This month Kaelyn is Hangin Out With Michael Leib!

PanicREV: Your come back in Texas started out well but was short lived and you’re out once again with a broken foot. Explain what happened.
Michael Leib: Yeah it was very short lived. But basically there was a mess of bikes and I got into all that. Landed into another bike and broke my foot. I was going to keep racing but my surgeon back home pretty much said I would do even more damage and be out for a longer time. So we packed up and came home to get ready for what's next. Just another bump in the road, that’s all. 

PRev: It seems like you can’t get a break. You keep getting hurt...
ML: I see it as an opportunity to learn and move on. What doesn't kill us can only make us stronger. Yes, I’m put through the ringer quite a bit. Without going through what I have the past few years, I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today. Just makes me realize how bad I want this and what I am willing to do to get there.

PRev: You didn’t have surgery on your foot did you?
ML: Surgery was an option but it would have only saved us a weeks time. The bones were displaced, but not bad enough for surgery.

PRev: When do you expect to be back to 100%?
ML: I should be 100% here in the next week or so, at that time I’ll be able to get back on the bike.

PRev: The toll injuries take on any rider, mentally, is hard enough when it’s a less frequently occurring deal. Injuries for you, happen all too often, how does your faith help you through these difficult times?
ML: Faith has been one of my two reasons to keep going in this sport. God has a reason for everything. We may not know what it is for some time...But there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

PRev: Your whole family is very strong in their faith and they are very supportive of your career. What confidence does that give you knowing you have a family who supports you through the good and the bad.
ML: I couldn't do it with out them. I have the best team-family a racer or any kid, can ask for. They support me through everything and it gives me confidence when that gate drops that no matter what happens out there on the race track that they will still be there.

PRev: Right now you're off the bike at such a crucial time in the season, do you feel you’ll have the speed to run with the top guys when you come back?
ML: A lot of the time people come back stronger then when they got hurt. I don't want to say that I can't or that I can. But I will say that what ever it takes to get to that pace I will do everything in my power to get there.

PRev: This is going to be your last year in the B class, how important is it for you to finish out strong and make a lasting impression heading into the A class?
ML: Yes, this will be my last year in the B class. I try not to focus on making an impact and things that will help me do that. As long as I perform to my ability, I believe my riding will speak for itself.

PRev: Do you have a quote that you live by or a bible passage that you look to for motivation?
ML: A good one I like, "What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger"

My mom and I read a book called Streams In The Dessert...

"Never pray for an easier life. Pray to be a stronger person. Never pray for tasks equal to your power. Pray for power equal to your tasks. Then doing the work will be no miracle. You will be there miracle."

PRev: What are your goals for the rest of 2009?
ML: My goals for the rest of 2009 are to keep charging and to enjoy doing what I have loved for so many years. I want to win some championships and go in to the pro class and excel through to the pro ranks. I also want to become closer with God. I would say that is about it.

PRev: Who would you like to thank for supporting you and helping you through everything you’ve been through?
ML: I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, sister Ali, and my mechanic BJ. Honda of Houston, Rocket Exhaust, Shoei, No Fear, Factory Connection, Spy, Astrisks. Tag, Dunlop, Filtron, On Track, Hinson, Sunline, Boysen, AC Racing, Motion Pro, IMS, Vitamin Water, One Eighty Decals, Gaerne Boots, Excel, and RK.

Share this post