By Eric Johnson / Monster Energy

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson was a favorite to win the AMA Lites West Championship when the series kicked off at Angel Stadium on January 7 and thus far he’s holding true to the lofty expectations placed upon him. With three rounds of the tour now in the books – Los Angeles being the last race run - the reigning 250 National Champion rests just one point adrift of the championship points lead heading into this weekend’s race inside the home of the Oakland raiders NFL football franchise.

Dean, can you speak about that track because it looked quite slippery. Was that the slickest you’ve raced?

Yeah, that’s the slickest track I’ve ever ridden. I’ve done East Coast and it’s all domed stadiums and it’s usually pretty tacky. So, that was really slippery. But, it was just different. I didn’t get the greatest start. I had to work my way through the pack and pulled off a second. So, it was ok; I’m not complaining too much. I know what I need to work on this week. It’ll be good.

You had to pass Grand Prix rider and American turned Englishman Zach Osborne out there. Do you guys ever hang out?

No, we don’t. [Laughs] Zach rode really good. He was up front from the beginning then I had to play catch-up a bit. But he rode really good. It took me a while to get around him. He was on it. Good for him.

Do you know where your points are right now?

Yeah, I’m a point behind [Eli] Tomac and he’s in the lead.

So, that’s pretty much where you’d want to be, right?

Yeah. Obviously I want to be in the lead, but... That’s all right. I’m not worried about it. I know what I need to work on this week and I’m going to work hard. That second was good for me. I think it’s good motivation and fuel for the fire this week while I’m training, so it’ll be good.

There’s a possibility of rain in Oakland...

Yeah, that’s what I’ve been hearing. You’ve just got to go to the race and show up and ride your bike the best you can. You can’t really think about it. I don’t know; I’m just going to do my best and keep that out of my head. I know it’s going to probably be tough in the mud, but it can either be one of the best races you have or one of the worst. I’m not worried about it, though. I’m just going to go race.