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An Interview with Ryan Hughes
10-14-00
By Eddie Graveline
MOTOPRESS
Q: Ryan, first of all, we have to talk about the Motocross des Nations. It
was awesome to see the U.S. win that event again. How big was being a part of
that? What did it mean to you and your career?
A: It was big for me because I’ve always had goals in my life and one of
them was to win the des Nations. I came close a couple of years back. This year
we finally won. It’s good to accomplish one of your goals. I’ve come so
close to winning championships and this and that, but I finally won this so
I’m stoked.
Q: You haven’t ridden in front of the American fans much at all for the
last couple of years. Does it make this even sweeter to be able to reestablish
yourself in the minds of American motocross fans by winning the MX des Nations?
A: Yeah, you know, a lot of people follow it (European MX), but a lot of
people forget that I’m over there. A lot of people doubted me in the press and
the fans. Everybody doubted me, but I used that as inspiration to put everything
I had into it. It was just a good day for me and a good day for the U.S. and
that’s what you’ve got to have to win the des Nations.
Q: You were picked for the des Nations team in 1996. You were hurt just
prior to the competition. This year was your first opportunity since then to go
back and you guys won it. Did the ’96 disappointment make this even better for
you?
A: Yeah, in ’95 I got 2nd and I was an underdog again because I
was riding a 500. In ’96, the week before I was supposed to go, someone ran
over my foot and broke it. So, I didn’t get to go and they (the U.S. team) won
real easy, so I was bummed about that. It took me a while to get picked again,
but I got picked and I won my class. Now maybe next year they’ll pick me
first.
Q: As far as the U.S. Open this year, its one of your first chances to
ride in the U.S. in a while. Does it carry any added significance for you
because of that?
A: Yeah, it’s good for me because a lot of people haven’t seen me race in
a long time, you know. So when I come here, everybody’s kind of like, ‘Oh
wow, it’s Ryan’. The purse is so big and the city’s so fun that you
can’t pass it up. I’m just happy to be here racing in front of the fans and
racing for Honda. I’ve just got to use this race to have some fun and not put
too much pressure on myself.
Q: Are you going to ride any more races in the U.S. this year?
A: Next year, I’ll just be doing all of the testing and stuff for Honda and
then I’ll be racing the nationals.
Q: So what is actually the plan for you in 2001?
A: In 2001, I’ll be on American Honda. I’ll be doing testing for them
during Supercross and then I’ll be riding in the outdoor nationals. As far as
my personal sponsors, right now I have Honda, Oakley and DC Shoes. We’re still
working on everything else.
Q: Looking back at your decision to go race in Europe and seeing the level
of success that you achieved during that time, do you still feel that going
there was the right choice?
A: Yeah. Even thought I don’t have a good taste in my mouth about Europe
right now, I still wouldn’t change it. It made me grow up and it was good for
my wife and myself. I learned a lot and I got to see the world. I’ve got a lot
of memories over there, but I’m glad to be back to finish out my career in the
States where I belong.
Q: Can you tell me about why you’re not racing in Europe again this
year?
A: I can’t. I can’t tell you. I’m sorry.
Q: As far as this weekend and in the 2001 season, have you set any goals
for yourself?
A: The first goal that I have for next year is to help Honda develop any
of the bikes or new products in any way that I can and to get Honda back on top.
As far as the nationals, you know, I’ve been racing a long time so I’m
looking for a top 3 if not the championship. I think I’ve got the speed and I
just need to have the consistency and make some good luck for myself.
Q: That sounds good. Good luck this season and next year.
A: Alright, thanks.
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