Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Neil Hodgson. I get paid to race around in circles.
You've been road racing since 1990-what is your most memorable racing season?
For me it was 2000. It was the year I won the British Championship. That was the year I established myself as a world-class rider.
What was your first bike?
It was TY80 trials bike. I was about 5 or 6. I had that for a couple of years and then got an YZ80 dirtbike.
How does the level of competition compare: British Superbike, vs World Superbike vs AMA?
I've sampled everything. The last two seasons with Mladin and Spies were very competitive. It was a great level of competition. Obviously, racing against Valentino Rossi and Mick Doohan was tough as well-that was another level.
What is the biggest difference in the various race paddocks?
In the AMA paddock, it's a bit more serious. In BSB the paddock is a lot more professional, but a lot more laid back. Also, the fitness level of the Americans is about double that of the BSB. The tracks are more challenging in AMA too.
If you could go back and change one thing in your career what would it be?
I would have stayed in WSB in 2004 and not gone to MotoGP. Luis D'Antin is a con man and put me on the world's worst MotoGP team!
What was the hardest thing to get used to living in the United States?
I live 50/50 between the US and Isle of Man. The hardest thing is missing my two kids. I'm separated from my wife too, and that's an absolute killer. I really miss my children. Everything else I can deal with.
What's better, American or British beer?
If you are talking about proper bitter beer, definitely British beer. It's a lot thicker and we drink it a bit warmer.
Who are better drivers on the road, Americans or Brits?
English by a long way. The American drivers are appalling. The worst are in Los Angeles. They are too aggressive. It's like war. In England, the speed is greater but they are far more courteous.
What advice would you give new riders who want to get started racing?
Not try to run before they can walk. A lot of young kids are paranoid that they missed the boat. I talked to 18-year olds that feel they have missed their time. Age is not that important. Also, be sure and go out of your way to thank your sponsors. Nine times out 10 you can't do it without them.