Hey Ryan, What are you up to today?
I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things. I stayed out west after the X-games and did a little vacationing with the Bennetts between LA and Seattle, so I still feel like I'm on pacific time.
That's always rough to come back from vacation. Can you talk a little bit about your season so far? You had a good run at the Washington event, and the X-Games, even though you didn't quite make it as far as you'd hoped.
Yeah, X-games was a great experience. The start was crazy and I got caught up in that both heats, but I had a fourth place finish in one of them. So I missed the Main by two spots. In Washington, I struggled with the rock section early on, but I got it figured out for the semi and finished 3rd again missing the main by two spots.
Now that those two rounds are over, how do you feel going into Indy this weekend?
I feel good. I know what I need to work on and I'm at home trying to get back in a normal routine. I can come in to Indy knowing that I was able to prepare a little more then between LA and Seattle.
Have you been working on improving anything in particular to get ready for the rest of the season?
I'm trying to improve my starts and have been doing sprints on the bike. The Honda works really well and I feel good on it, I just need to go faster.
What are your goals for this season now that you've got the first two rounds under your belt?
I know I can make main events. I'm so close. With a little luck and some good starts I will be there.
You're headed to the Kenda Tennessee Knockout next Sunday, right after you race at Indy. I know it's the inaugural event, but what are you expecting it to be like?
I'm expecting a challenging event, but I hope to see a good mix with some fast trails and grass tracks. Woods would be good to see.
Do you think you'll see some familiar races in the ranks at the Knockout?
From what I hear a lot of the Endurocross regulars are going to be there.
You only race Endurocross for JG Off Road. How long have you been riding with the team?
I have been with the team since the end of 2007.
How did you hook up with Gretchen and JT? I know you're all PA natives.
I kinda of knew JT from when I did the GNCCs. We met again when I did the first two races of the three race Endurocross series in '07. A couple of weeks before the Vegas final I got a phone call from JT and he asked if I would like to race the final in his place, since he was injured, so I said yes.
Why have you decided to focus solely on Endurocross, at least competitively? Do you do any other racing?
I raced GNCCs for several years and was kinda over them. I was looking for something different to get me excited about riding again. I heard how much fun Endurocross was from a couple of friends that had done them. So I decided to give it a shot, and it was different, challenging and fun, something that had been missing at the GNCCs for me. I also race a local hare scramble series here close to home. North East Off-Road Championship Series (NEOC) it is a great series. The promoters are really great people and are all about the youth riders, which is great to see.
Since you've been with the team for a few years- what's the dynamic between you and your teammates? Are you buddies, or is it pretty competitive?
I get along well with everyone on the team. I am about three hours away from my closest teammate, so it's not like we can hang out during the week.
You come from a racing family-how did you get into it?
My dad started racing when he was young and still does. So I had a PW 50 at a young age. Racing has always been a family event for us.
Why have you stayed in Endurocross, and racing to begin with? What keeps you going?
I like Endurocross because it is challenging, the track is different every time. I also just really like to ride dirt bikes.
Alright- is there anything else you'd like to add?
If you ever have a chance to see Endurocross first hand-- jump at it! TV does it no justice. Better yet sign up and try it for yourself!
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