MXP Chatter With Trystan Hart Presented By Motovan

What a year it’s been for Canadian off-road legend Trystan Hart as he’s continued to rack up some pretty solid finishes. It began exactly 365 days ago when he took the victory at the Red Bull Outliers event and since then he’s raced Endurocross, Hard Enduro, the Erzberg Rodeo, and even some AX in Chilliwack. Yes, this talented rider can do it all and it’s hard to believe that you can even trace his success back to the Walton TransCan when he won the 50cc 4-6 class in 2004. It’s been quite a journey for Trystan and we caught up with him after his incredible second place on Sunday at the 2022 Red Bull Outliers.

MXP: Hey Trystan, that looked like a tough race on Sunday. How are you feeling today?

TH: I don’t feel too bad actually. Maybe a little sore and tired but not as bad as I thought I would. That was a tough race for sure.

You guys pushed it right to the end and I don’t know, you tell me but was that one of the closest finishes you’ve been a part of?

Yes definitely in an event like that. Usually, we’re spaced out a little bit and we have some time to rest. Manny (Manuel Lettenbichler) and I were back and forth for the entire race so we didn’t have any time to relax. I was out front and then I’d make a mistake and he would pass me, and then he’d make a mistake and I would pass him back. It was like that for a long time and then right at the end he made a mistake on the final hill and I was able to go for it and almost get him. It was fun but obviously very tiring.

Yes, it looked tiring, very tiring (laughs). In these types of races and with these extreme conditions, does it usually come down to which rider makes the least amount of mistakes?

For sure! In Hard Enduro events like we had on Sunday, there are just so many variables that we as riders can’t control. There are a lot of riders on the course so lappers can be an issue and it really comes down to where you catch them. Most of the time it’s no big deal but sometimes you catch them at the wrong time and you get held up. And then there’s the track conditions and the sections that we have to complete each lap. On Sunday, it was very dry and hard packed so there was a lot of traction. That made the uphills tough as you were fighting wheel spin all afternoon. So yes I think comes down to which rider can be fast, consistent, and not make too many big mistakes.

With this year being the first year that this event was part of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championships was there a little added pressure coming in?

I don’t think there was more pressure than any other race because I try and approach each one the same. But yes, with top riders like Manny, Taddy, Roman and Jarvis there this weekend you know as a rider that you have to be at your best so you’re a little more focused.

Do you think that it helped that you raced this event last year and were a little more familiar with the extreme terrain?

Good question! Maybe in the early part of the race that played into it but we’re out there for almost 2.5 hours so after a lap or two every rider knows the course well. Also, last year’s race was pretty relaxed for the most part so I could take my time in certain sections. That was not the case on Sunday as we were all pushing very hard, especially on the final few laps.

I’ll say it again, that was one exciting race for sure. Since this event last year you’ve really been building some momentum and starting with your incredible podium finish at Erzberg a few months ago you’ve been on a roll. Has it felt like you’ve just been getting better and better with each race?

For sure it has! I’ve been working hard and with each event, I feel my confidence building so it’s been fun. Erzberg was really special as it’s the biggest race of the year for us and never before has a Canadian rider made it onto the podium. In fact, I think there’s only been one North American rider who has finished on the podium there. So that race was massive for not just me but all of Canada. The off-road community in this country is big and each year it seems to be getting bigger. I want to lead the way and set a good example for all of our young riders. If I can do it then the next generation can do it as well.

It’s amazing Trystan that you’re able to think like that and I think you’re correct. For our young riders to see you not only doing well on the world stage but also carrying yourself with the high level of professionalism that you do is very important.

Thank you! All of the top riders in this sport are pretty nice and we all hang out and talk. I know motocross is a little different and the top riders don’t always talk to each other so I think it’s great that we’re all pretty tight. I guess moto is different and there is a lot more bar-to-bar racing so it’s easy to get into intense battles.

Speaking of motocross, you come from a moto background correct?

Yes, I love motocross and that is where it all started for me. When I was young I raced moto and had some success at it. In 2004, we travelled to Walton Raceway and I won the 50cc 4-6 class so that was pretty cool. Unfortunately, I broke my femur soon after and didn’t really ride for almost five years.

That is very cool Trystan! I didn’t realize that you won a Walton TransCan title back in 2004. I can’t wait to look through the new TransCan program and see your name. Okay, so you’ve had a great summer with some incredible results including a podium at Erzberg, a big win at the TKO event in Tennessee, and now this second overall at the Red Bull Outliers on Sunday. What is next for you?

Next for me is the AMA Endurocross Series which begins on September 17 in Salt Lake City. That series has six rounds and ends in Reno in November.

You had some good success last year in that series?

Yes, it started off well but then I broke my thumb and that cost me any chance at winning a championship.

So heading into the series this year you must be one of the favourites?

I sure hope so!

You know how in motocross some riders like outdoors and some like SX a little more? Do you like indoor Endurocross more or outdoor events like the Red Bull Outliers?

I like them both equally I guess. This time of the year I’m looking forward to doing the shorter and more intense Endurocross races, but when those are over I start to look forward to doing outdoor races. I like to mix it up and do both.

That is cool and I guess it’s a lot of moto guys. They love racing SX and then when that series is over they look forward to racing outdoors. Well Trystan, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. You’re a class act and one hell of a rider so I wish you continued success. Good luck in the AMA Endurocross Series and maybe we can touch base in a couple of months?

Yes, that would be great, and thank you for calling.