Interview: Charli Cannon on being so close to the win at Hangtown!

Charli Cannon delivered a thrilling performance at the Hangtown WMX racing event, narrowly missing out on victory in both motos. Despite leading much of the races, Cannon was edged out by American defending champion Lala Turner, who executed a decisive pass on the final lap of the first moto. In the second race, Cannon faced a setback after stalling while in front but remained close behind Turner, unable to find an opening to overtake her. Cannon’s speed and determination throughout the weekend demonstrated her potential as a serious contender for the championship title. Reflecting on her performance, she acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in race execution, but expressed satisfaction with her overall progress given it was the season opener. She highlighted the importance of staying healthy and safe while learning what adjustments are needed moving forward. The competitive dynamic between Cannon and Turner was a focal point of the weekend’s racing, with both riders pushing each other to maintain a strong pace. Cannon described the battles as challenging yet rewarding, noting Turner’s defensive riding made overtaking difficult but emphasised the good sportsmanship and mutual respect between them. Her commitment to refining her skills and strategy suggests she will remain a key figure to watch in upcoming rounds. Looking ahead, Cannon is focused on building from this experience to close the gap on Turner and other rivals. Her determination to keep improving and the promising speed she displayed at Hangtown set the stage for an exciting season in WMX racing. Fans and competitors alike will be keen to see how she capitalises on this strong start as the championship progresses.