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CONTROL OVER CONFORMITY M A K E S TA N D O U T M O T O S 2 0 17 I S H E R E .
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CHAMPIONSHIP
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Congratulations Davi Millsaps, Cole Thompson and the entire KTM Thor Racing team for sweeping the 2016 Canadian Motocross Championship aboard the fastest, lightest and strongest motocross machines on the market- the 2016 KTM SX-F Factory Editions.
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M O T O C R O S S P E R F O R M A N C E // V O L U M E 1 6 , I S S U E 4
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C OV E R S T O RY Read how the KTM Thor Racing Team Painted Canada Orange in 2016.
F E AT U R E S
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ONE ON ONE WITH D AV I M I L L S A P S
T H E 2 016 D E S C H A M B A U LT G N A C
T H E 2 016 PA R T S C A N A DA TR A NSC A N
L O R E T TA LY N N ’ S A M AT E U R N AT I O N A L
Palms sits down with our new MX1 Champion.
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National Champions are crowned in Quebec.
The crew at Walton Raceway celebrate 25 years.
Our Canadian riders battle to stay dry in Tennessee.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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COLUMNS 22
FAMOUS LAST WORDS by Chris Pomeroy
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GUEST COLUMN with Brent Worrall
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UPSHIFT by Brian Koster
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EVOLVED NUTRITION by Drew Robertson
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INSIDE LINE with Andy White
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FROM THE DESK of Mark Stallybrass
SPECIALS 12
EXPOSED
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CAUGHT ON CAMERA
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GEARING UP
62 A L I FE L ESS O R D I N A RY
James Lissimore goes in depth with Tyler Medaglia
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THE JESS PETTIS S TO RY
TH E 2 0 07 MOTO C ROSS O F N AT I O N S
F I R S T R I D E : T H E 2 017 K X250F
M X P C H AT T E R W I T H KO U R T N E Y L L OY D
Andy White tells us why Jess Pettis is ready for the next step.
Mike McGill takes us through that historic day in Budds Creek
Palms spins some laps on Kawasaki’s newest 250cc rocketship.
Find out why Team Canada is more prepared than ever before.
PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
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COMING RIGHT AT Y O U Photo by James Lissimore
EXPOSED The MX2 pilots have no problem holding the throttle wide open on a downhill in Ulverton.
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JUST A BLUR Photo by James Lissimore
EXPOSED As they reach speeds of up to 90km/h, there is very little room for error for the MX1 riders during a start.
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CANADIAN MOTO SHOW
STARRING
Brent Worrall
the chair on the air Wednesday Nights, 6pm www.canadianmotoshow.com
MXP MAGAZINE
THE
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE VOLUME 16 ISSUE 4
FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES CALL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 416-635-MXP1 PUBLISHER: Charles Stancer/Mark Stallybrass V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING: Charles Stancer EDITOR: Chris Pomeroy SALES MANAGER: Al Jaggard SENIOR WRITERS: Brian Koster, Brent Worrall STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: James Lissimore
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
MXP has the exclusive rights to the CMRC’s mailing list of racing license holders. Every CMRC license holder from coast to coast receives and reads each issue of MXP. In addition to this exclusive list of readers, we are partnered with several motocross and offroad enthusiast organizations across the country. TEL: 416-633-1202 Email: charles@mxpmag.com Online: www.mxpmag.com
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Left: Robbie Cooke surveys the action going on in his backyard.
Left: Isn’t the champagne only for the riders?
Left: Here’s to a great team and a winning season.
Left: Once a fast pro rider himself, Matt Crown keeps a close eye on his son whenever he’s on the track.
Left: Claudie from KTM definitely supports Team Canada.
Left: Father and son get ready to celebrate a well earned MX2 title.
Left: No, these are not members of a basketball team, they’re part of the Frankfit crew.
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Left: Donk and Simms look like they’re headed to Aspen.
Left: When you don’t bring a golf cart to the track you have to improvise.
Left: Is anyone really looking at the sign she’s holding?
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Left: Metty gets loose before practice at Pleasant Valley.
P HO T O S BY JA ME S L IS S IMOR E A ND M X P S TA F F
Left: Travers hands out the hardware at the CMRC Pro Awards Banquet after RJ’s.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
2016-09-09 11:10 AM
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Above: An injured Jesse Wentland hangs out with his In-laws in Quebec.
Above: The youngest member of the Millsaps family gets in on her daddy’s championship celebration.
Above: Dylan Wright takes some time away from his racing duties to wash his girlfriend’s bike at RJ’s.
Above: Apparently even the KTM Striders win championships.
Above: Earl Doucette gets a well earned award in Moncton.
Above: Millsaps brought his trainer, Tyla Rattray, to all the Quebec rounds to make sure he was ready.
Above: Quebec fans know how to make noise when motocross comes to town.
Left: Jason Hughes loves the Teddy collage that Lissimore put together. Right: Even if it was just for one round, everyone was happy to see Teddy back.
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Right: Benoit was pretty proud of his third overall in the MX1 series.
