MXP Chatter: Richard Grey

After a winter of training in South Carolina, 2013 started off really well for Richard Grey. Even as the first half of the Nationals came and went, Richard put in some good rides and was in a good position in the MX2 points standings. However, as the Eastern swing started, things would unravel quickly and Richard would not be able to recover before the series ended in Walton. With 2013 behind him, Richard has decided to begin a new chapter in his life and take a step back from racing on the National stage. We tracked Richard down in beautiful Prince George, BC to get the story behind his decision.

Q: Hey Richard, how are you?

A: I’m doing good actually, just been out here relaxing in BC. How are things back in Ontario?

Q: Everything is good. It’s cooling down so the good riding days are few and far between. You’ve been in Prince George for a while now. What have you been doing out there?

A: Well, as you know, it’s a slightly different way of life out here. Everyone is pretty relaxed and not in a hurry. We actually just got home from a salmon fishing trip. It was so cool. Even though we didn’t catch anything we still had a good time.

Q: I was out there last year for a few days and you’re right, it’s sure a different scene than here in Ontario; very laid back. Have you been riding at all out there?

A: A little bit. I did a local race a few weeks back and I’ve been doing a little practicing, but that’s it. I’ve honestly been trying to distance myself from the sport and focus on other things.

Q: Let’s talk about the sport and this past year. I’m guessing that it didn’t go the way you planned. Can you take us through what happened?

A: Heading into 2013 I put a lot of pressure on myself to have a really good season. It was my first year off school and I wanted to make the most of the extra time I had. I spent a lot of time down south last winter getting into shape, and during the spring races in Ontario I felt really good. Even during the first few rounds of the Nationals out west I felt great and I thought I put myself in a good position heading into the east.

Once the eastern rounds started things just snowballed downhill. I had some bike problems, I wasn’t that mentally clear, it just went bad real quick. There’s so much drama in this sport and people spend so much time talking crap. When you’re up, things are great, but when you’re down it’s really hard to fix things, especially in such a short series. One little glitch in your program and it can throw everything off and you don’t have time to fix it.

We’re all going to miss Richard Grey’s perfect style at the nationals.

Q: I think everyone figured you’d do really well in the east because you’re a great sand rider. You mentioned that you weren’t mentally clear. Was there just one issue that caused this or was it a few things?

A: Once things started to go bad it just became a constant struggle to get it back on track, and then I started over-thinking everything and trying too hard. I don’t care how good of shape I’m in, if I don’t ride relaxed then I really struggle on the track. So there were those issues, and then once I started to struggle then I really felt like my team threw me on the backburner and that certainly didn’t help. Each weekend I was miserable, the team was miserable and it made for a pretty bad east coast swing and a bad end to the series.

Q: You just touched on something very interesting Richard – every rider sees the big teams at the races and they strive to get on with one of those teams. I think the one thing people don’t realize is that when things aren’t going well and there are such big expectations involved, things can get pretty tense under one of those tents.

A: For sure. When things are going good everyone under the tent is happy, but when things aren’t going good no one wants to talk to you. I get it though, there are a few riders on the team and one guy isn’t any more important than the other but in my situation a little bit more support and guidance might have fixed the problem. The only guy on the team that wanted to help me was Iain Hayden. He stuck by me and wanted to help me get back on track and I’m very thankful to him for that. Unfortunately, the series ended badly and I’m not on that team anymore.

Q: I saw your crash in Quebec and you were very lucky to walk away. Was that the final straw for you?

A: That was the moment when I was just over the whole deal. I’ve never had a moment in my racing career when I’ve felt like that. I just started second guessing myself and my equipment. It’s an awful feeling riding around almost scared that something is going to happen, whether it was a mistake on my part or a bike failure.

Q: It sounds as though you need a break to figure things out. Judging by the rumours, this is what you’re going to do. However, I want to hear it from you. What’s next in your life?

A: You’re right Palms, I do need a break. How long it will be I have no idea. All I know is that right now I’m over the Nationals and I’m stepping away from them. Soon I will be heading back to Ontario to start a business with my parents and that will be my focus from here on out. I need to get away from racing right now and work on this business. I know it’s going to be a big change but I’m ready and pretty excited for it.

Richard and his girlfriend will now move on to the next chapter in their lives.

Q: That is big news Richard and I think it does take a lot of courage to walk away instead of coming back next year and going through the motions. This sport takes a lot of focus and if your head isn’t in it then you might as well take a step back.

A: I agree and that is what I’m thinking. There’s no point in wasting everyone’s time when I really don’t want to be there. I still love riding and I will still ride in 2014 for fun. Maybe I’ll still do some local races but as far as the Nationals are concerned, you won’t see me there.

Q: Your family has played a huge role in your racing. Are they happy with this decision?

A: Yes, they’re fully supportive of this and I love them for that. Motocross is a tough sport at the best of times. When you get on one of these big teams, they sometimes try to push the parents away. I’m still young and no one knows me better than my parents, so why push them away? I think it’s the same with all riders that are around my age – I don’t agree with it.

Q: Well, like you said, motocross is a tough sport and these teams spend a lot of money to go racing. Maybe it’s just easier to keep the parents in the background. I’m sure it’s a delicate balance. It really sounds as though the fun is gone out of the sport for you. Is that a fair observation?

A: Yes, I guess you could sum it up that way. I just stopped having fun this year and I know it’s a job at this level, but if you’re not having fun then what is the point. Motocross is dangerous and all the riders put themselves on the line every time they throw their leg over a bike. If you’re not enjoying it then you shouldn’t be doing it.

Q: Well Richard, thanks for opening up to us. Good luck with your future endeavours and hopefully we’ll get to see you at the track soon. I’m sure everyone is going to miss seeing you at the races.

A: Thanks Palms. I’m sure everything will work out and thanks for giving me a chance to tell my story.

Richard is very grateful to all that have supported him throughout the years.