Matt Leblanc Interview

Graybeard 10/3/2022 4:18pm
10/3/2022 4:18pm
fourfourone wrote:
I don't blame him. He did an interview when he was with star and his injury list is HEAVY for an 18 year old. Only so...
I don't blame him.

He did an interview when he was with star and his injury list is HEAVY for an 18 year old.

Only so many times you can get hurt, recover, race before you are just burnt from it.
I honestly don't know much about Matt, but what is his injury list? I know the collarbone this year, but not much else. Did he ever line up for any Futures or do an SX training with Star?

I do like his attitude of enjoying his dirt bike again, we can all relate to that!
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Jesse318pnw
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Jesse318pnw 10/3/2022 4:28pm
10/3/2022 4:28pm
LungButter wrote:
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things...
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things can change.

Parents spending thousands upon thousands to send their kid to a training facility full time should take note of this situation and think long and hard about it.
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
It feels like trade school and hard work is the best ROI in the world right now (over college and definitely over MX).
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GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 10/3/2022 4:30pm
10/3/2022 4:30pm Edited Date/Time 10/3/2022 4:31pm
LungButter wrote:
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things...
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things can change.

Parents spending thousands upon thousands to send their kid to a training facility full time should take note of this situation and think long and hard about it.
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
Jesse318pnw wrote:
It feels like trade school and hard work is the best ROI in the world right now (over college and definitely over MX).
So you would suggest not letting your 6-18 year old kid participate in activities, and instead sit inside while you save for his trade school? Because that would be best for your personal return on investment as a parent?
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mx295
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mx295 10/3/2022 4:49pm
10/3/2022 4:49pm
Mitch should sign him now so he will he will be ready to replace Forkner when he gets hurt again.
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NSP139
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NSP139 10/3/2022 4:56pm
10/3/2022 4:56pm
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
Jesse318pnw wrote:
It feels like trade school and hard work is the best ROI in the world right now (over college and definitely over MX).
GrapeApe wrote:
So you would suggest not letting your 6-18 year old kid participate in activities, and instead sit inside while you save for his trade school? Because...
So you would suggest not letting your 6-18 year old kid participate in activities, and instead sit inside while you save for his trade school? Because that would be best for your personal return on investment as a parent?
It can be done both ways my son race from the age of six all the way up to his last Pro National in 2016 all while being in public schools and even made him go to college After High School all being be at a slightly light load so he could try to compete. He's now finishing up his master's degree and is a successful professional already employed making way more money than we ever did racing LOL! And yes he still rides for fun with even hopes going back to Loretta's just to go play! But we were no near the level of Matt! This is meant to be a pastime if your skills take you to the top they will!
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MXMattii
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MXMattii 10/3/2022 5:03pm
10/3/2022 5:03pm
If you take a job it's clear that you're over it. Than you aren't considering Canada, neither Brazil or Europe... Pity because he could've been a real steal for an EMX250 team who wants to win the championship.
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holeshot413
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holeshot413 10/3/2022 5:23pm
10/3/2022 5:23pm
swe292 wrote:
reminds me of the tristan chaberneau situation with geico. through him up for the nationals one year, he got hurt, never resigned him. basically ruined his...
reminds me of the tristan chaberneau situation with geico. through him up for the nationals one year, he got hurt, never resigned him. basically ruined his career.although i heard some different takes on him but the situation is similar.
And the Troy Lee kid? From Maryland?
FHKRacingZ
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FHKRacingZ 10/3/2022 5:30pm
10/3/2022 5:30pm
LungButter wrote:
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things...
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things can change.

Parents spending thousands upon thousands to send their kid to a training facility full time should take note of this situation and think long and hard about it.
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
Chris99Flannery wrote:
Said it for ages. Spend that money on investing for them. Set them up rather than a virtual no chance pipe dream. As was said earlier...
Said it for ages. Spend that money on investing for them. Set them up rather than a virtual no chance pipe dream.
As was said earlier so many fast juniors give up riding completely because they’re burnt the fuck out and pushed day and night. Plus the thousand junior classes make racedays too long for seniors, who get over sitting around all day. Get the day done quicker and watch numbers increase again.
A no chance pipe dream? As we are talking about a young rider who was just on Star?

