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Feature - Tyler Livesay

posted May 09, 2008 to Featured Articles by FLmx
from the May 2008 issue

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Tyler Livesay Feature Interview
Text: Ronnie Monk

Pics: Randy Yoho

FLmx: Tyler, some people might not know you, but you have really come on strong at the start of the 2008 season. What is your background information, how long have you been racing, etc?
Livesay: Well I have been racing since I was eight so that puts me at eleven years, minus an injury or twelve. My first race was at Dade City (which I won) after that I've never really looked back enjoying every minute of it.

FLmx: You have been racing for a long time now, but now it seems your dominating at Dade City in the Sponsor Cup over some heavy hitters. What has changed this year?
Livesay: I guess it started last year when I came down from Starke and started riding with Kyle Keylon, he was racing the Sponsor Cup so I loaded up and went for it. Lets just say that wasn't my greatest night ever but it was enough for Randy to give me a bike to ride for the rest of the year. I progressed as the year came to an end and lined up a deal with KWWD Racing & WFO Kawasaki for a ride and was very excited about that. So really I owe everything that is going on this year in the Monster Energy Sponsors Cup to those guys they have been a great help.

FLmx: You have a solid program right now with new sponsors, KWWD Racing, Southeast Racing and WFO Kawasaki. How is the new team and what are they doing for you?
Livesay: The question should really be, what do they not do for me? Man they are really a great group of people. The whole Whatley family, which is KWWD Racing, are one of the nicest families you will ever come in contact with. RJ Huss with the Tourqued Southeast Racing Team has been a huge factor in the last 6 months, and Gifford with the guys at WFO Kawasaki really work hard to keep the 'Mitch Payton team of Dade City' going strong!

FLmx: It also helps having very strong training partners, who are you usually training with during the week?
Livesay: My training partner is a guy you guys may or may not know, Kyle Keylon. Sometimes we can get Kory to do a little with us as-well.

FLmx: What is the normal week like for you with riding and training?
Livesay: When it comes to training the man I have to give thanks to is Rob Beams. He has helped me and I'm sure I speak for Kyle as well. We are on the bike three to four times a week, cycling two times a week and also strength training two times a weak.

FLmx: You had some solid rides at Texas, even running 2nd during one of the Pro Mains. You just finished qualifying for the Regional for Loretta’s. Are you planning on hitting all of the big Nationals this year?
Livesay: Like you said the next big thing for me, will be Loretta’s hoping to do well enough to pull a ride out of it and hit some outdoors. Thats the plan.

FLmx: What goals do you have set for the year at the Nationals?
Livesay: I would like to win Loretta’s of course, but I guess I could take a top three. I will be there in full force though, so will see.

FLmx: You swept the last round, getting pass your WFO Kawasaki teammate Vince Devane. You are 30 points behind him now for the lead, but Ricky Renner is going to be coming back soon so there are a lot of strong riders to look out for. I know you are looking to grab the title this year so what is your plan of attack?
Livesay: Really my plan is to stay healthy and consistent because that’s what is going to win this year. Ask Vince he can tell you, it’s all about consistency!

FLmx: There is some big money up for grabs now at Dade City, which includes $200 per holeshot (Sponsored by Nina Plastics & KWWD Racing) & $250 for a moto win! Randy just changed it to paying the top 8 instead of 5 for the next race. With 26 total teams it is a stacked gate, and I have heard of even more pro's coming after the SX season is over. What do you think of the Monster Energy Sponsor Cup at Dade?
Livesay: To be completely honest with you its probably one of the best things that could of happened to my racing career. It finally got me on some good bikes, it keeps me on the gate almost every weekend and it doesn't really make my bank account mad at me either! I really can't thank Randy Yoho enough.

FLmx: After this year, do you want to try and SX races next or hit any nationals?
Livesay: I would love to race supercross next year, that is my ultimate goal. I will only do it on a competitive bike that I can actually show my talent and hard work. That means this year is really important to try and get noticed enough to get that.

FLmx: What is your goal in the next 5 years of your racing career?
Livesay: My goal is to stay healthy as much as possible and just keep trying to work my way to the top. I know I have a long ways to go to eventually be on a factory team and be up front, but do I think its possible? O Yeah!

FLmx: Tyler we want to wish you luck, the pictures are pretty amazing that Yoho did with you on this shoot, what did you think of those?
Livesay: Three letters WOW! Not just because it was me on the other side either. The guy is very smart and he definately has figured it out buddy. It’s all confusing to me but I've seen the hard work he has put into them and its really starting to show!

FLmx: Good luck with the rest of the year, who would you like to thank?
Livesay: Man there is so many let's start of with the whole Keylon family, they have been such a huge help to me. No one will ever know, thanks a lot guys! Next family- the Whatleys with KWWD Racing, they are truely first class people, and I can't thank them enough. Also I would like to thank Randy Yoho, WFO Kawasaki, Huss Drilling, Torqued Racing, Polaris Eletrical Connectors, S&J Fitness, Stellar MX Decals, and FLmx Magazine thanks alot.