CANADA’S SOURCE FOR MOTOCROSS AND OFF-ROAD
THE 2016 KTMs
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F E AT U R E S
36 JIMMY DECOTIS COVER STORY Don’t Mess Around With Jim
THE 2016 KTMs
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
MX101
SCHOOL IS IN SESSION
THE WILD WILD WEST
FIRST FOUR ROUNDS OF THE 2015 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MOTOCROSS NATIONALS
DON’T MESS WITH AUGUST 2015 . $4.95
41831514
C ON T EN T S // VOL UME 1 5 - IS S UE 3
CANADA’S SOURCE FOR MOTOCROSS AND OFF-ROAD
JIMMY
DECOTIS
42 THE WILD WILD WEST
Brett Worrall Relives the Western Rounds
50 POSTCARDS FROM THE BEACH Lissimore Takes a Trip to Gopher Dunes
54 FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE CANADIAN NATIONALS Mike McGill Tells Us What He Loves
60 FAST TIMES WITH MX101
Danny Brault Goes to School
74 WHERE DOES MIKE ALESSI GO FROM HERE?
We Look at What Might be Next for the #800
82 ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
How to Keep a Smile on your Face
90 THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Leticia Cline Talks to Our Followers
94 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Palms Rides the 2016 KTMs
104 YOUNG AND ON THE RISE
Airmail Talks to Jacob Piccolo
106 THE GRAND PRIX DE MUD Al Jaggard Gets Dirty
COLUMNS
26 FAMOUS LAST WORDS BY CHRIS POMEROY Diversity
28 GUEST COLUMN WITH BOBBY KINIRY Taking Chances
30 UPSHIFT BY BRIAN KOSTER Paying Respect
110 THE INSIDE LINE WITH ANDY WHITE A Day at the Races
112 EVOLVED NUTRITION BY DREW ROBERTSON The Moto Park Academy
114 FROM THE DESK OF MARK STALLYBRASS What a Country
SPECIALS
14 EXPOSED 22 CAUGHT ON CAMERA
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SOARING ABOVE THE SKYLINE Photo by: James Lissimore
Jeremy Medaglia isn’t intimidated by the Calgary skyscrapers as he launches into orbit.
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MID-AIR COLLISION Photo by: James Lissimore
Sometimes the air space can get pretty congested as the riders battle in the MX2 class.
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THE GREEN HORNET Photo by: James Lissimore
So far in 2015, Brett Metcalfe has shown us the same championship winning speed we saw from him two seasons ago.
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THE
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STARRING
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MXP MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Mike McGill, Brent Worrall, James Lissimore, Craig Stevenson, Drew Robertson, Brian Koster, Bobby Kiniry, Danny Brault, Virgil Knapp, Leticia Cline, Andy White CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Virgil Knapp, Randy Wiebe, David Pinkman, Clayton Racicot, James Lissimore, Steve Dutcheshen, Frank Hoppen, Bill Petro, Matt Wellumson, Dan Stenning , Tyler Spikman COVER PHOTO: James Lissimore
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Left: Nothing brings out big smiles like winning motos. Right: With two overall wins in the MX1 class, Metty gives his Western performance a big two thumbs up!
Left: Bobby is so tough that it takes a fire hose to clean him up after a hard moto. Right: Blair and Colton share a champion’s smile after the final moto in Regina.
Left: Koster is a true gentlemen as he lends his umbrella to one of the Rockstar girls. Right: We think it’s safe to say that Brad Nauditt is happy to be back in Canada.
22
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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Above: Stephan and Cole discuss how great the latest Fox gear looks.
Above: Dean Wilson keeps his presence on the DL in Calgary.
Above Right: Dusty had no problem calling the action at his favourite track.
Left: Darcy did his best Ian Woods impersonation in hot Nanaimo.
Below: Colton’s team keeps a close eye on his most cherished possessions. Bottom Right: Soon Derek is going to be more than just a father figure to his riders.
Bottom Left: Life is fun when you’re a 17-year-old motocross star.
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MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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Left: Josh made sure his team recovered nicely after losing Nathan Bles for the season Right: Vince Friese definitely flexed his muscles in Calgary.
Left: This is how happy Tyler is now that the series has moved East. Right: Metty’s lid cools off in the rain after his heated Regina battle with Matt Goerke.
Left: We don’t think she ever gave Koster back his umbrella. Right: Once again, Kinger explains his new staging procedure to the riders.
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MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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FAMO U S LAST WORDS
s I sit down to write this, I’m in compete awe at how fast this summer seems to be fl ying by. When you sit down to read this issue, it will only be a few short weeks until the grand finale of our motocross summer, the 2015 Parts Canada TransCan. That week in August, we’ll crown not only the championship winners in the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals presented by Motovan but also the big amateur winners of the week. Yes, we are not that far away from champion’s week at Walton Raceway. So far, our National series has been very exciting to watch and to cover as a journalist. While I’m not quite sure that the depth is the same as it’s been in the past, the pace at the front of the pack in both classes is as good as it’s ever been. In the MX2 class, we’re witnessing another twostroke vs. four-stroke battle as the likes of Jimmy Decotis, Shawn Maff enbeier and Dylan Wright are trying to reel in Kaven Benoit and his pre-mix-burning orange rocket ship. Although the first half of the MX2 series has belonged to Benoit, that could change at anytime as the riders behind him are a very motivated group. While the MX2 class has been a contrast of engines strokes, the MX1 class has been a diversity of style. Not only do we have four previous National Champions competing, we also get to watch riders with varying styles battle during each moto. You have the lanky and smooth Matt Goerke who took the points lead into the diffi cult Eastern rounds, and chasing him is the hard charging but articulate Brett Metcalfe, who, if it weren’t for a DNF in Calgary, would be sitting better in the points standings. Behind the lead two is last
A
Diversity WITH CHRIS POMEROY PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
The different personalities and styles of these riders on and off the track is just a part of what makes this series so interesting each and every year.” 26
year’s champion, Colton Facciotti, who started the series a little slow but has been getting better every time he takes to the track. Chasing Colton is the cool, calm and collected Cole Thompson, and the incredibly fi t and intense Tyler Medaglia. The diff erent personalities and styles of these riders on and off the track is just a part of what makes this series so interesting each and every year. As you read through this issue of MXP Magazine you will see stories that are as diverse as the riders I just mentioned, from our cover boy Jimmy Decotis, who is certainly playing the role of the ‘Little Engine That Could’ this summer, to Mike McGill’s story about his fi ve favourite things at the Canadian Nationals. Also in this issue, you will get a history lesson and tutorial on the growing importance of Social Media in our sport by Leticia Cline. There is definitely a lot in this issue and I’d like to thank all of our valued contributors for their words. Now, I’ve never claimed to be able to predict the future, so I can’t tell you who is going to be leading the MX2 or MX1 classes when the final chequered fl ag falls at Walton Raceway. However, I can tell you that these next few weekends are going to produce some of the best racing this country has ever seen, and I can also guarantee that MXP will be there to bring you all the action. Please check out our website at www.mxpmag.com and our Instagram and Facebook pages @mxpmag. Also, if you’re not able to make it to the races, be sure to follow us on Twitter @ mxpmagazine as I spend most of my day at the track tweeting race results and everything that is going on. I hope everyone enjoys reading this issue and I’ll see you at the track.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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UPSHIFT
GU EST COLUMN
One interesting part of our sport is the dreaded mud race! We have all been there sitting in the truck watching the rain knowing that we have to go out and ride in it and destroy our bikes and gear. We have all heard it’s much easier when you have a good attitude toward doing this, but as you and I both know that is something that is very hard to do. Have a good attitude? For going and potentially getting stuck and soaking wet trying to lift up a bike that weighs three times as much as you when you fall, that sounds like fun? Let’s face it, you’re more than likely going to fall at least once if you’re in the professional ranks in a 35 minute moto. See, it’s that easy to think like that but that is not the idea. If any of you watched the Budds Creek round of the 2015 US Nationals, you would have seen Justin Barcia throttle everyone in a bad way just by turning this negative attitude around. I’m also from a wet region of the country, the same State as Justin and a bunch of other very good mud riders such as Paul Carpenter (our past Canadian National Champion). I’ve also won numerous Canadian Nationals in the mud and other races throughout my career. The thing I think that helped me most was to do exactly what Justin did, embrace the conditions. Yes, it’s messy, but what are you going to do? We are at the race, there is no going home, you have to go out there, you paid your money, you have a pressure washer to clean the mess, and all of your competition has to go out and ride in it too! There is no way around it, you’re going out there. Why not make the most of it, make the most money and/or prove the biggest point to your competition and say, “Hey, look here, I was the man that overcame this mentally and physically when you were all complaining and being negative.”
I
Taking Chances WITH BOBBY KINIRY PHOTO BY MICHAEL VIZER
Riding in the mud can also be fun if you make it fun by going out and seeing what jumps you can jump that no one else can. It’ll give you a little pep in your step”
28
Riding in the mud can also be fun if you make it fun by going out and seeing what jumps you can jump that no one else can. It’ll give you a little pep in your step. Also, the gnarly section that everyone is paddling their legs through, you make yourself go wide-open standing up, looking like a man. I found trying to prove the point that you are the stronger individual helps you out. At the same time, to be honest, it has bit me in the butt in some situations (haha), but as you do this you will learn where that fine line is. What is fun too is going and practicing in these conditions, so when you get to the race it’s not such a shocker to be wet, sitting out there in a field with a muddy track carved into it. It is a good way to practice mentally overcoming this kind of a day. Go out and wash your bike in the rain when you are done and you will see you do not melt if you get wet. It really is not that bad; you take a shower in it every day. Then at the race it will not be such a big deal, you will be the guy that did the work during the week when no one else wanted to. Mud races can be fun if you let them. If you are out of town at a mud race and you find yourself there the day before the event, bummed that it is raining or going to rain, go inside, see the town and get your mind off of the negativity. It will only make things worse if you are dreading it for a day in advance instead of distracting yourself and having fun. Go and see new sights and new places, maybe eat at a new restaurant that you have never been to. Take advantage of this down day, and see the world a little bit outside of our narrow little racing window. As I get older now I really can appreciate some of the places we go even on a bad weekend that has rain in the forecast. I hope some of these little ideas help you out at the next, dreaded mud race that you have to participate in. Good luck and keep it fun.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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UPSHIFT ome of you may know that the live call for each round of the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals presented by Motovan is broadcast in real time on the internet. In previous years, the internet “radio show” was broadcast exclusively to listeners on their computer or hand held device in what I would consider a more intimate listening environment. Nowadays, the radio show has morphed into the broadcast of the house or live event call. As the host of the show, it is a little different speaking to both the listeners at home and the ticket purchasing fans that line the fences on race day. To complicate matters, I am what you might consider far from tech savvy. These days I could say I don’t really have an aptitude for technology, but to be truthful, as I age, I don’t seem to have an aptitude for much of anything (only half joking). I have a PC for basic things and my laptop is more for show to impress guests than for function. So being that most of the MX National tracks are a little remote, internet signal and connectivity is always a challenge. So when tech guys speak to me about possible fixes and solutions in computer jargon, they may as well be speaking to me in Chinese…so what do I do? I just do what many non-English speaking Canadians do and just nod my head and pretend that I know what the hell they are talking about. Problem solved! Before I get to carried away, I must thank the Motocross television show production sound guru, Colin Van Hattem from Noizemaker Productions, and my colleague, numero uno enumerate Marc Travers, for spearheading the development of the new equipment being used, and for simplifying the whole process so even a stumbling, bumbling, two left handed simpleton like myself can get by with it. These two guys are like rare gems, which are like a notch above any of the precious metals. Thanks fellas! So by this point we are exactly halfway into the 2015 Nationals and it has been pretty much everything we had hoped for and more. Most of you already know the results and details so I don’t want to bore you with receptiveness, but I do want to offer a few titbits of things from my point of view. Before I do, I have to say that behind the scenes, the staff and crew and new ideas that have been implemented have made 2015 one of the best seasons to date. While there are always severe and not so severe challenges, I believe this team of dedicated individuals have what it takes to make the difference. I don’t think it’s a secret that I love British Columbia, and Kamloops ranks right up there as one my favourite towns. It’s an awesome place with an awesome National track. This year the track was dust free and mint, but the same cannot be said about the pit areas. With hot temperatures and an excellent crowd on hand, the fine flour-like dust
S
30
Paying Respect WITH BRIAN KOSTER PHOTO BY JAMES LISSIMORE generated by foot traffic alone was debilitating for the vendors and teams. I don’t want to be a whiner but if we are to create a fan-friendly atmosphere, this issue must be addressed. They have the water and they have the sweetest watering truck so hopefully next year they will use it more often for the Pro and vendor pits. Other than that oversight, the GKMA (Greater Kamloops Motocross Association) went over and above the call of duty and put on an excellent (as usual), well attended event. I love this race and am sure this one small issue can be easily rectified in future years. For Nanaimo and Calgary I had multi-time Canadian Champion Dusty Klatt in the booth calling the races with me. It was awesome having Dusty at my side as I have always admired his eff ortless riding style and his shear speed on an MX bike. Dusty, who I had interviewed many times and who has joined me on the radio show in the past, was a great co-host. Dusty was a natural behind the microphone and brought a lot of insight and charisma to the broadcast. I look forward to working with him again in the future. For these two rounds the weather forecast was dodgy, and the crews both aired on the side of caution with watering and tilling so the tracks were a little less rutted than usual; both got a little dusty towards the end of the day. Both clubs put on an excellent,
virtually seamless event and the racing was top notch so kudos to all the people behind the scenes who busted their butts leading up to the big show. Regina was a total wash out last year with torrential rains so this year had to be better…and it was. Upon my arrival at the Regina airport on the Friday, we were greeted with vehicle denting hail, but otherwise the weekend ended up being pretty good weather-wise. Sure, we had a little mid-moto rain, but it was only one moto and the track handled it quite easily. The local club had the track and the grounds groomed beautifully, and it was a treat to watch the top riders fl y around that awesome place. Georke and Metcalfe’s second moto duel was epic and one to remember for many years to come. For the last MX1 moto, MX2 points leader Kaven Benoit joined me on the lift for a bird’s eye view of the track and off ered up some great conversation during the race. Kaven is obviously a fierce competitor but is also a smart guy with an easy smile, so it is always a pleasure to hang out with him and get his input during a moto. I want to thank not only the Regina MX Club but the fans that came out to support this event, especially after what they all endured last year! Gopher Dunes was just yesterday as I write this and was as legendary as ever. It was a hot day and the track was prepped, watered and groomed to perfection. I liked that many of the jump faces and some sections leading up to the jumps were groomed between motos, offering very good race conditions. This place gets rough enough, so for the purists that feel the track should not have been groomed throughout the day, I’d have to strongly disagree in this instance. And boy did this track get gnarly rough with many sections not seeing a blade all day, but with the grooming that was done, it enabled riders to go much faster and put on a better show for the fans. US Motocross legend John “The Junkyard Dog” Dowd was racing MX1 alongside his son Ryan and was gracious enough to join me on the mic for the first MX2 moto of the day. What an honour and a joy it was to have such an awesome personality and icon added to the excitement of the day! Colton Facciotti was on the gas and looked amazing for most of the day and was for sure the crowd favourite. The second MX2 moto between DeCotis and Benoit was awe inspiring, and just an unreal display of speed and athleticism. Same goes for the second MX1 moto between Goerke and Metcalfe; these two gave it absolutely everything, and I mean everything they had, and both looked completely knackered and seemingly barely able to get through the podium celebrations. An epic day at an epic National race track! So with fi ve out of ten rounds in the books, all I can say is mad props to the riders and teams who put so much eff ort into these ten rounds. Respect all the way around!
