MXP: Hey Newf! Last weekend, we watched Cooper Webb hold off Chase Sexton in the Pittsburgh main event to take the win. With two rounds remaining in the Monster Energy Supercross Series, and a twelve-point lead, has Webb pretty much secured the 450SX title?
RL: As I had said last week Webb needed to stop the momentum of Sexton in Pittsburg and that’s exactly what he did. That win by Webb might have been the most mentally strong ride I have ever seen a rider perform. Sexton was faster but Cooper Webb did not put a wheel wrong for the entire main event. Anything can happen though, I mean look at what happened to Tomac two years ago. But honestly, I think it’s over. Sexton can win out and Webb will still be fine, and getting that win last weekend has certainly relieved a lot of the pressure that Webb had on him.
MXP: We are one month away from the opening round of the 2025 Triple Crown Series in Calgary. What will the top riders be doing in the next 30 days as they get ready for Round 1?
RL: Everyone is a bit different but the plan has to be to get a few more gate drops in at the regional races and stick to the program. I would think the week before will be important for rest and to feel fresh for Round 1. There is always race bike break-in and some last-minute testing as well. I see Julien Benek and Blake Davies are going to Denver this weekend for SX which is really awesome. That will cut into some outdoor prep, but good on them for keeping it going.
MXP: Last Friday, you were asked about several of the legends of Canadian MX. One of the names mentioned was Blair Morgan. Blair had already won several titles by the time you turned pro in 1999. However, after that, you were able to battle with him and witness a lot of his success on the race track. Looking back, what impressed you the most about Blair, and is there a performance that stands out to you as one of his best?
RL: The fact that he could continue to bounce back and win when he wasn’t necessarily as fast or the most talked about showed just how good he was. Even coming back after that nasty leg injury back in 2003 at Nanaimo to be a title threat in 06/07 was impressive, especially since it was towards the end of his career. Some of his races in Regina stick out to me. He was so damn good there.
