| A new name sprang to attention in the 2010 MX2 world championship series. Michael Leib, the diminutive American, had a tentative start to his world championship campaign, but soon found his feet and rode to some strong top 10 GP results on his Bud Racing Kawasaki. We thought the time was ripe to get to learn more about the young man. |
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| Motocrossplanet.com: Can you tell us something when you start motocross and which classes you were riding before you came over to Europe? Michael Leib: I started riding very young at age 3 and had my first race when I was 8 ½ years old. My Dad knew that once we started it would be non-stop and he did not want to go racing on 50cc bikes. So we started on 65cc bikes, from then on I came through the ranks in amateur racing and turned pro-am after Loretta Lynn’s 2009.
Motocrossplanet.com: How did the deal with the Bud Racing Kawasaki Team started? Michael Leib: The deal with Bud Racing started with an email from Stephan and around a week later I was on a plane on the way here. Happened very fast. Jacky Vimond, Aranda and Aubin were in California last winter and I saw them a lot at the tracks. I think Jacky liked my speed and my training work ethic. Also I know Stephane at Bud Racing spoke to some people at Troy Lee Designs and they helped influence Stephane to take a chance with me. Motocrossplanet.com: Was it difficult for you to get used to the way of living over here and the tracks and everything? Michael Leib: The thing that is most difficult is the language right now. I am starting to pick up on some French but it is a very difficult language. Haha. For sure everything is much different then what I am used to. Being away from family, the food, friends, and especially the tracks. The tracks are so much tougher to ride here. It is going to benefit me when I make my way back to the states in a few years.
Michael Leib: My main goal for the rest of the season is to get a over all finish in the top 5 at a GP. I think that is a reachable goal for me. My results are coming slowly but we are making progress not only with the team and the bike, but also for myself. It is taking time for me to adapt to all the new things that are in my life right now. Michael Leib: This is the most common question I am asked. The competition is much faster then a lot of people think back home. For sure there is not as many fast guys… but the top 9-11 guys are good. The top 4 guys can go to the states and do very well.
Motocrossplanet.com: Are you staying with the Bud Racing Team next year? Michael Leib: Right now I am just focused on this year. The Rockstar/Kawasaki/Bud Racing team is awesome and I really am enjoying riding for them right now. They are working very hard for me and as far as next year there are no plans. I would like to stay here in Europe and become world champion before making my way back to the AMA nationals and Supercross series back home. Motocrossplanet.com: Youthstream has planned two Grand Prix’s in the USA for 2011. Do you think it’s positive to go more oversees with the series? Michael Leib: Yes I do think that will be a very positive feedback for the World GP’s. A lot of my friends back home were saying how they never knew that the competition was as fast as it is here. So the more and more that the people back in the states can see that the bigger the World GP’s will get.
Motocrossplanet.com: With the series starting in May next year do you think more American riders are interested to race the gp’s? Michael Leib: It is very hard to know whether or not you will see more American riders here next year or not. I think with in a few years for sure some more Americans will be here racing the world GP’s. Motocrossplanet.com: Why are you riding in Europe and not in the USA because in the USA you can earn more money when you do well? Michael Leib: For me being here in Europe is a huge learning chapter in my life. I am looking for the experience and the things to benefit me when I return back to the states. I know results will bring money but I really am searching for the result. The money comes later. I have some very high goals with winning and becoming a champion. I think being here is only making me closer to that goal.
Michael Leib: My best moment so far is just enjoying seeing the world and getting to race a dirt bike in so many different places that most people don’t get to do in a lifetime. I am 18 years old living here on my own and not many people can say that in a life time. Looking forward to the good times to come. Motocrossplanet.com: Thanks for your time Michael. |
Interview with Michael Leib MX PRO
On July - 16 - 2010
