means if I’m not enjoying something, I will go in a new direction. Hate hearing someone moan about being stuck in a rut!
DH: What is your all-time favourite movie?
Charlie: All-time favourite movie is definitely Snatch. Best film ever!
DH: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Charlie: I think the biggest impact on my late career would have to be Neil Prince. He has put a lot of time and effort into me along with his other riders and I really appreciate the knowledge he has to give!!
DH: What is your philosophy on life?
Charlie: He Who Dares, Wins!
Images courtesy of JHMX Photography
