MXP: Hey Newf! Let’s first go back to the final 450 main event from last weekend. Regardless of whether you were cheering for Haiden Deegan or Jorge Prado, how cool was it to watch those two race at that level for 20 minutes plus a lap?
RL: Thank God for that final main event with those two going at it, because up until that point it was a sleeper. I really thought Deegan was going to get him, and as we all seen, he did try in the one corner after the triple, but Prado was just too good. I would say that was the best he rode all year and what a time to do it with a million dollars on the line. The shocking part was how bad they dropped all the other guys behind them. They were on a different level for sure.
MXP: This is a big weekend in France as Team Canada will be battling the World’s best riders at the 2026 MXON. Two questions here, who do you think will win, and how will our team do in France?
RL: It’s kind on an interesting year and after looking at the entry list it appears that a lot of the countries don’t have their A teams. You have to think this event really suffers as it’s at the end of a long season, injuries, riders switching teams, etc. The battle at the front is going to between France, Netherlands, Spain and Belgium I think. All four have very solid teams, but you also never know what Team USA can bring. Cooper Webb has always been good at this event. As far as Canada goes, it will all depend if we can finally get a little luck. The team is more than capable from the riders to the management, but it always seems like what can go wrong will. I’m hoping for the A final. We did draw the 5th gate pick this morning, so hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
MXP: This week, Jetwerx announced some pretty significant rule changes as well as the schedule for the 2027 Triple Crown Series. What are your thoughts on these rule changes and the new schedule?
RL: I like all of it. The fact that we have a schedule by October 1st is incredible, and not only is it early, it’s a much better schedule than 2026, with the removal of all the back and forth on the East coast. All the rule changes are valid in my opinion. I really like the mandatory chest and back protection along with the Top 10 pro rule for amateur nationals. The series in the last ten months has really taken a big step in the right direction, and I believe you can point the finger at one person for this, but I won’t name names. Communication, organization and just the overall health has gotten much better not only for the teams, but the riders as well.
