MXP: Hey Newf! Let’s get right into last weekend and the opening round of the 2024 WSX event in Vancouver. The attendance looked better than expected. Overall, what are your thoughts on the event as a whole?
RL: Honestly, the whole event exceeded my expectations. From start to finish, it ran really well. The track raced well and got super gnarly, which was cool since you saw riders trying to figure it out the whole time. I also enjoyed the race format with the Superpole, with three races per class and then the Superfinal. I’m not sure the riders loved it, as they didn’t have much time to rest, but as a fan, the multiple-gate drops provided lots of action. I hope this event returns in 2025 as I think they did a great job, and I think it will only get bigger and better in years to come.
MXP: The World Vet event at Glen Helen is this weekend. We are sending some very fast Vet riders down to do battle. How do you like our chances, and are there one or two riders who might stand out?
RL: I will begin by saying that I’m bummed I can’t make it, but life comes at you fast, and with how busy my summer was, it’s just time to slow down a bit. The teams that Skippy has built are solid, and I think the chances are very good for a gold medal. We have finished second the last three years in a row, and I was part of two of those years, so I think it’s time for the gold. Brock Hoyer is riding really well and is always fast, Todd Minnie is maybe better than ever, Tim Tremblay is still a Top 5 Canadian MX1 guy, and Marc Dionne is ripping in plus 50. Canada should do some damage down there, and I wish them all the best.
MXP: Here is a family question for you. Both your boys recently celebrated birthdays, so that was cool to see. Like your boys, you grew up at the race track and have been around this sport since you were little. Can you try to put into words how much it means to you to have Meston and Bowen following the same path as their dad did?
RL: There is no question that Motocross has provided the life and lifestyle that I enjoy today. I have made so many great relationships over the years and have been given opportunities that some people could only dream of, and I’m very thankful for that. For my boys, I just want them to have the chance to know what it looks like and feels like to be competitive. Maybe they will go far in the sport; we’ll see what the future holds. But the most important thing is just allowing them to have opportunities. I have always said that you don’t meet many bad people at the motocross track, and for me, just having a good group of families and friends is key.
