The Conversation: Craig Delong

[This year] 2023 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most historic and unique years we’ve ever had. Seven different winners in the first seven rounds of racing. Eight winners in twelve total rounds of racing. You stand out as the only rider with more than two wins, at three. But just as important, you came away from every race with points. Not something your competitors could say this year. Wins are the obvious goal, everyone wants them. But how important was it to your championship run to consistently gain points throughout the year?
This season was crazy. Josh Strang & I are the only two guys to walk away from this season with points at every round I believe. It was very important and ultimately what put me in a position to win this championship. Of course, I want to win but scoring points at every race is huge in any championship, especially this one. Obviously, we all look back and see missed opportunities with points left on the table but that’s what makes racing interesting!

The Mountaineer, after summer break, felt very pivotal in the championship run. Between you, Stew, and Ben, it felt like whoever won that race had a major advantage heading into the last two rounds. Stew was able to edge you out for the win and you admittedly had a shot at making a pass but were reluctant. While there might have been some regret, I LOVED the fire it lit under you after the race. It’s like something awoke inside you. I think that’s when the “Diesel” found that “dawg” in em! You came out at the Buckwheat 100 with a very convincing win and more importantly a large points lead heading into Ironman. What were those couple of weeks like between the Mountaineer and the Buckwheat 100? How did you prepare and refocus?
I knew I had the opportunity to make the pass on Stew but held back & I had to realize the extent of hesitating had affected the outcome. I learned from that race & refocused on the long-term goal which was winning the championship. I made a change mentally during summer break that helped me in the last 3 rounds, I knew being upfront in the mix and winning races was the only place I needed to be. I didn’t do anything different to prepare after the Mountaineer I just stayed motivated & knew I needed to beat Stew if I had any shot at the championship.

Your career on paper looks like it’s been slow and steady to the top. But the reality is, you were called up by the factory Rockstar Energy Husqvarna maybe a little earlier than expected. You’ve answered to the high-pressure environment very well. An XC2 Championship, and now an XC1 Championship. What has the process been like for you?
Slow and steady. [Laughs] When I was back on Coastal, they used to call me the tortoise, so that may be fitting. I was called up earlier than expected but looking back it was exactly the push I needed. That move pushed me to strive for progression every single day, not only in terms of my performance but also mentally. It was tough at first, but I am learning to adapt & it’s been really rewarding. Winning XC2 taught me a lot about how valuable being consistent is & since then that’s what I am still striving for. As I get older, I think the pressure is good and makes you execute to be on point and the factory team is that. You have a team of guys flying across the country for you to win and it can be really tough on your mind when things aren’t going well.

Your brother Andrew was at the last few rounds of the season. What’s it like having him at the track with you? He was beaming with pride all day Sunday, even capturing a class win of his own.
It’s awesome when he’s able to come. I miss having him around and being able to train with him daily, but we don’t see each other as much as we used to. Behind the scenes, he’s a huge part of my success this year but also getting me to where I’m at. 

What’s the off-season looking like for you? What do you have lined up prior to Big Buck in 2024?
I’m going to be back at Ranch Russell training with the guys & Kailub [Russell] come January 1st. 

We talked about Andrew, but your parents and of course Kaitlyn are there every race for you. What’s it like having your family there every weekend to support you?
Kaitlyn & I have a routine we stick to on race weekends - it makes things easy, we found what works & it’s really enjoyable. It’s great to have family there with me.