So what have you been up to this winter?
It’s been a busy winter, that’s for sure. I got the invite from the Parsons brothers that live in Orlando, Florida so I packed up and headed down here mid-January. It’s been awesome to have a group of people around me as motivated as they are. I may never go back home. (laughs)

How's the new bike coming along?
I couldn’t be any happier with the bike. It’s crazy how fast I felt up to speed and comfortable with it. I’ve been missing a lot.

What are the biggest differences between the Honda and the Husqvarna?
Handling for me is the biggest difference, the Husky 350 is like riding a 250 with 450 power. The Honda turned really well but the Husky is better. I feel like my corner speed has double on the Husky. I really love riding the Husqvarna, so hopefully that adds even more fun to this season.

Thad Duvall will be riding for the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KR4/FAR race teamPhoto: Ken Hill

So what's it like working with the KR4 folks?
It’s awesome! I think what they’re doing for the amateur riders is so cool. It’s hard for the younger riders to get rides these days and for them it’s like being on a factory team with everything I have as a pro racer. The kids are the future of the sport and I enjoy having them around on the team. I know I may not have the best past record with racing but they have opened up a new opportunity for me and I can’t thank them enough.

Obviously they bring a lot of experience to the table as well, what's it like having that kind of experience supporting you?
With Frank Keegan and Fred Andrews being behind the program it makes things a lot better. Both used to be big racers, especially Fred, so it’s nice to know they know what myself and Nick both need for a race season and they’ll do anything we need to do to better the program.

Is there anything you're doing different for 2015?
Taking it a lot more serious. I’ll be the first to admit I may not have taken the training part serious through other parts of my career, and when I did I just got burnt out. But for some reason it’s a different feeling this year. I feel like I have a lot to prove and it feels good to know that coming into the season I’m ready to give it my all.

So what are your plans for these last few weeks of winter?
Just to keep riding, testing and getting the bike better and better each day. Keep working hard and to stay 100% healthy!

So how do you feel coming into the first race of the season in Florida?
I feel confident I can come out and be a podium contender, the bike is awesome and I know it can win, so no excuses right? (laughs)

Once the season gets rolling, what are your goals for 2015?
Consistency is the number one thing for 2015. My goal is to be top 5 all 13 rounds.

What about beyond 2015? What do you hope to accomplish down the road?
Hopefully with where I’m at now it’ll open many doors for me down the road working with the KR4 team or even just working with the kids. I don’t ever see myself being able to leave this sport. I have so many ideas for down the road, so I guess we’ll see the outcome.

What's it going to take to make it happen?
Just to work hard and keep it simple and fun. Things are clicking this year and it’s been awesome so far. I’m really enjoying myself and having fun again, even if it’s working hard on and off the bike, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to be a championship contender and I feel like KR4 has given me plenty of resources to do so.