MXP: Hey Newf! This is year five of your family’s summer vacation to the eastern rounds of the Triple Crown Series. First off, how did the drive go, and how excited are you to spend your summer in the East once again?
RL: I think it’s like the fifth or sixth time we’ve done this, so, as a family, we’re getting pretty used to it. The drive was longer than usual as I went straight from BC to Montreal for this weekend’s Triple Crown Series round. From here, I’ll leave on Sunday night and then pick up the family at the Toronto Airport on Monday afternoon. Then we’ll drive to Gopher Dunes and use that as our home base until mid-August. As I said, the drive here sucks, the drive home after Walton sucks even worse, but as a family this is what we do and we can’t picture spending our summers doing anything else.
MXP: Last year, the Ste. Julie track returned to the Triple Crown Series schedule after a long hiatus. This track has a long history with races dating back to the 1970s. What are some of your best memories of racing at this storied track in Quebec?
RL: It’s been strange because, since I can remember, the track has been on again, off again as part of the National Series. It’s here for a few years in a row, and then we don’t return for several years. Anyway, I’ve always enjoyed the Ste. Julie track, although a lot always depends on the weather and the track prep. As far as memories go, I remember in 2002, the starting gate broke before one of the 250 motos. They had to go to a flag start, and I’m sure everyone can imagine how that went. Several of the Quebec riders jumped the start, and they just let the race keep going. It was a mess, but in those days, we didn’t really have a choice; we just kept racing. Another memory comes from 2006, when I was so close to finishing on the podium in one of the 450 motos. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as some other riders ruined it for me. Overall, though, I’ve always enjoyed riding this track, and I hope it’s good for racing this weekend.
MXP: The final question is about the GDR Honda Team. Obviously, Dylan Wright is in a great spot after winning the opening four motos of the 450 series out West. The race this weekend isn’t far from his home in Drummondville, so he should feel right at home. On the other hand, Dylan Rempel has had a rough few weeks. In the opening 250 moto at Round 2, he went down in the first turn and unfortunately got run over. Then this past weekend at Walton Raceway, he crashed hard while running second in moto two of the Pro/Am class and was unable to finish.
RL: Yeah, after going 2-2 at the opening round in Calgary, Dylan [Rempel] has had a tough time and has suffered a couple of painful crashes. I think he’s riding really well, and he’s very happy with the bike, so that part is all good. I think with him, it’s just a case of him almost trying too hard at times. He’s still young and learning how to pick his spots better comes with experience. The good news is that he’s not injured, he feels good, and as history has shown us, he’s always better in the eastern rounds when the conditions get tough. With Kilroy now out of the 250 class, Dylan is now one of, if not the favourite, to win this championship.
