MXP: Hey Newf, were you able to watch any of the WSX from Cardiff? What were your thoughts on the overall racing as well as the entertainment value?
RL: I didn’t watch live but of course, I followed along and watched on YouTube on Monday as I was busy all weekend. I liked it. I think for a first-time event with an all-new concept it was good. I for sure think there needs to be some tweaking as I felt the three mains back-to-back to back were a little different and I also felt they were short. I really like the Super Pole and I would like to see the U.S. series implement that. The track was a little lame but all in all, I thought it was a good starting point. I’m sure there will be some improvements for Melbourne next weekend.
MXP: We’re hearing about some movement with regard to riders switching teams and trying to find rides. There hasn’t been any official press release, but it sounds as though Jacob Piccolo and Ryder McNabb are trading places for 2023, what are your thoughts on this move?
RL: Ya the “Silly Season” has started. It’s different this year as the teams and riders are trying to get plans together early which I’m a fan of. Canada is always late to get going so the sooner riders can get deals done the better. It does look like Piccolo is going to GDR Honda but we have not seen an official release about it yet and the same with McNabb. I believe team are waiting on a couple of things before they can officially announce the news. The number one thing is what is Dylan Wright going to do? His contract is up and he has some options for sure. The teams are waiting on the OEM’s as far as budgets go for 2023. I think we will see some official releases come beginning of November as a lot of the guy’s contracts go till October 31st.
MXP: Okay, the weekend everyone has been waiting for is here. The opening round of the 2022 Future West AX Championships is this weekend in Chilliwack. Are you excited, nervous, or pumped up? How are you feeling?
RL: We’ve been at this for a while so everything seems pretty standard for the most part. The last two years were an absolute gong show with having to jump through the Covid hoops so with that stuff kind of gone away now it takes some stress away. The entries are rolling in and everything is coming together so it should be a successful weekend.