ON THE GAS:
AXEL WARD
Axel Ward was a dominant force in the PW class throughout the majority of the 2019 season, proving to be a threat to win any moto that he lined up for from the beginning of the year until the end. The Alabama native took the top spot at the FMF California Classic and the Baja Brawl, additionally winning motos at the Loretta Lynn Amateur National Motocross Championship and Mini Os. Ward also ended up on the Box in the 51cc (4-6) Shaft Drive class at The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City, closing out the year with some strong results before shifting his focus to the (7-8) and Open classes for this season. Ward’s family moved to Florida recently which has put himself closer to training facilities such as GPF and MTF as well as a plethora of sand tracks that are perfect for training. Although he hasn’t been doing a lot of riding during the lockdown, the 7-year-old has all the resources at his disposal to continue improving and winning motos. We had a quick chat with Axel to discuss what he’s been up to during the quarantine, last year at Loretta’s, and what he likes about the 65.
What have you been doing during the quarantine for the last couple of months?
Just layin' around, I rode once. My family moved to Florida and we're opening up a restaurant.
What made your family decide to move to Florida?
We moved to Florida to open a restaurant but we also moved to Florida to have more sandy tracks to train on.
How's virtual school been for you?
It's been okay. I like it better.
When were you able to ride and where'd you go to ride?
A couple of weeks ago at STC MX in Bonifay, Florida.
Do you know when you're planning on racing next?
No, we're going to look at the Regionals and see.
You won a moto at Loretta's last season in the PW class. Talk about your week there last year.
Yeah, the first moto I was winning by twenty seconds and my bike broke down on the last lap. It felt really good to win that last moto. I didn't know I could do it until I just really tried and I'm proud of myself, too.
You went onto the Baja Brawl and swept the PW class there. How'd the weekend go for you in Michigan?
My dad said he'd give me a hundred bucks if I got the holeshot my first time racing the 51cc (7-8) class, I almost got the holeshot on my KTM. We love Baja, they put so much money into making sure everyone has a good time and they've got Ronnie Mac!
What do you think about the track at Baja Acres?
It was kind of hard for me 'cause I was always wide open through the turns so it was hard to balance hitting the turns so fast.
How'd The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City go for you last season?
The track is very big and I like the big hill and the turn after it is very sweet and gnarly. It was a little bit muddy for a little bit. I had to stand up and squeeze my knees the whole time 'cause I was wide open through the turns.
What was it like for you getting on the 65 and starting to learn the new bike?
Yeah, I learned the clutch a little bit and I just sold my KX so I'm gettin' me a KTM.
How much seat time do you have on the 65?
I've ridden it about ten times.
What do you like most about the 65 compared to your 50?
You can go through deeper ruts.
How'd the Supercross Futures go for you in Arlington at the beginning of the season?
It was pretty hard 'cause all of the ruts were really deep and there were lots of cowboys there.
What're your plans for Loretta's this season?
I'm tryin' to make it and I hope I win at Loretta's. I'm gonna do the 51cc (7-8) class.
Are you going to try and qualify on your 65 or are you saving that one for next year?
Saving that one for next year.