Photography: Bellwood/Stallo

In what proved to be the most freak injury of the season, when he was injured before even stepping foot – err, tread – on the track at the Glen Helen Loretta Lynn Regional, Landon Currier is finally back and ready to pick up where he left off, winning titles. I caught up with LC in his hometown of Brush Prairie, Washington to get the scoop on how his leg has healed, his plans for the future and just about anything else you might want to know about one of the Northwest’s most promising young talents.

How is your leg, has it healed as well as you expected?  Any setbacks or are you stronger than before?
It’s healed all the way and ready to go. I can’t be too hard on it quite yet though, taking every other day off from riding is important right now to let it rest. I mean I broke it pretty well, even with having Dr. Ting, the best Surgeon in the world, and his crew working on it, it’s expected to be sore at first.

I was there when you injured your arm at Washougal a couple of years ago where you had to have a plate put in, along with several surgeries. And now with your most recent leg injury, have you totaled the number of screws and plates you’ve put into your body?
Well overall, I've had a few more plates and screws then I would have liked, but I have been super lucky with not racking up a huge amount of metal in my body.

During the time you were recovering and not able to ride, what were you doing to keep 
busy?
Not too much! I’ve just been dreaming about riding. I stayed tuned on the sport of moto and spent most of the time at the track helping my friends with their riding and every day dream for this sport. Cycling, zuma rides, foosball, swimming laps and maybe catching some fish took up most of my time.

Sounds like you were keeping yourself pretty busy! What’s your schedule like now that you are back on the bike?
I’ve been trying to get as much quality time of riding in as possible. I’m working with Jay Whipple and he has helped me a lot with learning new skills on the bike, so as much as I can get him into my schedule the better! Also I've been cycling and resting when I can.

Do you have any races planned for the fall season and if so, what are you doing to prepare?
As of now I’m not 100% sure on a plan for the fall season. No matter what I’m doing, I'll prepare the same way. Quality riding, trying to better myself on the bike, getting stronger, and keep on keeping on!

Some riders get mental blocks after such major injuries. How 
are you able to overcome that fear and keep focused while staying so positive?
Getting hurt or having temporarily set backs in riding has made me stronger. I get more scared driving down the freeway looking at a teenage girl texting in the car next to me than I do of getting hurt on a bike. Everyone fears a little something in life and motocross just happens to be something I don't fear. Of course I never like getting hurt but that’s just what comes along with action sports sometimes. I'm always positive because I know that every situation has a bright side, and if you keep it positive you'll find your way, not just for motocross but for life in general.

How do you step your game up; mentally and physically?
I never really settle for what is feeling good at the moment.  Every day when I go to the track or think about riding I think about that next level, and what I need to do to get there.

As you know, motocross is a true family sport! Some families support their 
kid(s) where the entire family gets involved helping out and being as 
supportive as possible, while others may only a Father or Mother involved, and not an entire family unit to support them… How does your family come into the picture?
Family is huge in this sport of motocross! It would be safe to say that my dad and I are best friends and we get to spend so much time together because of racing! My mom is also a big part of my program and helping it grow, she is always there to help and make things easier. Also I think it’s so killer that this sport attracts so many good folks!. My friends that I have gotten to know over the years are just like family! Brodie Humphries is a fellow motocross racer that I could almost call my brother; he lives with us right now and is part of the Currier Moto program [Laughs]. Needless to say, good groups are full of good people. And motocross is full of great people.

When you fall mentally, who do you go to for advice?
Positive and real life folks...My family and friends are always there to help, which I’m very thankful for. Todd Hicks [Fox Racing] has been great for me; he is a real dude and can always help me through a rough times. I have riders I look up to just like anybody, but as far as people off of the bike, I look up to Todd, he has the best attitude out of anyone I've ever met. As you may know, this sport takes a lot. The truth from a good person trying to help is huge to a rider!

Most serious riders make a goal of becoming pro at 16. Did you think you would turn pro once you turned 16? You are a top amateur now at 17, and this past year was your first full year of racing “big” bikes. Can you tell me more about this?
Yeah, as a young kid, I always thought that when I turned 16 then that was the day I would turn pro. Obviously that’s not how it worked because I’m still racing Amateur Nationals. Honestly, I think every rider and person is different at 16. I’m 17 now and I think another year or two after sixteen isn't going to hurt, it will only make me stronger, more polished, and ready for the pro nationals when my time comes.

When training, do you ride with anyone close to your speed? 
Do you find it easier to push yourself or have the help of others push you 
while training?
I try to ride with someone close to my speed, so there is always some sort of competition during a normal practice day. Sometimes riding by yourself can put a rider in their comfort zone. When you’re riding with someone else you’re trying to be the gnarlier rider. So with that, you’re bettering yourself and getting faster.

What were the differences you saw in being in the 250 class versus the super minis?
That’s a hard question! I guess it seems to be a lot different though. Racing the 85 and Super Mini classes were fun and helped prep for big bikes. Now riding a 250f things become more serious, we go to the track, race or practice, whatever it may be, and I go there to get the job done. Riding is still fun just like it has always been, but now I go to the track to better myself for the future, where years ago I might have gone to do some riding and play with toy motorcycles.

You’ve grown up here in the Northwest and as you know we are definitely not known for many fast riders, only a handful. You are one of our top riders here, what have you done differently than the local riders to be one of the top amateurs of the nation?
Those handful of riders have made history! And if not history then they have had factory rides and lived up to their dreams. I think when you live in the northwest it throws a curveball into riding all year around, and also there are not many riding opportunities here. So when you make the decision to take this sport into your life and be successful at it, you make a huge commitment. That's what I've done different I think, moto is my life and I’m here to make it happen!

I know you are one to visualize, where are you seeing your career within the next couple years?
I want to be successful at what I work hard at, make my goals happen and be at the top of my game. Being the best at what I do is one of my goals in life. I never want to look back in time and think I could have given it a little more. I'm going to give it my all and then some more!

Thanks Landon for taking the time to meet with me and share your goals for the upcoming season! With your positive attitude and serious dedication, you will be able to accomplish anything and everything you set your mind to! Wishing you great success!