GASSING WITH SHIRTY
If you talk to Tom about his enduro career, he keeps making a strong reference point to the name John R Shirt, ‘Shirty’, to many of our readers. The sole Gas Gas UK importer for 30 years, John has seen both sides of the coin in both trials and enduro. So we asked him for his honest thoughts on Tom Minta as an enduro rider. Now an official GASGAS dealer, John has helped Tom to get his foot up the ladder, supporting him in his first year of enduro racing on the EC300.
How good is Tom on an enduro motorcycle?
John R Shirt: I have seen many trials riders over the years change to enduro; I was indeed one of them. Many change because they get stale with trials, start getting beaten or want a new challenge. Naturally, they all go to extreme enduro because they can continue with good results and keep their egos healthy. Then they try proper racing and soon realise how slow they are and scurry back to riding over rocks and logs and convince themselves they are now enduro riders. Billy Bolt is the exception because he can do it all so naturally. Look at Graham Jarvis, who is, of course, an absolute legend — he is not a speed merchant, and he will probably admit that.
Enduro has split up into many different forms over the years, and extreme enduro is perfect for ex-trials riders for the reasons above. However, I see something special in Tom Minta. He could also follow the
extreme path, but he actually wants to race and go fast. He has gotten up to speed very quickly this year, and I can’t think of another trials rider in recent years that has done so in such a short time. He was awesome at some very fast events this year, and it’s great to see such talent — and such a huge smile on his face!
How far can Tom go in the world of enduro?
John: It is hard to say his progress is impressive after one year, but he still has much to learn. What has impressed me the most is that he has listened to me 100% this year with what events he should ride and has not questioned any advice I’ve suggested. He is the only rider, both in trials and enduro, I have had in the last couple of years that has done that, and it’s a refreshing change. This is the main reason he has John Shirt 100% behind him for 2023.