Five tasty tidbits from around the motocross world fresh off the grill.
Brett Cue – Professional Goofball
Vurbmoto: With an insane skill set with many unique abilities you’re well known for, are you able to just go ride with friends without someone asking you to do a whipper tail, stoppie or a kick flip?
Cue: That does happen, and I go do it every time… gotta make the people happy! I think it’s even more often that as I’m loading up, people say “Why weren’t you going that fast?”. They have seen videos for years and expect so much speed that just isn’t there. 😂
Who was your favourite racer growing up and is there still evidence of their influence on you in your riding style to this day?
I looked up to a few guys when I started riding and some even before. Of course, I looked up to my dad and watched him ride from as far back as I can remember. He raced but mainly just had fun with it, whether that be climbing hills or jumping swimming pools he built! Being from Oklahoma, Guy Cooper was a big one. He’s the reason that even before I started riding, I wanted to throw whips! I always looked up to Travis Pastrana and KDub14 [Kevin Windham], as well. I tried to take things from each and combine them into one. Coop’s whips, Travis’ personality and KDub’s style. If I could have somehow combined their speed, I would have been set!!
What’s with the 365 number you’ve ran that for years?
I always ran 2 or 4 when I started riding. We didn’t have pre-prints back then and I liked the big fat numbers. If I ran more than just a single digit number, they were tough to get straight and not look goofy! Fast forward, I went out to Vegas for the World Mini and they told me I couldn’t run #4, so they gave me 366. The next year when I went back, I came with 366 in the novice class but didn’t pre-enter. Of course, someone already had It, so I took 365 instead. Since I had the stick-on numbers with clear over it to protect the plates, we just put a completely different style 5 over the 6. From then on, 365 it was!
You had a pretty wild journey with huge whips, video segments, your own gear and tons more. What did you learn from it all and what would you do differently?
I’ve got to meet so many good people and do more cool stuff than I ever imagined, all because of my dirt bike. Looking back, sure there are some things I would do a little different, mostly bad decisions that led to hospital trips, but hindsight is 20/20. Dirt bikes are rad!
Kade Johnson – NSA Yamaha – Blu Cru Racer
Vurbmoto: You’ve graduated from the supermini to the 125. What’s that transition been like for you?
Kade: I transitioned to 125 just before Mini Olympics and for me, it’s been awesome! It took about two months for me to get really comfortable with the power and size of the bike. I feel like my team, Yamaha/ bLUcRU National Sheriffs Association, really helped me make a great decision and provides me with awesome, dialed bikes! It was a collaborative decision with Donnie Luce, Ed Torrance, Danny Lewis and my parents and I feel it was a great choice.
Do you feel that helps your progression more than if you raced for a manufacturer that didn’t have a 125 as a steppingstone?
Absolutely. I feel very thankful for my YZ125 and the opportunity to advance at my own speed. The bike fits me perfectly. I think it is an important step to be able to transition to a full-size bike with a familiar two stroke feel. At this stage, I believe it’s a huge advantage, especially for smaller/ lighter riders.
Tell us about how the Spring Nationals went for you?
It went great, building momentum! Daytona, I took P3 in Schoolboy 1; Freestone P4 & P5 in 125 12-17 & Schoolboy 1; and at Spring A Ding Ding, P2 in 125 B/C.
What do you work on in terms of technique on the motorcycle?
To many things to count. Motocross is a sport of unpredictability and being technically sound is a huge advantage. I mainly work on balance on the motorcycle.
Do you own a 250 four-stroke and if not, when do you project you’ll start mixing the thumper in?
I do not have one yet. I will most likely start riding/racing one in 2024.
What/who inspires you to keep driving forward and achieve your goals.
My dad. He always keeps me motivated on hard days. He was an athlete himself, so he knows the way to win. I would not be here if it wasn’t for him.
Caden Braswell – 250 East Phoenix Racing
Vurbmoto: What does winning the horizon award mean to you? Did winning it add pressure or confidence?
Caden: Winning the AMA Nicky Hayden Horizon award means a lot to me! It was an amazing achievement to have accomplished in our sport, and I’m grateful to be added to the short list of other outstanding athletes that had in years past achieved the Horizon award. Wining always adds pressure but knowing all the hard work over the years paid off gives me more motivation to keep pushing.
What’s been your biggest challenge since turning pro and adapting to Supercross?
Since turning pro it’s all a mental game. Everyone has the talent at this level. The hardest part is just adjusting to the schedule and knowing that you belong weekend and week out.
Who provides you with strengths and encouragement when you’re feeling weak or down on yourself?
I’ve been blessed with an incredible family and team that help me see the whole picture so if I’m feeling weak or down. Instead of getting caught up in little troubles, they remind me of what I’m capable of “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure 2 Samuel 22:33 NIV”
What’s the best fitness advice you’ve ever received?
Justin Boyd helps me with my off the bike fitness and food. The advice that best sticks with me is to eat clean burning foods often, stay hydrated. And remember to pay attention to my body.
What’s an amateur motocross even that you’ll miss racing now that you’ve turned pro?
Loretta’s was always my favorite event of the year. I’ll miss it the most out of the amateur races.
Preston Boespflug – A Class – Orange Brigade
Vurbmoto: What does your KTM do better than 250s you’ve ridden previously?
Preston: It turns really well! I was surprised with the turning and it’s also easier to whip 🤣
Who has been you biggest supporter throughout your career?
My parents and my mechanic Ty Davis have always been my biggest supporters.
Are you aware of the fact that you’ve never have a Loretta’s overall finish outside the top 10? What does that mean to you?
That’s very cool to hear about that and the more I thought about it I don’t think I’ve had a moto finish outside of the top 10 there but I could be wrong, still very cool to me!
Grant Harlan – Rock River Yamaha
Vurbmoto: How would describe your amateur career?
Har Dog: My amateur career was one of those “so close” deals, at least in my head, where I felt like I was always on the bubble of breaking out but never did. I still did pretty good with a couple titles but nothing I would say is special.
What’s been the greatest adversity you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
I race dirt bikes for a living. Biggest adversity I face is putting all the hard work in hoping it pays off and never really knowing.
Describe being on a team with Benny Bloss. You guys seem to get along great.
Being teammates with Benny is great. I really feel like the team dynamic has elevated now that we are both bald which has been fun. Also, I think I come out of the deal ahead of him in terms of gains made so we take that haha.
What to you attribute this breakout season for you and aside from better results, what else has come from it?
Man, this season has been great so far. I’ve been working with Alex and John with Troll Training since March of last year and I really feel like the steady year of training with them is starting to show and I still feel like I’m building on that as the season progresses. Also have a good group of dudes here in Texas we ride and train with that has helped step the riding up.
What motivated you to rise to the pro level in motocross?
Might not be an exciting answer here but man I just grew up racing my whole life. There’s never really been another career path I’ve been interested in and I’m pretty good at it so might as well race dirt bikes professionally while I’m able.