We caught up with Dean Wilson at the Belfast Arenacross to talk about his adaption to UK Arenacross and his long and successful career in the USA including riding for Mitch Payton and Roger DeCoster!
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Dean Wilson you’re here in Northern Ireland. I’m just back from California where you usually are, so it’s a lot warmer over there. How are you adapting to UK weather?
I’m adapting pretty good, yeah, it’s definitely cold but it’s not that bad. It’s a nice change because I tell you what, the summer times in Florida and California where I live is, oh, they’re gnarly, so it’s just a nice breath of fresh air. So I’m enjoying it, it’s good.
And Arenacross, again, very different from Supercross, what’s the biggest change you’ve had to adapt to?
Biggest change is just, man, there’s so little separation, everybody does kind of the same thing. The last race at Wembley I managed to get a little bit of something different in the rhythm section, which was cool. But it’s just all about getting that start and finding those little small pieces to try and make a difference.
So the first time I saw you ride was, I think it was 09, Italy, with the Motocross of Nations and you could see you had something pretty special there. Yeah. I think it was for Canada, but we’ll not talk about that! How was that for quite a big race, to make a big high-profile debut, especially in the European side of it? What are your memories of that?
Yeah, so 2009 was my last year of amateurs and I was trying to get on Mitch Payton’s Pro Circuit team. I went to MX Nations for Team Canada and, oh man, for my first ever pro race it was like you couldn’t go to a bigger race. And just everything, the track, the fans, everything, it was mental. But unfortunately we didn’t have the best weekend, but I won the B-final, so that was the only thing I really had going.
But it was a really good experience, and you know what? Some of that riding that I did there was actually what helped me get the pro-circuit right. I dominated all year in the A-class, but that, I think, stamped it for Mitch, which was cool, so it was good I did it.
And that was Jeffrey Herlings, who made his pro-debut that weekend as well.
Yeah, that’s right. Kenny was there, myself, Jeffrey, and we were all so young then. Sort of like the new era.
From there you got on to Mitch’s team. How, was there a big relief at that point? Because that was the best team in the world, really, at that time. There must have been a big relief and, I guess, motivation once you made it.
Yeah, it was, man, it was just a dream come true. All through amateurs I would go to the races watching pro-circuit and just be like, I wanted to be on that team.
And they’d be wearing their pro-circuit jackets, and I’d say, oh, I just, I manifested that. And I thought, that was my dream, and I made it happen. So it was really cool, so I just made the absolute most of it.
And the first two years were really good. And then, so that was 10, 11, 12, yeah, then the injuries started coming. And every year I was battling for the championship, but I never got the supercross championship I wanted. But I got the outdoor championship. So, yeah, I mean, it’s been a rollercoaster to say the least. But that’s alright, we’re still here, enjoying it. I race my dirt bike around the world, so it’s good.
When you’re riding for Mitch, do you feel more pressure, or do you feel confidence because you know you have one of the best bikes on the track?
I didn’t feel pressure from Mitch, ever. Because Mitch gave me a lot of that tough love. The way he would speak to me is how my dad would speak to me. You know, he’d be like, pull your f**king finger out, right? And that’s how my dad was, so I was like, I liked that. And, yeah, he would just tell me how it was.
And I like when people are just straight shooters. And I had, man, those years were awesome. I still have such a good relationship with Mitch and Bones, and everyone on the team. My mechanic, Paul, one of my best friends. So, yeah, no, it was cool riding for Mitch. And at that time, they were so far above everyone, you know.
The first two years I was there, it was like a cheater bike! And then everybody, I feel like, caught up around 2013. Star caught up, KTM caught up, Geico caught up. So it was, the first two years, it was like you knew you were going to get the star, which was nice.
How much did that outdoor title mean to you? Because obviously the hype, and you’re Dean Wilson, and all you guys are looking for justification of being on those teams and all. And to come away with an outdoor title. You’re still now a former national champion, Dean Wilson, it must mean a lot.
Oh, it meant a lot for sure. It was a dream come true. It really was. Only a year before, I was at the Nationals watching. And, sorry, two years before, I was at the Nationals watching as an amateur. I was just like, man, this is what I want to do. But to think that I would win the Outdoor Championship two years later, man, it was crazy. But I worked hard for it, and was on a great team, and everything just worked out.
And it’s a shame because I wish, I mean, my career has been definitely a bit of a roller coaster. But, you know, it’s definitely like, you know, the guys like Tomac and Barcia, and all of those guys. Jason, you know, I used to race and I used to beat them.
And then I just, injuries just hindered my career. And that’s just the way it goes sometimes. You know, I’m not even upset about it. It’s just how it went. And, you know, it is what it is.
Was it hard to watch their success? Every time you would get up, you seem to get knocked down by injuries on the 450?
