Recorded interview by: Chase Yocom – Words by: Dan Lamb
We talked to Rockstar / Husqvarna’s Dean Wilson last week about his first ever 450MX podium at Southwick, and it sounded like he wasn’t overly concerned with results. While we could tell he was excited about his third overall, it still sounded like he was still more focused on getting through the season healthy and building solid momentum for ’18. Well, one week later and we are already congratulating Dean on a new best ever finish on the 450 after his second overall finish at the 2017 Spring Creek National.
With the momentum of his podium finish at Southwick still fresh, Deano looked more comfortable than ever riding up front at Spring Creek; I almost dare to say it looked effortless. The #15 got off to good starts in both motos and made the deep ruts at round eight look easy. In fact during moto one when Deano was battling with Justin Barcia for third, Justin looked like a man possessed while Dean looked like a Scotsman out for a Saturday cruise. It was a stark contrast in styles that quickly brought me back to Dean’s glory days on the 250.
In moto one, Dean had nothing for Marvin Musquin or Eli Tomac, but his smooth, on-the-pegs style took him across the line alone in third. In moto two, both Musquin and Blake Baggett got away from him, but again, he rode well within his comfort zone for another third place moto. At the end of the day, Dean’s consistent 3-3 netted him second overall on the day for his second best-ever finish in a row. If this is what not worrying about results looks like, I’m looking forward to seeing what chasing wins might produce.
After Dean was done with spraying champagne on the fans, Chase Yocom caught up with him while he tried to get enough fluids in his body to pee for the post race USADA drug test.
Dean, 3-3 on the day for second overall and another career best for you in the 450 class. You have to be ecstatic?
Thank you! It was a great day. It’s just nice to see all my hard work paying off. It wouldn’t be as rewarding if I didn’t get the results from working hard. I’m happy where I’m at. I had great starts today—I wouldn’t say my riding was amazing today, but I put myself in good positions and stayed strong the whole motos. It was nice to be on the podium again—it was awesome.
During the press conference, you talked about practice and how you didn’t have the best qualifying. How much did the track change from practice to throughout the motos today?
The track definitely dried up a bit, which was nice. It was a brutal track for sure. Ruts, bumps and if you made a little mistake in one corner, you’re losing a lot of time. It was important not to do that. My strong point was the rollers [sand whoops] so I kind of used that as my strong point, and everywhere else I tried to maintain. I was searching all over the track for better lines to make it easier on myself and help my speed. It was good.
I always forget how tall you are, and standing next to you right now you’re definitely tall. Did that help you through the rollers? (laughs)
Yeah, for sure. Being tall definitely helps through the rollers. You got the leverage and can get the traction on the rear wheel.
During practice the rollers looked good, but it was the far side of the track by the finish line that was real sloppy. Did the rollers get beat up as the day went on?
The rollers even had bumps on the rollers. They had little kickers on them. It was just rough and choppy and ah… I was happy in the last moto to have a little cushion where I could just knock out my laps and not really ride super crazy, because my leg was cramping. I had to stand up to hopefully stretch it out.
Is Bobby Hewitt [team manager] like the smartest person in the world? He took a chance on you and the team has to be pumped on your results. Obviously, you have done a great job for them filling in for Christophe Pourcel.
I’m really happy. I’m so thankful for Bobby giving me this opportunity. I’m working hard with Tyla Rattray [trainer] and my training partners. I’m really motivated. It’s been a long season, but I’m happy with my progress. That’s what keeps me going.
It was announced that you are coming back next year to the same team. Having the confidence that those guys believe in you and no stress about where you’re going to be next year, has that helped you out over the last few weeks?
For sure. I actually found out before the first round. I’m really happy. It’s such a great group of people with good bikes, good mechanics and good people. I’m just really happy.
What’s it like now with having to go to the press conferences, having to take the drug tests and all that stuff? Obviously it’s a little extra time in your day, but something you will probably take to be on the podium?
Oh, for sure. Getting a second overall, I’ll do this every weekend. It’s tough ’cause we’re sweating a lot. I was cramping out there, and I’m really dehydrated. It’s a lot of time you’re here and they’re watching you, so you have to drink a bunch of fluids to try and pee. I’ve literally drank I think twelve bottles of water and three Gatorades. I feel so fat because I’ve just been loading up, but it’s kicking in now so we’re good. (laughs)
That’s always good. (laughs) I don’t remember who it was, but they were in there forever because they couldn’t go. I think it was [Justin] Barcia, but I’m not sure. (sure)
Yeah. (laughs)
Millville has always been good for you. Last year it was the race you came back for and you did pretty well there, and this year you scored a career best second overall. Millville has to be near the top of your list for favorite tracks maybe just for those reasons.
I do like this track, but it was a bit gnarly today. It wasn’t that enjoyable. It was just crazy out there. I’m really happy on the day and thankful for the sun to dry it out. Because if it was going to be soft, it would of been pretty gnarly. It’s good, though. I’m in a good spot. I just got to keep working hard and hopefully be back on it again.
You live down in Florida now so you’re probably pretty used to it now, but did the humidity affect you adversely here at all today? You probably train in it during the week, but then there’s the race intensity on the weekend. It’s a little different.
Our training is really tough during the week. We all work really hard. We put in our motos and we have some days that are really tough. It’s so hot and humid in Florida, it’s insane. Being up here makes it worth it. If you put in that time and you’re not getting the results you want to, that makes it tough. I’m happy to see it pay off.
You have Tyla there the whole time telling you it’s not that hot. (laughs) Dean, congratulations. It’s great to see you back up on the podium two weeks in a row. I think everybody in the moto community wasn’t stoked to see you go through the hard times, but you’re on the way back up.
Thank you. Also, thank you to everybody for all the support, and for believing in me when I was at my low point. Those are the people I really appreciate
