|
Mike LaBelle at Daytona 2009
Below
is a interview with Mike for Flat track Today
Today I had the distinct pleasure in chatting with Canadian racer Michael Labelle who recently has
joined Weirbach Racing for the AMA Pro Singles in 2010. While most of my interviews are composed of the leading riders on
the circuit; I feel this interview’s purpose is to bring some light to those who are coming up and have attainable goals
in winning their championships. Instead of saying “ who is that guy that just won or made the show” let me provide
some insight to number 20T to the world of flat track racing.
While most get their start when “Dad” brings
home a bike, Labelle’s father just brought him to a race track and Michael didn’t ever want to leave. Racing in
Canada is far different from flat tracking here in the US. Much of which we take for granted. Michael we are glad
you decided to cross the boarder and join the AMA Pro Racing Series. What prompted your decision? Last year I
did some events because the flat track scene in Canada was falling short. I knew that the States had a better program and
I wanted to try it out. Our tracks are not as technical and we do not have as many different tracks as you do.
Yes, we do have many different type
tracks length wise as well as composition; how do these compare to the tracks you are accustom to..? Starting
in Daytona when I arrived and looked at the track I remember talking with some other racers and was baffled about what the
track was made of. As a newbie, I was super excited to race on it and equally nervous about how I would perform. Amazing how
they cut it all up for the night’s feature. I think our track personnel do not pay that much attention to the track’s
surface. I raced 6 events in 2009 and every track was something very new to me. I loved the Springfield Mile and Hagerstown
worked out well for me as well. Our tracks are more like Lima and we only have three.
What was something you learned quickly at the
race track that you didn’t need to learn at your hometown tracks? I learned a bit about drafting. I was
at the Springfield Mile and stepped out of the draft and was like “ what was that?” I came in and asked my dad
about it, he responded.. “ just hang on tight”.
So you said you came down here to race select events with the backing of your
Canadian sponsors. For 2010 you are given the opportunity to launch your career, with a promising team. I would say you are
pretty lucky, being this is the start of the silly season and a lot of riders have no idea where they will measure up come
Daytona. Was it luck that landed you in this position? Luck? I feel lucky and fortunate however. Dick Weirbach
I saw at the races in 2009. I knew of him when he sponsored Canadian racer Dominic Beaulac and more recently a good friend
of mine James Rispoli. I knew the team was looking for a new rider so I engage in conversation and set my goals into place
and the deal was offered and we accepted. As you know, this is the start of great things ahead and the first on the list is
to win the championship. This is a big boost for me. I have been lucky that my parents worked hard to provide me with what
they could in the racing department. We tried to stay competitive but 2010 we were worried regarding the budget. I wanted
a chance to do the whole series. The team will do so much more then just provide bikes, the knowledge and mental coaching
from Dick will be instrumental in our success. I look forward to this as well as Dick by my side.. We have the best shot at
winning the championship.
So
this year it was your dad and yourself at the races; Is your mom involved and what are her responsibilities? My
mom had been to a couple of races in the distant past, she went to her last race when I crashed and she just doesn’t
want to watch it all unfold. She will attend Daytona and read a book on the beach.. You wont catch her at the track anytime
soon..
We
are glad to have you in flat track, but must ask… Why flat track and not super cross? I can ride super
cross but it would have been that much harder to convince my mom that I wanted to compete with the jumps and such.. We are
happy with the accelerated speeds with no jumps.
Are your flat track heroes from Canada? For the most part I have
watched Dominic Beaulac, Steve Beattie and Chris Evans, however when on the race track with them, I saw them on the starting
line and then they were gone… I also read a lot about Chris Carr and Springer and wished that one day I would be on
the line with them.
I
would venture to say, you have to leave a bit earlier in case you get held up at the boarder.. Any funny stories when you
are trying to get through? Yes a few, but once I was coming over and I had my J&M 450 in the back of the
truck and I let the official know I was heading over to a race; he didn’t believe me so I was asked to get out of the
truck and everything was searched. Then another time I think I have a big fan of the sport, because when I said I am a racer
he asked me if I knew Joe Hartrich… That was pretty cool.
Besides racing what else do you do? Currently, I am in college full
time 10 classes a week in the Police Foundation College. Managing my classes and the race schedule has been a daunting task,
however it works out well. Work hard, play harder.
What surprised you about AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Series this year and how does that
compare to the tracks and or series in Canada? AMA Pro racing is far more organize. Their details in the rulebook
are actually followed and the sport as a whole is far more recognized. In Canada, you don’t get enough seat time, the
races are not run entirely the same and the rule book might as well not exist.
Michael… Thank you for your time…
At the close of our conversation, this
young man has a good head on his shoulders. He is poised and grateful, he is educated and humble. If I could predict the future,
I would definitely see a championship in his future.
|
Mike
LaBelle on the Indy mile
|
