Digital Interview Chris Haackl

Hello Chris,

Thanks for doing an interview with SouthFloridaMX. Please tell the readers a little about yourself.

Where are you from?

I am from Big Pine Key FL, which is 30 miles north of Key West.

When did you start riding?

I started riding when I was 4. I have been racing ever since I turned 5.

What brand of bikes have you ridden over the years and what bike(s) are you currently on?

I rode Kawasaki’s while I was on 60s, and than switched to Suzuki’s for a few years when I moved up to the 80 class. The last year of my mini cycle career I rode Kawasaki’s. When I moved up to the big bikes I stayed on Kawasaki’s for a year, and than switched over to Suzuki and rode the RMZ250 and RM250.

CHRIS HAACK

I just recently switched to Honda and will be riding the CRF250 only. Willie Manning is doing my motors and suspension, and I am confident that my bike is one of the best out there, it is by far the best bike I have ever ridden.

What class do you race at this time?

I will be racing the A and Pro Sport classes beginning in July.

Are you planning on going pro?
If so, when and where can we see you?

Yea, I plan on going pro for sure. I will be racing a few of the BOO KOO
arena cross rounds this year, and next year I hope to maybe try a few supercross rounds and some outdoor nationals.

Are you injured at this time? What happened? When will we see you back on two wheels?

Yea, I actually broke the radius bone in my left arm at the Spring Classic in Texas back in March. It was one of the first moto’s in the morning and I had a top 5 start, and in the second turn my front end washed out, and I just got plowed by a few other guys. I didn’t need surgery, just a cast and some time off. So it could have been worse.

Riders:

Do you ride with any of the local guys?

If Nick Depalo is home I usually go ride with him, he’s a good friend and he works really hard, so he’s a great guy to go ride with.

Who are some of your Motocross buddies?

I have a lot you know. Pretty much everyone at the track is my friend, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.

Besides yourself, name four local riders that you think are talented enough to go pro and do well? Tell us a little about each one.

Nick Depalo because he works really hard and has a lot of natural talent.

Brandon Butler, he’s already pro. He deserves more credit than he gets, people don’t realize who he lines up next to every week. He’s up against the best riders in the world, I mean, give the guy some credit.

Dean Dyess because he works hard and he stands up a lot when he rides, so I think he will do pretty good outdoors.

Oscar Diaz is getting faster and faster, I know he’s been riding a lot, and if he keeps improving like he has been, he’s definitely someone to keep your eye on.

DEPALO

BUTLER

DYESS

DIAZ

On a national level, who is your favorite for the outdoor nationals this year? Explain why?

I kind of want RC to win the championship, I think it would be cool for him to win

everything again this year, since it’s his last year. That would be a cool way to retire.

While on the subject of national riders, did you go to any of the Nationals this year? Give us the 411 on the last race you saw (Mt. Morris)?

Yea, I was just at Round 2, at Mt. Morris this past weekend. I will also be going to Southwick and Red Bud. The first moto of the 250 class was a great race, James and RC were going back and forth pretty much for the first 20 minutes. James finally put a move on RC and made it stick, he pulled a little lead and ended up going down hard when he got into lapped traffic. It was a great race until that point.

Tell us your opinion of the following riders: What are there strengths and weaknesses?

Ricky Carmichael - His strength is his heart, he will do anything it takes to win. I guess his weakest point is the whoops.

James Stewart - He is strongest in really technical stuff, his weak point is worrying what is happening behind him, and trying to do more than he needs to.

Davi Milsaps - We all know that Davi is strong in the whoops.

I would have to say his weakest point is his starts, but he’s on a 450 now, so we’ll see.

Josh Grant - He is really strong in rutted corners from what I can tell, I guess his weakest point is being consistent.

Mike Alessi - STARTS! And his weakest point is letting the pressure get to him.

Butler Brothers - It’s kind of hard to say one thing about all 3, but there all great guys and good friends of mine. They keep improving every season

Nick Depalo - He can scrub jumps pretty good, I guess his weakest point is probably whoops. He’s fast everywhere else.

Dean Dyess - He’s really strong in rough stuff. His weakest point is his starts.

Oscar Diaz - He’s in great shape, so that’s his strong point, long moto’s. He’s weak in rutted turns, from what I’ve noticed.

Tracks:

What do you prefer: MX or SX?

I like supercross over motocross for sure.

What tracks do you train at?

Mostly Seminole, because it’s my closest, even though 4 hours is not close!

SEMINOLE TRIBE MX PARK - PHOTO BY: GLENN GARDNER

Where do you race the most (region and tracks)?

I race most of the Amateur Nationals, and some of the US MEGA SERIES.

What is your favorite terrain to ride on (sand, hard pack etc)?

However you describe the dirt at MTF, I love that track!

Have you done any series races such as the Florida Gold Cup or FTR races?

I have in the past, but I don’t really do any series, it’s just too long of a drive
To ride two four lap motos.
I get way more riding time in going to a practice track.

What tracks in Florida do you like best? Why?

I like Seminole a lot, they have 2 Tracks there, so if I get tired of 1, I hop on the other!

Training

Out of all the locals you seem to take your cardiac training to the next level. We saw you last summer in the mid day sun riding motos, then immediately after you went jogging. You did this all day. Tell us about this. What else do you do? Do you also diet?

Yea, since I don’t get to ride a lot during the week, I do a lot of cardio exercises. During the week when I’m at home, I go to the gym every night. I alternate between
Cycling and Elliptical exercises every day, so I don’t get burnt out. I don’t have a specific diet, I just don’t drink soda or eat candy. I could Definitely adopt a better diet LOL

In closing, where do you see yourself in 2 months from now?

2 months from now, hopefully being healthy and in great shape.

Where do you see yourself in 2 years from now?

I hope to be racing Professionally, Supercross and Motocross.

Is there anyone (or group) you would like to thank for helping you get to this point?

My DAD, Palmetto Motorsports, PCS, SDG Seats, Oxtar Boots, Xtreme Racewear, Willie Manning, Polisport, SCOTT USA Big Pine Key FL, and if I forgot anyone, thanks a lot.

Chris we truly appreciate you taking the time to do this interview. We have immensely enjoyed watching you over the years (Homestead, Pepsi Air Dania, Seminole). You have great talent and we wish you the very best all the way to the top.

RC or Stewart? RC this year, James has the next 5 years for sure.
Alessi or Villo? Villopoto, he trains really hard.
MC or TP? There two different kinds of people. I respect them both.

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