MXP: Hey Newf! Welcome back to your weekly column. The first question we have for you is how was the UK?
RL: The UK was an awesome time, and it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips to be able to race the VETMXDN. The weather was a bummer as we rained out on Saturday, making the track challenging on Sunday. I rode a 1996 KX 500, which was interesting as I had never ridden a 500 before Sunday morning. We only got 4 laps of practice, which was also qualifying for gate pick (laughs). Needless to say, I did ride pretty cautiously, as I never did get comfortable. My teammates ( Gauldy and Tdags ) and I got 9th overall out of 17 teams, and we were content with that. The track was so crazy with the hills. Watching videos doesn’t do it justice to how steep they were. Overall, it was a great time with tons of bench racing, and just having the opportunity to race over there was awesome.
MXP: Two weeks ago, it became official that Team Canada will consist of Kaven Benoit, Jess Pettis, and Dylan Wright. Obviously, these are three of our top riders, and if everything goes well, they should have a good finish. What are your thoughts on our 2024 MXON Team?
RL: It’s a great team. Although we sent a great team last year, they never really worked out. What I like this year is that the riders are all on the same page from what I’m hearing and seeing. They are already riding and training together, which will help with the overall team dynamic. The track this year will be much better for the boys compared to the hard-packed track that France was last year.
MXP: Going back to your summer of racing and hanging out in the East. Overall, how did everything go for you and your family?
RL: Yes, it was a great summer. It’s so good for our boys to go camping, ride bicycles and dirt bikes, and just be outside in general. It gives them a break from the iPads and video games. It’s always nice to be home, but after spending a summer on the road, it’s a struggle to get back into the daily grind, but such is life. Hopefully, we will continue to have the opportunity for more summers like we’ve had for the past few.
