MXP: Hey Newf! Let’s kick this week off with some Future West AX talk. After two successful seasons of running the AX races in Chilliwack, it appears that AMO Racing won’t be doing it again in 2025. Can you take us through what is happening and what the dates are this year?
RL: It’s actually completely separate from Future West. Kyle Beaton and I had made the commitment to do it in 2025 after AMO stepped down. Ryan Gauld and AMO did a fantastic job the last two seasons after taking over from Future West. The plan for was Gauldy to do it again but it is a huge commitment from him and logistically extremely tough. He has to be out here for a month straight. I do need to thank him for passing along the opportunity as well as helping behind the scenes to make this a success. The dates are November 21/22 and November 28/29. It’s a big undertaking that’s for sure, but I’m confident it will be a good couple of weeks. Same staff as before, great track, indoor pits, camping etc. Please follow @westcoastax on Instagram or Facebook for updates as things get closer.
MXP: Well congrats, sounds like you and Kyle will have a busy month in November. The popular SMX Playoffs begin this weekend in Concord, NC. With the exception of Aaron Plessinger, all of the top riders will be on the starting gate at zMAX Dragway. Who do you like for the win in each class?
RL: It is nice that all the top guys are back for the most part, and I do really enjoy these hybrid type tracks as it’s something different. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, but like I said it’s a nice change. As for this weekend, it’s a boring answer but, how does Jett not win? 250’s are a little more unpredictable but Deegan is the favourite.
MXP: Let’s talk about Jorge Prado. Over the years, we’re sure you’ve been on teams where you just didn’t gel well with either the bike, the team personnel, or both. What do you think the issue is or issues are with Prado and Kawasaki?
RL: Well it for sure provided some talking points, but from what I hear and think it was a combination of a few things. First off, the injury in Supercross really sucked as he missed a lot of race time along with testing. Showing up at Round 1 of outdoors not being 100% and getting beat by guys who he thinks should beat him hurt, and then the excuses start to come. The thing that bothered me the most was there is no way that bike was the main issue. He took zero accountability of anything on his end and was quitting out there. Very poor look for him and it must also be tough for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team in this situation. He wasn’t happy, didn’t like the bike so move on and find something you are more comfortable on. He sure didn’t feel unsafe signing the contract at the beginning hahaha!
