Lucas Crespi
Nickname: Screw Loose
By Jenn Sheppard

It's hard to be humble but 16 year-old Lucas Crespi handles public school along with motocross, family, surfing and a summer job. Earlier this year, Lucas won both the MX Lites B Stock and Modified classes at the Loretta Lynn's Area Qualifier in Florida. Virginia brought Lucas another win in the Stock class and second in the Modified at the Northeast Qualifier. FLmx recently caught up with the Butler Brother's MX backed amateur rider, who revealed the best thing he has going, and what he's doing with needles in his back.

Lucas, what's up? Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in Miami, Florida. I lived there for thirteen years, and that's where I started riding at Air Dania down there. Then we moved up to Melbourne three years ago, and that's my life story.

Who got you into riding?
Bradley Bollmann. My dad and his dad are good friends. His dad used to paint jet skis for my dad. His son raced motocross and we went to watch him one time, and next time I rode one of his bikes. Then, there was a bike under the Christmas tree.

How many different brands have you raced?
I rode Kawasaki and KTM 60s; Suzuki 80s. After that, I got on a Honda, and it's been Honda for a good portion of my career.

How did you get your number?
I used to be 91 (the 9 was for my dad and I just threw a 1 on it). Then I went to 391. I don't remember how.

So what are your thoughts on the deal you have with the Butler Brothers?
The whole deal with the Butler Brother's MX is just so mellow because I call one person, and get the stuff I need. I call Forrest Butler and tell him what I need. He always hooks me up and makes things easy. It's definitely the best thing I have going, for sure.

How did that come about?
They wanted to get an amateur rider. We started talking at the U.S. Open one year when I raced there on 80s. When we got home, we were able to put a deal together. I was in the right place at the right time.

Forrest is a big fan of yours-he said, "Luke" hasn't even begun to show what he can do.
Yeah, he's like my big brother and my dad. He tries to tell me that it's sort of like everything has a meaning. Then he picks on me and messes around, so it's a good thing to have.

Is it true that you maintain a solid "A" grade point average in full-time public school?
Yep.

How do you do that?
A lot of cheating [Laughs]. I like school. It's better than being home schooled and sitting around all day because that's what I'd be doing. It's fun going to school. Sometimes, I think I could use my time better, but if I don't have motocross and I don't go to school, then what am I going to have?

What school do you go to?
Melbourne High School. It's on the mainland. We live on the barrier islands, so it's like 30 minutes away.


What grade are you in?
I'll be in 11th grade.

Are you driving?
Yep.

What's your favorite subject?
I'd have to say...umm.... yeah. I really like in-between classes. No, math is my best subject or the easiest for me.

Forrest also said your mother is going to have girl problems when you turn 18, and then he changed that number to 16?
I don't know what he's talking about? You're the only love for me, number one.

What are some of your career highlights?
Winning a moto at Loretta's on a 60 and winning a championship at the Mini O's.

What about when you went (1-1-1) at Broome Tioga in Supermini?
I was going to say that. That was sick. The track was sick. Everything was perfect. It just sucked we had to drive 26 hours for me to qualify.

You used to race with Ricky Renner back in the day, what do you think about his progression in the sport?
I think that he's doing well but I think he could do a lot better with his talent. He had the eighth fastest lap time in practice the other weekend, so he has the speed. It's good that he's made a lot of the mains in Supercross, and I think he will do well in the Outdoors.

How you feel about rivalries?
It helps to a certain point unless it gets too series. It's good for racing.

I heard about your latest shoulder injury that happened earlier this month?
Yeah, I crashed in a fast sweeper at Unadilla, like fourth gear wide open.

Wow.
Yep. I'm just trying to get better now. I rode three days ago. I've been going to the chiropractor, and I got acupuncture on it today.

Really? How's that?
It's not as bad as you think. They put needles in you, and they put cloth on top of the needles. Then, they light the cloth on fire. It's freaky.

Whose idea was that?
It was my dad's idea. He was talking to his friend about my shoulder injury. His friend said, "You should come by and we'll do a session on his arm." It was my first time today. I'm going back in two days.