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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T ’ N DO S S ME ND U O AR H T I W Y M M JI S I T O C DE HITE BY ANDY W IMORE JAMES LISS Y B S O T O H P
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D he rumour of American riders coming to ride in Canada has become something we have just grown to expect. The talk of new recruits wanting to compete in the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals presented by Motovan was really no different . As we now know, Boston native Jimmy Decotis ventured north to compete in the MX2 class for the MX101 team, based out of Ottawa. Decotis is a wellknown rider that has competed on teams like Geico Honda and Pro Circuit Europe. His supercross results are very impressi ve - an 8th overall in the East in 2015 and 7th in 2014 while on his privateer Honda. After four rounds of the Canadian Nationals, Decotis has made for some exciting racing again in the MX2 class! Since there were no real offers on the table to join any US backed teams for the AMA outdoor season, it seemed logical to check things out north of the border. Jimmy heard that the Canada’s Motorcycle/FXR / Yamaha team had a spot open for the 2015 series. Not knowing much about what goes on with the Canadian Nationals, Jimmy leaned on some of his local friends from
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New England for some advice about the series and the team. Lucky for Jimmy, Mike Treadwell, Keith Johnson , Robby Marshall and John Dowd have all spent time racing in Canada. The advice he received was “Go for it”, “Great opportunity to get on a good team”, and “A solid race bike as well”. Within a few short days, Jimmy signed the contract and was testing the new Yamaha YZ250F down in South Carolina with teamma te Dylan Wright. It didn’t take long for Decotis to get his bike dialed in and ready for the series with help from suspension ace Joe Skidd and engine specialis t Allan Brown. Signing on a heavy hitter like Decotis was just what the MX101 team needed as they had recently inked a deal with two major sponsor s for the upcoming season. Title sponsor Canada’s Motorcy cle, based out of Montreal, is an online retail store that sells just about anything and everything you would need for motorcy cle parts or equipment. FXR Racing, based out of Winnipeg , was the new official clothing sponsor of the team. Having a rider like Jimmy Decotis join the team makes it much easier for sponsor s to come together when you have a resume that can prove to them
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Jimmy Decotis
there is a real shot for a title. Team owners Kevin Tyler and Johnny Grant were really excited about the upcoming season with a rider that could win a championship for them. The media wanted to know what the deal was regarding why Jimmy Decotis was coming to Canada. It was simple, to win a championship! Does he have what it takes to win a series? The speed to win? Yes! The fitness? Well… maybe not in March, however since he was thinking championship, he knew he had to step it up to compete against guys like Benoit and Medaglia. Jimmy knew the Canadian riders were fit, hungry, and focused on keeping their championship title at home. Once the contract was signed, Jimmy put his head down and started training outdoors. The focus was to be in shape for 2 x 25 minute plus 2 lap motos on a rough track. This meant being on a road bike for long hours with his trainer. Jimmy recalls in 2014 when he finished the supercross series and was preparing for the outdoor season, “I showed up at Glen Helen thinking I was in good shape and if I could finish top 15 that would be a good start. Well, the plan didn’t go that well. I was way out of shape. Going 21-34 for the day was not what I was looking for. This was a total eye opener and I knew that I had to get my butt in shape before I would sign up for another outdoor event. This is all I could think about when I was out on my road bike or at the gym preparing for the Canadian series. There is no way I am going to let the team down!” All four western rounds are now complete and we can see that the friendly American has figured it all out. With two overall wins to his credit, Jimmy is now sitting in third in the series with six rounds to go. I asked Jimmy how the whole Canadian experience has been so far. “I love it up here in Canada! Everyone is so friendly and laid back. My girlfriend, Jamie Routley, is from Canada, so when we looked at the schedule she recommended that we rent a house in Vernon, BC to use as a base for the Western rounds. I can tell you that this is one of the best places I have ever lived! It’s perfect for training, everything I needed. We talked about coming back after the series is done just to vacation and relax. The first round was awesome, going 1-1 at Kamloops. My speed and fitness was good; I felt that I was in control of both motos. The following weekend started off great with the fastest lap time in practice. I felt good and the track was looking better once it got worked in. Moto one started out okay but with a few laps in the race I could tell something wasn’t right with the race bike. I pulled into the mechanics’ area and my mechanic, Pete, said shut it down. No points for Moto 1. The team put in a new race engine for Moto 2. I had the last pick on the gate at the far outside. Not the place 38
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I wanted to start but that’s racing. The gate dropped and I just gave it everything I had. I was lucky enough to avoid fallen riders; I pushed hard and made it to 4th. I will take it, but to DNF a moto is not ideal when you are in championship contention. We then headed to Calgary. I heard a lot about that track. It’s a stone’s throw from downtown. The track looked great, lots of massive jumps and lines. The gate dropped in Moto 1 and I was gone. I didn’t want to show the other guys my lines so I sprinted and then cruised to the win. Moto 2, I nailed the holeshot again and tried to sprint, but this time Benoit got by me early in lap one and he was on it. I tried to push and follow his lines but his two-stroke lines were not working for me. I was losing time, so I changed my lines that worked better for me on the four-stroke (a little too late in the moto), Benoit was gone. The good news was we tied in points for the day. Round 4 in Regina was the last round in the West.” Jimmy needed to regroup and win some motos if he is going to win this championship. The weather was way better than forecasted; light rain and overcast was the day’s weather. Jimmy explained that the track had one main line. If you tried another line you could end up losing a position. The gate dropped and Benoit on his two-stroke was gone. “I did everything I could to keep him in sight. Moto 2 was better as I had to battle with Jeremy Medaglia when my pit board read “Benoit down!” That meant I needed to win to get as many points as possible. I tried to push past Jeremy but the track conditions were very slippery and rutted. I decided to stay where I was for the overall. I felt good leaving Regina with the overall and lots of confidence. I know what I have to do in the east coast.” Heading east with only six rounds to go, the good news is most of the tracks are sand based and Jimmy is known to be a good sand rider. Time will tell if the “Rippa” has what it takes to win the series. I am sure the Eastern rounds will off er up just as much excitement as the Western rounds did.
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By Brent Worrall | Photos by James Lissimore
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BRENT WORRALL TAKES A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST FOUR ROUNDS OF THE 2015 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MOTOCROSS NATIONALS. he 2015 edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Nationals presented by Motovan kicked off this year with a bang on the West Coast. The series began at Whispering Pines Raceway, which is serenely nestled north of the city on the Thompson River. The decision to shake things up a little bit by scheduling round one at the Kamloops venue, that has historically had good weather and one of the West’s best racing surface, was a welcomed change of pace. This year, once again, our series travels in true coast to coast fashion for ten rounds of racing action from West to East. Our Canadian National series is a true test of everything imaginable when it comes to the fortitude, perseverance and dedication it takes to become crowned a champion. Most who made the trek would find that out very early at round one as the race track was very rough with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees. The Kamloops crew of the GKMA, teamed with Future West Moto’s Stuart McQueen, did a great job of providing a challenging battlefield that was very spectator friendly and provided race fans some intense racing action.
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The Wild Wild West
Right: Defending MX1 Champion Colton Facciotti started off the series a little slow in Kamloops but has since found his groove. Bottom Right: Brett Metcalfe came out swinging in Kamloops and dominated both MX1 motos. Bottom Left: Young Casey Keast won the Super Mini race in Kamloops and then qualified for the MX2 class on Sunday.
KAMLOOPS The opening round’s results board at day’s end saw both Canada’s Motorcycle/ Yamaha’s Jimmy Decotis and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe take the first two overalls of the season. Decotis got away early in both MX2 Motos and looked fit as a fiddle throwing down a first round victory with an exclamation mark. Brett Metcalfe’s victory was also impressive, and trust me, the results sheet does not tell the whole tale. Brett had to overcome starts, that he admitted were not his best, and a first Moto crash, which also collected series contender Cole Thompson in its wake. It is fair to say, very much like the Decotis victory, Brett Metcalfe’s round one victory served notice that he and his Kawasaki would be tough to keep off the top step of the podium. This Rockstar Nationals also saw the onset of the 2015 Women’s Western Canadian Nationals; round one was taken handily by Yorkton, Saskatchewan’s Kennedy Lutz. KTM Canada also stepped up this year to provide an entertaining, three round formatted Super Mini Nationals. This series would see many of our future Canadian stars showcased on the pro racing action weekend. The series would also provide one rider with an opportunity to win a brand new KTM 85SX motorcycle, plus a parts budget along with many other bells and whistles. Casey Keast would take the opener on his Kelowna Yamaha.
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NANAIMO
Above: While most thought Kaven Benoit would struggle on the slippery Nanaimo surface, he had other ideas and easily won both MX2 motos. Below: After a solid ride at round one, Cole Martinez crashed hard in Nanaimo and badly injured his shoulder.
The series shifted from Kamloops to the other BC round in Nanaimo, which had traditionally kicked off the season on the left coast. With the Vancouver Island round, you never really know what you are going to get weather-wise, and this year’s change seemed to pay off in that respect. The Nanaimo round saw a few less riders behind the starting gate. We were able to go racing under sunny skies with temperatures that were well above the seasonal average. Internet and cell phone connection had also previously hindered the Nanaimo venue’s media coverage capabilities but this year everything ran smoothly. Once again, a great job by Brian Koster who was assisted by former National Champ and Island resident Dusty Klatt on the MXNationals.ca live broadcast. As for the racing action in Nanaimo, the racetrack very quickly became classic BC hard pack and the Royal Distributing Fox KTM team took advantage of it in a big way. Kaven Benoit, on his 250 two-stroke, made short work of the small bike class scoring two very impressive front end scores and would meet his personal goal of leaving Nanaimo with the Red Plate. Kaven left Nanaimo last year in that same spot and managed his 2014 to perfection. KTM’s 450 rider, Cole Thompson, would take his first overall win in two years as a professional in Canada and leave the Island with a top step performance smile on his face. The day of racing was gruelling for most, and as it usually does, the Wastelands saw a few riders overcome some early series adversity in the form of mechanicals and race related mishaps. This round would reshape the points battles in both classes nicely as everyone at day’s end was already talking about what we might expect at Round 3 in Calgary. The KTM Super Mini Nationals in Nanaimo would go to Maple Ridge Motorsports 12-year-old Jacob Piccolo who rode with considerable confidence and swagger on the hard packed race track. The Women’s racing action would see Kennedy Lutz, on her Schraders Yamaha, best Cycle North Honda mounted Sara King for the overall. These two deeply contested and highly competitive classes would conclude at Wild Rose MX Park in Calgary, Alberta where their Champions would be crowned.
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CALGARY
Above: So far, Dylan Wright is having a great sophomore year in the MX2 class and is a threat to win in the East. Below: One of the cool things that riders have to deal with in the West is two concrete starting pads in Nanaimo and Calgary.
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Round 3 in Calgary, Alberta is another one of the series’ highly anticipated rounds by riders and race fans alike. Calgary provides one of the most scenic backdrops in Canadian Motocross as its mechanical advantage above the Alberta city has everyone in attendance feeling like they are a part of something very special. The Calgary track has been around for over 40 years; I can say that for a fact as it was that long ago that I first lined up there. I can only imagine what a piece of prime real estate like that in one of Canada’s major markets would fetch. Like any of the other rounds in the West, in late spring the weather can always be a concern or an uncertainty in Calgary, and this year was no exception. Fortunately for this year’s version, it was cooler temperatures that would have to be endured rather than torrential downpours that often pop up unannounced out of the Prairie skies. Okay, there were a few on Saturday and the odd gust of wind, but all in all it was a great weekend in Calgary and yes the attendance was very good too. On the track, the KTM Super Mini Nationals would see its final leg, and this year’s champ, Jacob Piccolo, would wear the crown. Jake collected the KTM motorcycle, the parts budget and much more for his efforts. Congratulations Jacob! Also, Joey Parkes from Vancouver Island is to be commended along with Ryno Power’s Tallon Unger as they finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in this hotly contested, high octane, racing action series. The Western Canadian Women’s series also concluded at Wild Rose. Unfortunately, it would do so without the points leader. Kennedy Lutz, who had a 6 point advantage heading into Calgary, succumbed to a knee injury a few days before the weekend’s gate drop. Get well soon Kennedy as it is never fun to see someone who has sacrificed so much have a setback. On the race track, Sara King, on her Cycle North Honda, would reign supreme on the day solidifying the championship. Sara would best Holeshot Motorsports’ Rachel Springman and Danyluk Racing’s Brittany Danyluk to round out the podium for the series. I would also like to note that series organizers, Camille Bunko and Denaye Arnett, who have put so much into this series and are for the most part responsible for its success, are stepping down. These two are to be commended for taking this series from near life support to the loftiest heights it has ever seen. Good luck ladies in your personal lives and future endeavours. Your legacy will not only live on but your efforts have been and are greatly appreciated. The Calgary round at the top level, starting with the 250 class, would once again see Canada’s Motorcycle Yamaha’s Jimmy Decotis take Moto one with relative ease over Royal Distributing Fox KTM’s Kaven Benoit. Moto 2 would see Benoit back to perfectiion on the two-stroke, taking the overall win. In the big bike fray, the Smartop Moto Concepts team was back in Canada, and all eyes and attention would be on whether or not Mike Alessi would repeat his performance in Calgary the previous year. Well, that did not happen as Mike came in injured, but his teammate, Vince Friese, would steal the show and the overall ahead of Royal Distributing KTM Fox rider Cole Thompson. Vince went 1-4 on the day and was a surprise winner to some. Cole Thompson, who finished second, would be flanked on the podium by GDR Honda Canada’s Colton Facciotti. Although he would go 2-6 on the day for 4th overall, Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha’s Matt Goerke would head to the final round in the West the following week in Regina with the Red Plate.
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Photo: R. Schedl
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The Wild Wild West
The Colton Facciotti and Brett Metcalfe battle in Regina was just one of the many exciting races out West.
REGINA With last year’s round only seeing one Moto at Moto Valley Raceway due to the intense downpours that plagued the event, what would happen this year? Fortunately, the weather was not as much of a factor this year and we did manage to get in a full schedule of racing. When riders awoke on Sunday there was ominous cloud coverage to the north that threatened and did deliver some rain in the first Motos. As the first 450 Moto wound down it was pretty slick, to say the least. Even though this round saw the lowest entry numbers of the series, it did however produce some of the best bar to bar racing thus far in 2015. I guess it was fitting, as with most things in life, because we are as good as the company we keep and the riders provided some excellent battling for Canadian Motocross Legend Blair Morgan who was in attendance. Regina provided racing fans with some pretty intense action that would go right down to the final flag waive for the podium positions in both classes. Also, over and above that, the action to stamp highest point totals towards one’s title chances, the on track battles from 1 through 25 were pretty amazing in Regina. Race fans that made the trek, regardless of what they thought the weather may produce, were highly rewarded for their efforts and were not in the least bit disappointed. At day’s end, Kaven Benoit would carry the Red Plate East but he did suffer a costly spill in Moto one, which would see him finish 4th. The overall victory would go to Canada’s Motorcycle Yamaha’s Jimmy Decotis; Jimmy is still very much in the thick of 48
this title chase. Gopher Dunes Honda Canada’s Jeremy Medaglia would taste victory for the first time on the race track he won on last year and take the Moto 2 score. Jeremy would sit second on the day and head homeward bound to the East 13 points short of the Red Plate. Local boy Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha’s Shawn Maffenbeier would finish 3rd on the day in the 250 class. The MX1 class would go to the man who would not only take the overall victory but leave the Western portion of the series with the Red Plate. Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha’s Matt Goerke battled hard the whole second Moto 2, fighting off a goggle-less Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki of Brett Metclafe for the victory. Metcalfe would sit second overall on the day as a result of his 1-2 Moto scores. Gopher Dunes Honda rider Colton Facciotti was as quick as he has been so far in this series, and his 2-3 effort would sit him third on the day. This series is shaping up to be one of the best ever and I believe that there are still a few riders that have yet to win a Moto or an overall as this series soldiers on through the balance of the Eastern rounds. Will it go right down to Walton Raceway in August? I sure hope so. There is a lot to be settled in both classes and I believe the best racing still lies ahead. We also have the three round KTM Eastern Canadian Super Mini Nationals and the Eastern Canadian Women’s series to look forward to. Do yourselves a favour friends and get out to a Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross National if you can. You will not be disappointed!
