Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
MXP: Hey Newf, let’s start off with the question that I’m sure everyone is asking. How was the drive home from Walton Raceway with the family?
RL: It was a long drive that’s for sure and it feels the same every year, it doesn’t change (laughs). The drive out always seems to go better as there is so much to look forward to and then on the way home there is a lot of time to think about reality. All in all, it was a good trip. The kids did awesome and Randi and I are still married. We drove through the U.S. for a change of scenery and of course to take advantage of the cheaper fuel. We stopped at a couple KOA’s along the way and arrived home last Friday. I normally do the drive in three days when I’m alone but with the kids, it took us an extra two days.
MXP: Now that you’ve had time to reflect on your week at the Walton TransCan what are your thoughts on it? You ate a lot of roost in that Plus 25 class but not to worry the 40A class is right around the corner for you.
RL: Yeah, I sure did and was fairly angry about it but whatever it is what it is. I rode Pro-am as well since I’m a sucker for punishment and that class was fun as I was battling with guys who are raced on Sunday so it’s always kind of cool to see where you stack up. I’m in a tough spot right now being 38 and still considered a Pro I guess you could say. I mean it’s not like I’m looking to drive 5000KM and ride around to win a championship at Walton but it really takes the fun out of it when you have to line up with riders like T-dags and Keylan Meston. I had some great battles though with Jay Burke and the Roberts Brothers throughout the week and honestly felt like I rode pretty good but it was for 6th place. I still have one more Walton TransCan before I’m plus 40 and then I can battle for a championship again.
MXP: Now that you’re home and able to relax. What is next for you and how is the planning coming along for the Future West AX Championships?
RL: There isn’t a lot of downtime as we have Round 5 of the Future West BC Championships this weekend in Kamloops. We actually have three more rounds which will close it out plus Randi and I will be at Motocross of Nations. I have been selected to ride the Pit Bike of Nations with Ryan Gauld and Quinn Amyotte so that will be an experience along with working with Team Canada as their Crew Chief for the weekend. That takes us through September and then it’s right into AX for us here in Chilliwack. The schedule is finalized and will be released on Monday. We have a lot of exciting things to promote with the series now that the Covid restrictions have been removed. The indoor pits are back, Pro Purse, Dash 4 Cash, and a nighttime program will be all back for this fall.
