Vince Castellanos for EXPN.com

Blair Morgan is the best snocross racer in history. There isn’t much debate, but if you’re one of those skeptic-types that needs hard evidence, peep this: of the 160 National races held from 1997 to 2005 seasons, Morgan won 78. The racer holding the closest number of victories to Morgan is Winter X IV SnoCross champ Tucker Hibbert, who clinched 25. No one else has more than 10. He’s also the only person in Winter X history to medal seven straight times in the same discipline, and this month he’ll go for his fifth gold in six years. It won’t be easy, though.
At 30, he’s the oldest racer in the pack, and the kiddies are strong and hungry. Morgan’s also coming back from his third major injury in three years, too (among them, a busted back, thumb, and two broken right legs. Not only did his fibula break through the skin, it went through his motocross boot, to boot). But don’t dare bet against him. They don’t call him Superman for nothing.

If you weren’t an all-sknowing genius, you might mistake Blair Morgan for that other guy. The one with red hair who wears yellow. And has big shoes. Yea, that guy. Really, you might.

EXPN: What do you like most about being a pro SnoCross racer?
Blair Morgan: I don’t have to work a 9-to-5. I’ve never had one, but I don’t think I’d like it. The freedom that comes with racing is great, and being able to make more money than most people, by doing what I love, is very lucky.

EXPN: What don’t you like about it?
BM: The traveling is fun, but it can be tough being away from family. Getting hurt gets old, too.

EXPN: You went six straight seasons charging, strong and healthy, when you started racing snocross, and your last three seasons have been affected by injuries. How do you feel about that?
BM: It’s been frustrating. Last year was the worst (Morgan re-broke his leg two races after winning Winter X gold). I was feeling strong and leading the points classes, and I felt like I could win both championships. Then I got hurt. I spent last summer working hard to get back in shape, then I broke my thumb in a dumb crash before this season even started. I don’t care about the pain; what sucks is that my goals can’t be reached.

EXPN: Why do you think you’ve you been able to dominate for so long?
BM: I’ve worked with good people. Jamie Anseeuw is the best team manager, Gilles Thibeault is the best mechanic, and I have the best equipment. It’s like poker—if you start with the best hand, you’ve got the best chance to win. I start with pocket aces every time. I also came in just as it was getting big. Back then, people were riding for fun, not for jobs. Guys were partying on race weekends. I couldn’t believe how casually people took it. I had a different work ethic. I didn’t drink, I ate well, I worked out. Some guys think partying is fun, but I think winning is fun. It’s changed since I started, though - now those same guys have their own personal trainers.

Old Man Morgan cuts a sledneck rooster with steez.

EXPN: Do you consider yourself the best snocross racer in history?
BM: The records show that I am. When I’m on the track I feel like I am. I keep that approach and mentality, but I don’t like to talk about it—it’s bad karma.

EXPN: So you’re pretty low-key?
BM: I have friends who knock me down if I start getting cocky. I like that. I hate yes-men. But once in a great while I’ll rock-star it a little.

EXPN: Who in the field do you respect the most?
BM: Tucker Hibbert is such a good rider (Hibbert left full-time snocross for motocross in 2003 but cameos at WX). He’s always in control, always smooth and never does anything stupid. He’s so talented, and he’s still my biggest threat at X Games.

EXPN: How does it feel to have seven straight Winter X SnoCross medals?
BM: I got a Guinness record for that. I didn’t realize that that many medals were a big deal. It’s more frustrating than anything else because I’ve been in eight finals, and I feel like I should have eight golds instead of four because I was definitely the fastest guy out there every year.

EXPN: This year the SnoCross final will be about three times as long as any in Winter X history. Are you happy about that?
BM: That’s awesome. For years I’ve been hoping it would get longer. Guys could get tired. Expect some carnage. It could be gnarly.
EXPN: You’re 30 now—the oldest guy in Winter X SnoCross. What’s in your racing future?
BM: This is the last year of my contract, but I want to race for sure for two more years, then we’ll see. My kids are 5 and 2 now, and I want to leave healthy so I can play with them.