MXP: Hey Newf! Let’s begin with the Monster Energy Supercross Series. Do you think the 450SX Championship will come down to the final main event in SLC?
RL: A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have said it would come down to SLC, as winning five straight for Chase seemed unrealistic, but now he only needs to win three straight, and he will be the champion. This is shaping up to be awesome, and if Chase can get another this weekend, the pressure is going to really be on Coop. Anything can happen, but you have to really think the momentum is with Sexton, and Webb is stressing a bit mentally.
MXP: We all watched the unfortunate crash that Jerry Robin suffered in New Jersey, and everyone is sending their best wishes to him. Sometimes in this sport, we get wound up when certain situations happen, and then within a few weeks, our anger or excitement fades away. However, the list of injured riders so far in 2025 is staggering. In your opinion, is there anything that can be done to make SX safer?
RL: I hate seeing what happened to Jerry happen, but we all know it can happen. I truly believe with Jerry’s crash a neck brace could have helped. Direct impact to the top of the head can cause severe injuries to your spinal cord, and neck braces are designed to reduce that compression. As far as the sport in general, I think there isn’t much you can do to the bikes or tracks. These riders are so elite now that the riding and training level is so high that injuries are going to happen. There is no such thing as an off-season anymore and these guys are grinding 12 months a year, and with that grind, the likelihood of injuries increases. For me, there isn’t really much more to say this.
MXP: This past weekend, the gate dropped on the opening AMO Racing OPC race at Gopher Dunes. Dylan Wright completely dominated the Pro Class, winning both motos by almost a minute. Dylan looked better than ever and is definitely ready for the 2025 Triple Crown Series. If you go back through the past 40 years and look at top Canadian riders who have won multiple 450 Championships, riders such as Pederson, Vaillancourt, Morgan, Roy, Facciotti, and now Wright. If there was a fantasy race where all of these riders lined up on the same gate in their prime, who do you think wins and why?
RL: Good question, but almost impossible to answer (laughs). Each one of these riders were so special in their own era. What I will say is that you see the names above and each one of those guys showed 100% dedication to being the best. It’s a job, not a hobby, regardless of the money. Dylan for example, if he was making half of what he’s making now he would still be putting in the same effort. Back to the question. If you want me to pick a winner I will go with Blair Morgan simply because I always looked up to him and he is still a friend to this day.
