MXP: Hey Newf! We heard you injured your shoulder last weekend at the Future West MX race. What happened and what is the status of your injury?
RL: Thanks for asking. It’s been since 2009 that I have had a serious injury and let me tell you, that you sure forget how much things hurt. I made a little mistake in the first vet moto that tossed me to the ground and I ended up dislocating my shoulder. The same shoulder that I already had fixed about 25 years ago. It took the doctors about 7 hours to get it back in place with being put to sleep twice. I would think at this point I’m going to be off the bike for 4-6 weeks but honestly it’s just a waiting game when it comes to shoulders.
MXP: Well we hope you’re feeling great again soon! Going back to last weekend in Denver and Haiden Deegan’s pass on Cole Davies. Obviously, not a bad pass and one that we’ve seen time and time again in SX. However, given that he basically took out Davies to win the 250SX West title, do you think there should’ve been some sort of penalty?
RL: No, I do not think there should be a penalty. I had no issue with the pass and it was for the championship, and Cole did leave the door open. It’s just so fitting that Deegan did this though. He comes across as such a punk by telling everyone that they can “suck it” on the podium, it was just uncalled for. If this motocross thing doesn’t work out for him I could see a bright future for him in WWE.
MXP: Looking ahead to the Pro Motocross Championships in two weeks. It looks as though all of the top 450 riders are going to be lining up. If everyone can remain healthy, this is going to be an unreal series this summer. Who do you like for the 450 title in the USA this summer?
RL: The million dollar question, can everyone stay healthy? I do love that everyone will be back but will everyone be 100%? I guess we will see. It’s been pretty quiet as far as how’s Jett?, how’s Hunter?, how’s Eli? etc. the one thing I will say is, I think Chase Sexton will be the one with the momentum coming into the first part of the season but anytime there is a guy named Jett on the line you can’t count him out.