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www.gammapowersports.com
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Post Cards From ...
Gopher Dunes More Than Just a Day at the Beach BY CHRIS POMEROY
he Gopher Dunes National is one of the races our pro riders circle on their calendars before the season even begins. As it has the last few seasons, the round at Gopher Dunes sits smack dab in the middle of the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals schedule. This ‘hump’ round is without a doubt the toughest and most gruelling race of the summer, as it’s usually very hot and the track is very rough. For this year, the track was particularly nasty as a lot of moisture had fallen in the weeks prior to the race. The newly designed track was both rough and littered with deep ruts; because of this, the riders not only had to work extremely hard to keep their forward momentum going but also do their best to keep their machines in a straight line. The sand at Gopher Dunes is bottomless, and with each bike that travels over it, the surface just keeps getting deeper and more treacherous.
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When you factor in the challenging track and the fact that the surrounding trees block off the prevailing winds, racing at Gophers Dunes is truly like playing inside a giant sand box. Like every year, 2015 once again produced a multitude of headlines throughout the day. There was the dominating performances from Kaven Benoit and Matt Goerke, there were also the big crashes that top riders Colton Facciotti and Kyle Keast suff ered in Moto 1 of the MX1 class, and then there was the individual survivor stories from every rider that made it through the day at the roughest track in Canada. Yes, the old girl, which is the track at the Dunes, was very hard to get along with at Round 5. It was a very tough day for everyone and certainly no day at the beach. Our staff photographer, James Lissimore, was on hand and he sent us these images of his day at Gopher Dunes.
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FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE CANADIAN NATIONALS BY MIKE MCGILL | PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
he CMRC sanctioned Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals presented by Motovan have certainly come a long way in the last twenty some odd years. What started out as a one day event as part of the Trans Can back in 1993 has developed into a ten round series that literally stretches from one coast of the country to the other. While the series has definitely undergone a few growing pains and make-overs throughout the years, many feel that last season’s version of the Nationals was the best ever. The once fledgling series has finally come into its own and become one of the premiere and most coveted National Motocross Championships in the world. Of course no one could ever rationally claim that our Canadian Series is bigger or better than its’ U.S. counterpart. That would obviously be foolishness because we all know that the best riders in the world race the US Nationals, but it could be argued that in many ways our little series has an awful lot going for it as well. With that very thought in mind I decided to put together a list of fi ve reasons why, in my opinion, I think the Canadian Nationals are pretty darn good. So without any further ado, here goes. Five things I love about the Canadian Nationals.
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5. THE TV SHOW
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5 I’m not exactly sure when the current announcing team of Marc Travers and Brian Koster started doing the TV broadcast for the CMRC Canadian Nationals but it’s definitely been quite some time now, and I must say that since that time I have been a fan. Whether it be their patented holeshot call or some ridiculous nickname they have come up with for a rider off the cuff, the energy, humour and fun these two characters bring to announcing a motocross race is great and it definitely makes it fun to watch. I think most fans agree with me, and not just in Canada either. In fact, not a month goes by when someone doesn’t post something on the preeminent American motocross message board, VitalMX, extolling the virtues of the Canadian MX Series’ moto broadcasts. Most also usually lament the fact that they are not easily able to view them on a regular basis stateside anymore, and more than a few claim our broadcasts to be far superior to the American shows. Now in fairness to the American broadcasts, they are live and anything can and will happen when you are doing a live show. I believe our guys lay down the audio in the studio after the race footage has been shot so they can do retakes if they are not happy with the way something turns out, just like a band would, but hey, it works and I for one prefer the condensed version of the race broadcast as opposed to the live. Why you may ask? Because who really has the time to sit and watch moto on TV all day on Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the summer? Not I. Maybe I’m just getting old but I don’t think I’ve 56
made it through a whole Supercross on TV without falling asleep in years. In fact, I find the televised Supercross shows to be virtually unwatchable and I’m a huge fan. Too long and way, way too many commercials. So I for one like the way our guys do it and I think we can all agree that the TV show is highly entertaining. Now for some more positive and exciting news regarding said TV show. The CMRC has just recently signed an agreement to have the full series broadcast on Fox Sports Racing, which is available in Canada on Rogers. Coverage starts July 19th so watch out for it. This is, in my opinion, a huge deal and one that will undoubtedly bring unprecedented exposure to our series. Hopefully the broadcast will maintain its Canadian humour and quirkiness that people seem to love so much, and I have no reason to believe it won’t. Just remember, it was Fox Sports who hired those two loons, Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole, away from TSN so Travers and Koster should fit right in. I could actually go on and on but those are just a few of the things that I really like about our series. We may not be the biggest, we may not have all the high priced factory talent and factory support that they do in the USA, but we make do. There are definitely some aspects about our Nationals that make them great in their own right. Hopefully every Canadian motocross fan can get out to at least one of these events at some point during the season. If you’re anything like me you certainly won’t regret it, even if it does turn out to be one bad mudder.
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4. GN A R LY S A ND T R A CK S
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While muddy conditions can be the great equalizer in motocross, nothing separates the men from the boys like a gnarly sand track will and the Canadian Nationals are fortunate enough to have several of these epic race tracks as part of the circuit. Of course the AMA Series had the historic 338 MX in Southwick, Massachusetts as their sand monster basically since time began, but a few years ago they decided to remove it from the schedule for reasons that were never fully explained. Let’s just assume that money had something to do with it. Why you may ask? Because it always does. So now they don’t have a single sand race in the series. What a pity. Their loss really. Up here in Canada we have five. Kamloops, Sand Del Lee, Ulverton, Deschambault and of course the Grand Daddy of all sand tracks located deep within the heart of Ontario tobacco country, Gopher Dunes. Unlike mud races I spoke of earlier in the piece, I never get tired of seeing great riders ripping it up in the old sand box, or as a friend of mine used to refer to it as “The beach with no water.” This is something she would say every time we started loading up our bikes to go riding. “Oh, are you guys going to the beach with no water again today?”, and then she would laugh at her little joke. Every time. But I digress. For any die hard moto fan out there who has never been to Gopher Dunes for the National, you really should do yourself a favour and add this event to your bucket list of things to do before you leave the planet. Several years ago they moved the date of the Dunes to mid-July. This weekend is usually, for some reason, the hottest
of the year in Southwestern Ontario, and the mere mention of this race strikes apprehension and fear into the hearts of some of the world’s fittest riders. And for good reason. It’s a true test of skill, endurance and also preparation. When I say preparation what I really mean is make sure you have enough gas in your bike to finish the moto…Mike Alessi. Actually, I shouldn’t be too tough on Mikey here as he is not the only one to ever run out of gas while leading a moto at the Dunes. In fact, the year after they had switched from Honda to Yamaha, the whole Blackfoot team came sputtering to a stop and DNFd the first moto at the Dunes back in 2007 due to “fuel issues.” Now that was some drama, for sure. Matt Goerke is back in Canada this summer and he put on what was probably the most impressive sand riding performance I have ever seen at Gopher Dunes back in the summer of 2012. Goerke absolutely laid waste to the field that day and won both motos in what could only be described as nothing other than total domination. Local boy and fan favourite Kyle “Dozer” Keast grew up riding the Dunes and has pulled off a few very memorable performances there over the years as well. While Gopher Dunes is the true torture test on the schedule, the other sand tracks in the East are no push overs either, and this stretch of races is truly where the series can be won or lost. It’s been that way in the past and I don’t expect the drama and excitement to be any less this year. MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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3. ONE BAD MUDDER
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I follow the U.S. Nationals and I’m sure most moto fans who read this article do as well. Having said that, I can’t remember the last time they had a really good mud race down there. Does NBC have so much money they can keep it from raining on race day? Maybe so but that’s definitely not the case here in Canada. Although now that Fox Sports Racing is on board with our series, maybe the future will be bright both literally and figuratively. Anyways, it just seems like every year we get one really nasty mud race. And I love it. Last year it was Regina. The year before, I believe, it was Nanaimo. Of course the promoters and teams hate these races, and I certainly wouldn’t want to see one every week, but once a year is just great, in my opinion. It’s kind of like the US Open in golf when they toughen up the courses to an almost insane level of difficulty so that the best players in the world go out there and struggle just like you or I would. They look like rank amateurs actually. Maybe I’m a little sadistic but I get a great kick out of seeing some of the best riders in the world having such difficulty navigating the track. What I really love, though, is the fact that there are always a few guys who have such a knack for riding the mud that it doesn’t seem to slow them down hardly at all. Names like
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Darcy Lange and Simon Homans come to mind as two mud masters who seemed to thrive in the adverse conditions. Jeremy Medaglia put on a bit of a mud riding clinic in Regina last year, if only in the sense that he was one of the few who could actually make it around the track. Who can forget the epic mudder in Joliette, Quebec back in 2002 when Blair Morgan decided to pull out his brand new Ski Doo and put on a show for the fans when the regular motos were cancelled because the bikes couldn’t make it around the track? Now that’s something you don’t see every day. Only in Canada. Oh, the memories. I’ll tell you one thing, the fans love a good mud race and the reason I know this is because people still talk about them years later. You don’t hear people reminiscing about what a lovely day it was back in 1999 at such and such a race. What you hear is stuff like, “Gosh, I’ll never forget Walton in 2000 when Darcy Lange put on a mud riding display for the ages, and it was so sloppy that kids were belly flopping and sliding all the way down the hill at the Natural Double. What a day that was.” So yes, mud races equal fun. But just one per season please.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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2. THE SCENIC TOUR
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As previously mentioned, the series now literally stretches from coast to coast of our great country. You can’t go any farther west than Vancouver Island, home of the Nanaimo round of the series, and Moncton, New Brunswick, home of the Riverglade MX Park, is pretty much all the way the other way. Let me tell you, if you want to see the sights of this vast land of ours there is probably no better way to do it than follow the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals from one side of Canada to the other with multiple stops in between. While the Wastelands track isn’t generally the riders’ favourite, it’s pretty hard pack with quite a few rocks and can be extremely slick. It generally provides great racing, and the scenery is breathtaking. Did I mention you have to take a ferry ride just to get there? Well, you do. Whispering Pines Raceway in Kamloops, BC is nestled in the beautiful Northern Okanogan Valley. Did you know that this part of Canada is actually classified as semi-desert? That’s right, so no wonder it’s a gnarly sand track, but once again the backdrop to this facility is absolutely beautiful. A moto photographer’s dream come true actually, and speaking of moto photography, some of the sweetest photos ever snapped in this sport have come from the Calgary, Alberta round of the series. The Wild Rose MX Park is situated just outside the major metropolis of Calgary. It’s an extremely unique facility in the world of moto and Cow Town provides the back drop to some of the coolest motocross photos ever taken. I guess you’re starting to get where I am going with
this? Canada is a vast and beautiful country and this series provides you with the opportunity to see a little bit of everything we have to offer. The prairies, home to Moto Valley Raceway in Regina, Saskatchewan, have a charm all to their own and must be experienced. Being from Southern Ontario I’m a little biased, obviously, but in my opinion, there is no better place to be in the world than in Ontario in summertime. Ah, summertime. The best six weeks of the year in Canada, no question. Summer in Quebec is pretty awesome too, and when you travel to La Belle Province you get the feeling that you are actually visiting another country all together. I guess that’s because everybody speaks French, but the whole vibe is different and really cool. The fans in Quebec are fantastic as well. They are so into it and they just love supporting their local heroes. So much so, as a matter of fact, that things almost got a little too exuberant last summer when the Vince Friese vs. Kaven Benoit rivalry got a little out of hand at the Ulverton round. Even so, the passion the fans have is great to see. Speaking of fans, there’s no better than those from the East Coast from what I’ve been told. Personally, I have never raced farther east than Quebec but the stories of the hospitality of the Eastern fans in New Brunswick is legendary, so when the circus hits Moncton and the Riverglade MX Park it’s assured that a good time, a few pints and some delicious lobster will be had by all. What a country. MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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1. ALL ACCESS
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When fans attend a Canadian National event they are able to literally rub elbows with the stars of our sport here in the Great White North. The pits are wide open to anyone who might want to come and take a look at the trick bikes, trick set-ups, trick semi haulers and star riders. This treat, which I particularly enjoy, is something that’s not always available to fans in other parts of the world, or if it is it comes with an extra cost. Not so here in Canada. For the price of admission you can walk right up to the GDR Honda Factory semi and watch the mechanics prep Colton and Jeremy’s factory machines. Same goes for all of the teams, and generally the riders themselves are always available to chat or sign an autograph or two in a less formal environment. This friendly atmosphere is something that’s definitely not lost on visiting riders from other series that come to Canada for the summer. In fact, the first thing that every one of them says when they are asked about our series is how laid back and friendly everyone is. It’s the first thing. Every time. That’s what they say. They mention
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how polite and respectful the fans generally are and that all the rival teams seem to get along pretty well. Something they say that they never ever see back home. Indeed, in Canada it’s not unusual at all to see riders from opposing teams visiting with each other and shooting the breeze under an opponent’s awning prior to a moto. Heck, even the dreaded Alessis who came north with their Smartop Moto Concepts Team last season seemed to fit in just fine. Of course they arrived with enough excess baggage to sink a ship and we all know that their reputation south of the border is, let’s say, somewhat controversial at best, but by all accounts Mike and Tony, and even the Black Sheep of the family, Jeff Alessi, got along just famously with pretty much everyone involved last year. Mike Alessi, believe it or not, actually became somewhat of a baby face fan favourite by season’s end. A far cry from the heel he is generally portrayed as in the American moto media. Yes, we’re a friendly bunch up here north of the 49th and I guess that just rubs off on those who join in for the fun.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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CHAMPIONS CHOICE. The best riders choose the best equipment to win championships
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S E M I T T S A F 1 0 1 X M H T I W Brault By Danny simore James Lis y Photos b
FOR G IN N IN G E B L U CCESSF U S G TEAM T U IN B C E A L R B R M X F A A HU H LE YAMA C Y C R O T O M ’S CANADA
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ass the M X 2 cl eci fically in sp ,’ . l) er el ep w le s ousl y a be a real ‘s ision pre vi pro ving to y Gran t, ier M X 1 div m ble ou tfi t and Johnn re m r p u h e le th Ty d n e vi p in e p w K to ’s to g a ture g ve n ha ams vy in doe sn’t fe 1 0 1 Raci (bu t the y ge d b y M X l o f race te , the team a 5 fu ls n 1 a d a rc ycle 0 n n 2 m a o to r h o ti is o a y M F a healt h anada’s T he team tocr oss n M X P ark . o “C en e e s m e a b L n s to ia e el e’ d D d er a er e d h n h S an e Ca is re ferr onsors . id-’9 0 s. T o w ner s o f ti tle s a t th u t inst ead eir ti tle sp s in the m nd race s and nds tha t 1’ brand , b three o f th r the reign 0 ll ra 1 ve a b X o support a g le k n s ‘M o ip ri a’ e lt h to tu th C s o f Yama cing ,” fea pir e on mu C ad a a B cu since CMR h R f em y fo o R e g e t X n u th F th ci o r a a e a Yamah organ R K a w asaki as becom ff. L ast ye d h o y n g o m ill n a B m tl y, yi h te a er w as the M en ic p 1 d R gram un , and it ’s T he M X 1 0 tland. C urr o decade s, nd 2 pro class e sse Wen ki ’s 45 0 pro a X J nals sa M ki o ’s a spanned tw ti e ta zu w a u th a N so S r K e , , C er nic’s budge t fo w it h K T M Mo tocr oss w it h Minn m k 4 ll n 0 el ra ri 0 h M 2 D e ve T it h y o K th g ce h t s n s fourt Eyr e a e serie w st ar Ener en ther e’ circuit si w in and a w it h Mik e eigh th in th 2 0 1 5 Rock rse, and th een on the d e u ce b n n th a s th co o si a d f b h to o ir r m F in a th fo F ra h s TS it e a DNF race prog maha si ts nda/Yama four round W hit le y, O vely. De sp ts to it h , in-house ck foo t Ho o to van , Ya ti e n w c la g M w d e d B y o e , u b sp r d a b d n h ei re u a ce te t o th ing ve reb pre sen n Wrigh no w Yam t their ra en manag o, B C , the y’ s and D yla to farm ou er n sw ing ho has be m y Deco ti rers tend d in Nanaim m n tu r the east Ji u c te C an ada w ro fa u en d . n n d a it n u . co m a rc s) se er en ci m e l th ing round a th a th o n te en t o ce st o f them a ep t the op manager s/ adian na ti nishe s sin 2 0 0 5 (mo n fi sw m a a s m C ti e iu te r d co th ei le o nished e p g and torc yc ne alon running th gina and fi d rider s. D race w ins pro ven mo m e and go ven t in Re dream t o f being san co e h t, th h it ve in o rt a w o b u h p , d s e fo rp ile a s, a t som rall a t the o ther s fa Man y team looking sh ng and h a e de d and k firs t o ve s. lo ve s raci t in his me succe loops, too gn e an d a m so p , a d m K eigh t mo to a ie f in o tr ch Every one t pro vemen e s, sipping grea t a grea t im m in si x ou e da y. Som ce a n iu n mo to w d ra is o o o l 0 g p a m sh in o -1 a e n g s p te th a on own Wrigh t h ing fi ve to w ards one w alle t. W in rn ld r to a o ei e g r, th a in e ck in rk a -y o le all w T h e 17 on the tr a gian t ho o f people g. d pa tience ha , o f a group st enc y an u’r e w innin SF F Yama si T n yo O co en — being part h r u w r, more a tional to , e specially one smalle s on the n exper ience — ther e’s ajor’ team ki ‘m sa e a th w a K en gy Be tw e nst er Ener Honda , Mo K T M , G DR
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finishes and scoring a very impressive third place in the first moto in Calgary after passing his childhood hero Jeremy Medaglia in the final laps. The young speedster has shown big heart as well, often coming from behind to catch the lead pack. Aside from results on the track, the MX101 racing program has enjoyed new support from online retailer Canada’s Motorcycle and Canadian gear manufacturer FXR Racing. Things are clicking right now, and it’s great to see a new team up front with new colours and logos. Let’s dig deeper into the ‘sleeper’ of the Canadian Nationals and see how MX101 is making it happen for less. It sounds like a cliche, but it “started as a dream” for Kevin Tyler and Johnny Grant when asked on how the idea came about to start a professional race team, criss-crossing the country for all ten rounds of the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. Why would track owners want to run a race team? It certainly isn’t to market and promote their riding facility and education program. Instead, the idea was and is to provide a place to go for serious racers when it’s their time to transition from amateur to pro. “We all know many riders who were fast and did well, but then when it came to turning pro, they just didn’t have anywhere to go; no team or structure to help them keep going and be encouraged. Not many can survive at that level without some support and guidance,” says MX101’s Johnny Grant, who 66
coordinates everything with his co-owner in the show, Kevin Tyler. “We wanted to build a ‘pyramid scheme.’ It began with developing riders, and then having them teach and develop the next generation,” continues Grant. “We started the education company, then took ownership of the track—and we were pumped to get a Canadian National in 2006. Now we have a team that’s contending for a championship. It feels corny to say, but we’re enthusiasts like everyone in the sport and have always dreamed of running a race team. Now we are and I’m so happy with how things are going this season, on many fronts, from sponsors, riders and everyone involved with the team.” There’s a culture to motocross, unique from other sports, and all its own (just go to a MXoN to find out). Each country has its own flavour as well, and then so do most regions. In Ontario, there are a few camps emerging. We have the MXSchools.com guys in Sarnia (ie. Cole Thompson’s family and entourage),
Ian Hayden and Zeb Dennis’ contingent at Moto Park, and MX101’s corner in Eastern Ontario keeps getting bigger and faster. “There’s definitely a culture growing here and it’s coming together like we had hoped,” says Grant and Tyler, collectively. “You can see riders getting together after practice during the week to run two laps around the track; they’re working on bikes together, and travelling to Florida and elsewhere to get faster. That’s what we wanted to see, and now those guys see Dylan and Jimmy racing for our pro team and it gives them that vision of where they could be.” Speaking in the now, the MX101 guys are at the
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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Left: Kevin Tyler is more than just the Team Manager for the MX101 team, he also acts as a mentor for Dylan Wright and Jimmy Decotis. Above: While everyone expected Jimmy Decotis to be fast, few thought he’d be as good as he’s been so far in 2015.
