#192

This week on Chasin’ The Racin’ Dom Herbertson and Joe Akroyd are joined by former GP, WSBK and BSB rider turned Moto2 rider coach and race director, John Hopkins. The American racer joined us from Brands Hatch to chat through the highs and lows of his career on and off track and John himself says this is the most honest and candid conversation he has had publicly. Enjoy - CTR x
This is part 1 of a 2 part series with Hopper and part 2 will be available on every platform from the 7th of August - set your alarms & stay tuned for another couple of hours with Hopper.
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[@ChumiStu]

I wonder if Chrissy ever imagined sat in the old caravan that one day Toprak and Hopper would be guests? 🧡💜

[@timfarley274]

Good of John to acknowledge his parents efforts, class act. I would have laid into a racer as well if he talked to my kid like that. My kids are 7 and 5, can't imagine being like that to a fan of that age. Edit: The history John was part of is pretty epic, a connection to the awesome 500 era.

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

I'm like the street bike version of Hopper having ridden the streets of LA for over 20 years. 4 trips to hospital in the back of ambulances with broken bones. 3 of which involved sailing over cars doing illegal U-turns and a left turn right into me. I've lost close family members, battled addiction, ran from cops, got laid in my pickup, chased down and bitten by a dog while riding my push bike and I'm still riding the twisties every Sunday and own 2 superbikes. Would love to meet this dude! Another great podcast gentlemen.

[@ManxAndy]

Chrissy has sprinkled the magic dust from above these last few weeks…..Toprak & now Hopper’s….bloody awesome content, like a good book, you just can’t stop watching , Cheers Grace & Dom…& Joe. 👍🇮🇲👌💕

[@smurfmonster]

Just like Joe I bought John’s autobiography after Chrissy recommended it and boy was I pleased I did!! I was so pleased in fact that after reading the book in 2 1/2 days I then bought the audiobook so I could listen to it again whilst I was driving! It’s FANTASTIC !!!

[@ianbritton_UK]

I read his book a while back and its a great read - this just expands it all 🙂

[@Seal_Clubbing_Champion]

Jeez, that vid made me go cold. High-sided, then crashing back down having already got a broken ankle and ribs. You`re one tough bloke John.

[@robertlindop4911]

This is in with a shout of being the best ever episode! Just brilliant!

[@XNgamer11111]

One of your best interviews ever, asked great questions and let hopper speak. I learnt loads and laughed more! 😂

[@captainavinit]

What an absolute legend, could listen to John's tales all day.

[@barryanscombe3427]

Fair play to John for being so open about things and I bet this could be the longest series of interviews as one thing Hopper is, is entertaining 👌 😀

[@webb_11]

What a great podcast guys!! So good to see Hopper on here, met him a few times at BSB, one of the nicest guys I’ve met in the paddock! So good to hear his stories, could listen to them for hours and hours! Great job guys, and thanks Hopper for the amazing memories 👍

[@crumblymal8479]

What a bloody awesome interview with the great John Hopkins fantastic rider and great guy, so pleased for you guys getting him on and so looking forward to hearing more from this legend in the sport super cool 👌👍

[@saltyplayer84]

was lucky enough to meet him and take a pic in the paddock in the Assen GP weekend, a true legend from my childhood, super friendly guy, the book is a blast to read ❤

[@tazio2]

2 part Hopper episode is a great idea ,very entertaining guest and hilarious ! Looking forward to part II . Well done Grace , you are doing all the intricate work behind the scenes , it's very much appreciated

[@alberttrotter921]

As always a brilliant podcast, your all doing the boy proud. If John's autobiography is anything to go by, I hope there's more than just a part two. The man is absolutely legendary.

[@jamielatham2100]

Fantastic as all ways 👍🏻who cares how many parts always worth waiting for 😉x

[@NodbodRS]

Fantastic that, noticed it was Hopper 5.30am this morning. Motorcycle racing needs ppl like John, when he came back into Moto2 with moto America i i tweeted moto gp has sudden improved so much with Hopper 22 involved. 10 mins later, gotta sweet reply from Mama Hopper... Rory has a good person behind him.

