MXP Chatter With Mitchell Harrison Presented By Motovan

Over the years we’ve had a plethora of talented American riders travel north to race our National Series. Some have found success, including winning championships in both the 250 and 450 classes, while a few have come and gone without achieving their ultimate goal. For Mitchell Harrison, although he was a late addition to the 250 class after two rounds of the Triple Crown Series the Cobequid Mountain Sports/Callus/GASGAS Team is very grateful that he is under their tent. With a third overall at the opening round in Kamloops and then his first-ever national win at round two on Sunday, we think it’s safe to say that Harrison is enjoying his time so far in Canada. We caught up with the likable kid from the USA as he and his teammate Tyler Medaglia were recovering from a long day of travel on Monday.

MXP: Hey Mitchell, how are things?

MH: Everything is good, we actually just woke up here so you’re calling at the perfect time.

Did you guys fly back to Nova Scotia or did you remain out west for the week?

We flew back to Nova Scotia yesterday and like last weekend it’s sure a long day of travel to go from Western Canada back here. So today we slept in a little and then it’s back to work.

Is it safe to say that you’re enjoying your time in Nova Scotia?

I love it here actually. We have a great setup here with multiple tracks and the Bakeries, it really is a great place to train and spend time.

I was just going to say that I bet you guys aren’t starving while you’re there (laughs)

No, definitely not.

Okay, so we’re two rounds into the 2022 Triple Crown Series and currently, you’re five points out of the lead. Are you happy with how the series has started?

For sure! Obviously, this is my first time racing in Canada so everything is new to me. I’ve never been to any of the tracks before and with each race I’m having to learn how the guys race up here. But I feel like I’ve put myself in a good position in each moto and from there I’m just trying to ride smart.

You mentioned that everything is new to you. So far have you enjoyed the two tracks the series has been to? I mean they couldn’t be more different from each other.

You got that right (laughs). Yeah, I loved Kamloops and during the motos it felt more like an American National with the way the track shaped up. Drumheller was a lot different but I didn’t mind it. It kind of reminded me of practicing in California when the track is dry and hard-packed. You just have to ride a certain way and on Sunday I just found a flow and tried to ride three strong motos.

Your starts have been consistently strong during the first two rounds and that has obviously helped. But your speed has been great also and as we saw on Sunday, at times you’ve been the fastest rider in the 250 class. You must be happy with that?

I knew my speed would be good up here but I didn’t know how everyone else’s speed would be. Jacob [Piccolo] won the title last year so I knew he would be good. I don’t know, I think considering that these tracks are new to me I’ve done pretty well so far.

It’s cool because in two races you’ve kind of gotten the real Canadian moto experience. Round 1 was rough and loamy while this past weekend was baked hard and at times a little sketchy. In the past, the American riders who have been successful up here have been riders that can adapt quickly to how Canadian tracks are. You appear to be doing just that?

So far being in Canada has reminded me of being in Europe. Everyone is pretty relaxed and very friendly. As for the tracks, I’ve always been a rider who can adapt quickly and not really get down if the conditions aren’t perfect. Tyler [Medaglia] has been a big help to me and has shown me a lot about how things work here. Right now it’s a big adventure and I’m having fun.

Finding success early in the series obviously helps with the fun factor. But even on the podium, you seem very upbeat and happy to be here?

I am happy to be here racing and honestly, I’ve never been in a championship battle before so right now I’m just trying to enjoy it. My girlfriend is also up here now so we’re just taking it all in and having fun.

That is great to hear! So you have one more west round to get through this weekend and then it’s time for the heat, humidity, and a couple of sand tracks in the east. Has Tyler been pumping up the east tracks or what?

Oh yeah! He’s told me about the ruts at Walton and the sand at Gopher Dunes, SDL, and Deschambault. It’s going to be fun and I hope we can keep the success coming.

Well, knowing Tyler and the success that he’s not only had over the years but also what he’s been able to do this year we’re sure that he’ll have you prepared. It’s cool that you both are currently sitting second in the points standings. What a great start for the team?

It’s been a good two rounds and hopefully, we can get on the podium again this coming weekend. As I said, it’s just been such a great experience so far being in Canada and I’m looking forward to the rest of the summer.

Well Mitchell, it’s been a pleasure talking to you and I wish you the best of luck this weekend and for the remainder of the Triple Crown Series.

Yeah, thank you for calling and catching up. Sunday was my first ever pro win so it definitely feels like all of the hard work is paying off.