Lol the dream is achievable...Is it hard? Absolutely. I look forward to him having some time off and finding the passion again and going back at it. He is super young still.
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caviar&cigarettes338 10/3/2022 5:48pm
10/3/2022 5:48pm
mx295 wrote:
Mitch should sign him now so he will he will be ready to replace Forkner when he gets hurt again.
Isn’t Forkner going to factory kawi team for 450 outdoors ?
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Cygrace74
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Cygrace74 10/3/2022 5:49pm
10/3/2022 5:49pm
MXMattii wrote:
If you take a job it's clear that you're over it. Than you aren't considering Canada, neither Brazil or Europe... Pity because he could've been a...
If you take a job it's clear that you're over it. Than you aren't considering Canada, neither Brazil or Europe... Pity because he could've been a real steal for an EMX250 team who wants to win the championship.
The two emx riders who don’t win both did better than him? Guillem went from ktm to yamaha and was better than Leblanc immediately
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BobbyM
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BobbyM 10/3/2022 5:51pm
10/3/2022 5:51pm
alphado wrote:
Just watched the Vital video. Feel bad for the kid, 18 and over it. Hopefully a break is all he needs to reload and come back.
Just watched the Vital video. Feel bad for the kid, 18 and over it. Hopefully a break is all he needs to reload and come back.
Takes a lot of courage to come to that conclusion at that age. Probably has a hard core moto dad, just guessing here since I have no clue if he does.
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sesker15
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sesker15 10/3/2022 6:39pm
10/3/2022 6:39pm
holeshot413 wrote:
And the Troy Lee kid? From Maryland?
Alex Frye
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part-timer 10/3/2022 7:36pm
10/3/2022 7:36pm
He sounds like a nice kid and I wish him the best 👍
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8tensolutions
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8tensolutions 10/3/2022 8:25pm
10/3/2022 8:25pm
alphado wrote:
Just watched the Vital video. Feel bad for the kid, 18 and over it. Hopefully a break is all he needs to reload and come back.
Just watched the Vital video. Feel bad for the kid, 18 and over it. Hopefully a break is all he needs to reload and come back.
BobbyM wrote:
Takes a lot of courage to come to that conclusion at that age. Probably has a hard core moto dad, just guessing here since I have...
Takes a lot of courage to come to that conclusion at that age. Probably has a hard core moto dad, just guessing here since I have no clue if he does.
Not sure about his Dad, but his Mom appears to be awesome. Go read her comments on the Facebook post of the Vital video. She gets it for sure and he is lucky to have her for sure.
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mxkid138
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mxkid138 10/3/2022 8:50pm
10/3/2022 8:50pm
LungButter wrote:
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things...
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things can change.

Parents spending thousands upon thousands to send their kid to a training facility full time should take note of this situation and think long and hard about it.
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
GrapeApe wrote:
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family...
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family and create priceless memories while the kids are also learning about hard work, sacrifice, commitment, responding to adversity, etc. Stuff that can't be learned from a book.

Not to mention, Matt was on the industry radar at a very early age. I remember him racing and winning the KTM junior SX races on a 50. I doubt his parents have paid much compared to what you or I would pay for a similar setup for our kids.
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out there alone.
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ShipLap
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ShipLap 10/4/2022 5:19am
10/4/2022 5:19am
I wish him well.
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GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 10/4/2022 5:34am
10/4/2022 5:34am
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
GrapeApe wrote:
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family...
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family and create priceless memories while the kids are also learning about hard work, sacrifice, commitment, responding to adversity, etc. Stuff that can't be learned from a book.

