MXP: Hey Newf, let’s first talk about Ken Roczen and his performance at Lakewood on Saturday. Not only did he fight to hold off Eli Tomac in the 100F temperatures and elevation, but he ended up winning the second moto and the overall. Is this a turning point in Roczen’s season and do you think he can win this 450 outdoor title?
RL: I think we can chalk this up to the mystery of Ken Roczen. What an impressive ride when he had all the odds stacked against him. Honestly, for me, it’s just a really good weekend for him and I’m not going to say he’s going to go on a run or anything. We’ve seen this before from Ken but no question this will help his confidence and hopefully, he can keep himself in the title fight with Sexton and Tomac. However, I’m just not sold quite yet.
MXP: Okay, let’s chat about Drumheller. You were there and you raced on Saturday. There were some mixed emotions to say the least on the track as well as the event itself. What were your thoughts on the track and the racing on Sunday?
RL: Drumheller is a pretty cool town with all the dinosaur history and unique scenery. I did ride on Saturday and tried to get some time in on the track to help relay some info to the GDR Honda team. The track had a very cool layout but man the dirt was a challenge for everyone involved. Honestly, I think they should have just left it hard-packed instead of trying to rip it as I felt on Saturday the harder packed it got the better it was. The track actually raced pretty well on Sunday as there was some passing upfront of both classes. I felt like the Drumheller club tried their best and made it work but I don’t think there would be too many people who would be upset if we are back to Wild Rose in 2023.
MXP: We’re at the midway point of June. What is next for you with regards to racing and are you still planning on coming east this summer?
RL: Well right now I’m in Winnipeg getting ready for this weekend. I will once again ride the amateur day with the help of Trans Canada Motorsports. We have Round 4 of our Future West Moto next weekend in Pemberton, BC and then I’m not exactly sure if I will be at Walton One. We do have a plan in motion for ECAN as well as the Walton TransCan where I will drive out with the truck and trailer. Randi and the kids will fly as the drive is just too long for them. Hopefully, MXP is going to chip in with some gas money (laughs). Should be a fun summer but I can’t believe how time is flying by.