P HO T O S BY JA ME S L IS S IMOR E A ND M X P S TA F F
Left: Dirty or not, when you win you deserve a big hug.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
2016-09-09 11:10 AM
PODIUM PERFECTION
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FA M O US L A S T WO R DS W I T H C H R I S P O M EROY
U N F O R G E T TA B L E S U M M E R
A
s we now say adios to the summer of 2016, it’s time to not only look back at the past few months but also look ahead to what might be around the corner in the months to come. Just as the age old saying states, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Has there ever been a more fitting phrase for the sport of motocross and our relatively short summers here in Canada? So much to do and so little time to do it. If you’re a motocross family in this country, these are words we all live by. Back in June when the summer of 2016 began, I have to admit that I thought this was going to be a long and trying few months. With my wife getting injured in a freak accident at work, her normally active lifestyle was reduced to sitting around counting the minutes as they ticked by. A month later when my son broke his foot while riding, our house looked more like an infirmary than the home of a wide open motocross family. At one point I thought I saw Hoot Owl sitting outside our window as bad luck appeared to be following us around. By contrast though, my weekends still consisted of my normal routine of traveling to the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals and reporting on the incredible racing that was taking place. Thankfully, injuries heal and my patients slowly are getting back to normal. I must admit that there weren’t the amount of battles at the Nationals that I thought there would be. Prior to the opening round in Kamloops, the line up of talent in both classes led us to believe that each moto would be a knock down drag out brawl. Now, don’t get me wrong, we did witness some close racing and many memorable moments during the ten round series. Off the top of my head I would put Cole Thompson’s last to first ride at Gopher Dunes as well as the Millsaps/ Benoit battle during the opening MX1 moto in Deschambault as two of the best I saw all summer. When you have one or two riders doing all the winning like we did during 2016, it usually has a two
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“When happy and healthy, Millsaps is as good as anyone on the planet, and we were defini ely treated to his high level of riding on more than one occasion.” pronged effect. On one hand, fans and media alike sometimes find the racing slightly boring as one rider is running away with things. However, on the flip side, it makes the riders and teams even more competitive as the series goes on as they’re always trying to improve and find more speed. I find this process very exciting to watch and we saw it as the series moved east this summer. Beginning at Gopher Dunes, riders like Matt Goerke, Brett Metcalfe, Kaven Benoit and Dylan Wright all did their homework and managed to find more speed as they attempted to reel in Davi Millsaps and Cole Thompson. Unfortunately for them, it didn’t work out and they came up short of the MX1 and MX2 championships, but the confidence and experience gained will serve them well in 2017. I know I mentioned this a few times during the nationals, but how impressive was the speed and endurance of Millsaps this summer? Coming into the MX1 series, his detractors had him out of shape and not focused enough to stay interested in a ten round Canadian series. On the surface their opinions might’ve had some merit but when you really looked into the past few years of Millsaps’ racing career, it has been filled with injuries rather than a lack of effort. When happy and healthy,
Millsaps is as good as anyone on the planet, and we were definitely treated to his high level of riding on more than one occasion. Even if he ran away with numerous motos this summer, Millsaps made the racing better, and his presence on the track, as well as in the paddock, made our Canadian series better moving forward. Will he back? I hope so, but I doubt it at the same time. I will, however, be cheering him on when the gate drops at A1 in January. As you can read in the interview I did with him in this issue, Millsaps is a warrior and he very much enjoyed his Canadian summer…as if there was any doubt that he would! As we prepare for what used to be an offseason in Canada (it doesn’t appear to be the case anymore), we can look forward to the upcoming MXoN in Italy as well as the second annual Canadian National AX Tour that kicks off on October 2nd in Montreal. How will our team of Kaven Benoit, Shawn Maffenbeier and Tyler Medaglia fair in Italy? With all of the pieces in place, thanks to Team Manager Kourtney Lloyd, I think this may be our best year ever at this historic event. In closing, I’d like to say congratulations to all of our Canadian racers both young and old on their successes this past summer. Whether it was Cole Thompson winning the MX2 Championship at the pro nationals or young Thomas Munro winning the 50cc class at the Deschambault GNAC, all of our riders continue to make me proud whenever they take to the track. See you all at the races!
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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GUEST COLUMN WITH BRENT WORR ALL
FO RWA R D FO C U S
PHOTO BY JAMES LISSIMORE
ello friends and race fans. Wherever you are tuning in I hope your season has been as wide open and as much fun as mine has. I must say now that just having passed the fifth anniversary of my SCI on August 18th, things are starting to feel somewhat normal. ‘Normal,’ a word that has very limited use or comprehension in my vocabulary. I am not sure if things have gotten any easier or if my methods of blocking out the unpleasantries on a daily basis have just gotten better. I guess in a sense, most of my current judgement is made in a similar fashion to when I raced a dirt bike. The old saying of practice makes perfect comes to mind. Being able to travel across country for the last three years, hitting some of the same venues and the bigger events have been a good yardstick for many things. There is no doubt in my mind that we have a bumper crop of up and coming talent in our country. It also seems to me that the appetite to line up and go racing has grown in recent years. The other thing that is paramount and quite obvious is the depth of competition we are seeing at the top level. This past season, the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals was one of the most entertaining and likely the highest paced season of competition we have ever seen. As the nationals wound down at RJ’s and the focus for most heads into the Fall and the off-season, it got me thinking about how much our sport has evolved, how much is too much and for who at what age? One cannot argue that we have as a collective unit in Canadian Motocross gotten to this high point as a result of making some pretty big personal sacrifices along the way. There are those that will balk and argue that some riders are lining up on Canadian soil at the top level and taking jobs from our own. Maybe they are but hopefully some attention and focus is being put into the stock of some of our up and comers. As a racer I always went and raced with the best so that one day I could hopefully be the best. Even though it was quite a few years ago, the fact that we
“Like most things in life, there must be balance. Without it failure is imminent.”
