MXP Chatter: Dean Wilson

Dean Wilson has had quite an interesting past year as a member of a couple of different race teams. Competing in the West Lites Class for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Dean was fast and probably should’ve won the championship. However, he had two things against him, bad luck and a rider named Jason Anderson. When the Supercross Series headed east, Dean was given the opportunity to ride a 450 for Chad Reed’s TwoTwo Motorsports Team. He would make the most of it by leading some laps and timed practice sessions, all the while learning how to race the bigger 450 machines. Dean’s limited success in the 450 class was enough to catch the eye of Roger Decoster and the Red Bull KTM Factory Team; they signed him to a two year deal. This past week, Dean got to spin his very first laps on the orange bike as he is now preparing for the 2014 Monster Cup in a few weeks. We caught up with our favourite Scottish Canadian as he was relaxing after a hard day of testing on his new KTM.

MXP: Hey Dean, we know you’re busy this week testing your new KTM so thanks for giving us some time. How are things? Are you still jet lagged from Latvia?

Dean: For sure, that was a long trip over and a long trip home.

How did your flights work on the way home?

I flew from Riga to Copenhagen, and then on to Newark and then from there to San Diego. It felt like it took forever so it was great to get home.

How did it go over there? Your Great Britain Team did well to finish fourth overall and you rode well. How was it?

It went pretty good. I think we all rode really well and we definitely would’ve finished third if it wasn’t for some bad luck. The track was pretty rough so throwing a big 450 around wasn’t easy, but I had fun and it gave me an idea on what I need to work on for next year.

You did well considering that was your first big outdoor race on a 450.

Thanks, I felt like I rode well. Riding the 450 is so much different than the 250Fs, you just need to be that much stronger, so that will be my goal here as we head into next year.

You had the opportunity this year to ride a 450 indoors on Chad Reed’s team. How was that?

It was good. It was a little last minute so there wasn’t much time to prepare. I thought I did well, my practice times were good and I had some good results. I had a lot of fun racing against those guys and I learned a lot. I was very thankful to Chad and the team for giving me that opportunity. It was exactly what I needed.

So after many years on a Kawasaki, you now switch brands to KTM for at least the next two years. Pretty exciting times?

I’m very excited. It’s a new challenge, on a new bike with new people around me. As you said I’ve been riding Kawasakis for a long time so throwing my leg over something new is a big change, for sure. But, I feel like I’m ready for it and we’ll work hard on getting the KTM set up.

So you’ve spent a couple of days riding it. How is it?

It’s great. It’s obviously a lot different than what I’ve been riding, but even after just a few days I feel pretty comfortable on it.

Is it hard getting on a new bike or does the KTM feel a lot like your old Kawasakis?

The two bikes are nothing alike, except that they both have two wheels (laughs). Everything feels different with the KTM, the clutch, the brakes, the chassis, the motor, you name it, it is different. But I do like it a lot so far and after a few adjustments to help make me comfortable, the bike feels really good.

So what is the plan for the next few months, just test, train and test and train some more?

Well, today I’m going to go and practice the Red Bull Straight Rhythm and see how I feel. If I feel good then I will compete on Saturday. After that we’ll get ready for the Monster Cup. That is always a fun event and a good chance to test the new bike in race conditions. From there we’ll probably chill a little and then really work hard in November and December to get ready for Anaheim.

Sounds like a busy but exciting schedule ahead. You move from one legendary team manager in Mitch Payton to another in Roger Decoster. You’ve been fortunate to have some very good people helping you.

Definitely, even before Mitch, I had Dave Gowland so yes I’ve been around some great people. I can’t thank Mitch for all he did for me and my family. He was great for me and my career. Having said that, I’m really excited to start a new chapter with Roger. Obviously his reputation speaks for itself so I’m looking forward to learning from him. With myself, Marvin and of course Ryan, I think we have a really strong team for 2015.

Well Dean, thanks again for doing this. Have fun testing the new bike and we’ll see you in a few weeks at the Monster Cup.

For sure. Make sure you come by and say hi, and tell my cousin to come down!

Will do, all the best.