height of their dream and probably don’t want to come down; they’re a bona fide title contender with Jimmy Decotis challenging for the MX2 title against Benoit and Medaglia, while their ‘golden child’ Dylan Wright, who has been supported by them since he was on 50s, is having a solid second year as a pro. He sits 8th overall in the series, but that doesn’t reflect his speed, effort and maturity shown after four rounds. He’s charged through the pack multiple times, including a run in Calgary when he passed his childhood hero, Jeremy Medaglia, late in the race to take third. Not too many teams have won races right out of the gate, but MX101 made the cut, claiming a 450
win at Deschambault in 2013. It was their first year racing the full tour, and with Jeremy Medaglia leading their team and Shawn Robinson in the supporting role, they expected some great results, even when others didn’t. “We’ve always come in as the underdog team, and I like that,” notes Grant. Nobody expected a win from Medaglia or the MX101 team that year, but they pulled it off with a win in Deschambault along with some podium finishes and a fourth overall after nine races with Medaglia. In the second year, 2014, the MX101 team celebrated another win with Jesse Wentland at Gopher Dunes, but the winning sensation is different in 2015; Decotis is a legitimate contender every time out, sweeping the opener and posting the fastest lap times regularly. He is arguably the fastest rider in the class. Barring a mechanical failure in moto one at Nanaimo, round two of the series, he could easily be leading the series at the halfway mark. “It takes a lot of work, time and research into building a good race program,” says Grant on the whole deal, which is being heavily supported by many people and passionate companies in the sport, including title sponsors Canada’s
Motorcycle, FXR Racing and Yamaha Motor Canada. “Really, everything takes place before the races begin. When the rules changed, we needed to find a guy who hadn’t finished inside the top 25 in the US. It’s not easy trying to find that one guy who fits well with the team and you think can do it. Jimmy has turned out to be a fantastic choice and we hope to have him on the team for a while.” When it comes to Decotis’ 17-year-old teammate, Wright, not only are Grant, Tyler and everyone impressed with his results and riding improvement this year, but also on how well he is handling the role of a professional racer at such a young age. “I give that kid a lot of credit,” says Grant. “He’s done an amazing job of managing and completing his high school education, maintains a great relationship with his girlfriend, trains hard, and keeps improving year to year. It isn’t easy to do that while riding for a major team. There is pressure but Dylan seems to balance it all really well.” There’s no doubt Dylan Wright is on pace to be Canada’s next big thing. The 17-year-old has already set records, like reaching the podium in his very first pro national at Gopher Dunes in 2013—still as an MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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Above: The Canada’s Motorcycle FXR Yamaha group is a tight knit team who always seems to be having fun.
The MX101 team has become the focus of Yamaha’s support and budget for the MX2 pro class, and it’s paying off.” 68
Intermediate rider. While he didn’t score a podium in his first year as a pro in 2014, Wright returned to the box this summer at Wild Rose MX Park in Calgary. It didn’t come easy either, as the #20 Yamaha was forced to charge back from outside the top 10 to finish third, passing GDR Honda’s Jeremy Medaglia. An impressive and somewhat sentimental feat for Wright, as he grew up watching and idolizing Jeremy and his older brother Tyler as an amateur racer. Wow, how time flies… Since his days on mini bikes, Wright has been receiving support from MX101. Sometimes it’s simple words of encouragement or direction from Kevin Tyler or Johnny Grant. Other times, it’s more tangible, like a bike, parts, truck, trailer and all the tools to go racing comfortably at all ten rounds of the Canadian Nationals. The ever respectful and appreciative Wright is forever grateful and looks forward to a long term relationship with the MX101 group. “I met the MX101 guys from riding at Sand Del Lee,” recalls Wright on his first introduction to the duo. “My Dad ran the Eastern Ontario Motocross Association before MX101, and then Kevin and Johnny came in.” “I was always riding around there and kept getting faster. Kevin helped me out on 80s with bikes from Yamaha, and got me on to an amateur team with Bradley Dool. That went on to 125s and the Talent Factory team. After winning the Bronze Boot and getting my third at Gopher, I sat down and worked out something for a pro contract. I’ve known Kevin forever and used to take his camps on an XR50.
That was a long time ago. I met Johnny though their schools and summer camps. Now I’m on the pro team and we have a great relationship.” The current objective is winning his first Canadian national and continuing to fight for podiums every weekend, but looking further down the road, Wright is interested in testing the waters across the border. “I’m looking to get stuff sorted out for supercross next year,” says Wright. “I’d like to find some support and money to do that, try that next winter or the year after that. I don’t want Canada to be my last stop; racing here is awesome and the support from MX101 and Yamaha is amazing. I‘ve been with them forever and we have a great relationship. We’re a team but also friends. We all get along, but at some point I do want to leave Canada and try the States. It’s hard but I’m willing to put in the work to get there in AMA outdoors and supercross.” The teenager is getting the perfect experience for his dreams of racing in the US with imports like Cole Martinez and his teammate Jimmy Decotis coming to Canada this summer. He not only gets to see their speed and how they carry themselves, but he gets a first hand look by racing, training and working alongside Decotis. “We (MX101 team) met him down at South of the Border,” says Wright on his introduction to Decotis. “I had never met the guy before. He tried one of our team bikes and liked it. It was cool to meet him and ride with him a bit. He’s become a good friend of mine and I’m really glad it worked out that’s he on our team. We try to work off each other on the track,
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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WHO IS ‘CANADA’S MOTORCYCLE?’ Some new blood enters Canadian moto
pushing past guys and also lining up on the start beside each other. I’m always willing to learn off guys and see where I can improve.” These racers are never happy unless they’re winning, and Wright’s getting closer to that goal. That said, he and the team are quite happy with his results, eff ort and riding so far. Compared to last season, Wright is riding more mature-like and trying to conserve energy on his bike when he can. “I’m more confident with the tracks and the bike. I’ve been on a 250F for almost two years now. I feel really comfortable on it right now. My speed has improved from last year and just knowing the tracks and how the whole program works, I know better when to push and when not to push, when I should take this position and save my bike for the next moto. I learned a lot last year, which has helped going into this year with my riding and speed.” There are many quick, young pros racing some or all of the nationals, including BC’s Jesse Pettis and GDR Honda supported rider Westen Wrozyna. But of them, Wright is the one who is rising best to new challenges in the pro class; one being the aggressiveness, especially with the top guys. “I’ve always been comfortable getting in there and racing with anyone,” he says. “In that second moto in Calgary, there were four of us really close together on the opening lap, and Jeremy and I were going hard. I took the inside, he was on the outside, and our lines came together. I wasn’t going to let off, and I knew for sure he wasn’t going to either [laughs]. That is the diff erence in the pro class, the guys are not shutting
It’s all about the dollars, the Benjamins or whoever those smug looking folks are on our “bucks.” I would love to tell you faithful racing fans that our sport is fuelled and paid for by passion, but that’s not how it works. We need investors (ie. sponsors) to supply budget, support and interest in order to grow motocross, or any sport or business for that matter. For years now, Royal Distributing has been the main source of support to Canadian moto from a large, online (and brick and mortar) retailer. They’ve been a partner of KTM’s factory race eff ort since 2005, and until now, haven’t really had any direct competition at the sponsorship level. But when Andy White was no longer the team manager for KTM, he was hired to find money for MX101’s program and he found some from Canada’s Motorcycle. “After leaving KTM, I began snooping around, looking for opportunities that fit my experience and interests in the motorcycle industry,” begins White on how it all started with ‘introducing’ Canada’s Motorcycle to motocross racing. “Through networking, I got in touch with the guys at Canada’s Motorcycle, and it turned out they were located only 15 minutes from me in Montreal.”
off, and if you want to be up there, you have to be comfortable with it.” Chemistry is everything, they say, when it comes to professional team sports. Though motocross is considered an individual eff ort; one guy, one bike. It’s often quoted that it’s because of a committed, organized and encouraging team behind the athlete that rises to the top. It’s becoming evident that synergy does deliver tangible results, as the Canada’s Motorcycle Yamaha FXR Racing team is recording their best results and season since it’s ‘debut’ in 2013. A big reason, of course, is the hiring of Peabody, Massachusetts’ Jimmy Decotis. A 22-year-old racer from the AMA ranks, he’s shown some impressive
“I explained my background and went through a three hour interview with the owners. They are a group of young guys, not necessarily motorcycle enthusiasts, but they really understand the online world and wanted to expand their presence into something new. They see an opportunity in Canadian motocross and I helped them coordinate a deal as title sponsor for MX101’s team this year.” Starts are important in racing and MX101 has them this far into the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. Four races in and Canada’s Motorcycle has been part of two overall wins, moto wins and podiums with Jimmy Decotis and Dylan Wright. They’re definitely experiencing a good marketing “splash” right now, and here’s to them sticking around and investing into our favourite sport for years to come. “When they hired me to do this, they didn’t expect overalls and wins right away,” adds White on Canada’s Motorcycle’s response to their initial success. “We just wanted to be in the mix, maybe some podiums, but we didn’t sell them on wins. But after going 1-1 in Kamloops, everyone got pretty ecstatic.”
speed indoors and out, and carries with him a large fan following due to his outgoing and fun loving personality. That’s led to an easy fi t with the MX101 camp, his young teammate Wright (and now his friend), and near perfect results in the four rounds of his first ever Canadian national series. In eight motos, he’s gone 1-1-DNF (mechanical)-4-1-2-2-2 and sits third in the series (23 points out of first). Decotis made his way on to the team after Jesse Wentland parted ways due to clothing sponsor complications. With all of the Canadian contenders signed up, MX101 did what most teams do, look south for a ‘hired gun’ that nobody else was taking advantage of. “I heard some rumours at the Detroit Supercross,” MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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Left: At just 17 years of age, Dylan Wright is having a very good season in 2015.
begins Decotis on how he began his discussions with MX101 and racing in Canada. “My plans were supercross, and when we got to outdoors, I would do it on my own (at the US nationals) and hopefully get a budget with my sponsors to race all 12 rounds. “But then I heard that Oldenberg and Mitchell stayed here (in the US). There was a post on Twitter about MX101 looking for another rider, and my girlfriend, Jamie (Routley),Tweeted and said, ‘Jimmy is open.’ Dylan Wright was riding at South of the Border, where I was too, and I got talking to him, and then MX101’s Kevin Tyler came down. We talked a bunch and sent some text messages back and forth. I was really interested in coming up this summer and it fell into place. Before we made it official, I wanted to make sure I was making the best decision for the team and I.” The best decision? Close to it! Decotis is right there with KTM’s defending champ Kaven Benoit, who is proving very tough to beat on his 250 two-stroke, and Jeremy Medaglia, who is looking faster than ever on his 250F Honda. A proven top-10 Lites rider in AMA supercross and motocross, Decotis has a resume worthy for success in Canada, but not every American gels right away with the Great White North (example being Decotis’ counterpart, Cole Martinez, who has had a rough go in his Canadian debut). Fortunately, Decotis has the right attitude and brings a lot of positive energy to the track and life. He wasn’t necessarily heavily favoured by the media and bench racing critics to be a title contender, but Decotis is a legitimate threat for this thing. In the past, he admits that he didn’t put enough emphasis into the training side of racing, but he’s amended that for 2015. It’s paying off with race wins and an intense pace for every lap. “At Sand Del Lee in the spring, after doing some short motos and working on his settings, Jimmy did full fledged 30 minute motos,” begins MX101 team sponsor consultant, Andy White. He asked me how much time was between motos at the nationals, and then kept repeating that schedule all day long. His 70
lap times were consistent and didn’t drop off. He’s always upbeat, a joker on the team, but when it comes down to the racing, he’s serious. He’s putting in the time and effort, and knows he’s been on other teams but never had a shot at a championship that means something. He knows that he has a legit chance of winning, and I think that’s why he is putting more focus on it.” Always looking for a way to enjoy riding a motorcycle, Decotis would be happy to even line up on a 125 two-stroke (just search his name on YouTube to see why he would consider it) at his team’s home track national, Sand Del Lee. “If the team allowed it, and it was a track that favoured the two-stroke, it would be a cool decision—and fun for the fans and me. It would be good for everyone. I would love to be out there and enjoying myself on a 125 against the big dogs. Would be pretty fun!” But that won’t happen because it’s against CMRC’s new rule that you have to stay on the same stroke of bike from start to the finish. At the halfway point, Decotis has been loving every minute of his experience living and racing in Canada. Following him on social media, you can see he and his girlfriend touring the sights and sounds in each province, hitting up local tracks between races and really soaking up the life of a ‘Canuck.’ Being away from home isn’t easy, but with a positive attitude it’s making the transition and change more relaxed and successful for Decotis. New riders aren’t the only new faces to the team; MX101 has also beefed up their marketing and promotional punch with former KTM Canada Race Manager, Andy White. With four MX2 titles under his lead of KTM’s factory race program, and multiple MX1 wins with Kornel Nemeth, Dusty Klatt and Colton Facciotti, White has the experience, knowledge and contacts necessary to deliver marketing value for race team sponsors. When KTM and White parted ways last fall, White began working as a consultant for a few motorcycle related companies, including FXR Racing, who he helped link up as the new gear and major sponsor of MX101. Through his networking skills, he also coordinated a new relationship with Canada’s Motorcycle, an online retailer who is dipping their toes into Canadian motocross for the first time. “The MX101 guys were looking to bring more punch to the program,” answers White on how he began his new role with MX101. “I sat down with them and discussed ways to build a better presentation for a title sponsor. It’s basically a contract job, and I’m involved in trying to get outside sponsors and regular sponsors for product, like FMF and Dunlop. It’s helped to create a stronger race program without MX101 having to invest so much into parts and supplies. My history with other teams has shown that I’ve had winning programs, and I think that’s helped to bring more product to the team. That’s opened more budget to afford a guy like Jimmy (Decotis).” It’s interesting that White was racing for titles with KTM, and now he’s in direct competition against them with MX101 in the MX2 Championship. Of course, a fan of all things Canadian moto, White is still hanging out under the KTM tent and maintains a good relationship with his former colleagues and riders.
