Five-time motocross world champion Jeffrey Herlings has decided at short notice to compete in the ADAC MX Masters in Tensfeld next weekend. The 2008 ADAC MX Junior Cup champion is thus returning to the roots of his career. In an interview, he talks about his early years in the series and its importance.

Herlings was once the child prodigy of the motocross world championship, winning his first world championship event at the tender age of 15, shortly after his debut, and becoming world champion a year later. This spring, the 28-year-old set the record for most race wins in the world championship and most Grand Prix victories that had stood since 2006. Herlings has since beamed from the top step of a world championship podium as overall winner 105 times, the last time last weekend, and has been world champion five times.

Herlings wants to use the ADAC MX Masters race in Tensfeld to keep up the momentum for the following World Championship races. It will not be easy for the reigning ADAC MX Masters champion Max Nagl, who went into the summer break as leader of the table, and his opponents to keep the Dutchman in his place, but nothing is impossible in racing. The fans at the race track in Tensfeld will certainly be the winners of Herlings' guest start, because it is rare to see such a top-class rider live. That the Dutchman would develop into one of the best motocross riders of all time was something that one could only guess at, but not know, at his first ADAC race in 2006, which amazingly also took place in Tensfeld.

Jeffrey, what influence did the ADAC MX Masters and its youth classes like the ADAC MX Junior Cup have on your career?

Jeffrey Herlings: “It was an important championship for me in my younger years. The ADAC MX Junior Cup is a highly respected international championship and many people in the industry follow these races closely. So for me it was important to compete there as a young rider so that hopefully the big teams would notice me. Even in the big classes the championship is very strong and competitive. For me the ADAC MX Masters has a very high level in Europe. It is super professional, very well organized and the tracks are usually very good. I prefer racing to just doing practice laps on a free weekend, so I like to compete as a guest starter at the ADAC.”

Can you still remember your first race in the ADAC MX Junior Cup?

“I remember it like it was yesterday. It was in Tensfeld in 2006, it was a great experience. The result was a little less good, but it was a fun experience.”

How did it feel for you to win the 2008 ADAC MX Junior Cup against Dennis Ullrich?

“It's always great to win a championship. Dennis was very good and strong back then. Beating him in his home country was a great achievement.”

Over the years you have repeatedly returned to the ADAC MX Masters for individual races. What appeals to you about it?

“I'm from Holland, I live in Holland and I live near the German border. So for me it's always great to drive a race at the ADAC every now and then if it fits into my schedule. I don't have a long journey and there is great racing. I love racing at the ADAC when the schedule allows it. I always have to make a start depending on my schedule and also discuss it with my team, but maybe something will come up that will allow me to roll up to the gate for one or two races in 2024. I would be happy about that!”

It is not uncommon for the “local heroes” to be really fast on home soil. Can Max Nagl, Tom Koch, Henry Jacobi or Maximilian Spies put you under pressure?

“Yes, definitely, 100 percent. Even though I have won 105 Grand Prix, I am convinced that they can put me under pressure and fight with me. I never underestimate the local heroes, I have already learned that in Germany, France and Great Britain: when they are on their own tracks, they are very, very good and it will definitely not be a walk in the park.”

What is your best memory of the ADAC races?

“It is definitely the 2008 championship that I won.”

You broke the record for most overall Grand Prix wins last year and have added more since then. How important are such records for you?

“It’s a great feeling, I’ve broken two of the three most important records - race wins, GP wins and world championship titles. OK, I didn’t break the title record, but I did break the most race wins and the most GP wins. Those were life goals for me. It’s great to have achieved them and I’m happy about it. I really wish I could also reach ten championships or more, but given all the injuries I’ve suffered, I’m pretty sure that won’t happen. But having my name on those two big records makes me pretty happy.”

Fans can get autographs from Jeffrey Herlings and the other top riders at the ADAC MX Masters truck on Sunday from 12.15 to 12.45 p.m. at the ADAC MX Masters in Tensfeld. Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance online in the ADAC Schleswig-Holstein ticket shop or at the box office on site.

Ray Archer image ADAC interview