You have to admit, Honda sure caught a break when Ben Evans and Kevin Urquhart decided to race the Canadian nationals. Other than privateers like Andrew Belin, PJ Stratton and Lee Coutts, Honda has virtually no presence in this year’s MX2 West division. Well, no presence until Urquhart and Evans packed up their own Hondas, crossed the border, and surprised everyone (even Honda) with a few podiums! RXC’s James Lissimore turned me onto the likable Kevin Urquhart on Saturday at Morden and proclaimed that he would be a dark horse in the series. James’ prediction was true as Urquhart’s podium in the first moto in Regina proves that he has the speed and fitness to win a moto or two before this series is over.

RXC: Kevin, tell us about yourself.
Kevin Urquhart: I’m 19 years old, I’m from Kent Washington and I’ve been racing the amateur nationals in the U.S. for a few years now. I got a 4th and a 5th last year at Loretta’s in the B class, 250 stock and mod.

What did you do over the winter?
This year, I was training in California for two months but typically, when I’m at home, it’s just indoor tracks, arenacross, that’s all we do.

Why did you decide to come to Canada for the nationals?
Mainly just for preparation for Loretta’s and the last four U.S. outdoor nationals. I’m here mainly for training and preparation but I want to do well, obviously. It’s not going that well so far.

What were your expectations coming into the series?
Well, I want to be at least top five in overall points. I was shooting for top three but that’s pretty much out of reach now since I’ve had two bad motos. 

Kevin, take us through that first moto podium.
Well, I started about sixth or so and picked a few guys off. [Tucker] Hibbert was in front of me and I started catching him pretty good and then he ended up going down. So I got into third after that but got real tight and got some arm pump and started moving backwards and Hibbert actually caught me … but right when he caught me he went over the bars again so I settled in and stayed smooth.

How did Hibbert catch you?
I got real tight there in the middle and my lap time dropped about three seconds in one lap so that’s where he caught up to me but he ended up going over the bars. But they were blue flagging me the whole time [laughs]. And they weren’t blue flagging for me, they thought I was a lapper! Oh man, it sucked [laughs]. The lappers were just nailing me in the ruts and stuff and I was getting so pissed. I said to myself, If one of these guys makes me go down, I’m going to kill them! Anyway, it worked out and I got a podium.

And how about the second moto?
Oh man, that moto sucked. My bike was just clapping out everywhere. I think my motor is going. I couldn’t make any of the jumps; I was just casing everything. Now I think I sprained my wrist, my hip hurts, oh man, not like that first moto. I’ve been battling with suspension and motors lately so I’m just going to change a bunch of stuff when I’m home before Calgary and hopefully come back swinging.

How are you finding the competition and environment up here so far?
The environment is a lot more laid back than any of the AMA stuff, way more laid back. But the competition is still really good. The top eight guys are fast so it sets us up for some good battles, that’s for sure. 

Who do you want to thank for getting you this far?
My family is my biggest sponsor for sure. I’d also like to thank my mechanic, Matt, whom I forgot to thank on the podium somehow! Also, J. Whipple MX Schools, Honda of Houston, FLY, FMF, Scott, Monster Energy, Shoei, Pro Taper, Brothers Powersports, Fusion Graphix, Kicker, Devol Engineering, Dunlop, Pro Wheel, Factory Connection, Cycra, Gaerne, EVS, KNN, Hinson, Sunstar, Fasst company, Boyesen, CP pistons