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KEEPING IT CANADIAN FXR Racing Steps it Up to the Top-Step
Above: Everyone knows that Jimmy Decotis will take the MX2 title chase right down to Walton.
“The change has been great, actually, I really love what I’m doing now,” he says. “I’m still talking to JSR, Kaven, Cole and all of the guys under the tent. I was a part of Kaven’s success for a few years and it’s been good watching him succeed. It’s just not fun watching him win every moto [laughs]. He is a great rider and I’m not surprised he’s doing as well as he is this year.” Jimmy has been getting some wins, but what does White think needs to happen for the younger rider on the team, Wright, to get into the lead? “Dylan’s not far off from a win. In that first moto in Calgary, he came from sixth to pass Jeremy. He was fl ying. I don’t know if he is on the pace of Jimmys, because he is really aggressive out of the gate and then puts in it into cruise control. Dylan is a bit slower at first and then picks it up at the end, and then he’s one of the fastest guys. He needs to come out faster, cruise a bit and then pour it on in the final laps. He’s a young kid gaining experience with Jimmy and they have a good relationship together. “It was pretty cool. After a moto in Regina, Jimmy knew that Dylan was feeling down on is results that day, so he went over, hugged him and said ‘Don’t worry about, buddy. Not every day can be a great one. Things are going to get much better in the east.’ I think that went a long way for Dylan.” MX101 went full bore into the Canadian Nationals with Jeremy Medaglia as their lead rider in 2013. They played the underdog with many doubting the choice to have Medaglia riding a 450 instead of a 250. Too small and not there yet, they said. Medaglia went on to finish fourth overall in the MX1 series behind his brother Tyler, while claiming podiums and a win in Deschambault, Quebec along the way. That same year, their then amateur supported rider, Wright, finished third in his first MX2 pro race at Gopher Dunes. And last year, Minnesota’s Jesse Wentland ran their colours up front at Gopher Dunes, taking a moto and finishing fourth overall in the series. It’s not often a team steps in and wins races right away, but MX101 has done it and continues to do so this season with Decotis ticking off three wins and three runner-up finishes after four races. Wright achieved his second ever pro podium as well. Is a championship in the cards in 2015? There is no reason it couldn’t happen. The cards are in place, and should it work out that way, it will solidify MX101’s race program as a sought after home for anyone looking to win races in Canada. Isn’t it always more fun cheering for the underdog?
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What a season it’s been for Canadian owned and operated FXR Racing, a manufacturer of premium snowmobile, off-road and motocross gear. Based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba and led by Milt Reimer, a motocross enthusiast, fan and former top racer (snow and dirt), FXR has been supporting riders across Canada for years, but this season they’ve really stepped it up by becoming a title sponsor of MX101 Racing’s program as well as forming a partnership with the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. The MX101 team had been dressed in Fox for years, but this past winter the two parties couldn’t come to terms, which left the door open for FXR to step in. “It’s all come together really well,” says MX101’s Team Manager, Johnny Grant. “We couldn’t be happier having FXR Racing and Canada’s Motorcycle joining our team. The guys are really into the sport and were there with me in Calgary to see Jimmy (Decotis) and Dylan (Wright) go first and third. They were pumped!” And with good reason. FXR has been adorned by guys like Marco Dubé, Jason Burke, Brock Hoyer, Ryan Millar, and many others, but doesn’t it look a tad sharper on the duo of Decotis and Wright? Maybe everything looks better when you’re up front … but the FXR colours and designs are popping this year. I’m all for the staple brands of the sport, but it’s refreshing and encouraging to see some new brands and people involved. “FXR hasn’t had a lot of branding at the Nationals, and we thought this would be a great opportunity, especially with Decotis coming onto the team,” adds White. “It was perfect timing for them and they were looking to get on board with a title contending team. With Jimmy dating a girl from Winnipeg, he had spent time in Manitoba and met the FXR guys. They took a liking to him and really couldn’t believe it could happen, but it did.” Good thing it did. Since signing on with the MX101 team, FXR has earned their first ever Canadian National win with Decotis in Kamloops after sweeping both MX2 motos. Win on Sunday, sell on Monday, right?
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S MIKE ALESSI GO FROM HERE? BY BRENT WORRALL
hen news broke in the spring of 2014 that Mike Alessi and the Smartop Moto Concepts team were considering coming to Canada to contest the Rockstar Energy Drink Nationals, no one really knew what to think or expect. Rumours were abundant and most just took it in stride and said, “Canada? I will believe that when I see it.” I, on the other hand, knew that when the gate dropped at round one last year in Nanaimo, the Moto Concepts team, owned by Mike Genova and managed by Mike’s father Tony would all be there. I was fortunate enough throughout the process and over the course of the season last year to get to know Mike and his whole team quite well. I will mention this now and want to get it out of the way because it is something that I learned a long time ago in life, and deeply value. I believe, and make it my own policy that no matter where I go or whatever I do, I must always keep an open mind and form my own opinion. With some of the highly documented heat that Mike Alessi has taken in social media posts, and more often than not on online forums along with other negative press, I very much looked forward to being able to form my own opinion. In the case of Mike Alessi and every single member of his Smartop Moto Concepts team, they have always treated me like a first class human being and my dealings with them have been on the highest of professional levels. For that I would like to thank each and every one of them as
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their operation is first class and is the dictionary definition of professional. Yes, Mike Alessi is a high profile athlete who has a very well decorated resume; Mike started riding a dirt bike at 3-years-old and throughout his amateur career he accumulated over 100 amateur titles. I am not sure the exact numbers but if it is not some kind of record it is very impressive none the less. These titles include 11 titles at Loretta Lynn’s, which ties him with James Stewart for all time wins there. The long list of titles in the developmental ranks included many wins at Ponca City and the World Mini Grand Prix. There have been many top level riders line up in Canada over the years but let’s put this into perspective, we now had a rider in Canada who had many of the highest level achievements this country had ever seen. A rider who has won multiple U.S. national races on Factory teams on a 250 as well as in the premier 450 class. Most recently in 2012, Mike was runner up in the 450 class to Ryan Dungey while riding a factory Suzuki. Mike Alessi points to being the youngest ever rider at 16 years and two months old to podium the premier class as the racing feat he, in which to this day, is the proudest. He was on his own Race Tech Honda 450 at Steel City that day in 2004 finishing third behind race winner Ricky Carmichael and second place rider Kevin Windham. When the Moto Concepts team was in Canada, many asked why. Did you ask yourself that? I can only answer that for myself, and in all honesty I can say, why never really mattered to me. I do know that Mike Alessi has had a lot of hate come his way south of the border in the form of social media harassment and other types of things, and no matter who you are, that can become very eroding. Even though Mike is a top level athlete, has the fortitude of a champion and a genuine, all around good guy personality, he is MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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just as human as you and I. Negativity and outright hatred can be tough on anyone and no fun to deal with as Mike has done silently. After giving his all to the sport of Motocross and knowing nothing else from the age of 3 but twisting the throttle on a dirt bike, it was nice to see the Simi Valley, California native, who now resides in Florida, very excited to get a chance to experience something new by racing in Canada. Canada turned out to be the kryptonite needed for Mike Alessi to endear himself to a new fan base and get an opportunity to once again taste victory at the top level of the sport he loves. As we all know by now, his ultimate goal of winning the 2014 title did not materialize. In fact, at day’s end he was 40 points shy of Colton Facciotti. Was he fast enough to win the title? Absolutely, but as racing luck sometimes goes, 2104 would not be Mike’s year for the top step. Mike had many races in 2014 where he was the fastest racer on the track, but he admitted that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and opportunity. Mike also openly versed that he would like another shot at it if somehow that were made possible. In a true testament statement to his character, he told me at the 76
end of the final round that Colton Facciotti was a true champion and was full value for the 2014 title. There were also some events through the course of the season, involving Mike’s teammate Vince Friese and Kaven Benoit that were the focus of a lot of attention and drama. Some of it good and some of it bad. It was definitely one of the fiercest fought battles on Canadian soil in the 250 class in many years, if not ever. I had a chance to reflect back on 2014 a little bit with Mike and Vince recently in Calgary and they thought that some of the things that happened at some of the rounds by race fans were a little bit over the top. I did not witness it personally, but I must admit if a race fan is throwing a rock or a bottle at a rider, that is taking it too far no matter what the circumstances. It is probably a given that Vince Friese and Kaven Benoit will never become lifelong friends, but I do know that both riders are now more concerned with their futures than they are with the past. After the 2014 season ended, the Smartop Moto Concepts team had both Mike Alessi and Vince Friese signed to ride the Monster Energy Supercross series this past winter.
Above: For the fi rst time in years, Mike Alessi took to the track in Calgary without his customary #800 on his bike. Right: It was great to see Mike Alessi back on Canadian soil in Calgary. Below: Mike’s dad, Tony Alessi, was his usual focused self during his return to Canada in June.
Mike would start the Supercross series with a ton of confidence as a result of his victories in the summer’s Canadian National series. Mike believes that the confidence gained from winning in Canada helped him get a solid result of 9th overall at the first round in Anaheim. He was also very much excited, anticipating a Supercross season of personal bests and great results. After qualifying 2nd at A2 in Anaheim, Mike would suff er a knee injury that required a quick flight east and knee surgery on a damaged MCL. Although he
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“Recently, Mike has stated openly that he would love to come back to Canada and run the whole series once again for an opportunity to capture what eluded him in 2014.” soldiered on through the rounds of the West, he was in notable pain. I spoke with him, and watched in person at A3 and the San Diego rounds, and it was very obvious that he was not able to perform to the level he is capable or was happy with. Although it was tough to see Mike’s results suff er from riding hurt, it was very impressive to watch him press on as positively as he could, dealing with all the physical and mental adversity. When the series hit his home state of Florida and the historic Daytona Speedway, Mike looked to be back up to speed and battled for the early race lead. Mike did overtake Andrew Short for a brief lead and then fell back to 11th in a highly competitive, deep field. On lap 7 he would suff er another devastating setback. It was a high speed crash that sent him down hard, which saw him lay motionless in the middle of the racetrack for a long time. Mike suff ered serious trauma to his back, which included soft tissue, vertebrae and rib damage. He told me recently when recounting what happened that night that it was very frightening as he could not feel his legs or move them for a period of time after the crash. After getting back up to speed physically, Mike and the Smartop Moto Concepts team continued to push forward with a schedule that would see them pursue mixed venues around the globe for outdoors in 2015. This included a trip to Europe for two MXGPs in England and France. Mike’s best Moto finish would be a 13th. He admitted it was a learning curve and returned home with a new, heightened respect for the calibre of racing on the GP circuit. Mike also admitted that for a veteran of the sport at 27, it was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. Mike and his team also plan to compete in the final GP of the series in September at Glen Helen Raceway. The Smartop Moto Concepts team touched down in Calgary on June 14th but this time with a diff erent look. Both Mike Alessi and Vince Friese would ride 450s with race numbers according to their national ranking from 2014. For the first time in his professional career and for the first time since he was 8-yearsold, Mike Alessi would wear a number other than his signature 800. Over the course of his career, the rivalry Mike Alessi has had with Ryan Villopoto has been well documented, and I think it is kind of ironic that Alessi would now wear the number 2, that of his long-time rival. I mentioned it to him as he signed the race worn plate for me at day’s end in Calgary for my studio, and he smiled and said “It is just a number, nothing else.” The race day in Calgary did not really have a chance to live up to the previous year’s event in a race which Mike said was one of the best of his life. A pretty bold statement from a rider who reached a podium in a 450 U.S. National when he was in the 9th grade, among his many other major accomplishments. Mike did win the overall last year on the 450 but this year he came in hurting. He told me before the first moto that he was very sore from a practice crash earlier that week. Mike suff ered a sternum and rib separation from hitting the ground after getting a sudden fl at tire while preparing for Calgary back in California. His teammate, Vince Friese, would open a few eyes and turn
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Right: After a mid-week crash, Mike Alessi was in no shape to contend for wins on the Wild Rose MX Track. Below: Even though he doesn’t always show it, Moto Concepts Team Owner Mike Genova was very happy with Vince Friese’s win at Round 3 in Calgary.
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heads, getting the Smartop team the overall victory in a surprising fashion to some. Vince was full value for the win going 1-4 in a very deep MX1 fi eld. As a race fan, it was great to see this high profile, talented duo and their team back at a race in our series. So where does that leave them? What now for Mike Alessi? What now for the Smartop Moto Concepts? There are two questions here, if you ask me. Mike Genova is the boss right now and the one Mike Alessi is under contract with. Mike is a great racer and has a great historical resume, but a rider in this sport needs support and needs a team. I guess some could argue that to many extents Mike Alessi could buy his own motorcycle and throw it in a van and go racing for fun. This, in my opinion, will not happen anytime soon and is not an immediate option for Mike Alessi. Mike’s current contract expires in October and then anything is possible. Yes, we have some racing to go before then, and if his rehabilitation and training goes well, Mike hopes to race a few more U.S. Nationals as well as the final Canadian National at Walton Raceway with the Moto Concepts team. After that, Mike Genova and Mike Alessi will consider their options, but what are they? I spoke with Mike and he enjoyed the Canadian experience in 2014 and would possibly be up to doing it again in 2016 with the right kind of support. Mike Genova did say, however, that he would most likely not do it solely on his own dime again and would need some additional support if he were to commit. He cited that manufacturer support would be optimum to enhance the possibilities. I am not saying any of these possibilities will or will not happen, but I do know, after speaking with Mike Genova, that he is as approachable and open as anyone I have ever met in the business. Anyone that feels that they can benefi t by partnering with Mike Genova is welcome to give him a call. I am sure he would love to hear from you. If a deal can be reached between Mike Alessi and current employer Mike Genova and his Smartop Moto Concepts team, where will they race in 2016? Who knows? Would they come back to Canada? There again, who knows? As a race fan, I think it only makes our series better to have a rider like Mike Alessi in it. After all, look at the great mix we have right now in the premier class. Add in one more big fish and the series is only the better for it. Recently, Mike has stated openly that he would love to come back to Canada and run the whole series once again for an opportunity to capture what eluded him in 2014. Would he do it on another team other than the Smartop Moto Concepts team if he cannot reach a deal with them? You bet he would. I am sure there is a team out there that would love to have a first class individual like Mike Alessi on their team, giving them a legitimate shot at the top prize in the MX1 class. Would Mike ride another brand of motorcycle if off ered the right deal? Well, let me just end it by saying that nobody ever thought Mike Alessi would ever ride with a number other than 800 and he did. Wherever you end up in 2016 Mike Alessi, good luck to you and your connections, and a special thanks to you, your wife Danielle, your father Tony, Mike Genova and the whole Smartop Moto Concepts Team for your time and first class treatment.