How does your dad fit in with your racing?
He goes riding with me almost every time I ride. He rides his bike to the gym with me; he watches all the races with me at the track. He tells me what lines I should take. He picks my starting gate a lot. If I'm not doing something right, he says that I suck or something to keep it fun. It helps.

What about your mom?
She was into it, but now she just goes to all the nationals. She has to work a lot.



Are you an only child?
Yep. That's how I roll.

How did you get into surfing?
My dad. He has been surfing since he was my age.

Can you compare motocross to surfing?
I think motocross is more serious. It's sort of like a job. With surfing, I just go out with my friends and my dad, and we just mess around the whole time. It's nothing really serious. I just started doing contests, so it's getting a little more serious. The whole contest scene in surfing is mellow. It's not like kids are trying to take you out.

Would you pick moto over surfing?
I would pick motocross over surfing, but I wouldn't want to have to choose only one. They even each other out. If I'm not riding well, I go surf and my mind's clear. Then, if I'm not surfing well, I go riding. It's good to have something else.

I found some pics of you surfing on Transworldsurf.com.
No way...what are you talking about? You're such a liar.

I did! And there's a guy from Argentina named Lucas Crespi-he's pretty famous.
Is that what you do? You just Google people's names all day?

Perhaps. What do you think of the four stroke?
The four stroke is easier to ride. With a two stroke, you have to pin it everywhere. A four stroke is more relaxed. It was hard for me to get used to, but it helped me calm down when I ride. It was definitely good for me.

How have you been able to calm down over the years?
I don't know. I'm getting older I guess.

What about your mechanic, Mark from WMI?
Mad Mark? He's pretty much the craziest guy I know. We can leave it at that.

So, he's your friend as well as your mechanic?
Yeah, it's good to have him around. I think it's less serious when he's around.

How is qualifying going?
It was good until the Regional. I just have to get the job done at the last Regional. Everyone's going to be do or die.

You took more wins in the stock class, why?
I think I have a big advantage in the stock class because of my weight. It seems like once we get on the mod bike, it sort of evens out.

How tall are you?
5'6 or 5'7 and about 130.


How do you stay in shape?
I go to the gym, I have weight training in school, and I surf.

Do you watch what you eat?
Yeah, I just started doing this thing that Dean Dyess did when we went to New York. He didn't eat any fried foods. I am not eating any fried food but it's hard at times.

What's your Favorite food?
Ice cream. I can eat it all day.

What kind?
Vanilla.

What keeps you motivated?
When people say, "I can't do it." I want to prove them wrong. It feels good to win.

How's being from Florida for you?
It's definitely good. The competition in Florida is good for everyone. You go to a local race and there are kids that get top 3 at nationals. I think it's the best place to live for riding dirt bikes.

What's the best place on Earth?
I don't know. Why does it have to be on Earth?

The best place in the world?
I'd have to say the moon. How cool would that be to be on the moon?

Who do you ride with?
Garrett Edmisten, the leader of the DSP. He'll ride for like an hour. He pays for my food sometimes. It's good to ride with someone who's almost your same speed. We never ride trails together. We go on mountain bikes and stuff but no trail riding for us.

Why not?
I don't feel like hitting trees. I've done that before and it's no good.

What are you goals for the next year?
Top five at Loretta's and then move up to "A" next year.

Do you see yourself in the 250 or 450 class?
I'd work [the Lites] forever, or I guess as long as I could.

What do you think about the Lites class as of now?
Jason Lawrence is the man! That's all.

Sponsors?
Butler Brothers MX, DNA Energy Drink, WMI, BTOsports.com, Fly Racing, Rick Case Honda, FMF, Citi boots, Engine Ice, Virginia Chain, ICW bike stands, Michelin, Ogio, Twin Air, Apply triple clamp, Up Front MX, SixSixOne, Sunline, Down South Players, Sponsorhouse, ASMF, Pro Clean, Wiseco, Seminole Tribe MX, Spy, Yellowfin, Butler Buckley & Deats.

Thanks, Lucas!
My mom just yelled to say something about my job.


What's your job?
I bus tables at a restaurant up the street called the Surfin' Turtle. You should come eat there. It's a happening place on Friday nights in Melbourne.