DR: What does losing the points lead from the round you sat out do for your motivation to capture the championship?
ML: It puts me in a pretty good position I think. Even though I am behind, we have a lot of rounds to go and you never know what could happen. I'm in a good frame of mind. I just went out there and tried to do the best I could. With me winning it was even more of an incentive, you know, like "I can do this." I'm down 15 points. I've never been in this position, I've usually been ahead at least by half way. Now I've gotta play catch up and I'm motivated for it. It drives me a little more - I'm behind, but its still possible.
DR: Of the remaining rounds which are you looking most forward to?
ML: Definitely Pennsylvania. That's my local race. It's rocky, I love the terrain there. Ohio's probably going to be really good, and Minnesota, too. Both Ohio and Minnesota are new. I'm not too sure about the ones out West, I'm not a fan of out West.
DR: Anything you'd say to people thinking of coming out to an Enduro and racing?
ML: If you're looking for a good trail ride, a fun time on your bike with your buddies, it's the best thing going. I think we have the best trails. They tell you where all the sections are, they tell you how long they are. It's rider friendly. You basically just need a big tank and spark arrestor and you go. I think a lot of people are getting discouraged with hare scrambles because it's often a beat up track and you're paying a lot of money to ride for just two hours. Where here you pay about the same, maybe less, and you're getting anywhere from a 70 to 80 mile trail ride. You get more bang for your buck, and that's what a lot of people are looking for, not going out and if you have a bad lap you're back of the pack. Enduro, they get you back on time. You're out with your buddies, you stop, talk a little bit, then hit it again. You have section after section. They do cut-offs for the other (lower) classes. The NPG is into having the C riders finish within reason just like the A riders. It's always a high priority to make sure the C riders have just as good of a time as the A riders. There's usually cut off that gives the C riders anywhere from 50 to not more than 60 miles of trail. They won't have sections they have to worry about getting through, they make 'em C rider friendly, for sure. I think anyone who gives Enduros a chance will come back.
DR: Any final thoughts on the championship chase for 2008?
ML: If I don't win this one I'm gonna win some more. Everyone's been like 'You gotta get this one,' and thinking I'm gonna get a couple more. I'm not done yet. People are telling me I can hold on for one more year, I'm thinking I can hold on for longer than that.