RXC: Are you getting tired of that Racer X Gas Card?
Doug DeHaan: [Laughs] Well, it’s not what I wanted. I’m happy that I got it but I really wanted to be in the main last weekend.

Any idea how many times you have got the Gas Card?
Three or four times for sure.

I remember you winning it back in ’02 or ’03 in Pontiac when Dave Hind was wrenching for you.
Yes, that was my first time. I got one last year at Anaheim and now again. It’s definitely a nice bonus.

Although you didn’t qualify, you beat some fast riders in your LCQ so they obviously didn’t make it either. It’s a deep field. Can you take us through the LCQ?
I got a pretty good jump coming into the first corner on my side of things. It was a split start and I think [Erick] Vallejo just beat me into the first corner and then in the second corner [Robbie] Reynard somehow snagged the inside on me too. So, I came out third on my side and on the first lap I was in about forth. [Jiri] Dostal was in front of me and he went up and made a move on Reynard and then Reynard made a move back on him and knocked him down so then it was just Vallejo out front with Reynard. I kind of caught Reynard on the last lap or two, it looked like he was making a lot of mistakes.

According to the lap ticker you were only a half of a second away from Reynard at the finish line. Were you close enough to make a move?
I was. If I could have just hit the whoops like I should have been hitting them, I would have been able to go inside but I was just a little too far back to go inside of him. If I had just been able to hit this one section the way I wanted to … but I didn’t quite get it done. But Reynard, it looked like he was making a lot of mistakes and if I was right on him, there’s definitely a good chance that I would have got him.

I was disappointed but at least this weekend I wasn’t on the ground like Anaheim 1. I was tangled up in every race at Anaheim 1 so at least this weekend I had three races that were clean. I felt like I was riding pretty well.

How is everything going with Butler Brothers MX this year?
Yeah, everything is going well.

It looks like they are making the night program as well so that must be exciting for the team this year.
Yes, Karsten and Brandon were both riding pretty well in the afternoon—good starts. I think Brandon was not too far behind me in the LCQ for a few laps but he got tangled up. But, all three of us in the night show is definitely one thing they are looking for so they were happy with that.

The racing has been really good this year. I know you’ve been on the track most of the time but have you been able to watch any races?
Well, actually I have been able to watch the mains the last two weekends [laughs] because I didn’t qualify. But yes, the racing has been awesome and the Lites have been awesome too. All of the racing has been really good.

What do you think of Darcy Lange this year?
I’m pumped for him; he’s just riding so consistent right now. He’s a good starter and then he just puts in consistent laps. I’m definitely pumped for him; it’s good to see him up there. 

Have you seen any other Canadians around in the pits? Lots of guys racing this year.
Yeah, I saw [Ryan] Lockhart down in staging a couple of times last weekend and of course, Colton [Facciotti] and [Marco] Dube.

What are your expectations for this weekend in Anaheim?
Just try to get some starts again and put it together in the Semi or LCQ. Once I get into the main, I’m just looking for a consistent ride, top 15. I know I can do it. I’m riding better this year and I feel better on the track than I ever have, I think. I just have to put it together and make it happen. The bike is so far ahead of where we were last year and I definitely feel more comfortable on the 450. I’m enjoying riding it; I’m having fun. I would just have a lot more fun if I were in the main. [Laughs]

Allison Kennedy will be shooting this weekend in Anaheim so good luck!
Sounds good. Talk to you later.


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