Matrix Concepts Canada Presents 3 Q’s With Ryan Lockhart

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s almost time to sit back, relax, and in this case, ask some of our industry people a few interesting questions. This week we reached out to our readers to see if anyone had a few questions for Ryan Lockhart. As you know, Ryan has been in this industry for over twenty years and during that time he’s been a rider, a mechanic, a riding coach, and most recently the Brand Manager over at Matrix Concepts Canada. Ryan knows a lot about a lot of things and he’s always a great guy to talk to. Here are this week’s 3 Q’s with Ryan Lockhart presented by Matrix Concepts Canada. 

MXP: It was announced this week that Jacob Piccolo has signed with Al Dyck and his Sky Racing Team for 2021. It’s great to see Piccolo land somewhere for this season. How do you see Piccolo’s season going?

RL: I think it’s a good deal for both involved. I have said it before and I will say it again that Jake needs to land where he can be offered guidance and some mentoring. I believe that Al Dyck can offer that. Let’s not forget is a past Canadian National Champion so he knows how to win races. However, at the same time, there have always been some rumours that’s it’s Al’s way or the highway. If Jake can get into better shape and pick up where he left off from last season he should be a consistent podium guy and maybe even a moto winner.

MXP: So far in the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Series we’ve seen Jett Lawrence win one of the 250SX East Main events. However, he’s also had a few untimely crashes and on Tuesday night he decided to sit out the main event because of an injured shoulder. Obviously, the kid is only 17 and has a bright future, but did it bother you that he didn’t at least start the main event and see how he felt once the adrenaline kicked in? The leaders lapped up to 4th so you’d think that Lawrence could’ve easily finished Top 5 and scored some important points?

RL: There are a few things that bother me about Jett right now, but most are not his fault. The industry has really made him into this hero at the young age of 17. I feel because of that pressure, he feels that he needs to do something incredible on the bike every time he is out there and that is what’s leading to some of these dumb mistakes. He’s 17 and has plenty of time to make things happen. I was shocked though that he pulled out after he rode the LCQ. One would think the shoulder would feel the same from one race to the other, but maybe he thought there was no way he could go the distance in the main. Either way, his title chances are over for sure. But knowing this industry they’ll still be talking about him at Round 6. 

MXP: Which 450 rider has impressed you the most so far in 2021 and why? 

RL: Well I guess you could get impressed and surprised mixed up here. Few things I can touch on here and I will list them out.

• Ken Roczen: What incredible determination he is showing. You can see it in his face as well as his voice. He wants this championship and if he keeps riding like this he might just win it.
• Eli Tomac: I love how humble he’s been this year. Admitting to how crazy the pace is and yet he’s happy with his riding, even though he’s not winning. No excuses and I like that.
• Malcolm and AP7: Nice to see a big improvement in their results from the past years. Just goes to show what the right team can do for you.
• Justin Brayton: I know he’s had mixed results and he’s not a title contender, but he’s in the mix and at his age, he’s really not supposed to be. With Chad Reed retired now we old guys have to cheer for somebody.