We have told stories here many times of the plight of international riders coming to Europe to race. It isn’t easy and it doesn’t matter where you come from, if it’s New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, or anywhere that isn’t in Europe. The Europeans don’t know how lucky they are to be born in the area, where motocross is the sport of the gods and after a bad weekend, they can head home to friends and family to regroup.

Really have to respect those American racers that came here in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the likes of Jim Pomeroy, Brad Lackey, Danny Laporte, Trampas Parker, Donny Schmit and Bobby Moore, because all but Pomeroy became World champions, and were racing against elements, none of the Euro riders can imagine.

The Italian’s talk about how tough it was for Antonio Cairoli to come from Sicily to race, or the Brits will tell you how hard it is for the Brits to cross the North Sea and race in Europe, but nothing compares to coming from somewhere like Australia, or New Zealand.

We all know the stories of racers like Brad Lackey, or Ben Townley crying themselves to sleep on those lonely nights, when family are 20,000 miles away. Sure, it builds resolve, but it can also break you.

Australia and New Zealand, so much beautiful, such good weather and with plush motocross tracks that you would die to race on, then they arrive at Lommel, and reality sets in. Jeff Leisk tried it and nearly won Australia their first ever World title, second in the World in 1989, behind the great Dave Thorpe and ahead of another great, Eric Geboers.

Many Aussies have come, tried and in some ways, failed. Be it Chad Reed and his second in the World in 2001, or Andrew McFarlane, second in the World in 2005, or even names like Todd Waters, Kim Ashkenazi, or Dean Ferris, all solid riders, who did well, but just didn’t quite make it.

After winning a round of the 2013 MX2 championship in Belgium and battling the likes of Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac at the 2013 MXoN, Ferris was signed up by Red Bull KTM in America. He has the World at his feet and in my opinion, should have made it big time, but injuries don't favour anyone in motocross and Ferris, who was injured in a practice crash missed the remainder of the Monster Energy 250 SX West Supercross Championship series in 2014 and to be honest, his career was more or less over after that.

Ferris fractured his wrist in the crash and surgery was required to repair the fracture, he lost his ride in America, returned to Europe, but never again tasted victory internationally. His challenge to become the best he could be, was more or less over.

Below is a very cool story from Dean Ferris on his plight and his respect for the Lawrence brothers, who clearly don’t give a shit what is in front of them, they just go for it, and both have had huge success in America. Jett, clearly on the road to being the GOAT of the sport and Hunter, already with an AMA 250cc motocross championship to his name, waiting in the wings to add more AMA titles to his CV.

Dea Ferris – Hindsight

Watching the Lawrence brothers triggers the shit outta me. I can’t stop watching because it’s so incredible what they’re able to do but at the same time watching their success reminds me that I fell short.

The fact is it took me way too long to learn the lessons I needed and surround myself with the people who could truly help me. Watching the boy’s journey from afar, I have seen them implement the things I didn’t.

When they got to Europe, they reached out to the best (Stefan and Harry Everts) and likewise when they moved to the states (Jonny O). Why reach out to the best?? Well, because they know so many things that you don’t! Dazzy knew this and made sure his boys got the correct guidance. While I was coming through the ranks, I didn’t have that filter. I didn’t know to only take advice from someone has had been where you want to go.

I’d get sold the dream that I’m just 2 steps away from success and when I’d fail, the lesson wasn’t learned because the people I was taking advice from didn’t understand what truly happened and so they unintentionally led me astray. We would get so caught up on the tangible things and work on the wrong stuff that before I knew it, I’d fall on my face again.

It wasn’t until I was 26 that I owned all my own mistakes and surrounded myself with people who had the results I wanted and started only taking advice from them. I also had 10 years of tough lessons in my memory bank, so I tried not to repeat those mistakes. Yeah, I did well here in Australia, but I can’t help but feel frustrated at myself that I didn’t reach out for better knowledge earlier.

I lived in Belgium for 4 years. I had seen Harry & Stefan Everts at the track every single day and not once did I reach out for help. F*ck what was I thinking?! So, would I do it differently if I had my time again?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m so grateful for my career and I know I achieved quite a lot, learned a shit tonne and had a hell of a time doing it. Hindsight huh.