Click It and Sip It: Ryan Sipes
Tyler Mickelson
Feb 15
|18:00
photos by: John Parkinson
This week we sat down with MotoConcepts rider Ryan Sipes. The west coast lites rounds are done for a while. This weekend marks the first round of the east coast lites series. Ryan has had a few rough seasons during his career. However, this season could be his best season yet. He's got a great teambehind him and he's ready to put his MotoConcepts Yamaha on the box and show everyone that he means business in 2010.
PanicREV: First off Ryan what have you been up to?
Ryan Sipes: Mainly, I have been getting ready for this year's East Coast SX Series. I want to win this year, and there is a lot that goes into getting myself prepared for it. But I'm still having fun with it, so it's been good.
PRev: Being from Kentucky, do you see living outside of SoCal, the hub of the moto industry, as an advantage or disadvantage?
RS: Well I think you can look at it two ways. It's an advantage in that we have better dirt, better tracks, and better weather in the summer. Plus it's just home, you know? But SoCal definitely has an advantage in the winter just with the weather. Also the guys who are from out there get hooked up with more stuff for sure, just because they are in the industry eye. Nobody thinks twice about us east coast boys until the race season starts. Kentucky is awesome though; I wouldn't trade it for anything.
PRev: You're on a new team this year, MotoConcepts Yamaha; how are you adjusting to the new bike?
RS: I like the Yamaha a lot. I felt comfortable my first day on it and have felt good ever since. It just feels so stable and predictable on the track that
it has given me a lot of confidence coming into this season.PRev: We're only one week away from the first lites race on the east coast; do you feel ready?
RS: Yea I do. I've done the work this year and my bike is great, and I can't wait to get it started. I'm more excited for this season to start than I've ever been.
PRev: What are your goals for this year?
RS: Win every race!
No...my goal for SX this year is to run at the front of the pack at every race, be consistent, and put myself in good positions to win races. I believe that if I do that this year I will be in the hunt for the title. For the Nationals, I will be moving up to the 450 class, and my goal is to be consistently in the top 10, and be challenging for top fives. I feel like I ride the big bike well and I'm ready to make that jump.
PRev: You feel ready for the 450 class?
RS: Well like I said before, I will be on the 450 this year in the nationals. I would like to have that be my transition to the big class permanently. I think I'm ready for it. I would like to have that chance in 2011.PRev: Ryan how did you did you come to the lord?
RS: Well I was brought up in the church from when I was a little kid. I always believed, but I think it was because I was supposed to, you know? I really started my relationship with Christ at an FCA MX camp in Marshall, IN in 2004. At those camps, they have groups called "huddles", where we would meet every night and morning to discuss our faith with our huddle members. We were sitting there talking and when our huddle leader asked us if we wanted to make the decision and give our lives to the Lord, I just got this feeling like, 'I need to do this'. So I did, and I'm very glad I made that decision. Those camps are great, with at least 20-30 kids making that decision every time. My brother and I help instruct at 1 or 2 camps every year, alongside some other great riders like Kevin Windham, Andrew Short, Tim Ferry, Mike Larocco and a bunch of others. Anybody who is interested should check it out! They have a website; I think it is FCAMX.com
PRev: We saw you at the PanicREV concert this year; what did you think of it?
RS: Dude those bands rocked! I was blown away by all those guys. Josiah James was awesome, and the Future of Forestry guys were like musical geniuses man. The way they were running around playing each others instruments was amazing. I ended up buying one of their DVD's and its really good.
PRev: You have been part of the FCA motocross camps in the past. Tells us a little bit about your involvement and about the camps? RS: I try to help out at at least one or two of them every year, just instructing and helping out with the kids. They are great for a rider who wants to hone their skills and become a better racer. But the best thing about those camps is what you can learn about Christ. I think I learn as much as the campers!
PRev: Also I wanted to ask how many times a week do you play MX vs. ATV Reflex?
RS: Hahaha well, I usually get in one or two nights a week, sometimes more...when I go out to California for testing I stay with Wil Hahn, and he's always down for some battling so we get in plenty of moto's.
PRev: What is your favorite track? Also I'm going to need some lap times?
RS: hmmm...I guess my favorite is either Kingston 2 or the Switchyard, the new down loadable track. At Kingston I think my best was a 1:46.8 or something and at Switchyard a 1:12.75. I didn't really grease everything on those laps though, so they probably aren't that great.
PRev: What is the best memory you have when you were an amateur?
RS: My best memories are just going to the races with my parents and my brother, back when I was on 80's, when there was no pressure and we truly did it just for the fun of it. My parents were never hard on me if I didn't win or
whatever; all they cared was that I tried my best and didn't give up. Oh yea and my Loretta Lynn's titles were pretty awesome too.PRev: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
RS: I want to thank the Good Lord for letting me do what I do and keeping me safe all these years; if it weren't for Him I wouldn't be here. Also my Mom and Dad for supporting me and dragging me around since I was little. I love you guys. My team, MotoConcepts Yamaha, for believing in me and giving me a chance to try and win them a championship this year. And everyone who has helped me out over the years, thank you.
PRev: Before we wrap this up is there anything else you want to add?
RS: Watch Indy, it's gonna be good!
PRev: Good luck at Indy Ryan.
RS: Thanks!
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