MXP: Hey Newf! We’ve missed you during the past couple of weeks. Looking back on the AMO Racing AX Series, how did everything go?
RL: Yes, I apologize for being MIA the past two weeks. But things were super hectic, but in a good way. This was a whole new venture for AMO Racing, and I think it went really well. Ryan Gauld implemented many new ideas into the series, which the riders and family liked. Entries were solid on both weekends, and we were very happy with the spectator turnout for all four nights of racing. The first weekend, we had some unfortunate injuries, which I would chalk up to racing incidents for the most part and maybe the track being a little fast. However, the second weekend went well with a bit tougher track, and we had a lot less injuries. Overall, it was a success, and I think Gauldy and his crew will be excited to get back at it out here in 2024.
MXP: It looked like the pro racing in Chilliwack was entertaining. How was it, and specifically, how did Quinn Amyotte look on his new WLTN Kawasaki?
RL: The Pro turnout is pretty much what we expected. It started out with 19 guys, but we lost a few to injuries right off the bat. Also, a few Americans that came had prior commitments back in the US, so we didn’t see them for the second weekend, but it averaged out with 13 guys from the rest of the nights of racing. It was really exciting every main with different winners and from the promotion side of things that’s what you want. Quinn was really good and looked to me like he’d been on that bike for a while. Even though we know he came in with limited prep on the Kawasaki, his starts were good, and every time he was on the track, he looked confident and comfortable. I think it’s shaping up to be a good 2024 season for the 14, and there is no question the WLTN crew is excited with how Quinn rode.
MXP: Last week, Monster Energy and Dirt Shark released a video of Haiden Deegan and Eli Tomac riding together in Colorado. Whether you’re a Deegan fan or not, it seems pretty smart of him to get out of Florida and ride with Tomac for a week.
RL: Yes for sure. I think it’s always smart for these top guys who have facilities to venture out for a period of time to ride something new. I think many of these guys get comfortable with the track/tracks and the riders they are riding with, so I’m a huge fan of them mixing it up. It only makes sense right? I also think Haiden going to ride with Eli is good for Eli. Having someone to ride with will help with Eli’s intensity, which can always be a struggle when a guy hasn’t raced in a while. In my opinion, it was a smart move on both guys’ parts.