Interview: Ollie Kingston – A young mechanic finding his place in the MXGP paddock

Ollie Kingston’s journey in motocross has taken a unique trajectory, shifting from rider to mechanic following a serious injury that ended his racing ambitions. After breaking both legs and ankles in 2024, Kingston found himself sidelined and began attending races as a spectator. This unexpected change of pace led him to discover a new passion behind the scenes, ultimately carving out a role as a mechanic within the highly competitive MXGP paddock. Now in his second season at the world championship level, Kingston has embraced the demanding lifestyle and intense workload that come with supporting top riders on the international circuit. Kingston’s initial foray into mechanics began with local British Championship rider Harry Lee, where he developed a strong work ethic and pride in his craft. His break into the GP paddock came through a chance connection with Gary Boxall, a well-known figure in the motocross community, who offered him a role with the SS24 Gabriel KTM team. This opportunity allowed Kingston to work alongside elite riders such as Shaun Simpson, a childhood hero of his, which not only fulfilled a personal dream but also deepened his commitment to the sport. The transition from the British paddock to the global MXGP scene brought with it a significant increase in pressure, travel, and responsibilities. Life on the road with MXGP involves long hours and relentless effort, with race weekends stretching from Wednesday through Monday and requiring extensive preparation, logistics, and bike maintenance. Kingston describes the experience as physically and mentally demanding, especially when supporting multiple classes like MXGP and MX2 simultaneously. Despite the intensity, the behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed by fans, who might be surprised to learn how little time mechanics actually spend watching the races. For Kingston, the focus remains firmly on ensuring the riders and machines are race-ready, often at the expense of following the competition in real time. The demanding nature of the job is further compounded by the gruelling travel schedule, with back-to-back GPs across Europe and tight turnarounds between events. Kingston highlights the challenges of balancing travel logistics, mechanical duties, and maintaining performance under pressure. His experience underscores the crucial but frequently overlooked role mechanics play in the success of motocross teams, revealing a side of the sport that requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep passion beyond the thrill of racing itself. As Kingston continues to establish himself in the MXGP paddock, his story offers valuable insight into the dedication and sacrifices involved in supporting world-class motocross competition.