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are all only as good in life as the company we keep has not changed. So getting back on topic here with what it takes to get the job done of whatever a rider has his sights on, much has changed. I am often surprised when I interview or talk to a rider about what his other interests, hobbies or sports are other than Motocross. It is quite often that I get the response of none! With the level of competition where it’s at and a few very healthy Arenacross series in our country, it seems to me that the off-season does not exist for some! It is not my place to criticize any particular individual’s regime but in some cases it gets me back to that fine line question of “How much is too much?” Also, add into this recipe the financial factor and the drain on families making these sacrifices, which have multiplied. My family made immeasurable sacrifices and I knew it right from the beginning. Today, I see it week in and week out at the races, and no one has to be that well read in economics or physiology to see the toll it takes. Plain and simple, I was burnt out at a very young age! I was no longer having fun and the injuries had taken their toll. From my experience, I believe that with what it takes in this day and age to achieve success in this sport at any level, one’s value system must be a top priority. Outlining what is most important in quest of a championship or a title in any way shape or form is not the easiest formula to come up with. I really believe this formula is as unique and different as each individual in our
sport. Like most things in life, there must be balance. Without it failure is imminent. I look back now and remember enjoying the off season playing hockey as a kid. I knew at a young age I would never be an NHL star but loved playing for many reasons. After all, I am a Canadian and hockey is something I was brought up with. In my mind I would make a career out of Motocross as that was my true childhood passion. In fact, when I played street hockey with my friends and they said they were Lafleur, Sittler or Gretzky, I would tell them I was Bob Hannah. I am not sure exactly when but something changed. I slowly began to resent the sacrifices and commitments I was making to be a Motocross racer. In fact, there were three straight winters that I did not lace up a pair of skates due to broken bones! The writing was on the wall for a train wreck. Yes, and let me tell you, when I derailed it was in a rebellious manner and quite destructive for many years. My point with all of this is not to lecture anyone or claim to have all of the right answers. This is a sensitive subject, and I believe that if each individual searches deeply enough, they know what the right answer is. Some are content to be on the go chasing the dream of being a pro Motocrosser 365 days a year! Riders who have reached that level know it is a full time job, and if they are not working at it 365 days a year, they are always doing something. I think back to a conversation I had with a top level Canadian pro’s father this summer. We got on the topic of some of the sacrifices and commitments they made collectively to get to where they now are. We also spoke about some of the money being spent now by riders and their families chasing titles continent wide at a young age! It was acknowledged by both of us that, yes, it was important to go where the competition was to get better, but the other thing we agreed on was that having a list of accomplishments of continent wide amateur races did not mean a whole bunch looking back on it now. What mattered the most was keeping it fun and keeping the success moving forward once the rider got on big bikes. In Canadian Motocross we are seeing many successful individuals making the transition from small bikes to pro in a few short years. In my day that was unheard of. These riders that have done this successfully have managed to keep their delicately balanced regiment in check; keeping it fun while challenging themselves to personal bests and not always gauging it against others’ success. It is a delicately balanced fine line that some will find and others will not. I also think it is important to remember that not every rider can or will be the next one. For every rider, their family has to look forward to a lifetime full of creating some of the best memories imaginable. So whatever your hopes and dreams at the race track are friends, be sure to make safety your top step priority and keep that throttle pinned on having fun!
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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2016 Defender Jr MXP.pdf
1
2016-09-07
3:42 PM
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Atlas.indd 1
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U P S H I F T W I T H B R I A N KO S T ER
REFLECTION
ith the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals in the books it’s a good time to reflect on what went down and kind of look back at some of the industry’s pre-season predictions. 2016 was also the first year in a long time that the Canadian Grand National Amateur Championships were held in Quebec, and for 2017 they will be held in Western Canada so that’s worth talking about as well. As for me having been on the road most of the summer, it’s a good time to catch up with family and friends outside of the industry and believe it or not just sit down, take in life and breathe…for a short while anyway. Let’s face it, the 2015 Pro Nationals were a hard act to follow. The MX1 battles between Goerke, Facciotti, Metcalfe and Thompson were in a word epic. There was nail biting action at the front of the pack every weekend, and even though we have had some highly exciting series in the past, the 2015 season has to go down in history as the most exciting to date. I believe those top three guys each won 6 motos so you can see where I’m coming from. This year, with the addition of the likes of Mike Alessi, Vince Friese and Kaven Benoit, we had all the ingredients to match it except for one thing…Davi Millsaps. Millsaps was a late entrant into the series and what a bold move by KTM to secure a rider with such credentials. Davi won a Lites Supercross Championship for Factory Honda back in 2006, and in the subsequent ten years has won and led many motos at the highest level of our sport. His 450 Supercross season a few years ago on a Suzuki could very well have been a championship winning year for Davi had he not sustained a painful rib injury. That said, Davi was still not the favourite entering the Canadian series. Remember, he had not competed in outdoors since 2012, and with the series regular top guys knowing the tracks and Davi’s fitness level somewhat of a question, no one really knew how he would perform north of the border. We all knew he would be good but many insiders
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had him not even winning a moto all season. I had him pegged as a definite regular top 5 and podium guy but not a dominant winner. Also, considering Facciotti’s late season charge and Goerke’s and Metcalfe’s familiarity in Canada, this seemed very plausible and correct at the time. Fast forward and it’s clear that Davi was the series “Kingpin.” His ability to get great starts and make lightning quick passes early in the motos even over the other top ranked guys was borderline unbelievable. Even though Davi had his challenges, it’s hard not to use the word dominance when looking back on the series. Sure Davi had a few crashes but so did everyone else, but the one thing that really struck me was his ability to save it when seemingly all hope was lost. Man, there were a few times where it looked like he was going to crash but he would somehow muscle out of it and save it. Now let’s face it, all of the top guys in Canada are unbelievably great riders and athletes but Davi just had the needed confidence to get the job done. I don’t think it was a cake walk for him by any stretch but he did have the measure on the field and he proved it with so many victories. To sit on the sidelines at any National and watch the factory guys like Metcalfe, Goerke, Facciotti, Medaglia, Alessi, Friese, Benoit and many others, it’s hard to not be in awe of their abilities. These guys are all amazing in their own right and all are winners, but this past season it was “Milli” who earned the crown. His KTM team was awarded Team of the Year and his mechanic, Paul Delaurier, snagged the Mechanic of the Year honours. Not a bad little triple crown for the Orange Brigade!
“Now let’s face it, all of the top guys in Canada are unbelievably great riders and athletes but Davi just had the needed confiden e to get the job done.” Deschambault, Quebec has to be one of the most incredible MX tracks in the country. For sure there are many but this place had a unique charm to go along with the fabulous layout and sandy soil conditions. The fact that the 2016 CMRC Grand National Amateur Championships was held there the days leading up to the Pro National weekend only helped the entire atmosphere of the week/weekend. With the changes within the amateur championship structure rotating venues from 2016 forward, the turnout was impressive. What a scene it was with so many likeminded families gathered all in one place for a week of awesome racing. Located in a beautiful forest a short drive from Quebec City and with a gorgeous swimming quarry a few kilometres away from the track, the stage was set for smiles all around. The promoter and his team put forth a great deal of effort to satisfy both the amateur racer and the pro teams as well. I remember first going there well over ten years ago and you could hardly fit a motorhome with a trailer in the paddock, but today roadways have been built and well organized pits have been brought to life nestled amongst the trees. As with everything, people fear change but sometimes when things are out of our control we just have to roll with it. I applaud all the racers and families who made the effort to be part of this historic event. Now that the Pro Nats are over and the final TV show is in the books, it’s time for me to dust off the MX bike and hit Moto Park and RJ’s to see if I picked anything up from watching Davi Millsaps all summer…ya, I highly doubt it too, but see ya there anyway!