[@melaniepegg8786]

I absolutely love listening to Dom, Joe and John. You have 100% made the right decision to make this a 2 parter. I've read John's book and he has a lot of stories to tell and hell of a past. It couldn't be fitted in 1 episode. This is fab podcast, fun, interesting and really relaxed. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to keeping this going in Chrissies memory. It is hugely appreciated. 🧡💙🧡💙

[@jeffbridges666]

Excellent so far , it's nice to hear someone openly speaking about the lack of prize money in various championships

[@dannymiles69]

Great work boys and girls, loving the 2 part setup. Hopper is a legend, some the stories this guy has 😂. Man, to be a GP star in that era 🙌

[@scottyuk]

I saw the clock ticking down to the end and hoped there would be more ... then Dom popped up! Can't wait for part 2. Great chat/interview 👍

[@davidtomkins4242]

could listen to John all day long. Honest, funny, doesn't hold back and has been there and done it all

[@iainbroughton3186]

His book is a must read,this Pod is a must listen,John Hopkins is a legend,

[@brittemanuel1369]

Probably the best podcast interview I have listened to in a very long time. Good stuff

[@jasoncollins9640]

Easily the best channel on KZbin, for me it gets better and better.

[@Markbez]

Had the pleasure of meeting John a good few years back , and I’m happy to say he was just as I’d hoped he be , like he said what you see is what you get ! Can’t wait for part 2 , good decision to separate it into 2 , although I would of made it to 4 hours no problem, he is a man of many many stories 👌🏻.Another great listen team CTR.👍🏻

[@MattP168]

The time goes so fast listening to this podcast and guests like The Hopper. Mega guys 👍👍

[@jimnotbob]

Without a doubt this is the best motorcycle Podcast out there, another top drawer pod lads, well done and I bet Chrissy is looking on proud as Punch.

[@user-fy2dp9fd2r]

I kept looking at the timer thinking ……. Oh no we need more stories ! Hopper top bloke and one of the best books I’ve read ( and I’m no easy reader😂) So looking forward to part 2 of the pod👌

[@benjohnson4408]

To be honest, I never knew John was so funny and so down to earth . Another great podcast . Keep up the great work boys and grace . Number one fan From Australia 🇦🇺

[@danceswithferrets]

I could listen to John all day, looking forward to part 2. Cheers.

[@mattblackledge9068]

What an awesome yet entirely grounded bloke. I'll be honest he's blown my mind.

[@garydavis7785]

Great chat lads, John is real old school down to earth superstar ❤

[@mullac-zn2jt]

I dont normally watch the youtube channel i listen to you guys on google podcasts on my way to and from work, but having listened to John i had to watch it on youtube again just to listen to the stories again. Cant wait for part 2 John is so funny open and honest . Dom keep on doing what youre doing , you and his sister are still making Chrissy proud .

[@JamchesterBoozle]

Only been listening 10 mins and im already hooked, you've gotta love Hopper he's just GREAT!

[@carolsomethinh7498]

Absolutely cracking episode, can't wait for part two to drop, John's autobiography is next in the to read pile

[@jeffdavies688]

There is so much more to his story, Looking forward to Part II.

[@bradleyla7167]

Late night 2am podcast with an amazing guest, after amazing racing at armoy

[@karlparker8379]

What a line up you lot are getting. Such great guests and stories coming across to us. Keep it up team #chasingtheracing

[@Multibobster6]

Bloody brilliant this! Think I will attempt to read his book now 😂

[@nicksidell4797]

I’m so glad there’s another bit to this as it feels as you have only just scratched the surface and look forward to the next one👍

[@patrickpalma2104]

I grew up in Escondido California one town over from Ramona California and John Hopkins was my home town hero. Met him once at a gas station and told him good luck for the season he was cool about the greeting. And we about our ways too this day I've bumped into actors and singers but that moment is the one I always talk about " I met John Hopkins!" Lol

[@andrewmallard2301]

John makes a very good point. He always has time for fans. Nice to See Dom and Grace at Brands. I'll mention Porridge and Honey and leave it there.

