Slaw
For years, the question wasn’t if the highly touted Coenen twins would race in the U.S., but when. Few had their American debut penciled in while both sat atop the FIM World Championship standings—Lucas leading MXGP and Sacha leading MX2.
Yet, the brothers used the off-weekend in MXGP to dip their toes in Pro Motocross at round 3 at Thunder Valley. It was an impressive debut from the Belgian brothers, as Lucas went 2-2 to claim second overall behind Jett Lawrence in the 450 Class and Sacha went 14-1 for fourth overall in the 250 Class.
What were Lucas’ expectations coming in? What did he think of the U.S. scene? He spoke to the media after his podium finish at Thunder Valley.
Lucas, I’ll start off with the first question. I’m sure everyone is curious what your take is on the track today and your whole experience here in the US as well as maybe your excitement for future rounds.
Lucas Coenen: I mean today was a good day, new track on elevation, so it was kind of hard. On Friday luckily we had two sessions to figure it out a little bit, but every time I went out, I felt better. Track’s pretty tricky like some ruts and then some parts were really loose, so I guess it was more about a feeling to find it. It was a fun day of racing.
Did you have any expectations coming into this and did you exceed those expectations if you did?
Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations. I just wanted to learn and enjoy. All the GP guys were telling me , ‘Hey, come over, you got to beat everyone to show a level.’ I was like, ‘No, if you want to come over, just come over and race.’ You know what I mean? So, I feel like those two, Jett and Hunter, are on another level and it’s good. So, I guess it’s going to be nice racing if we can come more and just enjoy the good racing. Like today was fun even though I did have a much battle, but it was a nice day.
There’s been a lot talked about today just listening to the broadcast media coming into this about MXGP versus AMA bikes and I’ve seen in years past where maybe the MXGP, KTM has been a decent difference in the US bike because of no chassis regulations. You now have firsthand experience going straight from MXGP a week ago to getting to ride this week on a US spec KTM. Is there really that much of a difference. How much did you notice? Did you feel like it hindered you in any way this weekend?
I just trusted the team so much that I went on, and every day, two days of testing I felt better. So, when I went out there I was just like, tell the team what you think, it’s the best for me, just make it happen. And I just tried to figure out how to get better on the track.
And then other direct comparison MXGP to US, just the way our track shapes up: One-day format instead of two, fewer classes, more guys in qualifying. Was there anything that was unexpected to you with the situation there, the way the tracks formed up or were they kind of what you expected?
It’s nice, the one-day program, because I was a bit lost in the break when it was really short. So honestly it was a bit like you got to go be fast between Moto 1 and Moto 2. I liked it how it was and the track was fun but tricky, could catch you quick, but it was a good day.
You go in 2-2. Both times it didn’t look like it was very hard for you. It looked like you found a good pace. And did KTM or did anyone tell you that like, hey, our goal is MXGP, so just come here. Was there any need to try to catch Jett or were you riding as hard as you could?
They were kind of stressed over in Europe because coming over when you’re a championship leader is kind of a risk, but I feel like with the team here, they made it good and we were in good hands. I didn’t have any expectations like I said. So, I was just learning every time out. I get 2-2 but as you know Moto 1, both crashed, so I got second like that even though I was pushing from the back. So that was a nice thing. In Moto 2, I got second, I was pleased with that. It was a fun day of racing and going back to the GPs now. It’s going to be good.
Can you elaborate a little bit on elevation? And I saw you and Jade were practicing second and first gear starts. Did you end up just going with first gear for both motos?
I was checking a little bit how it could work. But we’re high in elevation, so first gear start is you need it I think. Overall, we just clicked to the first gear and stayed with that.
The next track’s going to be remarkably different than this one if you guys come to Southwick, but did you learn anything coming through the pack or racing with our riders both days of the weekend that you’re going to be able to carry forward?
You got to get the start, so when you have the start can try to follow and latch on the top guys. So, I felt like the jumps weren’t good but I got lucky in the first corner to be somewhere on top five in both motos. After that I just did my moto and enjoyed it.
Red Bull KTM on both sides of the pond is one of the most premier teams you can race for, especially in the MXGP side. But you came over this winter, did a little bit of Supercross, so you have some firsthand experience with the staff here. What do you think of the group here? I know you want to come here and race with them. What do you think of the differences between operations and stuff and how comfortable are you with this team?
I mean they have a lot of experience and they know what they do, so I felt good out here and I trust them a lot. I feel like we have a good base and their work is doing good. So, I feel like it’s clicking good with my brother also, so I can’t ask for better.
Photos: octopi.media