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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P H O T O S
C H R IS
BY
P OM E ROY
JA M E S
L I S S I M O R E
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f you want to get a clear look at the utter domination the KTM Thor Racing Team enjoyed this past summer, you first have to go back to late last year when KTM Canada was busy getting everything in order. In business, sport and in life, to achieve real success you first have to make a plan that makes sense on many different levels. This is exactly what KTM Canada did at the conclusion of last season as they had some very serious choices to make. With two-time MX2 Champion Kaven Benoit moving up to the bigger MX1 class, KTM needed a MX2 rider to replace him. For the past few years KTM has been one of the factories that had a mandate to have a Canadian as their MX2 rider. They have also prided themselves on having a rider that is capable of winning races and championships. In their minds, why go racing if you don’t have a chance of winning? Without too many ‘ready to win’ Canadian riders at their disposal, KTM made the decision to move Cole Thompson down to the MX2 class for the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals. At first this move was met with a lot of skepticism throughout the industry as many thought
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that since Cole was already a proven winner in the MX1 class, why move him to the MX2 class? However, KTM stuck to their controversial plan and Cole Thompson became their entry into the MX2 class. As the new-year approached, KTM Canada had their two Canadian superstars, Cole Thompson and Kaven Benoit, signed, sealed and delivered for the 2016
season. Everything was going according to plan until a few other top Canadian teams began adding riders to their MX1 lineup in hopes of dominating the title chase. The class now had riders like Mike Alessi and Vince Friese, who both were coming off a very successful supercross series, defending MX1 Champion Matt Goerke, his new teammate Brett Metcalfe, and of course last year’s runner up and Canadian hero
Above: The KTM Thor Racing Team celebrates after winning both titles. Below: Cole celebrates with his
Colton Facciotti. On paper at least, rookie MX1 rider Kaven Benoit didn’t stand a chance against this group of experienced Americans and former champions. But who writes anything on paper these days anyway? With Cole Thompson lining up in the opening rounds of the west coast supercross rounds and Kaven Benoit training hard in South Carolina (with a lot of motivation to prove his detractors wrong), the off-season was progressing as it always does and the KTM Thor Racing Team appeared ready for the 2016 national series. Then just around the time that Canadian race fans were re-
joicing over the return of the Monster Energy SX Series to the Rogers Centre in Toronto, rumours began circulating that KTM wanted to add one more MX1 rider to their team. While a few different riders were mentioned, Davi Millsaps (who was recovering from a serious rib injury at the time) was the famous name that looked to be at the top of the list. At first, it honestly didn’t seem believable. What could possibly make an established American star like Davi Millsaps want to come to Canada to race our nationals? And why would KTM Canada want the headache or financial burden of bringing someone like Millsaps to their tight knit, Canadian-only team? After all, during the off-season they had also lost two of their biggest sponsors in Royal
mechanic, Stephan, and his girlfriend, Chloe.
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Far Left: Cole Thompson and JSR discuss race tactics. Left: Davi Millsaps gives his teammate a little taste of aggression. Below: Kaven Benoit takes in the moment after winning in Deschambault. Bottom Left: Cole Thompson was the rider to beat all season in the MX2 class.
Distributing and Fox Clothing. However, KTM Canada had a plan and that plan was starting to take shape. With Millsaps under contract to his American sponsors until early May, everything was kept pretty quiet and the rumours remained to be just rumours. It wasn’t until a trip to the West Coast Orange Brigade Camp in April that KTM Canada’s new team was introduced to the media. With top amateur riders Jacob Piccolo and Tanner Ward firmly attached to the Canadian Orange Brigade program, and
MX2 class speedster and fan favourite Shawn Maffenbeier signed to the Redemption Racing KTM Team, all that was left was to see if the Millsaps rumours were indeed true. As we gathered at the KTM test track in California to watch Thompson and Benoit do their team photo shoot, a big black pick-up truck drove up and out jumped the Duke himself, Davi Millsaps. The worst kept secret in Canadian moto was no longer that. Much to the excitement of everyone involved, Davi Millsaps would be lining up at
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Top left: This summer was all orange on the national circuit. Above: Benoit and Thompson give JSR a hard time under the KTM tent. Right: This was Davi Millsaps’ first ever outdoor national championship.
