| Monday Kickstart 2/23/04 from transworldmotocross.com |
| While in Indianapolis for the annual motorcycle Dealer Expo over Valentine's weekend, we ran into none other than Travis Pastrana signing autographs at the Impact Video booth. Been wondering when Travis might pop back up in the motocross scene? If all goes as planned, Travis is set to make his Supercross comeback in St. Louis in a couple of weeks, and we can't wait! We sat down with the still young phenom to find out how his battered body's doing, and what we can look forward to from him in the future. Here's what TP had to say… TransWorld Motocross:Travis, although not competing in the opening rounds of the Supercross series, and skipping the Winter X Games in Aspen, we know you've been a busy man the past few months. Give us a recap on what you've been up to. Travis Pastrana: I've actually been training back in Georgia with Davi Millsaps, and just trying to get back in shape for St. Louis. Right now I am healthy again… Well, fairly healthy anyway… At least healthier than I've been since I turned pro pretty much, so I am having fun. I still need to get a little more strength back into my knee, but I am really feeling good on the bike. I am up to 15-minute motos, which in Supercross is about 15 laps, so another five laps strong and I'll be ready for St. Louis. |
| TWMX: So, we're definitely going to see you in St. Louis? TP: (Laughs) At this point, yes. That's definitely my plan. Obviously I don't have to be there, but that's my goal. If I have a set back I am not going to ride there hurt or sick. When I ride I want to win, so only if I am 100%. TWMX: Is there any truth to the rumors that you may ride a 125? TP: Originally I really wanted to ride a 125 at Daytona so I could go up against Bubba, but I don't feel like I'll be in that type of shape by then. If all goes as planned I'll be on a 250 in St. Louis. TWMX: Even though you're keeping busy, is it tough for you to just sit and watch the Supercross series? TP: Yeah… The last couple of years have been pretty tough like that, but I still enjoy watching. There are a lot of new guys coming up that are going really fast, so it's fun to watch. It takes me back to just being a fan, which is good. TWMX: When you watch do you envision yourself up front and in the mix, or have your injuries made it difficult to maintain that level of confidence? TP: No, I've never had a lack of confidence. When I go out there I plan to win. That's just me, and that's why I compete. When I go into the gate I am looking for a win. That's what it's all about. TWMX: Have you been throwing anything new and innovative into the foam pit lately, or has freestyle been placed on the back burner for the time being? TP: No, my knee's not really strong enough to get back into the foam pit. If you land wrong in that thing it can still do damage, so you really don't want anything being lose or damaged. I wish I could be jumping into it, but it's been snowing there as well, so it's a good time to have this time away. TWMX: It sounds like you've been having a lot of fun and success driving Rally cars as well. What are your plans in the immediate future as far as car racing's concerned? TP: Yeah, it is a lot of fun! Last year I did the Porsche stuff, some shifter kart stuff, and a lot of road stuff. I've had a lot of fun with it and have had the opportunities to drive some of the most amazing cars in the world. When I got into Rally cars I found that I could be fairly competitive with a lot of the good drivers in that sport. It's a lot like motocross because you can get the cars sideways and stuff. I am stoked on it for sure. I plan to do the whole series this year. It's really my priority for 2004 actually. Hopefully next year I'll be back 100% for full time moto though. TWMX: You mean we can look forward to getting you back from the car guys? TP: As long as I stay healthy this year I'll be back for full time motocross next year. That's really where my heart is. The car stuff's been awesome because I can stay competitive while I can't be on the bike. So rather than jumping on my motorcycle too soon I can go out and compete and enjoy all of the feelings I experience with racing, but without the pain in my knees and ankles. But I miss my bike and I am ready to be back! |
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| (Jamie Little and Travis, last week in Minneapolis.) |