MXP: Hey Newf, we’re not sure how much of the Triple Crown Series SX you watched last weekend from Gopher Dunes but from what you saw what were your thoughts on the event and the results?
RL: Overall it looked to be pretty good. I really thought the track was better than the tracks from previous years. The atmosphere looked great and there seemed to be a lot of spectators there which is what was needed. As I have mentioned before I’m a fan of this concept and really wished that more guys would ride it, but of course, that is easier said than done. As far as the racing goes it was pretty standard and kind of predictable. I wasn’t surprised that Mitchell Harrison was able to run the pace of Cole Thompson but when it was all said and done Cole was the class of the field. Was nice to see Wyatt Kerr and Tanner Scott out there getting their feet wet riding with outdoor suspension.
MXP: I think we agreed on the fact that Eli Tomac was the favorite to win the championship battle with Chase Sexton last weekend at Fox Raceway. In the end, Tomac prevailed with a solid 1-1 moto finish. What are your thoughts on Tomac’s big win as well as the series as a whole?
RL: What a day of racing!! Eli is a beast and handled the pressure like the champ he is. I would assume this was probably the most pressure he has ever faced in his career and he was rock solid. That is what experience will do for you. Sexton is the next guy in line and will have his time. Tomac’s season, except for Round 1 at Pala had championship written all over it and we just didn’t see the mistakes from him like we saw from Sexton. For him to be later in his career, switch bikes and teams, and still win the SX and outdoor championship makes him one of the greats of sports no question!
MXP: We’re now just two weeks away from the MXONs at Red Bud. You will be there wearing a few different hats both with Team Canada as well as the Pit Bike event. We see that Dylan Wright is training hard, I’m assuming McNabb is as well, how is Tyler [Medaglia] doing and might we see an alternate rider announced soon as Tyler’s health is a concern? Finally, if Tyler cannot go who do we go with? Tanner Ward or Jess Pettis?
RL: Yes Both Dylan and Ryder are hard at work after a much-needed little break. This is no doubt Tyler is a concern but from what I know he is back riding this week and will make a final decision next week in regards if he can be 100% or not. Dylan, Ryder, and Tyler are the best team we can send but if Tyler is not at least at 90% we do need to go to a backup rider. Tanner Ward and Jess Pettis have both been told to get ready as we await Tyler’s decision. As far as who is the better pick between Jess or Tanner, honestly, I think both are good and I could flip a coin as to which one to pick if needed. I do think Jess probably has a little more speed but is coming off a summer of injuries and we’ve seen Tanner really step up his game in the last few outdoor rounds. I guess we just need to see what happens over the next 7 days, but either way, we are still going to have a strong team.