MXP: This weekend is Round 4 of the Triple Crown Series at the infamous Gopher Dunes. Can you give us your best and worst racing memories from Gopher Dunes?
RL: I will start off with the worst, which was the very first Gopher National in 2005. I was riding for Richmond Kawasaki, and it was the opening round one of the 125 East Coast Series. My bike blew up with only a few laps to go in Moto One, and then in Moto Two, it blew up again on the site lap. A double DNF to start a series I should have been fighting for podiums was not ideal.
The best memory would have been 2008. I crashed at the start of both motos and fought my way back to the top five. Whether it was a good or bad day at Gopher Dunes, I always remember leaving the track on Sunday evening and thinking how happy I was that it was over.
MXP: We’re going to put you on the spot right now; who do you think will emerge victorious this weekend?
RL: This is so hard to answer, especially with some new guys showing up in the 250 Pro/AM class and all the craziness going on in 450 class. We could see four different moto winners. However, I think it will be Medaglia in the 250 class and Natzke in the 450 class.
MXP: We’ve spoken about Dylan Wright and Tyler Medaglia, but let’s talk about the third rider on the GDR Honda Team, Tiger Wood. How has he been so far this summer and how do you like his chances in the Eastern rounds?
RL: Tiger has been a fantastic addition to the team. He and his father’s dedication to learning is evident; they absorb knowledge like sponges. Despite his results not reflecting his true potential in the West, I believe he’s on the brink of a breakthrough. I’m confident we’ll see him on the podium before the series concludes.
