Interview: Inside Greenville with Kawasaki Racer Thomas Covington
Kawasaki 08.06.12
Six-year veteran of Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green, Thomas Covington missed the first part of the 2012 season, but made his return to racing last month at Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross. Last year at Loretta’s, Covington won the 250 B Mod class and is looking to back it up with two more titles in 2012. We caught up with him after practice inside the Team Green compound known as Greenville to get the update.
Team Green: Thomas, take me through your season thus far in 2012.
Thomas Covington: Well, after hurting my knee back at Mini O’s last year, I just concentrated on getting healthy and didn’t make it to any of the early season nationals. My first race back was at Mammoth and I was feeling strong. I finished on the podium in the Schoolboy class and left with a lot of confidence for Loretta’s.
TG: From Mammoth leading up to Loretta’s, what has your preparation been like?
Covington: I’ve just been heading to the track four to five times a week and have been working with David Pingree and Johhny O’Mara. I’ve been riding a lot and just working to get back to my original speed.
TG: Being from California, what is like to come to the East coast and ride in these conditions?
Covington: The tracks back home in California are super dry and hardpacked, while first practice here at the ranch had big long deep ruts with tons of mud and soft conditions. It’s definitely different, but it doesn’t take long to get used to it and back in the swing of things.
TG: You won here in the 250 B Mod class last year, do you feel confident about the competition even though you missed the early season?
Covington: Yeah, I’m still feeling really confident this year. I don’t think I lost anything or any speed by not racing all season, if anything I’ve gained speed. I think there are more guys in the B class this year though, so I’m going to need to get good starts and stay consistent.
TG: You’ve been with Team Green for six years. Tell us about what it’s like being part of such a strong team.
Covington: Team Green is awesome. From Ryan Holliday (Team Supervisor), to all the technicians, they all work hard to get my bike ready to win and I don’t think I’d be at the level I am without their support. I love being part of Team Green.
TG: What are your expectations for this week?
Covington: I won here last year, so I’m just looking to come back and take another title. Our plan is to finish the B class this week with some championships and then move up to the A class and hopefully be up front there too.
TG: Thanks for the update Thomas, we look forward to seeing you on the podium this week.
Covington: Thanks guys!
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