MXP: Hey Newf! How was the final round of the 2024 Future West MX Series? Did the heavy rain miss the Kelowna area, and how was the overall turnout?
RL: The turnout was decent, considering how terrible the weather looked coming into the weekend. We ended up getting lucky with very little rain, and the track was actually really good. Overall, it was another good weekend. We were pleased with how the awards went on Saturday night, and I feel pretty confident everyone had a good time.
MXP: This coming weekend, Supercross will be back in Vancouver for the first time since 2007. It feels like the momentum for the opening round of the 2024 WSX Championship has been building slowly, but with less than 24 hours until the gate drops, it’s time to get excited. Is Tomac the favourite in the 450 class, and can Cole Thompson win in front of his Canadian fans?
RL: Yes, I agree that the hype is growing compared to a few weeks ago, but I’m still worried about how many people will actually be there. I would like to think that having Cole as a Canadian would help sell tickets, but honestly, he’s not popular enough with Canadian fans. I’m sure lots of people forget he is Canadian. As far as the results go, I’m sure he will be battling in the top 5 and maybe even a podium. I want to see him pull that same move he tried a few weeks ago in Australia to create some excitement.
MXP: There is a lot of history surrounding SX in Vancouver. Even going back to the early 1980s when some top Americans like Johnny O’Mara and Mark Barnett used to come up and race this event. I think O’Mara won the Vancouver SX in 1984. Anyway, you’ve also lined up inside BC Place Stadium, what is your best memory from this race?
RL: I believe I raced it three of the three years they had it here. 2004 was my best memory, I would have to say, as I got 4th in the 125 main. I also remember 2006, when the competition was much tougher, getting in through the LCQ with Kyle Beaton. Maybe it’s not my best memory, but I will never forget how strange the dirt was. It was like this grey moon dirt. Hopefully, this year’s dirt is better because that stuff back then wasn’t great.