Round 1 of the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals in Kamloops, BC. Even though we’ve been lucky enough to have had top names like Mike Alessi, Brett Metcalfe and even Damon Huffman compete on our soil over the years, there was something different about Davi Millsaps. Not only was he a former Lites SX Champion but he was also a supercross main event winner, and as most recent as
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January, a winner of multiple heat races against the best supercross riders in the world. From the moment he stepped out of his truck to shake hands and talk to everyone that day, it became clear that I was standing with the new MX1 title favourite. With Cole Thompson the odds on favourite to win the MX2 title, Kaven Benoit as the very motivated and hard-working MX1 rookie, and now Davi Millsaps, in a few
short months KTM Canada put together what in sport we like to call a “Dream Team.” From the moment the gate dropped in Kamloops, the KTM team came out swinging. With Shawn Maffenbeier putting his Big Steel Box Redemption Racing KTM on the top step of the MX2 podium, Cole Thompson right beside him in second, and their newest entry, Davi Millsaps, winning the MX1 class, it was
clear right away that this was going to be a very orange summer. As the series moved west to Vancouver Island, then east to Calgary and Regina, Millsaps and Thompson did exactly what they were supposed to do, win and win frequently. Dressed in their bright orange Thor racing gear, these two riders, along with Benoit, were almost always at the front of the pack in each moto. On the track they were dominant, and off the track the three orange amigos could often be seen laughing and high fivin’ each other and with Team Manager JSR. Although these three riders came from very different backgrounds, they bonded quickly, perhaps sensing early on that they were part of something very special. As the series rolled on through this country’s scenic Eastern Provinces, so did the KTM Thor Racing Team. With wins at Gopher Dunes, Pleasant Valley, Moncton, and a big win by Benoit in front of his hometown fans in Deschambault, the team entered the final round in Barrie with the MX2 title already secured and the MX1 title in their sights. Relying on the experience gathered from over a decade of racing in the USA, and with
the heavy lifting already done, all Millsaps had to do was simply ride like he knew how. With a healthy points lead coming into the final round, Millsaps rode hard, finished sixth in Moto 1 and was crowned your 2016 MX1 Champion. As a compliment to the two championships, Kaven Benoit did a great job of silencing his naysayers by finishing the MX1 series in third overall, and old Mr. Reliable, Shawn Maffenbeier, followed Thompson home with a second overall in the MX2 class. In the past, other teams have definitely enjoyed the same success that the KTM Thor Racing Team did in 2016. However, few have rebounded from such offseason uncertainty to rise to this level of dominance. With both championships now part of Canadian motocross history, and Cole Thompson and Davi Millsaps winning their first ever outdoor professional titles, the big question is, can the KTM Thor Racing Team do it all over again in 2017? Regardless of what happens next year, KTM’s exploits this past summer will be a true reminder to us all what can happen when a well laid out plan comes together. In KTM’s world, anything is possible.
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n o One e n O With
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ack in March when the word came out that Davi Millsaps would be traveling north to compete in the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, everyone in Canada from coast to coast was very excited. In the past, we have been lucky enough to have had numerous, top riders from around world visit Canada to race in our series. However, just like when Brett Metcalfe first
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came to Canada in 2013, the Millsaps news was very exciting. Prior to the start of the 2016 series in early June, many industry experts speculated on just how Millsaps would fair while racing against the likes of Colton Facciotti, Matt Goerke and Metcalfe. Some figured he would dominate the MX1 class while some believed he would struggle after not racing outdoors for the past three years. Right from the opening round in Kamloops, Millsaps proved all of
his disbelievers wrong by winning the overall, and he never looked back. From BC to Ontario to the east coast, Millsaps learned our tracks very quickly and was consistently the fastest rider in the MX1 class. When all was said and done, Davi Millsaps did exactly what he was sent to Canada to do: win KTM their first ever CMRC MX1 Canadian National title. We sat down with Davi just after the series concluded to get his thoughts on how his summer in Canada went.
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“If I was running A Kit suspension on my bike this summer instead of the suspension that I have on it, I don’t think it would have changed the outcome of this championship.” Q&A MXP: You came into this series having not raced a full outdoor series in a long time. How are you feeling physical and mentally after ten long rounds?
DM: I feel great actually, definitely a lot better than I felt heading into Gopher Dunes. Unfortunately I had a crash after Regina and reinjured the ribs that I had hurt at Daytona, so coming into Gopher I was definitely a little sore. Then at Ulverton my hands got torn up because I hadn’t been able to practice at all during the week. Other than that, though, I felt pretty good throughout the series.
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MXP: I know when we spoke back in April, you were still healing from your Daytona crash and had yet to be on the bike. You didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for the opening round in Kamloops, maybe only six weeks or so. It must make you feel good that whatever preparation you did definitely worked as you won right away.
DM: This whole deal to come up here was last minute, so with that and my injury, I definitely got off to a late start. Honestly, I was going to go to the lake all summer before I got the call to come to Canada (laughs). But, once I got cleared to ride we went at it pretty hard, and in that short time we were able to get a lot of work done. Heading into Kamloops, I didn’t really know where I stood as far as speed and fitness went, but it was hot that day and fortunately I had been training in the heat for a while before as it’s hot in California in May.
MXP: That’s a good point, I guess the heat in Kamloops really wasn’t any different than what you were used to. Also, in California you must always have good guys to practice with.
DM: For sure, there’s a group of KTM guys that always practice together so it’s not like I’m out there doing motos by myself. That really helped as the pace that I was training at during the week was the same as it was on race day. Once the gate dropped in Kamloops I felt great and it went from there.
MXP: How have you found the tracks here compared to the ones you’re used to riding in the USA?
DM: That has been the hardest part, for sure, learning and adapting my riding to fit the tracks in Canada. It’s no secret that the tracks here are quite a bit tighter than they are in the USA, even the tracks I ride in California are more wide open. There also aren’t as many lines on these Canadian tracks so you have to find the fast line quick and go for it.
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MXP: I’ve always felt that one of the attributes of a naturally talented rider is that they’re able to learn new tracks quickly. Also, with your success in supercross over the years, you’re a rider that just learns tracks quickly.
DM: It’s still hard though (laughs). You’re right, it’s something that I’ve always done well over the years. In supercross you don’t have much time to figure out how the track works, you have to be fast right away. It think that really helped me this summer as I wasn’t afraid to go out and try to be fast early. I struggled a little in Kamloops and then again in Regina with learning the track because all of the jump faces looked the same, but everywhere else was okay.
me and I wasn’t able to ride at the same speed that I did early in the series. I held strong and had some really good races late in the series, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to win the title.
MXP: Not to take anything away from your riding this summer, but do you think everything would’ve went this smoothly if you didn’t bring your race bike with you from home?
DM: I’m so glad that you asked me that because I’ve been hearing people say that exact thing. I’ve proven in the past that I don’t need a factory bike to win races. In 2013, my Suzuki didn’t have any factory parts on it, but it worked and I felt comfortable on it. I don’t think having a factory bike is that important these days, everyone racing in Canada has a good bike with good motors and good suspension. If I was running A Kit suspension on my bike this summer instead of the suspension that I have on it, I don’t think it would have changed the outcome of this championship. MXP: I would agree with you that it’s not so much about what parts you have on your bike, it’s more about being comfortable. Obviously you’re comfortable with how your KTM is working this summer.
DM: Well, there’s another thing. In supercross I ran a WP AER Shock, this summer I have a spring shock and they work completely different.
