"An Interview with Ron Lechien"

ACR: What was your first motorcycle?
RL:  My first motorcycle was a Honda QA-50 that my Dad bought for me and my sister to share.

ACR: What was your first race experience like?
RL:  I was very nervous but I think I did fairly well. I got a 5th or something like that.

ACR: Name your 5 favorite tracks.
RL:  Unadilla, Mammoth, Mount Morris, Saddleback & Borona.

ACR: What was your favorite race of all time?
RL:  1989 Motocross des Nations in France.

ACR: What was your favorite MX bike?
RL: My 1985 Honda RC-250 Works Bike.

ACR: Who was your heroes or idols growing up?
RL:  Marty Smith, Bob Hannah, Jimmy Weinert & Tony D.

ACR: What are you up too today?
RL:  I'm part owner of Maxima Racing Lubricants and I work there full time now.

ACR: What's your current bikes owned and/or ridden today?
RL:  I now have a 2000 Honda CR-250 and a 2000 Yamaha YZ-426F that I race for fun.

ACR: Do you still ride & or race today?
RL:  I still enjoy racing and riding with my friends at a very relaxed pace.

ACR: Who was your most feared rival?
RL:  Rick Johnson and I had a fierce rivalry going in the mid 80's.

ACR: What do you think of today's current crop of riders?
RL:  I think the current riders of today are very talented and skilled in Supercross type jumping.

ACR: Who was the most influential person(s) in your life?
RL:  I must say that my Dad & my Mom were. My Dad was my mechanic and coach and I could never have made it without him or my mother.

ACR: Name your favorite movie of all time.
RL: True Romance.

ACR: Name your favorite food.
RL:  Sea Food.

ACR: What do you think of the current SX series?
RL:  I think the SX series is very exciting and it is good to see some riders stepping up to do battle with McGrath.

ACR: What do you think of the AMA allowing 400cc 4-strokes to
run in the 250 class?
RL:  That's a tough question. I think for the development of the new bikes that it is important to get them into the main stream of AMA competition, but with the weight disadvantage, it's a toss up.

ACR: Who do you think is the greatest MX rider of all time?
RL:  Roger DeCoster.

ACR: Anything you'd like to say in parting?
RL: I'd like to thank my family and friends for sticking by me through all my tough times. I'd also like to thank all the fans who supported me when I was racing.

About Ron Lechien

Ron Lechien first burst onto the motocross scene with his smooth fluid riding style when he dominated the 125 Pro class at the legendary Mammoth  Mountain race track in 1981.He came from the hotbed of MX  El Cajon, CA which was referred to as the El Cajon Zone & produced such legendary riders as early heroes Marty Smith, Marty Tripes, Broc Glover & Marty Moates & then later Rick Johnson, Scott Burnworth & Mike Craig.  At the tender age of 16 in 1983 Ron was signed to his first full factory ride  at Team Yamaha & went to battle against some of the all time greats in American motocross: Hannah, Bailey, Glover, Barnett, Johnson & Ward.  Certainly a daunting task for anyone but even more so to a young 16 year old. Even though he didn't win a title that year he put in some great rides &  even won a 250 SX main event at Orlando besides winning 3 125cc Nationals.

Ron went on to ride for Honda as well as Kawasaki later in his career. While Ron only won the 1985 125 National Championship he came close to several more & won many SX as well as outdoor overalls as well as riding on two winning Motocross des Nations teams. When Ron was on & motivated he could just ride away from the competition with a style & grace that not many have displayed before or since. Anyone who ever saw Ron on one of these days still revels in the fluid effortless style he displayed. A true natural & a motocross legend who burned out much too early due to off the track  decisions that Ron has had the courage to work out like a true champion that he is.

The 34 year old Lechien currently works in the family business at Maxima Race Oils & has begun to ride for the love of the sport again at So. Cal local MX races & even participated at the recent World 4 Stroke Championships.