Yeah, it was at first. Now, not at all. Like, I actually like, I like seeing Tomac doing well. It’s like, it’s when you get older, it’s different. Especially when you have kids and stuff. It’s just, I don’t know, you like to see those guys do well. You know, the same as Jason and “my generation”, you know. So, no, but when you’re younger, it stings for sure because you just want it so bad. And you’re stuck on the sidelines and you’re injured. Then you get back and then you’re injured.
And it’s really hard. You know, Austin Fortner is going through the same type of thing, if you think about it. He was beating Chase Sexton for the championship in 2019. He had that one, I feel like. And injury after injury after injury.
And it’s just like, I mean, with all due respect, look where Chase is. He’s being healthy somewhat. And then, you know, Austin’s still where he is. So, it’s tough. And I was in a similar position. So, yeah.

Who would be your toughest rival or biggest adversary throughout your pro career, would you say?
I don’t know. 2011 was a good battle with me, Baggett, Barcia, Tomek, and Rattray. Those were tough. Big names. Yeah. And then, I don’t know. I mean, Barcia was always tough. Me and Barcia banged a lot of bars in 250 days. And, you know, Tomac got me good as well. So, I don’t know. I mean, they were all tough, honestly. Every time you go out there on the 450 class, it’s a tough race. You never get easy races, ever. So, it’s really tough, the 450 class.
I was watching mid-pack there, San Diego and Anaheim. It’s just nuts. You have no room to go anywhere.
It doesn’t get the respect, you know. Because those are all champions. And I’ll have a battle to death for P11. And we are matching eighth place speed. I can see eighth place in the corner. And every lap, he’s not gaining on us. But we’re duking it out. And we don’t get shown on TV, which rightfully so. Whatever. But that’s why I think the YouTubes and stuff are good. Because I can show my side of the race.
But the respect isn’t there for that 8th through 12th place. Because they’re all really good riders. And they’re just a tick off of the top 7. As you said, it’s pretty much the same.
Is it enjoyable when you’re in those battles? Is it just so intense, you’re just maxed out?
You can enjoy it if you’re battling with someone that you know is not going to just clean you out. There is just a little bit of respect there. It’s fun. If he’s up on your inside, you kind of lay up a bit and he passes you clean and you try to get him back. That’s nice. But when you have other riders that just lay inside you and just cut the corners and clean you out, that’s just not fun.
Racing Barcia, you’ve pretty much raced him your whole career. Do you race him different when you’re coming to make a pass on him or he’s right behind you? Are you having to adjust a lot compared to if it was a Ken Roczen or someone?
No. Honestly, this is the thing about Justin. He’s aggressive but he’s fast. He’s moving forward. The only thing is, you know he’s aggressive, protect your insides, just like everyone else. Maybe a little bit more with Barcia! To be honest, I think he’s gotten a little bit better.
Your career at this point, you’re still fast, you’re still able to run AMA, Supercross, top ten level, World Supercross, Australian Supercross. Are you enjoying it now? Are you able to enjoy it without maybe less pressure to enjoy the last few years and make money and just have fun?
Yeah, exactly. That’s kind of where I’m at. I’m enjoying it and that’s what I want to do.
I’ve had a lot of rough years. All the way back to 2015 and 2016 when I started with Factory KTM and I was Dungy’s teammate. Blew my knee out both of those years. It was tough years. I’m still here, I still can ride a bike well and I’m here to enjoy it. That’s why I’ve made the schedule that I’ve made this year.
I’m thankful Yariv Konski at Quad Lock Honda was flexible with me to make it happen. We get to do the Arena Cross World Tour. I went to Germany, going back to the States to do five rounds or more. I’m going to Brazil, racing Australia, World SX. Yeah, it’s fun, it’s sick.
Still making good money at it and enjoying it. That’s what it’s all about. I get to bring my family everywhere. I think it’s cool.
How does Roger de Coster compare to a guy like Mitch Payton? Two legends from the outside, but is riding for them similar or different?
No, completely different. The thing that I struggled with Roger was you’re going through a tough time or a tough race, he won’t say a word to you.
Really?!
He’ll walk by you like you’re not there. But then Mitch will have a chat with you and like I said, give you that more of a dad talk and I like that just because I can relate to it. Just a word on the fans.
You have a really big fan base around the world especially in all these races. How much does that mean to you that people are still really interested in what Dean Wilson’s doing?
It means a lot. It means a lot. I’m 33 now, old and dusty and they still care a little bit about what I’m doing. So that’s cool. I’ve got a great fan base and I’m really grateful for that. Everyone that buys the merch and comes to the pits and sees me. It’s really cool. I’m grateful for it. Just lucky to be in that position.