MXP: Hey Newf! This week’s first question is about the 2023 Triple Crown Series SXTour opening round at Gopher Dunes. Who do you like to win in each class?
RL: We will see most top guys racing 250s, which means we will see them ride the 250 in both classes. I really think it will be a good battle between Cole Thompson, Mitchell Harrison, and Jacob Piccolo. Cole and Mitchell have a ton of SX experience, but we have all seen how solid Cole is on SX tracks over the last few years. If I had to put money on it, I would go with Thompson for the win in both classes.
MXP: The action was pretty decent last weekend in Chicago. What did you think of the racing, and who do you think is going to win it this weekend in LA?
RL: Yes, you’re right, it was decent. I thought the track was really cool, but it didn’t seem as exciting to me as the Charlotte race, and I think that’s because this one was a man-made outdoor track. However, it did produce some battles. This weekend’s track looks much more like an actual SX design, so I will go out on a limb and say Deegan wins the 250 class, and Roczen wins the 450 class.
MXP: There has been a lot of talk this week about Jett Lawrence waving Ken Roczen by. What are your thoughts on this move by Jett?
RL: I didn’t like one thing about it. It was immature and unnecessary. Even if it was going to help with points, that’s why you have a whole team behind you and a pit board. His podium speech was even more outlandish with his “big brain move” and “baby gift to Kenny.” Sure, he’s young, but it was so disrespectful to Ken Roczen in my eyes. I hope he learned something from it, and I want to see Roczen straight-up win this weekend.
