He then struggled with a shoulder injury in the second moto. The injury meant he also missed the USGP, something he wasn’t happy about.

MXlarge: Tommy, so where you disappointed to miss last weekend’s USGP?

Searle: I would have loved to have been racing. I hurt my shoulder in the second moto of the AMA National, but I wanted to race at Glen Helen, even if it was just for peace of mind, you know. Everyone is saying how fast the MX2 riders are, it’s so easy to watch and I am watching them go around and thinking, wow, they look tired, but I looked on television and the track was gnarly.

MXlarge: How would you rate the current MX2 riders?

Searle: Everyone has improved, I could look back at the 2008 result and think I won against these guys, but they have improved so much. I believe I am riding the best I have ever ridden, but then again these guys have also improved. That is why I would have liked to have raced, it’s nice to have bragging rights, better to say you are faster than not. I don’t have any bragging rights because I was just watching.

MXlarge: How was your preparation before that opening round of the AMA Nationals at Hangtown?

Searle: There was a lot going on with the bikes and stuff, we had to get the bike sorted, the guys in Europe have been testing with it, I got a bike given to us, just the bike, no spare fenders or anything, had I crashed and snapped a fender I would have ridden without one. I had to do it all myself, the testing and stuff.

MXlarge: You looked so strong in that opening moto. Tell us about it?

Searle: I had a lot of confidence, I got a good start and the bikes fast and I was happy. I watched the race back and was so happy with how I rode in that first moto, it’s going to be a good year.

MXlarge: What is the problem with Tyla (Rattray), his results were not that good?

Searle: It’s hard, Tyla was riding well, and he rides well every week. He had a terrible race and there was no reason for it, I am sure he will have good races.

MXlarge: And what about Christophe Pourcel?

Searle: He is obviously a good rider, but I will be with him a lot this year. He passed me on the last lap and won that first moto, but he didn’t have it easy. I know I have a lot more in me, I can’t wait to prove that and get some wins.