Words: Brian Wilkinson
Photography: Brian Wilkinson/Brent Stallo

As his last year racing in the knock down drag out world of amateur motocross quickly comes to an end, it's time we catch up with Ben Lamay before he makes his professional debut at Millville this summer. We sat down with the Yamaha rider and asked him 12 questions (4+2+6=12). We delve into his outlook on the rest of the season, how he feels about the amateur national circuit, and what his goals are heading into Millville.

First off, how has this year been going for you so far?
Uh, not as well as I hoped. My bikes are not as good as some of the pros, plus my hight and weight. It's really hard to compete in the Lites calss.

 If things aren't going as good as you hoped, what are you going to do to better your results for the remainder of the year?
Well, I have really tried stepping it up lately, and with Mammoth and Loretta's left for me in the amateur races, I just have to basically hang it out everytime I'm on the bike so that I can make up from earlier in the season.

So this will be your last year racing at the amateur level?
Yes, Mammoth and Loretta's will be my last two amateur races...finally!

Finally?!...Are you relieved that you will be done with the amateur scene after this year?
Yes, very relieved. The amateur races are really crappy races. Super short motos, smooth tracks, they aren't organized, etc.  

When will you make your professional debut, and leave the unliked amateur scene behind?
Millville will be my first professional race.

So you will catch the last few rounds of the outdoor series. Will you be racing Supercross in 2009?
Yes, I'll do the last three rounds of the outdoors, which are; Millville, Southwick, and Steel City, and then Supercross in 2009.

Going into Millville, do you have any contracts signed?
No, not yet.

Are you working on that, talking with any teams, trying to get it all figured out?
Yes, we are talking with some people, but nothing is a for sure deal yet.

What are your goals for the last three rounds of the outdoor series?
Well, basically just to do the best that I can, try my all, and that's all we can ask for. My main goal will be to top 10 in all three rounds, but improving each round as well.

Looking back on your amateur career, if you could go back and do things differently, would you?
Yeah, I would change a lot. I needed to hang it out more when I was on  bike, and I wish I would have won a lot more races because I needed to get my name out in the business more. A lot of people don't really know of me, so it's hard to get rides and sponsorships.

Loretta's is a huge race, and you still have that to come. If you get wins there, people will definitely know your name. Do you feel that you have what it takes to take some titles at "The Ranch?"
Yes, I for sure do. I am working the hardest that I have ever done for these next two months to get in very good shape and to be very fast. I will be ready for Loretta's to show everyone what I got for my last race.

We wish you the best through the rest of your amateur races, and also into your professional career. In closing, is there anyone you would like to thank?
Yes, definitely. I would like to thank Yamaha, Thor, Scott, Rg3, Dr. D., Tag, Yamalube, Cycra, Dunlop, Etnies, Ogio, Uni Filter, Stomp Grip, Hammerhead, Asterisk, ASV, and Rock River Powersports, that's it!