MXP: Hey Newf! First off, what did you think of how our Canadian riders made out at the opening round in Anaheim? Thompson and Benek qualified for the 250SX West main event, while St-Cyr came up just short.
RL: It was a great showing by the boys for sure. I’m sure he would agree with me, but Cole Thompson can do better for sure. I expected him to be from 7-10. Julian rode really well in that LCQ and made it into the 250SX West main event really easy. It’s a huge accomplishment for him to make A1. But it’s a bummer hearing that he may be out for the rest of the series due to his thumb and mono. I spoke briefly with St-Cyr on Monday, and he seemed happy with his ride but knows he has more in the tank. All in all, it was great to have two Canadians in the main last Saturday. That’s something we do not get to say very often.
MXP: Obviously, Jett Lawrence won the 450SX main event over Jason Anderson and Chase Sexton. That didn’t really come as a surprise. However, do you remember an opening round where so many top riders appeared to get tired in the main event? Was it just because of opening-round nerves, or maybe a shorter-than-normal off-season?
RL: Yes, I think a combination of things. First, the track was really fast and looked like it was really edgy or notchy. Second, Jett is just really that good. I think it looked like Anderson and the rest got tired because Jett is just cruising at 90% and then turns it up when he has to. I won’t go all in yet, but this could be a boring year for us fans with how good Jett is.
MXP: Two questions to finish off this week. First, how long will it take Eli Tomac to get back up to speed? Second, if this weekend is wet, which rider or riders have an advantage?
RL: I don’t know how long it will take Tomac, but if he wants to fight for this championship, it needs to happen now. His race was quiet, and he got passed by guys until the end. I have to think he will get a little better each weekend, but it might be too late.
I hope it won’t be a mudder, but it’s sure looking that way. Supercross mud races are so unpredictable, depending on how bad they get. I think Aaron Plessinger is one of the best mud riders the U.S. has to offer. He rode really well at A1, so I think if it’s a complete disaster, he will be a favourite.