After the annual ‘Whitney Warm-Up’ race this past weekend, the hype is really starting to build surrounding the start of the 2010 Amateur National season. At the forefront of everyone’s mind is always the A classes, and if last weekend was any indication whatsoever, new Kawasaki Team Green rider Jason Anderson holds the early advantage. Anderson, who now actually resides in Texas as well, won both the 250 and 450 pro classes at the warm-up, despite some stiff competition from the likes of Lowell Spangler, Terren Odell, Gavin Faith and more. However, one rider not in attendance at last weekends warm-up but one who should not be overlooked as a possible contender is California’s Michael Leib.
As the reigning 250 B Stock National Champion, Leib has since made the transition to the A classes in the off-season and in the process showed some very impressive speed. In fact, last month at round 1 of Lake Elsinore’s Amateur Supercross Series Leib handily beat none other than Jason Anderson in all four motos. We checked in with Leib to find out what he’s been up to and just how he’s feeling heading into the upcoming Spring Nationals.
First off, revisit Loretta’s last summer for us. You came out on top of the 250 B Stock class in a great come-from-behind last moto performance.
Yeah, you know going into my last 250B stock moto with a 1-1 knowing all I needed was 11th or better was a huge relief for myself. The game plan was to just go do what I had done in the motos leading into the last race. The gate dropped and I was up in about 3rd in the first turn and the next thing I knew I was pinched off and flying without a motorcycle. I hit the ground and rolled, but with my cat like reflexes I still landed on my feet (laughs). When I got to my bike and my clutch lever was hanging by the cable and my shoulder was hurting me pretty bad. I didn’t have the slightest clue where I was going to finish. I just gave it everything I had and kept telling myself that this is what I train for and everything seemed to work out pretty well!
You’re in the A class now, how has the transition been?
Transitioning into the A class has been awesome. My team and I are really excited for this year to come. We have just been taking it week by week, but really giving it our all.
You’ve already got a chance to race against a lot of the top guys we’ll see at the Spring Nationals, how have you stacked up?
We have raced a few of the A riders that I am sure will be doing well this year although I’m not focusing too much on them. For what it is worth I have seen that my speed is there along with the training... So I guess we will just have to wait to see in Texas.
Nathan Ramsey did a great job training both you and Blake Baggett last season, what are you two working on specifically for 2010?
Yeah working with Nathan, Blake and Landon Currier has been really good. For the 2010 season there was some talk about doing the east coast for a little bit, but we have decided to focus one more year into the A class and come out swinging for the last few outdoors. That is the game plan as of right now but you never know what can be thrown your way at any given day. Nathan and I along with the rest of the team are feeling pretty good about the year to come though. I believe I am in the best shape I have ever been in and I am very confident for 2010.
You’re somewhat known as a kid who has plenty of speed, but who unfortunately gets hurt often. What’s your plan to shun that reputation for the new season?
This question is asked far too often! For the last year I have been healthy and that is something that hasn't crossed my mind. Some people call me "THE COME BACK KID". Just to set it straight for all you people out there... You can just call me "THE TOY SOLDIER"…Nathan came up with it.
Lake Whitney is less than a month away, what are your predictions for the season opener?
A few people have asked me that question now that we are closing in and my answer is just to go there and do what I train for. I’ll give it 110% and see what happens. I have learned that planning what is going to happen usually doesn't actually go exactly as planned. I will be there to give it my best and see where we go from there.
What’s new in your program for 2010 and who do you want to thank?
I’m only riding a 250 but we’ll racing it in the 450 class where it’s allowed. We have added Dave O’Connor to our team as my mechanic. He is awesome and we really appreciate the professionalism he brings to the program. My mom, dad and sister are always there for me too. I really like the 2010 Honda CRF250 and want to thank Rocket Exhaust/Motors, On Track, American Honda, Factory Connection, HHR, 180 Decal, AC Racing, Asterisk, Boyesen, Cycra, Dunlop, Gaerne, Hinson, IMS, Leatt, Light Speed, Motion Pro, No Fear, QTM, Rim Wrapz, RK/Excel, SDG, Seal Savers, Shoei, Spy, Tag Metals, Torco, Twin Air, Renegade Fuel, Vitamin Water.
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