After blitzing the MXD field at the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals, Kiwi KTM rider Kayne Lamont has been a notable absentee from the start gate for the 2013 NZ Nationals. MotoOnline.com.au caught up with the 19-year-old from Mangakino, near Taupo, and hit him with Five Questions Why.

Why aren’t you racing the NZ motocross championship this year?

A week before the first round at Timaru I was training at Taupo and highsided, knocking myself out and breaking my collarbone in four places. I wasn’t going to get surgery at first, but the bone was almost poking through the skin. I accidentally hit it on the car door once and it sent me through the roof! I had surgery on Wednesday as it had started to mend unevenly. The surgeons rebroke it and plated it with eight screws. I’ll be off the bike for another three weeks, but will definitely be back for the MX Nationals.

Why are stepping up to a four-stroke for the 2013 MX Nationals after so much success on the two-stroke last year?

I actually prefer racing four-strokes. I’m riding for the Choice Motorsports KTM team alongside Dylan Long and the team is using four-strokes. I find them easier to ride and a lot easier to control. Two-strokes are so aggro and hard to ride, especially being a light-weight like myself.

Why are you stepping up to MX2 after just one year in MXD?

I’m too old as I’ve just turned 19! But even if I was 18 I would’ve stepped up anyway to get more competition and get dragged along at the pace of the senior guys. I’m really looking forward to this year and can’t wait to see where I’m at against everyone else.

Why do you think you’ll be faster this year?

My pre-season preparation, up until my injury was leaps and bounds ahead of last year. I feel I know the bike a lot better and am feeling a lot more confident about it. Last year I jumped on the KTM for the first time just one week out from round one at Conondale, and learning was a bit hit-and-miss. I eventually gelled with the two-stroke, but I’m looking forward to getting back on the four-stroke.

Even though I’m recovering from surgery I’m still working on my legs and a bit of core work at the gym, and have started exercises to open up the shoulder joint a little.

Why don’t you return to Europe?

I raced in Europe in 2010 and 2011, and while I enjoyed it, I don’t think my speed is ready for the seniors over there yet. Doing a good series close to home will help a lot, and depending on how much I improve this year, I might try and return to Europe in 2014. It’s a different world over there and I felt isolated living by myself in a foreign city, but if I return at least I know what to expect.