MXP: All summer we’ve all marveled at your ability to make passes quickly. The impatience you’ve shown time and time again in the opening moments of some motos has been one of highlights of the season. When you’re sitting on the gate are you consciously thinking of spots to pass or is it just improvisation at its best? MXP: Is the feeling that different with an AER shock over a spring shock?
DM: Night and day different, we’re talking apples and oranges! I’ve raced a KTM outdoors so we’re learning as we go. Yes, my bike works great and has factory suspension but honestly I feel like I would be going just as fast if I had 48mm A Kit forks on the my bike instead of 52mm factory forks. MXP: Since you brought up 2013, I’ll jump ahead and ask you about that season. We all remember that glorious run you had in SX as you came just short of winning the title. Can you take us through that series?
DM: I think that season started off so well simply because I was able to have a really good off-season.
When we started testing for the 2013 SX series I was finally healthy and I was finally able to prepare the way I wanted to. In years past I was always injured or recovering from an injury, so I always got a late start. Heading into 2013 I was able to start riding in early October, and other than maybe one or two days, my trainer at the time, Ezra Lusk, and I really put in the work. MXP: You got off to great start and led the 450SX points until the final few rounds. What happened?
DM: What derailed things that year was just a reoccurring knee injury that flared up. At the time, my leg was crooked and I had very little cartilage in my knee, in fact it was pretty much just bone on bone. It started to really bother
DM: I guess it’s both. Sometimes I’ll see a line during the sight lap that catches my eye. However, most times it’s just me making it up as I go as I never really think about not getting the holeshot. I hate getting roosted, we all do, so when someone is in front of me off the start I just want to pass them quickly. MXP: Well, it’s been fun to watch. One thing that has surprised me is that you’ve been able to do it all season long. I can see you surprising a few people early on in the series, but we saw it frequently, even when everyone was expecting it.
DM: I don’t know, maybe it’s from racing supercross for so many years. In supercross, you either be aggressive or you’re the one getting passed.
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MXP: So, after everything that you’ve been through Davi, all of the injuries, all of the comebacks, you are now a National Outdoor Champion. Congratulations!! How does it feel?
DM: Honestly it feels incredible! I’ve definitely been through a lot and to finally get to this point feels really good. I learned a lot about myself this summer and racing in Canada has given me a real boost of confidence heading into the 2017 Monster Energy SX Series. MXP: What is next for you, a long vacation?
DM: I wish! I’m going to go home to relax for a few weeks with the family. It’s definitely time to take some time off and recover. In a few weeks, though, I will begin testing for supercross, then I have the Monster Cup, and then a race over in Australia. KTM wanted me healthy and fit for their off-season supercross testing so after a few weeks off I should be ready to go. MXP: For the past decade you’ve been one of the elite riders in the USA, but even as one of the elite riders there, that doesn’t mean that you win every weekend. When the series began this summer and you were the rider winning all of the time, did you have to relearn how to win?
DM: That’s a good question! I think coming into this series the biggest question mark was whether or not I’d be able to last for two motos. In the past, I would be able to have one good moto, but due to a lack of fitness, I wasn’t able to have a solid second moto. I think it’s going back to just being healthy and being able to prepare properly. Like I said about the 2013 SX series, it was the same coming into this summer, I was healthy and I was able to train the way I wanted. Once this summer started and I realized how good I felt, leading and winning motos just came naturally and that is probably what I was most happy about.
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MXP: Can you talk a little about how tough it is racing motocross at the top level in the USA. You’ve been doing it for over a decade now; you had some ups and downs without a doubt. People see the fame and fortune, but overall it has to be such a grind.
MXP: Well Davi, let me say that it’s been a pleasure to have you up here this summer. Is there any chance we’ll see you again in 2017?
DM: Thanks, I’ve had a lot of fun here. Honestly, I’d like to come back next year but it’s not up to me. I just do what I’m told, life is easier that way. (laughs)
DM: Oh man, where do I start? I think the hardest part is just the mental grind of the highs and the lows. You can be up one week or even one race and then down at the bottom again. Each season there are usually only one or two riders that win consistently. If you’re not one of those riders then it can be a very long season. I think as I’ve gotten older I learned how to deal with those ups and downs. You have to try to keep a level head and just keep working. Over the course of the season you’re going to have some good races and some bad races, however, that’s part of being an athlete and you just have to go with it. I guess it’s like that with any job.
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WI N N E R OF TH E M A R I N B I K E S F I V E FAST REAS O N S CO N T EST : T h e C a rm a n Fa m il y, N o r w i ch, O n ta r i o
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THE 2016 DESCHAMBAULT GNAC BY MXP STAFF | PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
ith the format of CMRC’s Grand National Amateur Championships making a change, the decision was made to move the event to a venue that had a promoter with a proven track record for professionally executing large events, a national caliber track that was a favourite for all riders, and a facility that was large enough to accommodate the hundreds of riders and their families from across the country that would spend close to a week’s time chasing their respective amateur title.
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Above: With the Motovan GNAC taking place during the week and the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals on Sunday, Deschambault has quickly become a track that every rider loves to attend.
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Over the years, Quebec riders have never been afraid to jump. Samuel Lavoie goes big on his way to the MX2 Intermediate title.
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! c C e E b B e E u U Qq Motocross Deschambault, located a half hour west of Quebec City on the north side of the St. Lawrence River, held a round of the Pro Nationals in 2003 and 2004, and since 2011 hosted the CMRC Eastern Canadian Amateur National (ECAN). Every year, the landowner and promoter, Daniel Thibault, makes improvements to his facility and track to attract more riders to his event, and it works because last year’s ECAN was one of the biggest events in the country. Knowing that CMRC’s Grand National Amateur Championships would take place at his track in 2016, he made substantial changes and additions to the track, increased the size of the pit area and purchased more land to accommodate the spectators that came by the thousands.
Below: Ontario rider Thomas Munro (667) made the long trek to Deschambault for his chance at a National Championship. When all was said and done, Munro won both the 50cc 7-8 as well as the 50cc Open classes.
