MXP: Hey Luke, how are you. Thanks for taking the time to chat with MXP. Let’s jump right in to this; how old are you and where do you call home?
LT: No problem, thanks for interviewing me. I’m ten years old and I live in Collingwood, Ontario.
How long have you lived there?
Actually, I’ve lived here my whole life. We love it here as there’s a lot to do whether it’s summer or winter.
Collingwood is a pretty awesome town, for sure. What class do you ride and how long have you been riding?
I ride a 65cc and a 85cc. Next year I’m moving up to the 10-11 class on the 65 and I will also be riding the 85 in the 7-11 class. I’ve been riding for seven years, I started riding when I was three when my Dad put training wheels on my bike.
How did your 2014 racing season go?
It was pretty good actually. I tried to qualify for Loretta Lynn’s this year, I got first overall at the Area Qualifier at Dutch MX in Michigan. Then we went to the Regional Qualifier at Red Bud and I ended up having bike problems. It was a great learning experience though; we’re going to try again next season. I also got fourth overall at the Parts Canada TransCan in the 65 7-9 class so that was a great way to end the summer.
What are some of your past racing highlights?
I would say a few highlights would be racing at the Daytona Speedway in the Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross event. That was very cool as we raced on the same track that the pros race on. I also won the overall at Area 51’s Canada vs USA event. I really liked that track and it was fun to race for Canada.
Speaking of fun tracks, what is your favourite track?
My favourite track in Canada is definitely Moto Park, we spend a lot of time riding there and it’s always in great shape. My favourite track in the USA is Dutch MX Park in Michigan. That track is a lot of fun.
These days the tracks have a lot of cool obstacles. What parts of the track do you like the most?
My favourite parts of the track are corners and ruts, I don’t know why, I just like the feeling of railing a corner.
That’s cool, most kids say they like the jumps the most. If you had to pick one jump from any track that you love, which one would it be?
Luke and his family had a great time hanging out at Daytona International Speedway and racing the Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross.
My favourite jump definitely is #4 at Moto Park. It’s big, it’s safe and you feel like you go so high off it.
That is a fun jump, for sure. Everyone is different in the moments leading up to a race. Do you like things calm before the race or do you like it rocking?
That’s a good question. I definitely like things quiet and calm before I race.
I’m the same way, the calmer the better. What are you usually thinking about while the thirty second board is up?
Another good question. I think to myself that I’m at an AMA Supercross race and I want to get the holeshot.
Those are some good thoughts. Would you rather holeshot and win or come from behind and win?
Come from behind and win, for sure. Those races are always more satisfying.
Does everyone at your school know you race dirt bikes?
Yes, all the kids know that I love to ride dirt bikes. It’s pretty cool, every Monday people always ask me how I did on the weekend.
What is your favourite subject at school?
I know this is the answer that you’d probably expect from me, but definitely gym class. I just love being active so anytime I get to run around I’m pretty happy.
What is your favourite thing to do other than ride a dirt bike?
I like to do a lot of things but skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking are my favourites.
Who would you like to thank?
Motopar ,Clearlite, Race Tech, Scott, Shore Power Services, FMF, Atlas, Subway, Tric Carbon, Motovan, Climatizer, Everything Cleaner, my brother Jake and of course my mom and dad.
Perfect! Thanks Luke, have a great off-season and good luck in 2015.
Thank you for calling me.