By Brett Dailey

Brett Lee has been a regular fixture on the national scene this year. He took a break last year and primarily focused on building up some of the provincial series but he’s back in full force for 2005. Brett will be taking the weekend off for this round at Joliette, which is unfortunate because it looks like we will finally get our first dry and sunny weather for the nationals. Hey, maybe he’s the one bringing all of the rain? We caught up with him briefly to get his opinion on Gopher Dunes, the upcoming Walton TransCan event and a few of his rider picks. 

Racer X Canada: I see that the he whole Walton crew was at Gopher Dunes working.

Brett Lee: Yeah we were all there. Kit [Brett’s Aunt] was looking after Amateurs, Jake [Brett’s cousin] was the Head Referee, Timmy [another cousin] was working the finish line and I was was managing lots of stuff. Also, my mom Judy was at the gate, and my dad, Chris, was looking after spot flagging and  keeping the bales and track well marked during races. Oh and my brother Matt was running a payloader! Mandy [Hadenko], our adopted sister, was yelling at people in staging--and she did a great job by the way...

It is always fun to work with the Schusters [Gopher Dunes’ owners] and to be able to help them was great. Same with Mark and Jan [Stallybrass]. Our families have always worked together and help each other out at all our events so that was really fun. A lot of people do not realize it but the promoters really help each other out at all of the events. At any event here in Ontario, you can find Tom Bitz [Auburn Hills] or Ewald Rothamier [Paisley] the Schuster’s or the Lee’s working.

What did you think of Gopher Dunes first national?

I think the event went great. Everyone learned a lot and everyone has plans for next year’s event. I think Frank learned a lot doing a National. The demands are so much different then a local race. You have dozens of people giving you suggestions on this and that, way more logistical issues in terms of spectators and very set times to accomplish everything. The hardest thing for new national promoters to deal with is people all saying do it this way or that way, and then only having set times to make those changes because you cannot deviate from the schedule. There is a spot light on you to succeed or fail. I think they really succeeded.

How is Walton coming along?

Well they just received six inches of rain so the entire back of the track is under water right now. It is unreal and that has slowed down things a little. Matt has a lot of new ideas and the track will be very different. There will be a new start and a lot of new sections. There is a push to get spectators close to the track, keep them safe, but allow them a more up-close experience.  Matt just bought a new skid steer with a trim blade on it so he has been buzzing around and building things. It always makes me nervous this time of year cause I want to see things happen quickly, but they can't. It will be done and I am sure it will be better then ever.

What are some of the changes?

Well I mentioned that the starting line has change entirely. There are new bridges and you turn left onto the natural double as opposed to right, just lots of little stuff on the track. They are working on the social stuff too. Ryan Gauld is going to be hosting a nightly radio show, BULL FM radio will be hosting it's morning show from the track and Mandy Hadenko has all the fun stuff for kids lined up like the scavenger hunt. We have music on the Sunday and there is talk about Budweiser hosting a Bikini contest. Also we have done away with the Race of Champions and replaced it with an Amateur East/West race to compliment the Pro Shootout. Like I said, there is a lot of new stuff. The new Walton program you guys did looks really cool!

What are you most proud of regarding Walton?

Well … what it has become. It really is the focal point of Amateur motocross in this country, and it is a fun place to end the pro series. Mark Stallybrass and Dad put a lot of work into this race in the early years. I know it is rewarding for those two in particular to see everything come together each year in one great event. I guess I am proud that so many people are proud to race here and to become champions here. It is a good feeling. This year Davey Coombs maybe coming and that would be really special for our family because it was our experience at Loretta Lynns, that inspired us to build this event.

Okay. For the remaining nationals, who are your Picks?

In the MX1 class, there is great racing behind JSR. I feel for the guys behind JSR, I know they are working to catch him but he is just so prepared and confident. It is not easy beating one of the greatest champions ever. It is like everyone bagging on Bubba and crew for not beating RC. Put it in perspective: To beat RC, arguably the greatest rider in the history of the sport, you have to beat a rider who is currently the fastest in the world, in the best shape of his life, more experienced and more confident then he has ever been, with one of the greatest champions in Roger DeCoster—and a superb support system at his side—in a outdoor series that is his strong point. It is not easy, every piece of the puzzle must be right or he will beat you.

It’s the same with JSR. He has great people around him, a very strong team, a great bike, confidence and he’s on top of his game. To beat him, you are going to have to be more focused, work harder and be more prepared. It is not easy. That is why there has only been five riders to win the 250cc championship in the last 15 years.

In the MX2 class, it is a crapshoot. There are a lot of young riders out there so I see consistency being the key. I have my sentimental favorites, mostly my guys from my own region. I said before the season started that all I want for a top three is Southwestern Ontario, Canada. I am proud of my region, and our riders, just like any rider should or fan should be of their region. I think it will all boil down to consistency. I think you could podium the series with a fifth overall at each race. There are a lot of young riders in this class so it is fun to watch.

And the East/West Shoot Out at Walton? Who is your pick?

Well I hope the best all come [and race the shootout]. We are really marketing that race, we have a billboard campaign that says, "Where East meets West." It is so important that the riders—especially western riders like Dusty [Klatt], Jeff [Northrop], Teddy [Maier], Colton [Facciotti] and Kyle [Beaton] all race. It will be interesting, but it is tough to say. I think the overall speed of the west is faster, but there is more depth in the East. I don't know … there is lots of talent and it will be a strong field.

So you aren’t coming to the national this weekend in Joliette?

Not this weekend. I am doing a regional race this weekend in Auburn with Tom Bitz. He has a race on July 24th. Buddy [Ford] is a great promoter and event organizer so they really do not need me there. I'll be hanging at Auburn … it is a great track. I will be in Moncton [round seven] for sure.

Thanks for your time and enjoy the weekend.

No problem. Thanks.