Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
It’s always an exciting time when we welcome in a new year as it always provides us with new opportunities as well as a fresh start. Well, here we are in the early part of 2022 and we’re back with some more weekly questions for Ryan Lockhart. As you probably know, Ryan has been in the industry for over two decades and during that time he’s worn many hats. We believe it’s this experience as well as his fun-loving nature that makes his insight so valuable and so entertaining. So as we all guide our way through the first part of 2022 here is this week’s Matrix Concepts Canada 3 Q’s with Ryan Lockhart.
MXP: Let’s begin with the Oakland SX Newf. It was great to see Jason Anderson take the win as it’s been a while since he’s stood atop the podium. I know he’s a former 450SX Champion but do you think he has what it takes to contend week in and week out for this title against the Webb’s, Tomac’s, and Roczen’s of the class?
It’s still way too early for me to predict that but wow did he ever look good in Oakland. For me, we still haven’t seen what Tomac, DF14, and Sexton have to show and I think we will see that over the next few weeks. Honestly, I think we see a different winner in San Diego and I’m leaning toward Tomac. I guess the cool thing is we have seen a flip of results from A1 to Oakland which is awesome for us fans. Time will tell for me and I know that sounds vague but I truly think we have to get through these California rounds to get a better look at who the 3 or 4 guys are that are going to take a run at this 450SX.
MXP: It was announced today that Tanner Ward will race the 450 class this year with the Thor Pro Circuit Kawasaki Team. What do you think about Tanner changing team’s and how do you see him doing in the 450 class?
The first big move in the Canadian off-season and maybe the only big switch up at least from what I can see. It really boils down to the budgets being cut and our teams being forced to run two-man teams at least for the time being. I think 2022 is a big year for Canadian moto with the series going coast to coast again and the manufacturers I believe really want to see how this thing plays out. Tanner on the 450 will go well in my opinion. He is smooth and calculated which will help him adapt to the 450. He’s been chasing the 250 championship for a while and there have been some bumps along the way so for him I think a fresh start on a new bike will be exciting for him. I have always believed that Tanner rides his best when the pressure and expectations are lower and with what I know of guys in the 450 class in 2022, we will see him on the podium.
MXP: Unless you want to talk about it, I’m not going to ask you about Jess Pettis as I’m sure you’re as bummed as all of us are. Staying healthy is difficult in this sport, especially at the top level. When you were racing Monster Energy SX in 2006/2007, was it challenging to stay healthy with all the SX practice during the week and then of course the racing on the weekend?
It’s a huge bummer for all of us and I’m sure devastating for Jess. He’s invested in himself the last two winters and injuries have wrecked that for him. I don’t even know what to say. His technique, fitness, program, and everything else are on point but for whatever reason, he just can seem to make it happen. Luck? Well, I would have to think that has something to do with it for sure. All we have heard is collarbone but I have a feeling there are more injuries as you don’t take an ambulance ride for just that. Let’s all hope for the best and he’s healthy for June in Kamloops.
For me, it was so much different. For starters, I was never on the level that Jess is. Practicing SX was not nearly as easy because there were hardly any tracks to ride so a lot of the time we would just ride outdoor during the week just to get some seat time. The way the sport has changed these guys are grinding so hard Monday to Thursday so unfortunately, it’s not a matter if they’re going to have a big one, it’s more like when is it going to happen. The amount of hours they’re logging on SX track these days drastically increases the risk.
Heal up JP!!