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t u i d t t e A ~IS EVERYTHING~
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Top: Whether he wins or loses, Brett Metcalfe is always gracious. Bottom: As intense as Tyler Medaglia is, he has great respect for the sport and his competition.
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n this sport, as with every sport on the planet, we witness the consummate professional athlete that always seems to do and say the correct things. These quality people spend their time not only succeeding in their chosen sport, but they set great examples for the next generation of athletes as well, because so much of a young person’s life is built around the saying “monkey see, monkey do.” Of course, there are also many examples of the other side of the coin where athletes manage to either reach the top of their game and then fail because of their bad attitudes, or sadly, never get there at all. The winding road to the top of anything in life is obviously very difficult, so very few get there. The stress of this journey can be a very large burden to bare. Sometimes an athlete can get so wrapped up in their quest to be the best that their normally outgoing personality isn’t always on display. How many times have you seen a rider be less than personable to one of their fans? Unfortunately, it happens a lot. While it isn’t always the athlete’s fault, there really are no excuses for not taking a few moments to converse. Sometimes it’s just bad timing; these days fans seem to have almost unlimited access to their favourite stars, however, sometimes it’s a case of the rider just having a bad attitude. Having a good attitude, regardless of what your results are on a given day, is more important than ever. Not that long ago the only eyes a rider had
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on them were their friends’, families’ and valuable sponsors’. Now, it’s all of the above as well as the entire Social Media world. One miscue can easily blow up, and before an athlete knows it, their good name is being dragged through the mud and they’re quickly trending downwards. Being a top athlete these days is a lot more complicated than ever before. Sure, the ingredients that go into a championship are the same as they have ever been - hard work, smart riding, quality machinery and a little good luck are still what it takes to win. However, in today’s world, a rider has to worry about a lot more, which can sometimes turn their smiles upside down. Age and experience is also something that can affect a rider’s attitude and how they act at the race track. When you’re young and a little dumb, you naturally feel like you live in a selfish bubble. With reason, your sole focus is racing and having a good time. Sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is being aware how you’re acting off the bike. We see this sense of entitlement in all walks of life as sometimes young people aren’t as approachable as people who are a little older. As an athlete ages and gains more experience, they slowly learn that it’s not all about them. Over time, their more mature eyes open and they begin to see that their success (and failures) over the years have been a group effort. At this point they relax a little bit and begin to embrace the little things in life and in their sport. For instance, in the past where they’d do whatever they could to pack up and leave
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Top: Even before the start of each moto our National riders can be seen talking to each other. Right: After a hard battle, Jeremy Medaglia and Brad Nauditt show some love for each other.
the track while talking to as few people as possible, as they get older and see the light, they now hang out at the track after the race and talk to as many people as they can. Chad Reed is the perfect example of this, because when he was younger and in his prime, he was considered somewhat of a polarizing figure at the races. Whether it was because he was a little shy and uncomfortable interacting with the legion of fans, or because as his success grew maybe his ego did as well. Regardless of the reason, once Reed’s racing results hit rock bottom at the end of 2010 and he was forced to rebuild his career, with that transformation came a new attitude with the public and the fans began to accept the Australian as one of their favourites. From there he was able to find success again. If it wasn’t for a few unfortunate crashes, Reed would’ve won multiple titles as one of the new fan favourites. Of course, an athlete doesn’t just have a responsibility to be good with their fans, they also must be respectful with their competition. In a sport as cutthroat as motocross, it’s very easy to get lost in the heat of the battle and lose sight of 86
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CRAZY FAST SUPER LIGHT
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Top: Even multi-time Canadian Champion Jean Sebastien Roy (left) took everything in stride when he was racing. Bottom: Dylan Schmoke shows how focussed most riders are at the start of a race day.
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what’s really important. Every rider is guilty at one point of crossing the line on the track and forgetting that everything comes around. In my day during the 1990s, crossing the line was a common practice, and for whatever reason, riders of that era seemed to have very little respect for each other. There was definitely a dog eat dog mentality during that decade, and in some cases, those wounds took a long time to heal. One rider who did a great job of staying out of the drama was Jean Sebastien Roy. For whatever reason, JSR was always a class act on the track and off the track as well. When he won, he was a humble champion. If you happened to have beaten him, he was the first rider to pat you on the back and say ‘good job.’ We all know of the success JSR went on to have in the early 2000s. Part of that success on the track can be attributed to how he acted off the track. These days, as the Royal Distributing Fox KTM Team Manager, it looks as though he’s passing on that easy going demeanour to Kaven Benoit and Cole Thompson as they are two of the nicest riders in the paddock. In Canada we are very lucky as almost all of our top riders happen to be some of the most approachable people in this sport. From Colton Facciotti to Brett Metcalfe to Tyler Medaglia to Bobby Kiniry, almost every rider that is competing in the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals takes every opportunity they can to chat with the fans and interact with each other. Maybe it’s just the Canadian way or maybe it’s because this series brings out the best in their personality? Or maybe it’s just how you’re supposed to act when you are a professional athlete and directly in the public eye? Yes, there is an enormous amount of pressure to perform, brought on by both yourself and your sponsors, however at the end of the day there is such a small window of opportunity in this sport, you might as well try to enjoy it and be the best person you can be… not just the best rider you can be. This is not only a great lesson for pro riders, but more importantly it’s a great lesson for up and coming amateur riders. We’ve all seen talented amateur riders and their families get so wrapped up in trying to succeed that they end up alienating themselves from everyone around them. To be a top amateur and carry that success into the pro ranks is the hardest thing to do in any sport. A young rider must transition from winning races by 20 seconds and getting a hug from Mom and Dad, to battling for maybe a top five and then having a team manager tell them that next time they should do better. Usually, the rookie rider that succeeds is the one who can keep everything in perspective and somehow keep a smile on their face. So remember, as an athlete and as a person, it’s important to respect yourself, respect your competitors, respect your family and the people who help you, and try to have the best attitude possible on and off the track. Because after all, attitude is everything!
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In the bowels of a six story offi ce, located between 5th and 6th on 23rd street in Manhattan, I would slave away, often times for sixteen hours straight, making sure the Fortune 500 company I worked for tweeted the perfect message to reach our audience. You see, back in 2008 I became the Director of Marketing and PR for Marc Ecko; I was in WAY over my head. I didn’t have formal training nor a degree in Marketing from a University. What I did have was a following and a working knowledge of the psychology of Social Media. Marc saw that after begging my way from a commission-only sales position and then three months later becoming the top sales rep for the brand, he thought I was ready for a new challenge. When he asked what title I wanted I decided to go all in and reach for the stars. I told him I want the highest one he could off er. After accepting this new position I then spent the next several sleepless months researching social marketing and all that it entailed. What I have learned since is more than this article can hold and by no means am I considered an expert. With new apps and trends being born as fast as babies, it’s impossible to stay on top of it all. What I do find interesting, though, is how it’s changed media and turned the micro celebrity into a big business. We are now producers, journalists and reporters telling real stories in real time through our phones. We can infl uence trends and shift markets with a single post. That kind of power is compelling, but it can also be devastating. More traditional forms of marketing (such as this magazine) have to have a lightning speed pace to keep up and not get lost in the social shuffl e. Let’s break it down to something more specific, though. Motocross. Sure Social Media has rocked the boat in every industry, but how has it eff ected one that’s based on two wheels with its athletes fl ying 70 feet through the air and going fast? How can you use its power to help your company or career in the industry? First, let’s start with a history lesson. Facebook launched only 10 years ago, the same year that all major motorcycle manufacturers began competing with four-stroke bikes. Soon after followed YouTube, blogs, Twitter, Foursquare, Vine,
Leticia Cline 1 hrs
Leticia Cline
Motocross Performance Magazine
Tyler Medaglia @t_medaglia
Cole Thompson @Colethompson
Colton Facciotti @coltonfacciotti
Matt Goerke @mattgoerke
Brett Metcalfe @bmetty24
Like all of the riders in our industry, the riders that are competing in the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals are also competing in the Social Media arena. During their race weekends we sometimes get an inside look at what the life is like as a pro rider on the Canadian circuit, and sometimes during the week they give us a glimpse of what their lives are like during the week. The best thing about Social Media is that we can just follow our favourite riders and instantly we’re connected. When used correctly, Social Media can not only inform us about what the riders had for dinner the night before a big race, but it can also provide us with knowledge of some really intense training they did during the week or a cool place they visited. Here are some of the Instagram addresses of a few of your favourite riders racing in Canada this summer. Give them a follow and watch their journey throughout the summer.
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Heading into Round 5 at Gopher Dunes, all of the talk was surrounding two things. First, everyone wondered just how rough and challenging the conditions were going to be on Sunday, and second, everyone was anticipating the battle that might take place in the MX1 class between Brett Metcalfe and Matt Goerke.
MXP Chatter With Brett Metcalfe By MXP · 40 days ago
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After one of the most successful racing careers in recent memories, and one that will most certainly land him in the Hall Of Fame. Ryan Villopoto has announced today that he is retiring from racing at the age of 27.
Ryan Villopoto Retires! By MXP · 9 days ago
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Here’s how it works and how you can use it for your benefit. You are only as big as your social following. Brands want to reach a lot of people for as little work and money as possible. Ten years ago an ad would cost thousands and would reach only a few hundred, and not even that effectively. Today a company can pay a rider with a large following that same amount, reach more people with a very targeted audience and leave the creative work up to the posting rider. It just makes sense and it works. While having a large following helps, you can still use it to your advantage if you have a small one. With social media, more racers are being discovered. A decade ago you either had to be scouted or bust your butt and go broke attending every race you could to get in front of the right people, make the right connections and land a contract. With outlets like YouTube and Instagram it makes it easier for sponsors to find you, and it’s even easier for you to find them! Think about it, talking to the head of marketing at Honda seemed impossible a few years ago, but now you can find them on sites like LinkedIn and send them an email. At the same time you can be more personal with your fan base. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat give followers an instant and personal look into your lives. They feel like they are more connected with you and therefore become more loyal, almost family-like loyal. This is an advantage that “micro celebrities” have over the major ones. Micro stars engage better than major celebrities, therefore having more influence. Moreover, they are relatable and willing to use products and talk about them. Smart brands recognize this and will want to partner up with the people who speak to their audience most.
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Instagram, Google plus, Snapchat and a ton more. At the same pace came bigger bikes, faster tracks, extra race rounds, increased television coverage time slots, a slew of motocross magazines, more sponsors and even a few moto-specific smart phone apps. Some have failed to take off, but nonetheless, we have tried them all in hopes of riding the wave of the “next big thing.” Why is this important? Because it shows how engaging a social audience has grown our industry at NASCAR proportions and made it the highly publicized and televised sport it is today. Our athletes now are as famous as yesterday’s rock stars, with their own television shows, international commercial deals and appearance fees.
Dylan Wright @dylanwright539
Shawn Maffenbeier @shawn_maff
Jeremy Medaglia @jeremymedaglia
Jimmy Decotis @jimmydecotis
Kaven Benoit @kavenbenoit26
Kyle Keast @kylekeastracing
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As with everything there is always a bad side, and social media is no different. Back in the day people were getting hired solely on talent, however in today’s time, talent plays only a tiny part compared to how many followers a person has. Before you start taking that statement wrong, let me clarify. I’m not stating that the riders are talentless; you have to have a lot of riding ability to be able to even compete. What I’m saying really relates to how many sponsors you have and how much money you get from them. It’s called being a “social media influencer” or SMI and it comes with a price. We already discussed how companies used to have to pay a lot of money on traditional forms of marketing, but now they can pay one person with a large following and reach more people faster. What has happened as a result of that is people are being paid more because they have a larger audience than the person who has more talent, but with a much smaller reach. Our resumes and press kits now have to include how many followers we have. The races now have their own designated hashtags for fans to use and every rider has their Instagram handle watermarked on every photo blasted on the Jumbotron. Xgames uses tweet counts in the vote of who wins gold. The more following you have the more negating power you have when it comes time to renew your contract and apparently win metals.
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So while it’s easier to be found, it’s not so easy to get a contract. Social media may have watered down the industry a bit but it has also played a major role in the growth, preservation and security of motorcycle racing. Television brought racing into our homes; social media brings it into our hands. While some think that we are disconnected being on our devices, we are actually more connected than ever, just in a different way. Social media has made the world small town again and allowed us to be more informed from the people we choose and can relate to. Moto has recognized that and embraced it, and it’s the people that get in it from the beginning that win the race, which is evident in the over 4.5 million total following that motocross and supercross outlets have. #heretostay The world as we know it is definitely changing. While Social Media and the Web World are growing almost on an hourly basis, savvy print magazines are trying to find a niche with their readership. Although it’s been an uphill battle, through the advancements in graphic design and the creative people still involved in print, a great ad or a feature magazine story still has a way of captivating an audience like nothing else. I believe there’s room for both in our industry and each offers something different. Now, excuse me while I go and share this story through my Instagram @leticiacline
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2015-07-17 2:46 PM
First Ride THE NEX T GENER ATION 2016 K TMs BY CHRIS POMEROY | PHOTOS BY SIMON CUDBY
or a long time rider and a journalist in the motocross industry, this is always an exciting time of year as the manufacturers begin releasing their new models. First, the photos of the new bikes are released and we get our first glimpse of what they look like. Shortly after that, all of the fine details of the bikes are made public and we begin to get a clear picture of what is in store with each particular model. The past five years have been a very exciting time for the KTM brand as they’ve enjoyed unparalleled success in all areas of off-road riding. On both sides of the border they’ve seen their popularity rise, and their total race wins and championships have steadily climbed. However, their success in the market is not by accident, it’s taken many years to build upon, and hours and hours of testing to get their motorcycles to where they are today. With the release of KTM’s all new 2016 off-road models, KTM has cemented itself as one of the most innovative companies in our industry. And their ‘Ready to Race’ guarantee now means that the consumer is closer than ever to being able to buy the same motorcycle that Ryan Dungey or Marvin Musquin races themselves. For the release of their 2016 off-road line up, KTM chose the new and exciting facility in Crawfordville, Indiana, which goes by the name of Ironman Raceway. This track,
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located in America’s heartland, started off a few years ago as a GNCC circuit with its miles of trails through the Indiana woods. However, last summer, a very cool motocross track was built and recently introduced as the newest round of the Lucas Oil Outdoor Pro National Series. With its great, central location, its long uphills and big jumps, Ironman Raceway was the perfect location to test out the Orange Brigade’s newest race weapons. These next generation 2016 KTM models all begin with a brand new chassis design. This new chromoly steel frame is both 380 grams lighter and 20% more rigid than years past, and it offers riders the best of both worlds. Also new with the 2016 chassis is a steeper steering radius and a 10mm shorter wheelbase. All of these chassis changes add up to improved rider positioning and much improved handling for 2016. Finally, a brand new 20% lighter subframe has been added along with a redesigned swingarm to work in conjunction with the new frame. Of course, what would changes to the chassis be without major changes to KTM’s new power plant? For 2016, the 250F, 350F and 450F all receive a redesigned and much lighter engine. With all three motors getting new machined cases with better centralized mass, the weight of the engine is moved more up and back than the 2015 models. For instance, by installing a new lightweight piston, a new head and cylinder, and a new, lighter crank, the 2015 450cc engine is
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From the very first lap and the first time I launched the new 450 into the air, I couldn’t believe how light this new bike felt. It reminded me of one of my old twostroke machines, the way the front end felt light and how easy it was to manoeuvre in the air.”
