MRW Issue 41

ME: Stage 3 had Branch return to the top of
the podium, as you brought ‘er home in 4th –
preserving the overall lead ahead of Dabrowski
by 5:05. At this point Branch was still a ways
back, but no doubt in the hunt for the overall
victory. What were your thoughts following Stage
3, both as the race leader and your chance at the
victory, as well as the fact that you were there to
support Branch and his effort at victory, along
with accumulating the most points possible for the
overall season WRRC title?
AM: It started to sink in a bit at that point that I had
a good shot at winning it. Of course I knew my job
was to help Ross in any way that I could. He has
a great chance at winning the championship this
year and I think we both made a great team by
getting through some challenging moments in this
race. At this point I was just trying to do the best
job I could for the team and myself.
ME: Without a doubt, the biggest news out of
Stage 4 was Branch taking the lead racers –
Dabrowski and 3rd place (at the time) Jean-Loup
Lepan (DUUST Rally) – purposely off the track on
a wild goose chase to give you the stage win and
a commanding 10:14 lead over Dabrowski (22:05
over Lepan and 47:55 over Branch) heading into
the 5th and final stage of the ADDC. Talk about this
move, the teamwork from Branch, being the turning
point of the race that allowed you to bring home the
victory – your first ever overall WRRC win.
AM: Haha, yeah, it was an interesting one for
sure. Ross knew it was going to be pretty tough to
make up the time he needed and was still going
for the overall podium. It’s always tough in the
dunes when you are opening the stage to not lose
time, so he brought out some tricks which worked
in my favor - and almost worked how he wanted
for himself. I always try my best to stay focused
on my nav and trust myself, so I was just out there
doing my own thing and picking what I think is
the best line. It’s never a nice feeling following
someone else’s line and then getting lost.
ME: Comfortable lead heading into the final Stage
5, but by no means were you out of the woods,
er, desert yet. Talk about the Monster Energy/
Hero Motosports game plan with you and Branch
heading into Stage 5, things you and Branch, as
well as J-Rod, had discussed.
AM: We knew my lead was enough going into
the last stage even if the guys behind me caught
me, barring any silly mistakes from my side. Ross
and J-Rod were really supportive and told me to
just keep doing what I’ve been doing, stay calm
and just manage the race. I didn’t want to let the
moment get to me and just tried to play it as smart
as I could and eliminate as much risk as possible.
The Monster Energy/Hero Motorsports team were
really on point with everything and so supportive
throughout the whole race.
ME: Did you get any sleep the night before Stage 5?
AM: I’m a pretty relaxed and calm person so I
slept like a baby! Haha.. I’m sure it helps when
you’ve been racing in some gnarly dunes all week
to get a good night’s rest too! Honestly, I was
just so stoked to be in that position and prove to
myself that I had what it takes to get the job done.