The 3 Q’s With Ryan Lockhart Presented By Matrix Concepts Canada

MXP: Hey Newf! We know this might be a long answer but overall how was your experience at the World Vet Championships?

RL: It was an awesome trip, from the moment I landed to the moment I took off to get back home. We had a great group of guys that we were with and that always makes it fun. I practiced on Friday to get some time on the bike and then raced Saturday and Sunday. I was part of Team Canada on Sunday and we were able to get second in the World Cup race which was awesome. Then I decided last minute to race 30 Pro class on Sunday and went 14-13. The class was stacked and I think even if I had more prep I could’ve gotten into the top 10. I’m creeping up on 40 years old and a lot of the guys who beat me are in their early 30’s. Either way, it was a fun weekend with a lot of bench racing, food, laughs etc. A big thanks go out to PulpMx, Keefer INC Testing, and Kawasaki USA for making the trip happen.

MXP: Glen Helen Raceway is one of those iconic tracks that people from around the globe dream about riding. Can you tell us what it’s like to not only ride the track but also race on it?

RL: It’s a special feeling that’s for sure. The hills are amazing to ride and seeing photos doesn’t do justice to just how big they are. When you get to the top of Mt St.Helens and look off the top you’re like holly crap! For the World Vet races, it’s hard to explain how rough it gets. You have to think that you have riders like Mike Brown out there but also riders who are in the Plus 80 class so the track ends up being rough from one side to the other with breaking bumps that go on forever. The lap times this past weekend were over three minutes for the fast guys which also makes it unique. I wouldn’t say it’s the most fun track to race on as it’s so demanding both physically and mentally but it’s something that I would encourage other races to try and experience at least once.

MXP: We’re not sure if you saw the video of Jess Pettis crashing last weekend in Stuttgart or not, but it was pretty ugly. When you raced in the German SX Series were the local riders really aggressive with you? Also, if you were Pettis right now would you just focus on the 2023 Triple Crown Series and perhaps not worry about these overseas races?

RL: As I had mentioned in previous weeks the German SX Series is wild! They have tough tracks, weird dirt, and very aggressive riders that will do whatever it takes to win or make the main event. It’s different than a lot of the other off-season races where guys are a little more chilled out. I did see the crash video and he is super lucky to walk away from that one. Jess has to be frustrated as things just haven’t been going his way when it comes to racing lately. With saying that, I respect the fact that he’s not giving up and trying to get the momentum on his side to better himself as a racer. You would have to think that he is feeling the pressure as he has to get some results on the board in 2023. However, I have always been a believer that racing is the best training and at the same time making some extra money from these off-season races is always a bonus. If I were him, I would just keep plugging away and hope for the best to get some good luck on your side.