SUZUKI’S RM ARMY BOOT CAMP AND CHATTING WITH BENOIT PATUREL

WE CATCH UP WITH TWISTED TEA SUZUKI’S NEWEST RECRUIT AT RM ARMY BOOT CAMP

A Frenchman in Perris! Benoit Paturel shows off his brand new Twisted Tea Suzuki RM-Z450 while at the Suzuki RM Army Boot Camp ride day at Perris MX.

Suzuki and the Twisted Tea Progressive Suzuki factory team hosted another RM Army Boot Camp event yesterday at Perris Raceway, California. Any and all Suzuki RM riders—young, old, current, vintage—were welcome to come out for a free practice afternoon/evening at Perris MX and kick it with team. Food, drinks, swag, access to the team members including technical support, mechanics and managers, and of course, plenty of riding were on the afternoon schedule. RM Army participants were welcome to check out the factory rig, ask Suzuki techs anything, find out more from Suzuki about contingency, marketing programs and the RM Army.

“You’re here today as guests and you’re part of the team,” said Suzuki Motorsports Manager Chris Wheeler. “Please, ask questions, don’t be shy.”

Yellow riders also got to spend some one-on-one time with pro riders Colt Nichols and newly signed MXGP transplant Benoit Paturel, only days before the start of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. We took the opportunity to catch up with Benoit Paturel, the French rider and member of the 2016 MX of Nations winning team.

Young eyes taking it all in. Suzuki’s Motorsports Manager Chris Wheeler gives RM Army cadets a tour of inside the factory Supercross/Motocross rig.
Factory mechanics were on hand to answer questions and give tech tips.
Factory rider Colt Nichols chats with fellow Suzuki riders.
CHATTING WITH BENOIT PATUREL

Dirt Bike: Coming to the U.S. to race professionally is a dream for many MXGP riders, and it’s not an easy path. How did you manage to make this happen for yourself?

Benoit Paturel: Like you said already, many years ago I wanted to come [to the U.S.]. In 2017 I came at the end of the MX2, for myself I make some tests with Star Racing, then Husky factory and then 51FIFTY. Unfortunately nothing worked out so I couldn’t move at that time. That was a real bummer for me. I was very sad. I focused on MXGP and after a good MX2 career, it was tough for me to make my full potential, many injuries, bad things. Many technical problems, not the greatest teams. Now this year I made the decision to move and see what happen and then after three months of training, this team at Suzuki give me the opportunity so I’m really blessed and feel so happy to ride.

DB: So you moved here and then got a ride?

BP: Yeah.

Benoit Paturel moved to the U.S. earlier this year with no team and no prospects. Hard work and a bit of luck landed the Frenchman a factory Suzuki ride for the MX Nationals.
DB: Wow, that’s a big move.

BP: Yeah, I had nothing. I just took my bike and came over here. I bought a bike and one guy helped me to be my mechanic. For three months I worked really hard and then I got to test [with Suzuki] in mid-April and then I signed, so I’m really happy.

DB: During that three months that you just showed up here, bought a bike and started riding tracks, were a lot of people wondering, ‘Who’s that guy?’

BP: Yeah, I think so. [laughs] Yeah, because there was no name on the jersey, nothing. So I think at the end they start to know me because there were three, four times a week every week you saw some big name motocross [teams] here for testing, so I think at the end, some people spoke about me and it’s why I got the phone call [from Suzuki]. Really pumped.

Paturel will be running the #102 in the outdoors.
DB: How was it getting used to the new bike?

BP: For many years I rode Yamaha, so for sure I need to get used to the new brand. But Suzuki, I was really impressed with the bike. Because many people have a question mark about [the RM-Z] it but really impressed me, really happy, really surprised about the Suzuki. We have really great people like Larry [Brooks] who knows so much and have so much experience. To have him next to me is a big opportunity. I’m really happy.

DB: What are your expectations ahead of your first race?

BP: I don’t put a goal specially because it’s first time that I gonna race U.S. I don’t know the riders, how fast they are. For sure, the top guys are really fast and it will be hard to beat them. But I hope to progress each weekend and move forward. I will give my best and I feel ready. We see where we end up. But I’m sure we’re going to progress every weekend and hope to show my potential.

Suzuki RM’s and riders of all ages turned out for the RM Army Boot Camp. Check out these classic beauties.
Star RM Army motocross amateur Chase Brennan got to park his 85 under the factory tent for the day. Remember the name.