Below: Kyle Milller gets on the gas in the deep sand of Deschambault. With a cool mixture of sand and tacky loam, this track is one of the best in Canada.
Right: One of Canada’s brightest young stars, Sebastien Racine absolutely dominated both the 65cc 7-11 and the 85cc 7-11 classes in Deschambault. This fast kid is right at home in the sand, as well as on the big stage. 46
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Right: One of Quebec’s most popular young riders, Eve Brodeur grabs the early lead during Saturday’s CMRC Eastern Canadian Women’s National.
“The huge investment paid off ecause the 2016 Motovan Grand National Amateur Championships presented by Honda turned out to be quite the success as well over 600 amateur riders from every province made the trek to participate in the three days of racing.” The huge investment paid off because the 2016 Motovan Grand National Amateur Championships presented by Honda turned out to be quite the success as well over 600 amateur riders from every province made the trek to participate in the three days of racing. Adding to the value of attending the event, Saturday’s
Above: Even former pros like Nelson Moreau Jr. came out to the Deschambault GNAC to race on one of the best tracks this country has to offer. With its great soil, cool jumps and multiple elevation changes, this circuit is a favourite among the riders.
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racing included the third round of the Eastern Canadian Women’s Nationals, which was dominated by Eve Brodeur, followed by Round 9 of the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. Hot temperatures made the sand based track even more grueling throughout the week for riders in every class, but the track crew kept conditions in prime shape from start to finish each day. Dominating their respective classes were Ontario riders Thomas Munro (50cc 7 to 8), Sebastien Racine (65cc 7 to 9 / 85cc 7 to 11), Evan Stewart (65cc 10 to 11) and Nick Cryer (MX1, MX2, MX3 Junior), who also won a Yamaha YZ250F sponsorship courtesy of Yamaha Motor Canada for earning the most combined amount of points for the weekend. Sixteen-year-old Jonah Brittons from Prince George, BC was the top dog in the MX1 and MX3
One of the fastest Intermediate riders in Canada, Jonah Brittons had a great week at the 2016 Motovan GNAC winning both the MX2 and MX3 Intermediate classes.
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Right: Another local Quebec speedster, Jeremy McKie raced his KTM to overall wins in both the 85cc 12-16 and Super Mini classes. Jeremy joins the long list of fast Quebec riders to win Canadian National Amateur Championships.
Left: Even the Champ’s son showed up at Deschambault ready to race and to follow in his dad’s footsteps. JSR’s son, Nolan Roy, finished in the top five in both of his mini bike classes.
Above: The main person responsible for the success of the Deschambault track over the years is Daniel Thibault. It is hard working promoters like Thibault that make incredible events like CMRC’s 2016 Motovan GNAC possible.
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Above: One of the things that the Deschambault track is known for is the entertaining battles it produces in every class. Here, multiple riders charge through a sandy corner while battling for position.
Intermediate classes, and Quebec’s Jeremy McKie (85 12 to 16 / Super Mini) Frederik Aubut (+25), Dany Belanger (Vet Junior), David Tremblay (Vet Master) and Christian Gilbert (+40) led the way in their classes to keep their titles on home soil. With the GNAC moving to Western Canada in 2017, Deschambault will continue to host the ECAN where riders
from Eastern Canada will flock to the facility that is quickly earning a reputation of being the best in the country. Daniel Thibault would like to thank his sponsors Motovan Corp., Honda Canada, MD Distribution, Forman, Atlas, FXR, Kimpex, Oakley, Hypertech, ADM Sport, KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Cobra, and Appolo for their support of Motocross Deschambault.
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ince its inception in 1992, the Walton Trans Can at the Lee family farm in Walton, Ontario has been a must attend event on the Canadian Motocross calendar. This Amateur National’s gravitational magnetic pull of some of the best talent continent wide just seems to outdo itself each and every year. I have been fortunate to have made many great friends and memories at this iconic event as a racer and now as a race fan with my media duties. When the calendar flipped over to 2016 last January, I could not put August 17-21 on my calendar quick enough. The 25th anniversary of this event would mark a year of many positive changes for the Walton Trans Can crew. Teamed up again with their title sponsor Parts Canada, Walton Raceway was set to deliver a royal treatment-like experience to all those who attended. With the many added off-track attractions on a field that is one of the most peaceful park-like settings in the country, 2016 promised to be special. I was honoured to be asked to sit in and host the second ever “Livestream” production of Championship Saturday of this year’s event. We were also scheduled to broadcast live on the world wide web, the newly added Walton Raceway Pro Super Sunday, which would take place as an exclamation mark to a great week of amateur racing. When I landed at Walton Raceway on Tuesday for the opening ceremonies, the rain that had fallen most of the day in a torrential manner had subsided. Most of whom I spoke with and exchanged early week pleasantries were excited, and if the rain had dampened their spirits, they were not showing it. At the opening ceremonies, many of this event’s top mark hitters from the previous year were given an opportunity in front of all to share a few words to set the tone for Wednesday’s first gate drop. The final rider to speak was a man who has been around this event for many years
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and had taken on a new role for 2016. Kyle Keast, who was ranked nationally as #8 by CMRC for his efforts in 2015, was a big part of this year’s Walton Trans Can. After opening ceremonies were in the books, the first gate would drop under sunny skies. The highly competitive and always entertaining MX2 Intermediate class had the honours of Moto 1. The new track layout appeared to favour good starts as most tracks do, but also allowed some newer passing opportunities that were not as readily available in previous years. However, just as constant and steadfast as ‘the sun, the wind and the rain,’ the traditional ruts of the Walton Raceway soil would see the cream rise to the top in all classes. Taking advantage of the ATV provided by Matt Lee and my media credentials to circumnavigate the grounds at will, I could not get enough of the high paced racing action. As a race fan I am always intrigued to see and monitor riders progress who have made this trek for the first time. I have seen many humbled by the level of skill and competition that they are up against, and I have also seen many rise to the occasion and surprise! The best part about this event is that these races go on from 7:20 in the morning until the dinner hour each racing day. When I left the track Friday, the rain began to come down again and the riders who still had races to run were forced to deploy their best mud race warcraft. As we sped off on our half hour trip to Goderich, I checked in with the results and Social Media posts from the balance of Friday’s action. The images were anything but pretty, and I don’t think I saw even one where a rider still had his goggles on. The good news was that before night would fall it would clear up somewhat and the many that planned to take in the Cold Creek County live concert focussed on having a good time. I’m not sure exactly what that night was like at Walton Raceway but I think the writing on the wall for what would shake down surfaced