Not to mention, Matt was on the industry radar at a very early age. I remember him racing and winning the KTM junior SX races on a 50. I doubt his parents have paid much compared to what you or I would pay for a similar setup for our kids.
mxkid138 wrote:
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out...
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out there alone.
I get it, even if all of your expenses are covered it is a huge time sacrifice for a family. If you're in it for the right reasons there are no regrets, though.
Blackie59
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Blackie59 10/4/2022 5:39am
10/4/2022 5:39am
My advice for anyone who cares is to get your education. It's the only thing no one can take away from you.
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motonation24 10/4/2022 6:24am
10/4/2022 6:24am
I don’t understand what’s going on?
So instead of doing a couple of nationals and Loretta’s in 2022, which would have led into a ride for 2023 I assume?? (Maybe not but he probably would have got the horizon award), he does the full national schedule and because results were sub par he is out?
Brutal Star… Brutal !
There seems to be an example of this every year though, it’s a tough and cruel sport.
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GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 10/4/2022 6:42am
10/4/2022 6:42am Edited Date/Time 10/4/2022 7:01am
motonation24 wrote:
I don’t understand what’s going on? So instead of doing a couple of nationals and Loretta’s in 2022, which would have led into a ride for...
I don’t understand what’s going on?
So instead of doing a couple of nationals and Loretta’s in 2022, which would have led into a ride for 2023 I assume?? (Maybe not but he probably would have got the horizon award), he does the full national schedule and because results were sub par he is out?
Brutal Star… Brutal !
There seems to be an example of this every year though, it’s a tough and cruel sport.
There are only so many spots on a team, and he was not going to be re-signed by Star. They gave him a season to showcase his potential on the big stage, and I'm sure another team would have picked him up if he wanted it. He's burnt out, the joy is gone, he is voluntarily stepping away which is smart.
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mxkid138
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mxkid138 10/4/2022 10:32am
10/4/2022 10:32am
GrapeApe wrote:
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family...
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family and create priceless memories while the kids are also learning about hard work, sacrifice, commitment, responding to adversity, etc. Stuff that can't be learned from a book.

Not to mention, Matt was on the industry radar at a very early age. I remember him racing and winning the KTM junior SX races on a 50. I doubt his parents have paid much compared to what you or I would pay for a similar setup for our kids.
mxkid138 wrote:
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out...
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out there alone.
GrapeApe wrote:
I get it, even if all of your expenses are covered it is a huge time sacrifice for a family. If you're in it for the...
I get it, even if all of your expenses are covered it is a huge time sacrifice for a family. If you're in it for the right reasons there are no regrets, though.
Were all of the expenses covered?
GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 10/4/2022 10:42am
10/4/2022 10:42am
mxkid138 wrote:
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out...
His family has sacrificed quite a bit for him to make it. Team wants you in California, then Florida, you can’t just send your kid out there alone.
GrapeApe wrote:
I get it, even if all of your expenses are covered it is a huge time sacrifice for a family. If you're in it for the...
I get it, even if all of your expenses are covered it is a huge time sacrifice for a family. If you're in it for the right reasons there are no regrets, though.
mxkid138 wrote:
Were all of the expenses covered?
I'm not privy to his amateur contract, but I assume so. For a rider of is caliber I'm sure the team was paying for bikes, parts, gear, gas, oil, practice fees, race entries, travel, per diem, trainer, mechanic, etc. Sometimes the dad will even be paid a salary as a practice mechanic, and then they get to sell some of the bikes at the end of the year and keep the money. But the parents still have to do a lot of traveling to support their kid which can be hard if the parents work.
Cayden Thompson 10/4/2022 12:43pm
10/4/2022 12:43pm
mx295 wrote:
Mitch should sign him now so he will he will be ready to replace Forkner when he gets hurt again.
This. Will probably need him before the season even starts...
Cayden Thompson 10/4/2022 12:47pm
10/4/2022 12:47pm
LungButter wrote:
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things...
Dang. Hope the best for him no matter what comes next. Kid poured his whole life to this date into the sport, crazy how fast things can change.

Parents spending thousands upon thousands to send their kid to a training facility full time should take note of this situation and think long and hard about it.
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
GrapeApe wrote:
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family...
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family and create priceless memories while the kids are also learning about hard work, sacrifice, commitment, responding to adversity, etc. Stuff that can't be learned from a book.

Not to mention, Matt was on the industry radar at a very early age. I remember him racing and winning the KTM junior SX races on a 50. I doubt his parents have paid much compared to what you or I would pay for a similar setup for our kids.
Were your kids trying to go pro and make a living from their sports?
GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 10/4/2022 1:05pm
10/4/2022 1:05pm
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Yeah I wonder what's a better ROI? Thousands into moto or thousands into college? Or tradeschool?
GrapeApe wrote:
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family...
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on my kids' competitive sports and I wouldn't change a thing. We travel as a family and create priceless memories while the kids are also learning about hard work, sacrifice, commitment, responding to adversity, etc. Stuff that can't be learned from a book.

Not to mention, Matt was on the industry radar at a very early age. I remember him racing and winning the KTM junior SX races on a 50. I doubt his parents have paid much compared to what you or I would pay for a similar setup for our kids.
Cayden Thompson wrote:
Were your kids trying to go pro and make a living from their sports?
By the time they were in their teens their goal was to get a good college scholarship and see where that leads. If pro, great. If not, they have a degree.
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