amazingly four pounds lighter than last year’s model. So, not only are the 2016 SX and XC models lighter and faster, but they also handle better and are more rider friendly than ever before. These next generation KTMs are really state of the art. It’s not hard to see why this brand is currently enjoying so much success on the racetrack at all levels in this sport. Other new features for 2016 include a new handlebar mounted ignition map selection switch, which enables riders to chose from three diff erent ignition maps for varying track conditions. There is also a handlebar mounted launch control switch for riders who like to temper the power delivery off the gate during the start of a race. These two features are brand new for KTM that are taken straight from the factory bikes that Dungey and Musquin used to win their supercross titles in 2015. Finally, brand new radiators and a new exhaust system were added to all of the 2016 models to increase horsepower and the performance of each new KTM motorcycle. Also, one of the coolest new items to be introduced by KTM for next year is their “No Dirt” footpegs on all of their models. This new sophisticated footpeg solution uses a new scraper design to reduce dirt build-up in the hinge area, which helps to keep the footpeg working properly. Again, this feature may seem small compared to the 450 engine that is seven pounds lighter, but I feel it goes a long way to showing the commitment that KTM has to getting everything right and building the absolute best motorcycle they can. It also proves their ongoing commitment to customer service and use of the feedback from its dealer network. It was determined that their loyal riders wanted a better working footpeg system that wouldn’t be compromised by the build-up of dirt. To contain and showcase all of these innovative changes for 2016, KTM has also introduced brand new body work combined with a new seat design. The all new body work consists of a more rigid front fender, and new radiator shrouds that allow riders to better grip the bike, plus they provide more air flow into the engine. For easier maintenance, new rear number plates were added that are now separate from the air box. Finally, the new seat is both lighter, more comfortable and lower to allow a rider feel more at one with these new bikes. After all of these new features were introduced to all of us anxious media types, it was time to take to the Ironman Raceway track to see if everything added up to a great performing motorcycle. Since I have ridden Japanese branded motorcycles my entire life, I was extremely excited to throw my leg over the Austrian built 2016 KTMs. After watching the success this brand has had over the past few seasons, it’s become very apparent that these bikes are some of the best in the World right now. The track in Indiana was the perfect testing ground for the 2016 KTMs, with tacky dirt, long flowing corners and steep hills. The track provided a safe but very challenging place to test the new bikes. The first thing I noticed about all of the new
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These next generation 2016 KTM models all begin with a brand new chassis design. This new chromoly steel frame is both 380 grams lighter and 20% more rigid than years past, and it offers riders the best of both worlds” 98
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First Ride models was how narrow each bike is when you first sit on it. There is definitely no wasted girth on these bikes. I’ve always found in the past that when a bike is narrow through the seat and tank area, it always adds up to a very light feeling motorcycle on the track. After easily starting the engine with KTM’s patented electric start, I first took to the track on the 250SX-F. I wanted to start with the smallest of the four-stroke fleet so I could really get a feel for how the bike handled before having to worry about excess horsepower. I found out very quickly that all of the above features certainly add up to a great package. Right from the first lap I felt very comfortable both in the air and going through corners. The only adjustment I had to make as a rider was I didn’t feel the need to sit forward on the seat because the bike felt so light and nimble, therefore getting it to turn was easy. Not only was I very impressed with the handling brought on by all of the new chassis changes to the 250SXF, I was very impressed with the engine as the 250SX-F powerplant does not stop making power regardless of what RPM you’re at. As I circulated the track, lap after lap, I quickly realized why a rider like Marvin Musquin is having so much success in the MX2 class with this bike. After spending half of day one riding the
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250SX-F, the next bike I threw my leg over was the one that I was most excited about, the 2016 450SX-F. Watching Dungey dominate the 2015 Supercross and then seeing Cole Thompson have so much success with this bike during the first few rounds of the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, my anticipation was high as I headed on to the track. From the very first lap and the first time I launched the new 450 into the air, I couldn’t believe how light this new bike felt. It reminded me of one of my old two-stroke machines, the way the front end felt light and how easy it was to manoeuvre in the air. Another component that impressed me quickly was how well the new 450SX-F’s brakes worked and how easy it was to get stopped for the turns. I definitely attribute this not only to KTM and their high quality Brembo Brake system, but also to the light weight of the new bike. The smooth power of the new 450 is also very easy to use. On the exit to each of the numerous corners at Ironman Raceway, it was easy to roll the throttle on and feel the bike connect with the ground. Every top rider these days works hard at trying to make the power on their 450s strong, but also very smooth and manageable. With the way the power is set up on the 2016 KTM 450SX-F, there will be no adjustment necessary as it’s already
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very controllable. The soil at Ironman Raceway was hard packed in spots, which is where the KTM really shinned. The smooth power along with the flexible steel frame provide a perfect combination for getting maximum traction without ripping your arms off. Another item worth mentioning is the suspension that comes stock on the 2016 KTMs. The all new WP 4Cs Front Forks and the WP Shock work perfectly together with the new chassis to provide a balanced motorcycle. In this current environment of Air Forks on most modern day dirt bikes, KTM has decided to stick with a conventional spring fork for at least another year. The new WP 4CS forks are very plush. On the track you definitely feel more connected with the terrain. Although air forks are easily adjustable, the biggest complaints were that they always seem to give riders a harsh feel. The WP 4CS forks are the complete opposite, because the biggest challenge was to increase their stiffness. Overall, the suspension package is very good for 2016, as 102
it is very balanced on the track and works in perfect unison with the chassis. All of these next generation 2016 KTM models are extremely fun to ride and they do a great job of representing what is the new era of off-road motorcycles. They’re light, nimble, fast and feel like nothing else that I’ve ever ridden. After years of playing second fiddle to the other manufacturers, with these new bikes, KTM is now leading the way in the industry with their R&D and technology. With all the new and exciting features of the 2016 KTMs, it’s hard to pin point just one area where these bikes excel. My feeling is that it’s the overall package that is so impressive. From the two-strokes to the four-stroke line up, all of the new KTMs are lighter and more rider friendly. After spending two days riding these 2016 machines it became clear to me why this brand is spending so much time gracing podiums all over the World. Thank you to KTM Canada, Ironman Raceway and all the members of the Orange Brigade for a great experience in Indiana.
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- YOUNG AND ON THE RISE -
Jacob Piccolo BY BRENT WORRALL | PHOTOS BY KEVIN LEFEBVRE
ituated just a short drive west of Vancouver, BC in the heart of the Fraser Valley is Abbottsford, the home of 12-year-old Jacob Piccolo. Jacob is one of the brightest young lights of arguably one of the best crops of up and coming Canadian Motocross talents in history. Jake, as he is known to his friends, has been riding a motorcycle since he was 4-years-old and came by the sport as honestly as one could. The family had bikes and pretty much just rode for fun in the early days; it should be noted that Jake’s cousin was a Motocross racer. As most things usually do, one thing led to another and Jacob soon found himself behind the gate at a Motocross track. With the relatively mild climate on the West Coast, permitting riding and racing pretty much around the calendar, that is what the Piccolo family chose to do. Jacob is supported in earnest on and off the track by his father, Dan, mother, Jen, and his sister, Amanda. The Piccolos have become familiar faces at motocross races continent wide. Moving up through the ranks quicker than most, Jacob rides with style, speed and an authoritative confidence well beyond his years. He is very quiet, polite, appreciative and somewhat reserved off the track. On the racetrack, however, he looks every bit as if he was born to race a motorcycle. To date, the accomplishments of the 12-year-old are very impressive, to say the least. Jacob is already a multi World Mini Grand Prix Champion and has been to the Grand National at Loretta Lynn’s. Add to that the Parts Canada Trans Can and Future West Arenacross titles, Piccolo is quickly making a mark for himself as not only a force to be reckoned with but one whose future is as bright as any in memorable history. I feel very fortunate to be involved at a level that allows me to either be trackside or high above the action in the tower announcing when Jake is on the track. It always intrigues me in the sport of Motocross when a rider shows up at a race and quickly becomes the talk of the track or the particular event. With Jacob Piccolo that happens more often than not. I believe this is one of the best compliments and testaments to the upswing and stock any up and coming rider could have. I think back only a couple of short years to the Future West Moto Canadian Arenacross Series, seeing Jacob on a 65cc motorcycle hitting and clearing obstacles with authority that even the highest level riders on bigger motorcycles had trouble with. The arenacross discipline is just one aspect of the current Maple Ridge Motorsport Kawasaki rider’s diverse and deeply talented race-attack-mode arsenal. Talent can be deemed on many diff erent levels in Motocross, and sometimes it can be acquired through hard work and putting in the time. I believe Jacob has something that cannot be either bought or acquired. His visualization coupled with his determination to be the best and win at all costs is astounding. Yes, on occasion, Jacob has paid the price for having things go sideways as they sometimes can when you let it all hang out. In this sport when the gate drops and a talented individual like Jacob is let
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loose, he will do whatever he feels it takes to get the job done. Jacob has great guidance and mentorship within his family and shop circle, as well as the help, support and tutorial of his teammate Ryan Lockhart. When I queried Ryan on Jake, he agreed that Jacob was definitely one of the best, if not the best, of our current up and coming crop of riders in Canadian Motocross. When asked for his reasoning, Ryan said, “He rides and does everything just like a professional does.” Powerful words which I have no reason to argue against. Jacob just came off a successful weekend at the WCAN in Raymond, Alberta and won the 85cc 12-16 class as well as the Super Mini class. These classes were full of Western Canada’s best, and even though I believe Jake will see a few faster riders at this year’s Parts Canada Trans Can in Walton, he was still a cut above. The race track in Raymond was brutally rough so a good start was imperative. Piccolo overcame a couple of mishaps in the second Super Mini moto to come from 40 seconds down with just over two laps remaining to get the win. This is one of many such explosive-type motos that I have personally seen out of Jake. If I had to compare what I saw at the WCAN, I remember back watching Dean Wilson at a Pro National moto in Edmonton in 2009 when he was absolutely buried and far, far back in the pack. I said there is no way this kid is coming through the pack and winning. That day, Wilson made a believer out of me. Jake Piccolo, however, has had me believing in his ability and potential for a long time. Jacob also won the inaugural KTM Western Canadian Super Mini Nationals, which ran at the first three rounds of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals presented by Motovan. For his eff orts, he was rewarded with a new KTM motorcycle, a parts budget and more. His speed and skills provided race fans in Western Canada with highlight reel-type memories on race tracks of three totally diff erent textures throughout the series. The immediate plans for the Piccolo family are to head to the Parts Canada Trans Can for August 12th as well as compete in the Future West Moto Canadian Kawasaki BC Championship. After that it looks like a date this fall with the Future West Moto Canadian Arenacross Series and then possibly another run at Loretta Lynn’s in 2016. I will conclude by stating those who are supporting Jacob Piccolo and all of his future endeavours not only have a talented individual with all the potential one could hope for, but also a good, fun kid to be around who loves to win. It gave me a great sense of pride to call Jacob to the top step of the podium in Raymond in July. I was proud to present an award to him, not only because I have watched his progress along the way but because I could see how happy he was to have gotten the job done. Winning may not be everything but do not tell Jacob Piccolo that; he has his own thoughts on that topic. Good luck the rest of the way Jacob Piccolo, to you and all of your great connections.
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Top left: The mud faced man behind the GPDM, Lawrence Hacking. Top right: The old, smoking two-strokes blast off the line. Bottom left: There was lots of historic eye candy on hand. Bottom right:Even though the riders were dirty, they couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces.
n June 27, 2015 at the Mohawk Inn in Campbellville, Ontario, this inaugural event took place under the threat of severe weather warnings that covered much of Southern Ontario. It seemed inevitable that this event would live up to its prophetic name! Besides being the official MXP reporter, I was also an enthusiastic participant after having been graciously off ered my recently restored 1974 CR250 Honda Elsinore to ride, which I had previously sold to Royal Distributing for display purposes. I was pumped to hear that some of my old racing buddies like Legends of Motocross star Jay Kimber would be riding with many other legendary MX stars of the past like Finnish Husky rider Jorma Rautiainen, plus Yamaha’s Doug Hoover and Glen Nicholson were scheduled to appear. The intent of this event, by host and promoter Lawrence Hacking, the only Canadian rider to have ever completed the famous Paris to Dakar Rally, was to have a true to form ‘70s-style natural terrain MX event. Throw in a Hare Scramble and Trials course all on the grounds of the Mohawk Inn, which is adjacent to the famous Mohawk Horse Raceway, and you had the ingredients for an enticing and very unique event! The main theme, though, was for all to come together for a fun and social gathering with the racing aspect as just an extra bonus! Working in conjunction with the Sasquatch Vintage Racing Club who have almost single-handedly been responsible for the recent resurgence of Vintage MX Racing in Ontario, all the right people seemed to be involved. When early Saturday morning came and all the riders began arriving in the spacious Mohawk Inn parking lot, it was apparent that the menacing dark clouds were not holding anyone back! Once sign in was completed, many were shocked to hear how many entries had been recorded! The very well decorated main pit
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area at the back of the Mohawk Inn was filled with various displays of Vintage machinery with one of the most notable displays being that of the infamous brand Husqvarna who were the official sponsors of the event. Other dignitaries and highlighted guests in attendance included legendary Husky rider and 8-time USA National Enduro Champion, Dick Burleson, while others included Canada’s own, former World Champion Hill Climber, John Williams, and the famous mechanic of the ‘70s for the Factory Suzuki Team, Bill Fullerton. Throw in the infamous photographer Bill Petro and his now famous Legends of Motocross traveling road show and you had more than enough to capture your interest wandering the pits! Other event supporters like retailer Dualsport Plus of Brantford had displays of Trials machines, and the array of beautifully restored Vintage bikes were to be seen everywhere. I had traveled to this event with my long time riding partner Dan Mair, and let’s just say our night before of preparation was not without incident. Dan had worked on my Elsinore all day trying to sort out a jetting issue while I was busy taking care of my daily work duties for Motovan. During testing in the evening we had no recourse but to ride the Elsinore on the famous Forks of the Credit Rd., in Belfountain, Ontario, where I live. Believe me when I say the sound of a loaded up CR 250 Elsinore is not what you want to hear in this quiet little hamlet. To make a long story short, after three very noisy test rides and finally a necessary carburetor swap, I then went out for my final test only to ride the nearby downhill right into plain sight of an oncoming OPP cruiser patrolling this motorcycle infested twisty road! I was busted! I only wish my buddy Dan had taken a picture with the cruiser’s red and blue lights a blazing, as I sat red faced on my Elsinore realizing I really had no valid excuse! Well, my work related “gift of persuasion” came in very handy at this MXPMAG.COM · MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE
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Grand Prix de Mud Above: The same photo with the same people, so many years ago. Bottom right: Husqvarna Canada was a huge supporter of this first time event.
