Interview with Nikki Scott (Media Representative – Youthstream)
Greg Moss – Don’t know much about you but it looks you live the mx fan dream!
Nikki (Laughs) – “Yeah I agree, I do live the ultimate fan dream!”
Greg Moss – Nikki, what is it you do, you’re friends with all the GP MX stars and you are at every GP event?
Nikki – “I work for the organizer/promoter of the FIM Motocross World Championship. I am a journalist so I write the press releases, a lot of things on MXGP.com, a lot of stories in MXGP Mag. Recently I’ve been helping out in Social Media a little bit too.. So you know when the tweets start to get intense and a little over excited it’s probably me going wild, because whether I work for MXGP or not, I am a fan, I love what they do and what they have done for motocross.”
Greg Moss – How did this come about?
Nikki – “Well, originally I was racing in the Women’s World Championship, but I crashed hard in the pre-season and basically wasted myself with a broken leg, shoulder and some ligaments in my knee. At the time I thought I’d be a hero and try and race still, only 1.5 months after having an operation of my knee. Wasn’t the wisest decision in hindsight.
“Anyway, I ran out of money, was sick of being injured so I changed my goals. Working for Youthstream was kind of a right place at the right time type of thing. I always offered to help them. I started washing dishes and being a host in the VIP restaurant at the GP’s. I was happy doing that because I could watch the racing on the TV while doing the lunch service.
“After doing that now and then for a year and a bit, they offered me a job in passes and, I don’t know, maybe they follow me on Facebook or something as they figured I have a lot to say and could possibly write.
“For all of last year, I prepared passes and welcomed guests in a box in the middle of nowhere, and was given a “trial” period to write. So I took on the MX3 and WMX race reports, and did some tester interviews with some of the riders. I guess I got some good feedback, which is pretty cool, and so I guess that’s why they offered me the job as the full-time writer.”
Greg Moss – You always seem happy! Is there anything you don’t like about what you do?
“To be honest, not really! I am living the dream. I’m not making a shit load of money, but I love what I do and you know someone once told me, if you love what you do, you’d never work a day in your life. That’s what it’s like. OK not all the time… But like 70% of the time, there are always good days and bad. Writers block can go play in traffic.”
Greg Moss – Who are your favourite Aussies and what’s your take on Meghan Rutledge?
“You know what; I love all the Aussies that come over here. They’re like a breath of fresh air, especially after dealing with all these European’s day in and day out. I built a pretty good relationship with Deano (Ferris) over the years, he’s a great buddy of mine. But really it’s only because the kid can bar drag through turns like no other and he gave me like 1000 ‘FERRIS 111’ stickers so I guess I don’t really have a choice but to like him (Laughs). And then this year Stykesy took over Ferriswheel’s house, which is literally 3mins from my house, so I’ve been hanging out with him a bit too which is always a hoot because he’s such a funny guy.
“As for Meg, she’s so awesome. She rides completely NFG (No ef’s given) style, has balls the size of china, and a pretty face to go with it. That’s what women’s racing needs! More Mad Megs!! Plus she’s always friendly and always smiling. Even when the race goes tits up, she’s can always look on the bright side and focus on her next race. With that said, I hope she wins the championship this year!”
Greg Moss – “Thanks for your time Nikki, sorry your riding time ended before you wanted but you live the most up to date life with FIM GP MX riders of anyone on the planet and it was great to hear your story.”
