NUMBER CHECK with...PJ LARSEN
	Author: Brian Wilkinson/Brent Stallo	Number Check | Wednesday, 31 December 2008 09:14

Photography: Canidae Xtreme Team Green/Brent Stallo

 

I remember driving to North Carolina a few years ago for a shoot with Ian Trettel and PJ Larsen at Ian’s home track. I think it was 2005, but my memory is a bit fuzzy. Trettel was preparing for his comeback ride at Lake Whitney and PJ was there for a few days training for the intermediate class. It was February and we were all sick as dogs and considered not even making the trip in hopes that we would be able to get some rest. Nevertheless, we packed tight in Wes’ truck at 5am and headed north to Graham, NC. After a few laps of warming up, I remember watching PJ as he began taking laps on the Supercross track. Our mouths dropped instantly. I remember hearing Wes say, “He looks like he could podium right now.”

How time flies. Fast forward three years and PJ is now only days away from lining the gate at Anaheim 1 for his Supercross debut. While there is no doubt his stomach will be ridden with butterflies, he has been waiting for this day his entire life, and wouldn't have it any other way. Win, lose or draw, it’s going to be an epic weekend for not only PJ, but for the rest of the rookie class as well. We’ll be there, so expect a detailed report throughout the weekend. Until then, enjoy 15 (8 + 7) questions with #87 PJ Larsen.

We’ve also included a special link following the article which includes the video we shot at Trettel’s track all those years ago.

Enter PJ Larsen…

PJ, you raced the last three rounds of the outdoor circuit, and now it's on to your fist Supercross season. You have waited your whole life for this moment; Anaheim 1 has been your dream since you were a child. Explain your emotions as you count down the final days until you make your Supercross debut.

Yeah. I have definitely waited my whole life for this moment to come. I am really excited for the race this weekend. The off-season training and testing has gone by really fast, it is really hard to believe that it's already a new year and Supercross is starting up. I am trying to stay as focused as I can and just go in relaxed and look at it as another race.

The last three rounds of the outdoors you put in a good showing. You earned the two digit number of 87, and you gained some unforgettable knowledge. Even if the outdoor races didn't go exactly as you planned, would you say that you gained the experience that you needed to help you going into Supercross?

The last three outdoors were unforgettable few weeks. I went in as prepared as possible and I am so glad that I did them. There is knowledge out there that is unexplainable. It is stuff that you can only get from getting out there and just doing it. I am really glad that I decided to do the last three races and happy with the way that they went. I can't thank my team enough for giving me that opportunity and just letting me learn and get used to the atmosphere.

You have always had so much talent and speed on a Supercross track, and now it is time to showcase your skills to the world. Do you feel that you are more of a Supercross or outdoor rider? Which would you say better fits your style?

I really enjoy both. If I had to choose a favorite I would say Supercross. I really enjoy a technical style track and that is all Supercross is. If I had to say one thing would fit me better, I would say Supercross because I am a bit more of a technical, fluid rider.

How do you feel about the team this year? The team has gained a few new sponsors for this season, including Canidae Dog Food, and also a few new teammates. How do you like the adjustments that were made to the team, and your new teammates?

The team this year is phenomenal. I can't say enough good things about them. We have a few new sponsors that are great for the sport and great for the team. Canidae All Natural Dog Food has stepped up and helped the team in tremendous ways. We are also taking on a new look with the Scott gear, boots and goggles. Their stuff is great and just a new look for everyone.

The whole team works so hard. Bill Keefe, team manager, has spent so many hours working on new sponsors and doing things that a team manager shouldn't have to do. The guy really goes the extra mile and will hop through hoops for any of his riders. Bobby Hewitt is more than a team owner, he is always out at the test track and doing things and wanting to know how everything is. My mechanic, Jamie Ellis, has built the best race bike possible thanks to everyone over at Pro-Circuit. The bikes are the best things ever and anything but a result will just be an excuse. I can't thank all the other mechanics on the team enough as well, they are all there for you whenever you need it. Rene' Zapata has spent countless hours dynoing bikes and making them the best they can be with Mitch Payton. The team is going to have a tremendous year with the guys backing all the riders.

My new teammates are awesome also. We all go and ride together and get along really well. I am actually living with Kyle Cunningham and it's awesome to have someone to hangout with and do things with.

One of the toughest things for a rookie is to stay strong and healthy throughout an entire season. What, if anything, have you been doing to ensure that you do?

It is always a tough thing to stay healthy and strong. It is a long series with Supercross and motocross. It is all about being patient and taking it all week to week. I know when I am on the line at Anaheim that I have gone the extra mile with my trainer, Jed Snelson. I can't thank him enough for all the things he's helped me with and helped me realize. I know going in that I am 110% healthy, I have takin care of every little thing that has gone wrong and evaluated it and fixed it.

You are an East Coast kid racing your first SX Series on the West Coast, how do you feel about this?

I am really excited about it. I really wanted to do west since it seems a lot of guys do that. I have also been riding and training in California for three months. I think that I will have a benefit riding west since I have been riding the more hard packed tracks and testing on them.

You've made the move to California full time now, will you be one of those sell out riders that disclaims your home state of SC and be announced as if you are from Cali?

You know Brent"gotta love me" Stallo, my home state may say California, but my heart is still in SC!

A lot of kids move out once they turn pro and lose focus. How has the transition to the west coast been thus far?

Aside from missing my family for the last few months, it has been great. I am living on my own and I think I do a really good job with staying focused. I work really hard, I put my time in and at the end of the day, I am glad it's dark and time to go to bed. I have no need for going out late and doing the things that these young guys are doing. It's a waste, wait until you are older and are done with your career. You only have so long in this sport and you have to take full advantage of every chance you get. It could all be done and gone tomorrow.

The remaining six questions will be short answer. If possible, answer in 10 words or less.

Will you top 5 at Anaheim 1?
We will see in a few days.

Will you podium at any point this year?
That's the plan.

 

Are you a Halo fanatic?
No

Will you be nervous on the gate at A1?
Yes (I don't think anyone in their right mind could say no to that.)

Can you still eat a 1 lbs bag of m&m's in under four minutes?
YES!!(I haven't gotten to in a long time though)

What is your favorite web site?
Vurbmoto & RacerXOnline