time as I tried to explain my… “No other option, self-deluded actions.” After offering to accept any form of punishment deemed necessary, I even told the officer I’d push my trusty steed back uphill to my house, which was at this point only a 1,000 yards away! To my surprise, after a stern lecture by the OPP officer, he instructed me to “start ‘er up” and ride back to my house with no further testing to occur, at least not on the road. Wow! I scored a big break this day! So even with this shortened test ride I could tell the jetting issue was somewhat resolved, and reported this to Dan who was by now laughing his head off in disbelief of my unforeseen misfortune and my subsequent reprieve! Now back to the GRAND PRIX de MUD. Let me just say that it really was like reliving the past as Dan and I walked the simple, though well marked, grass track. We picked our proposed lines just like in the days of old, when walking the entire course was always a weekly ritual. I’m not going to report on any of the racing highlights and who the winners were, as in the true spirit of the event itself, all the participants were winners! For the various Motocross motos and the simultaneously Trials course run in the morning, the weather held up fine and great fun was had by all! Just around lunch time, though, the skies opened up and that was the end of our dry experience for the day, as the rain came down hard and steady. We know dirt riders are a hearty bunch and a little rain wasn’t going to stop anyone or anything from having the Hares Scrambles happen! Two different classes were run in tandem, each was thirty minutes long, and believe me it was hard to recognize anyone by the time the scrambles were over! Now the afternoon final motocross motos were combined into a couple classes and the fun was to start all over again, except this time in a steady rain, which made the race, in my opinion, even more interesting, as everyone was searching out different lines through the fresh grass looking for traction! If you get a chance, go to Youtube and search out the video created by Ballistic Films and give it a watch to get a feel for what I’m sure is going to become an annual event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY8LKIOUoQ I’ll let the accompanying pictures to this article speak for themselves! Congratulations have to go to Lawrence Hacking for envisioning an event that I think all will look forward to in years to come! Some people suggested Lawrence should consider a name change though to… THE GRAND PRIX de SOLEIL, but on second thought you know what? 108
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THE INSIDE LINE ANDY WHITE
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eading to the airport for another national round of the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals presented by Motovan. Passport: Check, CMRC Credentials: Check, Hotel and rental car reservations: Check, West Jet ticket: Check. Okay, looks like I’m all set for another exciting weekend of racing. Life is a little diff erent for me these days now that I no longer manage a factory motocross team. Instead, I am a consultant in the motorcycle industry and I’m really enjoying it. There’s not just one boss to report to, I have quite a few that have hired me to represent their company at the races. When I show up at a race, I have to balance my time with many diff erent duties and people to talk to. Typically when I arrive at the track on Saturday morning, I head to the MX101 team and drop off their new FXR racing gear for the weekend. Jimmy Decotis and Dylan Wright have been great to work with this summer. The riders are pumped when I pull up with a bag of fresh gear. After a quick chat with the riders, I catch up with the MX101 Team Managers, Kevin Tyler and Johnny Grant. We go over the weekend’s events and make sure all the boxes are ticked off. One major tick on the list… FOOD! Charlene Munro and her family have supplied the team for years; can’t thank them enough. Next on the list is to check in with the other FXR riders and see how they are doing and see if they need anything for the weekend. On my rounds in the pit area, I bump into lots of old friends that come out each year to see the pros. I now have the time to relax and catch up with my old race buddies. We laugh and tell a few stories
H
The Daily Grind WITH ANDY WHITE
about how fast we once were. I think that’s what I missed when I was so focused with the big corporate world; no time to chill. It was go, go all weekend long. Time for some racing; it’s Saturday and the Women’s National motos are about to get started. FXR supplies some cool goodies to the top ladies and Canada’s Motorcycle rewards the girls with Holeshot dollars. These young ladies take it seriously; they get up on the podium and do a great job of thanking their sponsors. Time to clean up and head out for dinner with the regular crew. This is when we fix all the problems in the world or just have a good time laughing with some good friends. Sunday morning comes around pretty quickly and it is soon time to head to the track, but first we need to find a Tim Hortons and get that first coffee down so we can function. Once at the track I meet up with the MXP guys and share stories of what we have heard going into the weekend. This is when Chris Pomeroy of MXP will start tweeting info about the weekend. We both will Instagram pictures from the weekend as well. We will meet up 5 or 6 times a day to share info on riders. We stand in different areas of the track and then meet up and share what we have seen. Before you know it, the day is pretty well over. You have forgotten to eat lunch; you might have had some water during the day if you’re lucky. Finally, the day is winding down and it’s time to head to the airport, eat some food and get back home to prepare my next mid-week, inside online report for MXP Magazine. This is a brief snapshot of what my weekends look like during the Nationals. See you at the races!
Typically when I arrive at the track on Saturday morning, I head to the MX101 team and drop off their new FXR racing gear for the weekend.” 110
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MD DISTRIBUTIONS WELCOMES JIMMY DECOTIS TO THE FAMILY
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EVOLVED N UT RIT IO N
t had rained the day before and the air was heavy with humidity, the clouds loomed in the distance promising more rain to come. It was 7:15 am, and we had just pulled into Moto Park. Iain Hayden and I hopped out of the truck and approached the gym, which gave me the first opportunity to see the new graphics covering the windows; a big MPA and Evolved MX logo taking centre stage. Now don’t get me wrong, this is not the setting for some horror movie, this is the first day of a six week program at Moto Park called the Moto Park Academy, or MPA for short. What sets this motocross camp apart from others? Let’s review a couple of things and go over how it all got started. I think you will see that the MPA is one of the most comprehensive on and off-bike training programs off ered. It was six years ago that Iain Hayden, whom I had been working with at that point for two years, approached me about putting a physical, nutritional and mental program together that would work in conjunction with what he and the other on-bike instructors were doing. He wanted to make sure we covered as many bases as we could. We sat down and discussed a few things: age groups, how long each day would be, how to split the time between on-bike work and off-bike work, and we looked at what tools we had to train with. The first year when I arrived and had a chance to work with the Academy kids, there were four young athletes in it. Our past visit, only a few short years later, we had 21 athletes. The numbers speak for themselves. The word on the MPA has got out, the results are there, and more and more people are sending their young motocross athletes to the program. The age range this year was from 12-years-old to 22, and the skill level was spread out as well from kids on 85s to Intermediate racers on 450s. Before getting into more details of the week, one of the coolest things about the MPA is the friendships these athletes build, and the family atmosphere that surrounds this group. A case in point; I flew in Sunday afternoon, Iain was busy rapping up awards and such from the Moto Park Cup so he sent Jacob Balsdon and Matthew Cooper to pick me up. Both of these young men have spent time in the academy and have now returned as instructors. Asking why, on our trip to Moto Park from the airport, they both answered that they loved being at Moto Park and both wanted to pass on what they had been taught. Iain and I step into the gym where eighteen young athletes are anxiously looking at us. What happens now? What are we in for? Some in the room, like the Sullivan, Tremblay and Trico brothers, have been here before. They know what to expect, but from the look of concern on some of the others` faces, they have been
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The Moto Park Academy WITH DREW ROBERTSON PHOTO BY NICK HILL
This summer, one of the biggest things I wanted to address with the group is recovery and proper movement.”
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partaking in a little story time concerning how hard things are about to become!! Iain and I talk to everyone, get them each to stand up, introduce themselves and tell us where they are from, what class they race and why they are here. We get to meet the new athletes, and for me it`s a chance to reconnect with some that I haven’t seen since last summer. It’s great to see how they have grown and changed. Carter Tremblay’s hair is a little longer, still conditioned nicely, to make sure his nickname of `Pantene` is going to stay for this summer. We lead the class through the dynamic warm-up, make sure that the movements are up to our standard, and they understand how and why we are doing each exercise. This takes about an hour, after which we head into the main building for breakfast, which consists of diff erent cereals, toast, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, milk and diff erent juices. After breakfast I address the group and explain what we are expecting from them this summer; “I don’t expect perfect, I demand, however, a perfect eff ort.” They then watch a short fi fteen minute speech from Admiral McRaven that provides ten lessons or suggestions on how to change the world. If you haven’t watched this yet, Youtube it. It`s well worth it!!! We then all discuss what Admiral McRaven was getting at and how they can integrate these suggestions into their own lives. We head back into the gym for the next phase of the week; assessment and selection. This phase is where we test them physically to identify strengths and weaknesses, overall mobility, and fl exibility so we can break the class into groups as well as partners, or as we call them swim-buddies. The idea of the swim buddy system is to make you responsible for someone else. Having a peer answer for you if you fall short allows you to encourage and help your partner, and on bad days allows them to encourage and help you. The rest of the first two days is spent in the gym and on the track allowing the instructors to see where everyone is at. Iain has a keen eye for riding and watches for areas where each athlete can improve. At the end of the two days we sit down and look over the group. Having added three more kids on Tuesday morning, who moved from the regular camp up to the academy, we had a total twentyone athletes that we broke down into two groups for the physical training and two, sometimes three, groups for on-track or on-bike work. This summer, one of the biggest things I wanted to address with the group is recovery and proper movement. We had a couple of the riders tell me they had been suff ering from arm pump, some had sore lower backs, and others had sore shoulders after they rode. By teaching them how to warm up properly and completely, then showing them how to work through areas
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of tightness with a lacrosse ball and a foam roller, they were amazed by Wednesday how some, if not all, of the ‘problem` areas were gone. I explained to them, as I explain to a lot of people through exercise, how to increase the body’s ability to do work. We can, on the other hand, make the body more effi cient and make movement easier. Let me get on my soapbox here just for a second; the last few years we have seen a rise in extreme workouts. LOVE THEM, don’t get me wrong, but we need to remember that the basic movements need to be done properly. The body gets tight and muscle imbalances can occur, so it`s not always necessary to have snot bubbles and sweat dripping off of you to get better. Learn how to move and make sure the body is recovering properly!!!! Okay, I’m done for now. On the recovery note, we give each athlete tracking sheets that they fill out and track exactly what they eat and drink. I then help them go over these sheets and understand how many calories they are getting and see if they need to make any changes to their diets. I explain it like this; the more you ride your bike the more fuel you need to add, the more times you need to change your oil and clean your air filter. Food is fuel. Water and keeping properly hydrated is like the body`s oil. By Wednesday the groups are formed, they have been assigned a swim buddy and we are into the routine of the MPA. We meet in the gym each morning at 7:30, go through the dynamic warm up, and use the foam roller and lacrosse ball to free up any areas that are limiting their movement. 8:30 Breakfast; we make sure that you`re eating enough, your water bottle is full and always around you, clean up, then get ready to ride. Depending on the day, we meet at the track entrance at 9:30, then it`s riding drills, cornering, body positioning into diff erent sections, then ending with a 20-30 minute moto to put everything together at 12:30. Then it`s time to eat lunch and hydrate. Depending on the day, the athletes will either perform more drills on the bike, ride two or three 20-30 minute motos or a combination of both. No matter what, after afternoon riding they end up in the gym either for a workout, yoga, stretching, cardio or a combination of all of these. Clean up and it`s dinner at 5:30, then bike work, maybe some paintball, or maybe it`s movie night, but they`re in bed by 9:30-10 PM so they`re ready for the next day. Repeat this fi ve days a week for six weeks and what do you have at the end? A stronger, faster, more flexible athlete who is surrounded by a group of the same like-minded people, pushing to get better!!! There are a lot of little things we do, both over the course of the summer as well as year
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round with this group to guide and help them. On Thursday, Iain and I sit down with each individual athlete for 15-20 minutes in order to discuss what we had seen up to that point, ask them how they were doing, what they wanted to work on, and give them pointers and suggestions to help them move forward. Communication with the instructors and amongst each other is encouraged; we want them to work as a group. Yes, motocross is an individual sport but it takes a team to get each racer to the line. If one person is late for a workout or is late showing up for riding, the whole group suff ers. One hundred burpees, or fi fty up-downs in gear. It`s funny after a few late arrivals how the punctuality of the group improves by leaps and bounds!! We want these young athletes to leave not only faster and stronger, but with a greater understanding of what it takes to be successful, and how accomplishing the little things matter. During the summer, we test the riders either at dinner or during a workout. One of the things we do is mock podium interviews. Iain, Zeb or myself stops everyone, singles out one of the athletes, and we interview them as if they are on the podium. No ummmms and ahhhhs are allowed. We listen, as does the group. We total them and it`s ten push-ups for every infraction. This builds confidence; talking in front of a small group of your peers is tough. We help guide them when to include their sponsors, family and the team that supports them when answering the questions. When you combine all of the activities, both and on and off the bike, I can confidently say that what we do at MPA is the most comprehensive motocross training program you can find.
So to Austin & Carter (Pantene) Tremblay, Josh and Tyler Bryan, Edward Cunningham, Jake Parsons (aka Rip Show), Sam Gaynor, Marco Cannella (glad you chopped the afro), Sammy Burke (aka Xena ‘The Warrior Princess”), Nick Denninston, Luke and Jake Tricco (LT and BT), Jacob Balsdon, Blake Taylor, Jake Greig (aka Achey Jakey), Zack and Corey Sullivan (Corey aka Love Boat Loui), have a great summer, work hard, play hard, and understand that you will leave at the end of your stay at MPA a stronger, faster, more capable athlete, and always remember that you will have friends for life and are part of a special brother and sisterhood!!! Need more information on the Moto Park Academy? Check out www.motoparkracing.com and sign up for the Academy. Join us and see what all the fuss is about!!!! Coach, Ooooooouuuutttt!!!!
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FROM THE DESK O F MARK STALLYBR ASS
here are a number of positives and negatives involved in my position with CMRC that I have encountered for, now, twenty-six years; some I look forward to and others I just have to put my head down and make my way through. What I and a lot of my Nationals crew may take for granted is the opportunity we have each year to travel the country. Every round and every province has a diff erent fl avour, each that has to be appreciated as they come. The series has been, for over two decades, a true coast-to-coast tour that spans from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Starting off the series in BC and travelling to Nanaimo, especially by ferry, is a unique experience, especially for someone that doesn’t wake up to see the ocean each day. Our time spent on the island is usually limited to hotels, restaurants and the track, but there are times, like this year, when we are able to take a day to experience the surroundings and do a little deep sea fishing. This year, Travs and I played tourist when going from Kamloops to Nanaimo, driving on Hwy. 1 west to the coast. We have never experienced a trip like that, driving through the mountains on a twisting highway that seemed to last forever at an average speed of 40 Km/ hour. It is an experience not to be missed, especially if you were to be driving on four wheels with a few ponies under the hood and a top notch suspension package. That didn’t happen for us because we were in a rental, but the thought of it was enough. Calgary is always a fun round to attend, because how many times do you get to go to a motocross race in the dead center of a major city? The convenience of having the ability to walk to the track from the hotel is a welcomed bonus, but even better is a lot of the series staff, teams and riders socialize after each day at the hotel’s restaurant/bar. It may seem frivolous but it’s something I look forward to every year. Love the city but could do without the weather changes. Here’s a negative – red eye flights. They’re killers! Trying to function on Monday has become impossible, at least
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What A Country! WITH MARK STALLYBR ASS PHOTO BY JAMES LISSIMORE
Visiting the Quebec rounds is like visiting another country. Having a night out in Quebec City has to be on your bucket list.” 114
for me. Fortunately, this year we only had to take a couple, but the upside is knowing we had a great time, aside from a ton of work, which makes it all worth the agony. Seeing the prairies is always interesting. Maybe it’s not the most picturesque landscape throughout the country but the people make up for it. I was really happy to see the support of the event from the motocross community this year. That really stood out for me, seeing an entire province rally around a national is what it’s all about. We were limited to the hotel, restaurants and the track, but being able to see a change of scenery and working with like-minded people with a common goal helps keep me going. Now it’s time for the eastern half of the series with diff erent scenery, diff erent cultures, and diff erent personalities. Visiting the Quebec rounds is like visiting another country. Having a night out in Quebec City has to be on your bucket list. The history of the city surrounds you, the dining on the main street is unique, the party atmosphere, people travelling the city by horse and buggy; it’s a sight to see. At the races is a very enthusiastic, wild at times, crowd that is passionate about racing and even more passionate about their own riders. Once again, a feature you don’t see everywhere you go. At the top of my list is the round in Moncton. The reasons are many but the highlights are the people, our annual Lobster-fest, the amazing attendance, having dinner at the side of the ocean, checking out the casino, and a few times there were world renowned bands (ie. U2, Eagles) that played the on the Saturday night prior to the national. These are some of the features, and I’m sure I left out quite a few, but what I’m getting at is make it a priority to travel the country because it has so much to off er. This may be one reason why US riders enjoy the series. What better way to see a country than by following the series and taking in every unique feature each province and region has to off er? If you can squeeze in a motocross race or two, attend a national, or whatever reason you need to make it happen, do it!
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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