In one off-season, Austin Forkner has gone from one of the fast guys in the 250SX East Class of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, to being in a class of his own.

The Kawasaki Team Green rider, from Richards, Mo., put in three commanding performances in the first three rounds of the 2019 250SX East season. He led every lap in the class’ first two main events of season, then swept all three main events at the triple-crown-format in Detroit on Feb. 23.

At the 250 East/West showdown in Atlanta on March 2, Forkner scored a podium finish and had built an 18-point lead heading into the March 9 round at Daytona International Speedway.

American Motorcyclist caught up with Forkner during the media event before the Daytona Beach event.

American Motorcyclist: Tell us a little about how you got into motocross racing.

Austin Forkner: My dad rode when I was young, and being a little kid, I wanted to be just like him. Before I could ride, I would just ride my bicycle around with a helmet and goggles on. When I was 3, I got a [Yamaha] PW50 and rode around the yard at my parents’ house for a little bit. I entered my first race when I was 4.

AM: Did you expect that you would win the first three races of the year when the season started?

AF: Honestly, no. I never expected to have an 18-point lead after the first four races of the season. I expected I would have had a win or two, but not three wins and having led almost every lap.

At the beginning of the season, my trainer told me to write down my goals for the year. I wrote down four or five wins, three podiums and a championship. I figured if I could do that, it would give me a championship. I’m sitting pretty good with my goals right now.

AM: What been the biggest difference for you between last season and this season?

AF: I switched both my on-the-bike and off-the-bike trainers, and I have been doing more hands-on work with my fitness trainer, so he can push me a bit more.

Other than that, I haven’t made any big changes. I feel like the experience I have racked up over the last two years has really helped a lot this year too.

AM: What does it mean to you to be a Team Green rider?

AF: It’s awesome. I’ve been a Team Green rider since I was 11 or 12 and I’ve had nothing but good experiences with Kawasaki. Never had a hiccup with the bike or anything. I’m honored that they picked me up, and it’s been a great ride so far.

AM: What’s one thing about Austin Forkner that most fans don’t know?

AF: Honestly, what I listen to music-wise before the race isn’t what most people my age are listening to right now. I like Metallica, AC/DC, just more “real” music.

I’ve also taken a bit of a step back this year and have had a lot more fun than in the past. I’ve put a lot pressure on myself in the past, and now I just try to have as much fun as I can.