Digital Interview
With National Pro Rider
David Vuillemin (AKA Cobra)

By: Philip Alford

Photos by: Philip Alford

5/22/05

Name: David Vuillemin

Location: Corona, CA
Age: 27
Class: 250 PRO
Bike: Yamaha
Number: 12

Sponsors: Yamaha, Bridgestone, Shark Helmets, Sidi Boots, No Fear MX, Dragon Goggles, Asterisk

Web Site: www.dv12.com

Hello David,

We appreciate you making the time to talk with us. It is an honor having you on southfloridamx.com. Unquestionably, you are one of the fastest motocross and supercross riders in the world. We are interested in you shedding some light on your career, the current outdoor season and also your opinion regarding some of your competition for 2005.

First David, tell us a little about you, what part of France are you from and tell us a little about your hometown? 

I am from Berre in the south of France by Marseille. Town of 14000 people.

How long have you been in the states and where do you currently reside?

I've lived here for almost 6 years and I live in Corona, CA.

At this point how many years have you been racing and how long have you been a pro?

I turned pro in 97.

As a pro, what are 3 races that stand out a little more to you than most and why?

My first 125 GP win in Belgium 98, my 250 GP win in Greece 99 and my first 250 SX win in San Diego 2000. The "first wins" are great because that is what I've been working for since I was little.

What would you say has been the pinnacle of your career at this time? Explain.

I think it was 2002 when I was leading the 250 SX championship. It lasted 8 rounds and I got hurt... I was on top of my game then. Too many injuries happened after that...

You are an amazing rider David. Looking at all the riders in the world, you are in the top one percent of the best. How difficult is it for you to maintain that status and what are your guidelines to such success?

You have to ride a lot and also try to have reasonable goals. But mainly, the love for riding and having great sensations on the bike are the key.

Each rider displays a different personality on the track. You seem, for the most part, to be having a little more fun than most. You are known for putting on a great show for the audience. Do you agree with that statement?

Sure! MX is fun and I try to enjoy every second of it! It's when I am having the most fun that I ride the best.

MC had the nac-nac, RC does his big whip, and Bubba has the scrub what would you say is your signature move?

I had the scrub going in the late 90s... I don't really have a signature but I like to goon ride once in a while...

We have seen you in some incredible races.  Just a few years ago, you were one of the few riders that could hunt down and close on RC in SX. By the same token we have seen you at close range, doing so well, at tracks like Daytona (2003), and you made a small mistake and went down so hard. Tell us what affects a rider's performance on the track? Do you find that past injuries hinder your focus or risk taking?

Injuries are part of any sports. I don't think any riders think about getting hurt while riding. If you are well prepared and focus, you have less chance of getting hurt (RC).

By the way David, happy belated fathers day. What is your little ones name and age?

Thanks, Charlotte is 22 months and David is 7 months.

While we are on the topic of fatherhood … do you ever go off a triple or a complicated quad section in a race and say, as a father, what on earth am I doing here 35 feet in the air at 45-50 mph?  Do you find yourself riding a little less aggressive or less reckless than you did when you had no children? Explain.

I don't think about anybody when I ride, I am focused on the track, on my bike settings and on the riders I am racing.

How has the Outdoor season been for you so far and where are you currently in the points standing?

It has its up and downs. I made the podium in Sacramento and I am standing 4th in points.

Are you as comfortable on the YZ450F as you were on your YZ250? What are the big differences to you if any?

The YZF450 is a great bike. The YZ250 could be very fun too but I think the 450 is the way to go to be competitive in Outdoors.

RC is an incredible rider; he only made one big mistake this season and Chad Reed capitalized on it with a moto win. Do you think it is possible that RC could win every race and moto left in the season?  Why?

He did it before so why not. He is an unbelievable athlete, rider, warrior... RC is in the best shape and the fastest in raw speed for 30 minutes... A crash like in Southwick could make him loose a moto but it's gonna be tough for anyone to beat him fair and square in the Outdoors.

What do you think about lightning bolt, James Stewart, coming on the 250 scene? Do you think James has what it takes to beat RC at this time?  If not, what does he have to work on?  

He proved in SX he could beat anyone. James is the new generation and brings some new techniques to the table. He is a great rider but he will have to work on his fitness and consistency to beat RC in MX/SX and Chad in SX

Then there is Chad Reed. Chances are you know Reed better than most.  What is Chad's greatest asset as a rider? Explain.

He made great choices in his career and he had to work really hard when he was in Belgium racing GPs at 19-20 years old. He and Ellie made a lot of sacrifices in their young lives. He is very good technically and he is working really hard to improve and beat RC in MX. Talking about great choices: Signing with Yamaha, buying a house in Florida, hiring Jeff Spencer as his trainer. He is also a very hard worker.

As teammates with Chad, do you both have equal access to the same bike parts and technology under the umbrella of Yamaha?  Are both your bikes the same?

We have access to the same parts and we choose what we like the most depending of our riding styles.

You have been loyal to Yamaha for many years. Have you ever considered any other color ride?

I love the blue bikes and if Yamaha wants me I'll stay.

When is your contract up with big blue?

It is actually up in September 2005.

Well David, thank so much for sharing your thoughts and perspectives with us. We wish you the very best in your upcoming races and hope we can talk with you again in the future. Take care.

No problem! Bye.

DV