Mitchell Oldenburg Interview: Seattle Press Day
March 22, 2024
Back in Seattle! You / the team took a couple races off year, not doing all the races.
Yeah, nothing really new for us. We did the West Coast only last year on the 250. So obviously, I'd love to be racing every weekend, but unfortunately that's just kind of what our team does. The West Coast only is just cheaper and easier on the team. Seattle is a home race for the team, which is based out of Spokane, so I'm excited to put on a show for all the Leisure Concept and Motor Concepts people.Tell us about the special graphics kit!
They've been doing some special stuff for a couple of the races this year. Obviously home race, got a white bike and some gold and Seahawks colors. Personally, I'm a Packers fan, so it's kind of tough seeing that on my bike, but no - it's all in good fun.We see that you're on the 450, and saw online that you're maybe going to be racing 450 full time? What was behind that decision?
There's a bunch of reasons. I think the main one being that I've been in the 250 class for a long time. And I honestly feel like I'm at my peak on the 250. Feel like I've got a lot of growth to do on a 450 till, and there's a lot left in the tank for me being on a 450. So I'm just excited to see what I can do with it. And see where it goes from here.So is that more of a career decision? Moving forward, you plan to be a 450 guy?
Yeah, for sure. I'd love to do 17 rounds of 450 next year with the team. It's just kind of see what happens. Especially with the Super Motocross being at the end of the year, the first being bigger in the 450 class, is a huge factor as well. Trying to get qualified for that, at least for the LCQ, so we'll see what we can do with that. Excited to have a race in Fort Worth - that's my hometown, super close to the house.With Super Motocross being on your mind, is there a chance we'll see you outdoors?
No, no chance. Will not be lining up at outdoors. Supercross only guy.Will you be doing World Supercross this year?
That's the plan, yeah. Still waiting to hear stuff on that, and see what happens with that series. But that's the plan.What's the biggest learning curve, jumping up to the 450s?
I've done quite a few 450 races these last couple years, so nothing really new. I feel more prepared and ready to race the 450 now. My 450 races in the past have kind of just been guest spots here and there. Now being fully focused on it for the rest of the year, I'm excited to see what we can do, grow on the bike, get better, learn with these guys, and try and mix it up with the best in the world.Last question - with the weather and the track, how do you feel about tomorrow?
It's to be expected coming to Seattle, so not scared of mud by any means. It's just kind of what you get coming here - this is the weather we get just about every year. I do think the track will be alright tomorrow - I obviously haven't gotten to see anything today - but the weather shows rain, but it's kind of like a mist, so it doesn't really do much damage. I think we'll be alright tomorrow, but either way, we're ready to go racing.
