MXP: Hey Newf! We saw that the Future West MX Series visited the Blackwater track, located just outside the city of Prince George, BC. This track hosted several rounds of the Triple Crown Series not that long ago and the racing was always entertaining. First off, how was the race on the weekend, and do you think that the Triple Crown Series should perhaps look at going there again? Or is it just too far away?
RL: I will start off by saying that it is far away, no question on that, but so is Pilot Mound, and we seem to make that work. The track is really cool and can facilitate a national as we know since we have been there in the past and they actually just secured a permit to expand the pit area. Listen I wasn’t completely sold on the place and haven’t been there since 2019, but I really think we could hold a national there again. 20 min to hotels, 30 min to airport seems pretty reasonable. I think it would work to be round 1. It’s 8 hours from Calgary to PG so essentially 16 hours of driving. Do away with all the zig-zagging in the east and this is doable. As far as the FW race, it was a good one as far as the track, staff and weather went. Mid 400’s for entries.
MXP: Last week, it was announced that Sebastien Racine won’t be ready for the MXON as he’s still healing from his broken collarbone, so Tanner Ward will now take his place on Team Canada. Ward has shown some flashes of speed this summer, and he also rode well in the second 450 moto two weeks ago at Ironman Raceway. What do you think Ward (and also his Team Canada teammates) need to do in the next three weeks to be ready for France?
RL: Yes, Bummer for Racine, but it happens and he will have plenty more opportunities to go to this event. As far as Ward, I mean it’s the most logical choice in my eyes. He finished the highest in points plus, he has been to the event before. His performance last year wasn’t the best, but I really think with the relationship he has will Dylan Wright this might bring out the best in him. All three guys will show up ready and gibe it there best shot, but I will say it’s not going to be easy to make the A final. They can do it, but I think there will be a lot of weight on Wright’s shoulders to put in a very low score on Saturday to get them in.
MXP: The three SMX Playoff rounds kick off this weekend in Columbus, Ohio. Obviously, Cole Davies is the favourite in the 250SX class, but who do you think wins the 450SX class? Will Jorge Prado be able to build on the momentum of his great ride at Ironman. Will Haiden Deegan finally get a win on a 450. Or, does Hunter Lawrence enter this weekend with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after all of the fall out from the final round of the Pro Motocross Championships?
RL; These races are always such a big question mark for me cause the tracks can and usually are so weird and really the bike set up is so key to who jells, and who doesn’t, from round to round. I like the momentum that Prado has going for him, but I just really think Hunter Lawerance is going to win this thing. Arguably, he was the best in Supercross for the most part, outdoors as well. He will be tough to beat.
