MXP: Hey Newf! Unfortunately, the Calgary AX was cancelled, that would have been a good event. However, the Rimbey AX is fast approaching. What can we expect this year, and is there anything that people need to know about this event?
RL: It’s a bummer anytime an event gets cancelled, regardless of the situation. I was really looking forward to going and checking it out. Like you said, Rimbey is just under a month away. It’s such a unique and fun event. Super laid back, tons of riders and spectators, so it just has a great vibe surrounding it. I also think since it’s in the middle of winter with nothing else going on, it attracts attention from the industry. As far as I know, there is nothing crazy new coming for 2026 with the event, but hopefully in a few weeks, I can announce some Pros that are going, which I think will really get people excited.
MXP: I agree that announcement will get people excited. Last weekend, we witnessed another great race in San Diego. We had a Canadian rider in the 250SX West main event, which was great to see. What were your thoughts on the racing, especially at the front of the 450SX class, as the pace is very fast right now? Also, it sounds as though Cole Thompson is going to make his Monster Energy Supercross Series debut this weekend in the 450SX class. How do you expect Cole to finish this weekend?
RL: It really has been good. I’m still waiting for Cooper Webb and Sexton to get in there, as that’s what we are all hoping for when the gate drops. You always have to wonder how things would look if Jett were in there, but so far, the battle at the front has been intense with Roczen and Tomac, but then toss in Hunter Lawrence last weekend, which made it fun to watch. I did see Cole is going to give it a go this weekend. I mean, I think it will be tough for him to be in the main, but then at the same time he’s so experienced that I could see him there. Honestly, I don’t feel like he’s been riding the best this season so far, but of course, I’m basing that off of the AX series, which is such a different beast.
MXP: Back when you were racing the CMRC Pro Nationals, AX events, and certain rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross Series, was there a rider who you absolutely hated racing against?
RL: Not so much on the Pro National side of things or even SX, it was more AX where you would run into different riders, depending on where you were racing. You know when I would come to BC in the early days, Lee Coutts was just terrible to race against for the fact that he would do whatever it took for you not to win, even though he wasn’t as fast. I mean there were always guys like him across Canada who didn’t like when someone would come into there territory, but he really sticks out.
