MXP Chatter: Casey Keast

A few years ago Casey Keast was just a talented kid from British Columbia who loved to ride BMX. That was until his Mom made him try motocross racing and as they say, the rest is history. Fast forward to 2013 and Casey is now a Parts Canada TransCan Champion and one of the fastest mini bike riders in North America. This past weekend he took his skills to Las Vegas to compete in the 2013 Monster Energy Cup where he finished a very impressive 6th overall. To help Casey pass the time on his long drive home to BC, we decided to give him a call and get his take on his successful weekend.

Q: Hey Casey, how’s the drive back to BC going?

A: It’s going okay, kind of long. We actually just crossed the border back into Canada so there are only a few hours left.

Q: Tell me, which drive felt longer, the drive to Vegas or the drive home?

A: Probably the drive down felt a little longer, but it wasn’t too bad. I don’t mind driving.

Q: Before we talk about Saturday night, tell us a little about the preparation you did for the Monster Energy Cup?

A: A few weeks ago we drove down to California to ride, train and get ready. We rode a lot at Milestones because there’s a SX track there. Then we headed to Pala Raceway where I did a school with Buddy Antunez and Nathan Ramsey. I had a great couple weeks of riding and then we headed to Las Vegas.

Q: How did you feel when you arrived in Vegas? Were you really nervous or really confident?

A: I actually felt really good heading into the race and before practice, then after I qualified 20th in practice my confidence sure wasn’t as strong and I kind of had some doubts. I think it that might have helped though because it really made me focus. When I was sitting on the line for the first moto I was just looking at the first turn and felt ready.

Q: Yes, you sure got a great start in that first race. How did it feel to be running up front with the world’s best Super Mini riders?

A: It was great and I was just trying to go for it. I certainly didn’t expect to be up there but when I was I just tried to stick with Forkner and watch what he was doing. I was really close to him until we got to the triple. He jumped it and I didn’t, then some guys behind me jumped it and they passed me. After that I settled down and rode hard to finish 4th. Looking back I probably should’ve jumped it and then maybe I would’ve finished on the podium, but oh well, there’s always next time.

Q: That was a big triple to be jumping on a Super Mini bike. Did you know the kids were going to jump it? Was anyone jumping it in practice?

A: In practice, Forkner and Sean Cantrell were the only ones jumping it so yes we kind of figured more kids would step up and do it in the race.

Q: Was that a third or fourth gear jump on your bikes?

A: It was third gear. You would come around the corner before it in second gear and hit that first jump, then you would shift to third and just hold it wide open. Just talking about it now makes me wish I went for it.

Q: That’s crazy!! You kids these days will jump anything. So you ended up 6th overall, you had to be happy with that finish?

A: Definitely! To me that felt like a win so I’m really happy with it. In moto two I got a really bad start and just tried to battle and pass kids. It was tough though.

Q: Were you aware on Saturday night that all of Canada was cheering for you?

A: Yes, I felt everyone’s support (laughs). I was actually thinking on the first lap about all the people back home that would be watching the race and cheering for me and I got a little nervous. Then I just tried to focus and ride the way I know how and it all worked out. I’m glad I could go to a big race like that and represent Canada. That’s pretty cool.

Q: Well, you sure gave us all something to cheer about. So you’re almost home, what is next for you?

A: Tomorrow I go back to school and try and get caught up. I found out in Vegas that I was the only kid on the starting line in Super Mini that isn’t home schooled so I’m proud of that. I like school and I like my friends, I just have to work hard to get my school work done. After that I’m going to do the first couple of rounds of the Canadian Arenacross Series. As of now we’re only doing a few rounds and then taking a break.

Q: Do you usually head south during the winter?

A: Yes, but not until March. We’ll probably do the same and get ready for the World Mini race.

Q: That’s cool Casey. Congratulations on your race on Saturday and best of luck this winter. We’ll see you in a few weeks in Chilliwack.

A: Thank you for calling Chris. I really appreciate all the support from everyone in Canada and especially my parents and all of my sponsors. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.