[@ReginaldBlain]

Brilliant guys, I got the Hopkins book and it is such a fantastic book. He is so honest about everything I couldn't put the book down

[@kevinclarke9570]

Fantastic, liking the part 2 idea. Got the book, eye opening!

[@bjwlancashire]

I have been meaning to get the book ever since Chrissy recommended it, since I started listening to this I have finally got round to ordering it and it might arrive before Monday. In which case I might just get ahead of the story as told by John 😂 Either way, splitting the story into two parts works well. Kudos for letting Hopper keep talking for 4 hours, good job you have the coffee and the energy drinks in the trailer. Love the bit about him giving Matt Maladin the finger while smoking him round the outside Brilliant pod cast already and we're only half way, they always are with you two and Grace at the helm. Keep up the good work and good luck to Dom for his next race.

[@tomw7367]

What a fantastic podcast guys! Hopper is great

[@valentinochamp]

Just brilliant. Well done Dom, Joe, Grace and the Hopper. Really enjoyed hearing John's openness and passion going through his life and career. 👌 Big thanks and looking forward to part 2 (3?😂)

[@jeffdavies688]

The podcast is excellent......read the book.....you won't be disappointed!

[@Tyrekickingwetdreamer]

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant

[@steakmeal74]

Brilliant, could listen to Johns stories all day - so mega there is a second part 👌🏼

[@Nasha57]

What are amazing podcast Joe and Dom brilliant host's 👏 John what a special Talent Grace amazing in the background roll on part 2 🔥👍

[@vrossi2596]

Dom + your team, that was fantastic hour and 3/4, your doing great with all guests at the moment, it always has been great, but to get this standard of folk on recently and hearing their stories as a biker for over 35yrs now i love them all.. Please keep them coming. Thanks to you and your team 👍🏍

[@noelelse1238]

Love the podcast guys !!! I read hoppers book last year..guy has loads of talent and deffo lived the life !!!! 👊

[@dunko3835]

That was quality, Looking forward to the next part, 2 parts the right call for me.

[@nigel904]

Really enjoyed that, can’t wait for part 2

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

Always liked John, gutted for him to not win BSB Championship on the finish line.

[@claytonknight3078]

That was hard to watch

[@scottdootson3272]

Brilliant podcast and only half way through. What an amazing story and life. Amazing to hear about the glory days or rider salaries in America etc wow blew my mind. Thanks

[@ArthursMam]

Fantastic interview. Cant wait to watch part2. Definitely goinf out to buy his book now. Could listen to his stories all day.

[@glensweeting9408]

Love this, can’t wait for part 2!

[@ReclusiveDuck]

_"And at this point John knew, he fucked up"_ 🤣🤣🤣

[@taureentom]

It's a pity there's not 20 Hoppers on every grid in every championship well there is I suppose on the roads still. Episodes keep getting better

[@ewanwilson1887]

Loving all the shows. Please keep them coming

[@stewartmaher6170]

Class interview 👍 some stories to tell has Hopper

[@tinahill5528]

Great pod. Really look forward to next part. So miss my weekly fix. Great work from all involved. Thankyou John for giving us your time.

[@Shinysideup]

Awesome stuff looking forward to part 2

[@palmertrees]

Awesome, Chrissy would be so proud.

[@GT500Andy]

Part 2 I can't wait fantastic

[@michellebrown5589]

Wasn't a great J.H fan before I listened to this but am now - great podcast, could have listened all day 👍

[@johnclaude9953]

Anyone else think that Dom and the likes of James English having a chat would be a great idea? Im sure it would go down a BOMB and bring even more eyes to CTR and everyone involved!

[@yorkshiretink3188]

Fantastic interview❤❤❤

[@freemenofengland2880]

I was just about to comment - How come you never mentioned the Greatest Race of the 20th Century? and tons of other stuff and then I noticed it was Part One. Mint!!!

[@Juster-Liguster]

Great Story Great Guy, all the best John

[@christopherfaulks6594]

Funny as ...... class best racing I ever watched live was brands final bsb hopper v hill

[@claytonknight3078]

To get 12 th place in your first grand prix after crashing twice was pretty awesome! Its nice to see that Spies was not the only one that thought Mladin was a total womans hygiene product.

