Right now, I'm just kind of exploring the possibilities of if I'm going to race locally or maybe do some industry races or just not ride at all. All my friends tell me I should just ride for fun but for me it has never really been about just riding for fun - it has been about being competitive and being fast. It's hard for me to just be a local vet rider or a ''for fun'' rider. I'd almost rather not do it at all and just walk away – and remember what it was like to be semi fast rather than see myself get slow.
Q: What does Paul Lindsey look for in a rider?
PL: You know, that's a really tough question - as this sport is a business first and foremost. I guess if I had all the money in the world, I would try to help out more of the privateers with so much heart who are out there busting their butts and not making any money. There are so many riders in this sport that deserve a chance but we're not in a position to do that because we are in business - just like any company.
We have to deliver what the sponsors are paying us to deliver. When it comes to looking at talent, you need a rider who has everything, the complete package, to be successful at this sport. It's not just speed, and it's not just talent. You have to have a good family background, a level head, and confidence. Most importantly, you have to have the desire to put forth the work that it requires to be fast at this level.
You have to be relatively non-fragile, and injury free. It is gnarly, all the factors that it takes to be successful in this sport. I've actually dealt with riders that have tons of natural talent but zero maturity or zero desire to do anything with it.
It is just unbelievable to see what it takes to be a Ricky Carmichael or Jeremy McGrath. I think a lot of fans don't realise what all it takes and what goes in to it as far as having a full package. That makes my job even harder and unfortunately for me there are a lot of riders that I'd like to work with that we, at this level of a team, possibly can't afford.
Q: Finally Paul, can you talk for a minute about your team in 2003?
PL: As far as the four riders we have for 2003, I couldn't be happier with all four of them. I think that all four have a lot to offer. We did a deal with them and we're happy and the sponsors are happy - now we're ready to go kick some butt! I think we have a really solid line-up.
