After winning the 2008 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Lites East Region, Trey Canard has gone through some difficult times. First, it was a broken femur last July; then injury and inconsistency in the 2009 Monster Energy AMA Supercross West Region. No stranger to difficult times, Trey rebounded with a win in Salt Lake City, and a podium at the Las Vegas Dave Coombs Sr. Lites Shootout. It was in Las Vegas where we checked in with the 18-year-old GEICO Powersports Honda rider.
Racer X: Trey; let’s begin with your thoughts on the Supercross series?
Trey Canard: The season was pretty terrible - inconsistency, and just the way that I got things done. But I did learn a whole lot, and through everything that happened to me it was still good to be on the west coast to see how the tracks were there. If anything, it will make me a better rider for next year’s series.
You often hear that it’s easier to win a championship than it is defend it; did that come into play for you?
No, I don’t ever think about that kind of stuff; I’m just here to win races. That stuff comes and goes, and it’s not something that you should ever have on your mind. I just take it race by race and try to do the best that I can.
After you were injured, and missed a couple races, did it affect you much since you were out of the Championship hunt?
Of course, I was pretty bummed, but there was nothing that I could do about it. I could not go back in time and change it; I just tried to make it better. So to get that last race win was awesome – I was super-pumped with that! Also, making the podium in Las Vegas was great. Like I said, sometimes you just have to take what you can get, and move on with it.
Have you been outdoor testing much? Are you ready for the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship series?
Since Seattle, it has been all Supercross, but yes we were able to get in some strong outdoor testing, and I feel like we have a truly great bike for the series.
Racer X: Trey; let’s begin with your thoughts on the Supercross series?
Trey Canard: The season was pretty terrible - inconsistency, and just the way that I got things done. But I did learn a whole lot, and through everything that happened to me it was still good to be on the west coast to see how the tracks were there. If anything, it will make me a better rider for next year’s series.
You often hear that it’s easier to win a championship than it is defend it; did that come into play for you?
No, I don’t ever think about that kind of stuff; I’m just here to win races. That stuff comes and goes, and it’s not something that you should ever have on your mind. I just take it race by race and try to do the best that I can.
After you were injured, and missed a couple races, did it affect you much since you were out of the Championship hunt?
Of course, I was pretty bummed, but there was nothing that I could do about it. I could not go back in time and change it; I just tried to make it better. So to get that last race win was awesome – I was super-pumped with that! Also, making the podium in Las Vegas was great. Like I said, sometimes you just have to take what you can get, and move on with it.
Have you been outdoor testing much? Are you ready for the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship series?
Since Seattle, it has been all Supercross, but yes we were able to get in some strong outdoor testing, and I feel like we have a truly great bike for the series.
What do you have going on these next couple weeks until Glen Helen?
Just the normal stuff; hitting it hard every day and being ready for May 23rd.
Historically, the competition in the 250 class is so strong; now with a few new guys coming over from the Motocross GPs will we see any one rider dominating?
Of course Jim; me! No, I am just kidding, it’s going to be a very tough season. There are so many fast guys; the biggest thing will be getting good starts and being consistent throughout the whole season. That’s what will win the championship.
Just the normal stuff; hitting it hard every day and being ready for May 23rd.
Historically, the competition in the 250 class is so strong; now with a few new guys coming over from the Motocross GPs will we see any one rider dominating?
Of course Jim; me! No, I am just kidding, it’s going to be a very tough season. There are so many fast guys; the biggest thing will be getting good starts and being consistent throughout the whole season. That’s what will win the championship.