[@williamlorimer060867]

Hopper top guy yes 2 hours at time is better I can just about get enough time to watch 2 hours before the mrs wants something done 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@Skamuel91]

Hopper is the man 👊👊👊👊

[@mattmid7012]

Great podcast, looking forward to part 2. Good idea to split it up I think

[@NickRno77]

Brilliant guys 🏁👍👌😎

[@essex__rider]

I think the AMA Bagger class is great but BSB should run a Niken class! 😂

[@Desmo904]

Great interview! (I think it's fair enough splitting it into two parts if it's 4 hrs!) Crackin guests lads!

[@chrishall2211]

Really good pod with a top bloke ( credit should also go to Matt Roberts who ghosted Hoppers book ) . The point about blacking out the manufacturers branding is spot on. As regards riders supporting underpaid riders, suggest reading up about Geoff Duke and how he put his career on the line probably detrimentally ( though his family have done very well out of the TT .... ). Those were different times.

[@bomber704]

Great episode big fan look forward to more

[@paulmaxey6377]

Enjoyed this podcast with John and the nearly 2 hours went by so fast so really looking forward to part 2 next week. Doing it in two parts with it being so long I think was a good idea as it means we don't have to wait so long for the next podcast lol. As for riders paying for rides, especially the top riders and not getting money for winning races I think is wrong. Who pays to go to work? Which you are basically doing, racing is your job. Or at least it is once you get to national and international level it should be. I am not saying that the BSB for example should be paying stupid amounts of prize money, but they should be paying some especially for the blue riband and headline class. Would it break the bank too much to over prize money for top 6 in each race? Even Oliver's Mount give prize money for top 10 in EVERY race and they don't rack in a great profit. It is only maybe £300 for the winner and maybe a grand to win the main race down to a tenner for 10th but it is a bit towards the fuel. You go back to the days of Sheene, Potter, Grant, Marshall et al and they were given start money just to show up, that doesn't happen now even for the top riders. That is why you would get Ago, Roberts, Sheene, Mamola, Lawson and the rest race the Race of the Year at Mallory, the Cock o' the North and Gold Cup at Oliver's Mount, the Transatlantic at Mallory, Oulton and Brands and all the other Internationals. Just think of the pull if you got Marquez, Bautista, Toprak, Dovi, Rossi and a couple more to race in the final round of BSB in say a class of current and past legends. Not just show up for a parade but actually race. But it would never happen now.

[@tommurd3116]

Best podcast about

[@Gavinmac001]

This is unreal all like growing up here in Newcastle Australia 🇦🇺 best.

[@neilcolley25]

good show

[@gixerman09]

Get the book brilliant read

[@MotoTweak]

You guys notice that John almost has half British accent sometimes? Pretty cool

[@MrShivadie]

There is an Italian youtuber that made a video on this video. He didn't mention you not even once but even the timeline on his video is more or less the same

[@garytaylor1929]

hi again team ,not sure how you get these big names on week after week but I know something ,chrissy would be so made up and as for a 2 part episode, think its a good idea every so often because some individuals have so many stories to tell you can't do it in one episode, also i would like you to do one on how your getting on with your racing experiences this year and get piggy on with you, keep up the good work team, looking forward to the second part thanks

[@davidtomkins4242]

$40k in dollars was about £20k sterling back then so not as crazy as it seems

[@adambennett3169]

Fucking this fucking that.....but also fucking funny 😂😂

[@milliewilkie1969]

My grandson was same as child even a game of Monopoly he HAD to win😄 he went on the a 1st class hons degree in engineering because at scool he had to be top of class ..non of my children or other 7 grandkids have that competitive gene but funny enough he never played video games

[@Tony-Buzz]

👌👌👌👏👏👏

[@captaintoyota3171]

Hopper always had the speed, sadly injury and junk machinry cost him any glory

[@howyr1]

By Far the BEST podcast that is out there and has ever been, the ORIGINAL and the Best, the best stars and this Part 1 and 2 Hopper , plus Toprak is bloody brilliant. Bet Chrissy is looking down BEAMING.....❤‍🩹