Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
MXP: Hey Newf! Another solid round of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Series occurred this past weekend in Atlanta. First, did you like the track and the fact that Round 13 was an afternoon race?
RL: I didn’t get a chance to watch or follow along too much this past weekend as I was up in Kelowna doing some riding, but from how it looked and what I heard from rider comments, the track looked fun. These speedway races really don’t produce good racing for whatever reason. There always seems to be a lot of separation, even within the top five, and that isn’t always entertaining to watch. I’m sure the riders don’t mind that, but it’s not great for the fans. As far as it being a daytime race, I don’t mind as it mixes it up, but I think you would agree it doesn’t have the same feel as a night race. It lacks the lights and vibe. Also, if you looked at the fans in the stands, it was a little weak compared to the previous 12 rounds.
MXP: It was good to see Sexton finally hold on for a win, as during multiple rounds this year, he’s been leading but has then made a big mistake. Points-wise, Sexton is back in it now. Do you see him making a run, or is this still the Tomac/Webb show?
RL: Well, this contradicts what I said last week, but yes, Sexton is not out of this thing. If you had asked me last week if Eli or Cooper would finish off the podium in the remaining rounds, I would have said it was highly unlikely. Chase said it best in the post-race conference that he thinks that Eli and Cooper are only worrying about each other, and that’s why you saw them 20 seconds back of a podium position. I mean Chase will need some luck to go on a streak of wins to pull closer; from what we have seen so far this year, he cannot back up a win with more wins, but there is no question that he has the speed to do it. Things are going to get really good here over the next few weeks as the Monster Energy Supercross Series enters its final four rounds.
MXP: Okay, the moment racers in BC have been waiting for has finally arrived. The Future West MX Championships kick off this weekend in Kelowna. How are things looking, and what do people need to know heading into the opening round?
RL: Yes, Round 1 has come. The weather is looking great, thankfully. I was up in Kelowna last weekend getting in some riding, and the track is in good shape. I’m hopeful that it will be a good weekend of racing and that the turnout will be big. My only suggestion to anyone reading this who plans to attend the race is to get there as soon as the gates open at noon on Friday. Parking is going to be tight as I’m predicting 450-plus entries. Full gates are what we want, and I think we are going to see it this weekend.
