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MXP: Hey Newf, let’s first speak concerning the Daytona SX. You raced this occasion just a few instances when it was nonetheless a bit of old-school in design and preparation. The observe appears much less tough lately than it did in your day and particularly in my day. What have been your ideas on the racing in Daytona?
RL: There isn’t any query all the dynamic of Daytona has modified. Now with saying that, some prefer it, and a few want it have been again to the way it was. For me, I really feel prefer it’s simply one other race, and it doesn’t get close to as tough because it used to, and it doesn’t supply these bizarre obstacles like they used to construct. Again within the previous days, you’ll all the time have a rider that might stand out at Daytona, however now it’s simply the identical guys week in and week out who run on the entrance. I actually favored the observe this 12 months and thought it was extremely technical with some large sections, however I must facet with the individuals who say carry again the previous Daytona.
MXP: Between Amyotte, Benek, and St Cyr, our Canadian boys did okay in Daytona however simply weren’t in a position to get good begins. We spoke within the earlier query about how a lot the observe has modified through the years, however the one factor I believe has stayed the identical is that Daytona is difficult to cross on. Total, are you pleased with how they’re all doing in SX?
RL: Benek is using a 250 within the 450 class, so actually, he doesn’t stand a lot of an opportunity so far as doing higher than he did, however all these gate drops are an ideal expertise for him. St Cyr is getting higher, and I believed he rode effectively at Daytona. I used to be a bit of bummed that Quinn didn’t make the evening present, however he did have some points within the closing qualifying session. He had the velocity to be within the evening present and was spectacular within the three rounds he’s raced to date. Hats off to all of them for getting out of their consolation zone and using supercross. All of the gate drops will assist them when the 2023 Triple Crown Collection begins in June.
MXP: This has been a busy low season in Canada, with riders altering groups and lessons. Nevertheless, the largest information was saved till the tip, as this week, you introduced that you simply’ve switched from Kawasaki to KTM for 2023. Like some riders previously few months, I heard you turned down a number of presents earlier than signing with KTM (laughs). Speak to us concerning the change and the way excited you’re to race a KTM 350 SX-F this 12 months?
RL: A number of presents may not be true, however I’m excited concerning the change. I’ve been using Kawasaki since 2014, and I’ve actually loved the bike, however I used to be in search of some pleasure and one thing new to be taught. in addition to I do, leaping on one thing new can carry some pleasure again into using, and that is precisely what I would like proper now. I talked with JSR and Kris Keefer, and they’re each enormous followers of the brand new KTM 350, so we’re doing this. I picked the bike up yesterday and received some Race Tech Suspension executed by CJR out of Calgary. We now have an enormous using weekend set for the tip of this month down in Jap Washington to shake issues down and put together for the season. Our first race in BC is Easter weekend, so issues are occurring rapidly. I’ve lots of sponsors sticking with Meston’s and I program for 23, but in addition some new ones approaching. Thanks to Rental Equip, Customized Flooring Facilities, Maple Ridge Motorsports, KTM Canada, Fox Racing Canada, Corridor Race Fuels, CJR Suspension, Matrix Ideas Canada, Atlas Brace, DeCal Works. It ought to be an ideal season forward.
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