Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
With Spring fast approaching, it’s almost time to head to the track and start riding. It’s also time to sit down with Ryan Lockhart and ask him some questions about current topics in our sport. As you know, Ryan has been in this industry for over twenty years and during that time he’s been a rider, a mechanic, a riding coach, and most recently the Brand Manager over at Matrix Concepts Canada. Ryan knows a lot about a lot of things and he’s always a great guy to talk to. Here are this week’s 3 Q’s with Ryan Lockhart presented by Matrix Concepts Canada.
MXP: After the Daytona 450SX main event we heard comments from Ken Roczen saying that if Webb wants to play games, then he’s ready. We’ve seen a much more relaxed Roczen so far in 2021 and it’s served him well. Do you think by commenting on what Webb did to him in Turn 2 that he’s playing right into Webb’s hand? Is Roczen beginning to crack?
RL: You’re right we have seen a much more relaxed Ken this year, at least from his interviews. I would have to think the comments that came from him were showing a sense of urgency. Cooper is so mentally strong right now and riding really well. To be honest with you I have no issue with what he did to Ken in Turn 2. Who wouldn’t do that? I think if it was Tomac that went wide and left the door open that Webb would have done the same thing as well. It was a battle for the front. Ken is going to win a few more of these things and this whole thing is shaping up to be a great race to the end. Don’t count Tomac out yet either. Even though I said last week I think he’s out of this, Eli looked very good on Saturday.
MXP: The 250SX West class is stacked with talent and the top riders are riding fast. Casey Keast will be on the starting line beginning this weekend in Arlington. How do you see Keast doing in the three Texas rounds?
RL: I’m excited for Casey. He has had a decent amount of time to get ready. I wish he could have started the 250SX West Series in Orlando because there is no question that it will be tough to jump in after two rounds. Either way, I’m happy for him and the people around him for making this happen. I think he will have to work hard to make the night show on Saturday night, but the good thing is he will have three races in one week to get comfortable. Canada will be cheering for him that’s for sure.
MXP: This weekend in Ontario Gopher Dunes is opening for the first time in 2021. You’ve spent some time at Gopher Dunes over the years. What are some of your best memories from there?
RL: I’ve done a lot of Springtime prep at Gopher over the years. I’ve always loved being there and being around the Schuster Family. Hearing Diggs talk about how awesome he was on quads and Frank just wanting to sit around and talk, it was always entertaining. Back in the old days, Gopher was always the opening round of the Ontario Spring series and there was some hype since a lot of the top Pros at the time would show even some from Quebec. I remember winning in 2004 for some reason and I think I remember because it was snowing. One memory I don’t miss was the Schuster’s putting me to work before their first national in 2005 tossing tires around the track (laughs). There is a photo of this kicking around somewhere but I can’t find it. The Schuster work camp we used to call it. I have nothing but great memories from Gopher Dunes and I hope they have a great opening weekend.
