It's finally here. After kicking off an illustrious racing career way back in 2006, Phil Nicoletti will race his final round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship this weekend at Ironman Raceway. But just because the sport's filthiest athlete is hanging up his filthy boots doesn't mean we were going to give him the week off! So, enjoy Nicoletti's answers in this week's column, and enjoy his last Pro Motocross race this weekend.
Want to find out how smart Phil is? Fire off a question to the Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha rider at Phil@racerxonline.com.
Phil,
What's your take on these annoying airhorns? The dudes on the podium hardly can hear themselves talk. You ever feel like kicking one of these dudes in the nut sack?
Cheers,
-Floppy
Floppy,
To be honest, the sounds of air horns when we come around on the first lap is so awesome. Especially when you’re in the top five. The air horns add to the excitement and adrenaline. Not only that, but you can pick out where your true fans are when they blow the air horn every lap when you come around. Dirt bikes, air horns, and chainsaws are what make the great outdoors. It’s a vibe. If the podium was quiet and there wasn’t any screaming, air horns, or chainsaws, I can promise the top three guys would dread going to the podium after stroking the f$$$ out. That adrenaline of the fans is what gives them the extra strength to come up and bullshit after redlining all day.
-Phil
Phil,
Why isn't motocross in the Olympics? All the pieces of the puzzle are there to make it happen. So many positives would follow. It’s a nobrainer in my eyes.
-Leif
Leif,
Well, I’m not on the Olympic committee, but I would assume it would have something to do with no motorized vehicles rules. It will never make it to the Olympics. If they had break dancing, then you can forget about moto ever being there. There are about 500 other sports like break dancing that would beat moto to the Olympics. I’m not even sure how that would even work with our schedule. Even for the cycling world it’s hard for them to make it there after the TdF [Tour de France]. But, if the Olympics were a thing, I wonder if guys would be more willing to go? Would be interesting since it’s every four years.
-Phil
Hey Phil
Great season (injury aside). It’s pretty amazing you’re getting the results you are this year. It’s almost like prime Phil years, when you look at it. Are you more relaxed? Less pressure equals great results? On another note, your primary sponsor, FXR, is Canadian based. I’m thinking Milt should get you up here to race a few nationals in your “retirement,” it just makes sense. I think you would be a podium threat and great for FXR. It’s no secret you enjoyed your time here, and also bonding with MA800 [Mike Alessi]. Hopefully Milt makes that happen!
Best of luck in retirement Phil, we will miss you out there.
-Roost49
Roost,
I appreciate it. I feel okay riding. Obviously the last few years hurt my overall results a bit but I still had some decent rides. There is still pressure now. Pressure was getting enough points to secure me for SMX. Jacking my knee at Hangtown and missing Colorado really made me sweat a bit. But, we're in the clear now. Next year I do plan on coming to Canada for a round or two for shits and giggles. Not sure which rounds yet, but it’ll be fun. Looking forward to racing for fun like that. There are other things I plan on, but that’s just a small part of it. But until then, this weekend at Ironman is my last AMA national. I have two motos to scratch off personal goals for myself this year. Kind of surreal.
-Phil
