5 Minutes with ... Blair Morgan
MAY 18, 2006
By Bruno Menard déjà vu: Morgan will return to Blackfoot Racing with the same photo: Allison Kennedy
One of Canada’s biggest names in motocross is back on the track and back with his old team for 2006. Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing has reached a deal with Morgan so look for him under the Honda tent at Ste Julie next weekend. Yes, the nationals are that close! After an epic 2002 season where team mates JSR and Morgan battled in every round, Morgan suffered a serious leg injury just as the 2003 season was beginning. Between rehabilitation and more injuries, it has been a difficult time for Morgan since that incident. One of the things we’ll remember from Blair’s recent years will be the 2004 Motocross des Nations where he led Team Canada to a 6th overall. The 30-year-old daddy is back with the red team and he seems to be as excited as his kids would be on Christmas Eve…
#7 and Fox gear.
RXC: Hey Blair, how was your winter?
Blair Morgan: Last winter was looking really good until I broke my thumb in testing. I missed two races and came back on the third national a bit rusty. I won four races and the X-Games again. I ended up fourth in the series. Winning gold at the X-Games was a big highlight and is worth more than the whole championship!
When did you make the switch back to dirt?
We had a huge snowfall in March so I didn’t get to start riding until April. I wasn’t too pumped on riding my clapped out practice bike from last year, either. The weather has been great here this spring and it’s nice to get back on the bikes after a long winter.
What were you looking for this year?
I was looking for anything this year. It seems like I was stuck in a rut and needed to change something. I still have the desire to go out and get back on top. Redemption!
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Morgan will be looking for redemption in 2006. |
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photo: Allison Kennedy |
How did the deal with Honda and Blackfoot come together?
I got a call from Jason Mitchell when I was out testing sleds in Quebec in April. I was really happy to hear that he was interested in helping me out this year. It went from me being in my Fun-hauler with support from them to a full-on ride in the big rig. It’s going be great to be working with all those guys again.
Are you ready to race?
I feel better than ever now. It’s been a long time since I have entered a season injury free. The Honda feels great too. I feel right at home on it and the boys have got it dialed.
Who will be your mechanic?
That is kind of up in the air right now. It’s a bit of a complicated story right now but it’s up to Blackfoot to decide.
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The 2002 season, with its epic battles between Morgan and JSR, is still regarded as one of the best seasons in Canadian motocross history. |
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photo: Jason Griffiths |
What would you like to accomplish before Walton comes around?
I really have a good feeling about this year. The bike is unreal. I am hoping to be on the podium for sure ... even squeak out some moto wins too. To be in the top three at the end of the year in points would be great too. The whole team is committed to be the best team out there. It makes me feel confident out there knowing that.
Thanks, and I'll see you in Ste-Julie!
Thanks Bruno! I would really like to thank Honda Canada and Jason, Joe, Dean, Andrew, J.P. and everyone on the team, all the sponsors, and my family that helped put this together at the last minute. Look for Lucky #7 out there!
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Ready to go! |
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photo: David Pinkman |