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when I lost my hotel room power due to the incredible storm that hit. Walton Raceway was hit very hard too, and if you were there it’s something that you will likely remember forever. Hats off to Cold Creek County as they soldiered through and took to the stage to give the performance they had promised. Apparently their last set was from 11:30pm to about 1:30 in the morning. Meanwhile back in my room, I reset my alarm and just hoped for the best for all involved. We awoke at 4am and worked towards our targeted track time of arrival of 6:45 as we had planned to go live with the first of two complete days of streaming coverage. On the way to the track I got a visual of the landscape and really could not quite tell how bad the storm hit. Quite frankly it was still dark and I was a little foggy at that time of day. By the time I pulled into the driveway, the sun was desperately trying to peek through the storm’s aftermath. I think one of the things I will likely remember the most is meeting Judy Lee at the gate. She approached my window and I gave her my usual smile and good morning. What I received in return I was not expecting, and in all honesty it shocked me! When I finally asked her how things were, her only response was, “You haven’t heard?” Honestly, by this point the committee of demons in my head was telling me something very terrible had happened. She put it to me forthright that the storm that had hit unleashed a fury of three months or more worth of rain in less than an hour and the subsequent winds destroyed many awnings among other things. My first thought was there is no way this race day could not go on! We had come this far and were scheduled to go on the air in less than half an hour. I will mention, however, that when Judy said “Not even the rooster went off this morning” I knew the chips were seriously stacked against each and everyone of us.
The field beyond the entrance by the Lee family home was a quagmire, and I was merely a back seat driver. Miraculously we managed to negotiate the fender-deep water through the tunnel with the wheels roosting mud everywhere. It is really hard to paint a picture of how much water was accumulated in the lower spots of the grounds and how deep and wet the mud was on the race track.
A decision was made to get every body possible on a piece of equipment, a hose, a shovel, a radio or to just simply throw every ounce of positive energy at the fact that this crew would make it happen. I maintained a positive outlook as the sun had by now won out and the wind was picking up considerably, both factors on our side. The production crew asked what I thought of going live as soon as we could get set up outside
Above: Even Mother Nature couldn’t stop the Friday night concert. Top right: GDR Honda Team owner Derek Schuster was pretty happy with Brad Nauditt’s performance. Right: Fresh off Loretta Lynn’s, Kennedy Lutz dominated the Ladies class, winning all three motos.
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“ The new track layout appeared to favour good starts as most tracks do, but also allowed some newer passing opportunities that were not as readily available in previous years” of the trailer to conduct rider and industry related interviews. I was very excited as that would show people back home what was being done and what we were up against. It would also give me a chance to do what I signed up for and conduct the same type of interviews I do weekly with my Canadian Moto Show. The crew set up a table, a pop up tent and cameras throughout the broadcast area. We even had a drone that flew overhead giving race fans tuned in a visual to the amount of water on the track and the equipment and personnel hard at work removing the knee deep mud. I remember interviewing one rider as I was cued by the production team that we were now showing a shot of the two biggest lakes in a section of the track. I can remember saying, “I can even smell the Walton soil drying out right beside me at this very moment.”
At that point I wasn’t sure who really believed that we would actually be dropping a gate at 2:00pm and concluding the event, but it did in fact happen. A huge hats off to the crew and everyone else who stepped up, and there were many. I would also like to thank my wife, Gisela, for her efforts and partnership in working with me to share our common love of this event. I know there are many more and I thank each and everyone of you for allowing us to achieve the success that was Championship Saturday. With the amateur side of racing now in the books, all of our attention and focus would now be on Sunday’s first ever Walton Pro Super Sunday. Let’s just say I did not trust the forecast for the evening, because I could not subject myself to that kind of mental malady again. On Sunday morning, the drive to the track was similar to the day before as it
Top right: Kaven Benoit took home the coveted Walton Sword for the first time in his career. Below: There were high fives for every rider that survived the challenging week at Walton Raceway.
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Above: At times the mud was pretty deep at Walton Raceway. Top right: The boys meet to try to figure out how to make the rain stop. Centre: The fine people at KTM Canada fed all the kids a spaghetti dinner on Friday night. Right: With all of his success this summer, Kaven Benoit has solidified himself as one of the top MX1 riders in Canada.
was really hard to tell how much rain had come down overnight. Pulling into the the track Sunday morning had me feeling a little bit like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day. For the second day in a row a decision was made to delay the drop of the gate until the track could be improved. However, much like the day before, the sun came out and the wind was once again our best friend. Knowing that we were in fact going racing and the show would roll on, my next focus became spectators. After all of the weather events of both nights, how many race fans would clamour to the fences of the fabled Walton Raceway? As the riders made their way onto the race track, I sat a little mesmerized at the number of diehard fans that began to show up. As for the racing action, KTM’s Kaven Benoit continued his impressive riding and was crowned the 2016 King of Walton. CMRC’s new national #3 rider took home the lion’s share of the Super Final prize money as well as the Walton Sword. The 25th Annual Parts Canada TransCan gave me and race fans a spectacular event to participate in and follow. If what I saw and experienced this year is any indication, Canadian race fans and riders are in for 25 more years of top shelf racing and entertainment at all levels.
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“A decision decision “A was made made to to was get every every get body possible possible body on aa piece piece of of on equipment, equipment, hose, aa aa hose, shovel, aa shovel, radio or or to to radio just simply simply just throw every every throw ounce of of ounce positive positive energy at at the the energy fact that that fact this crew crew this would make make itit would happen.” happen.”
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Marco Cannella was the big winner of the week taking home the Yamaha Factory Ride Award.
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CANADIAN RIDERS BATTLE TO STAY DRY AT THE 2016 LORETTA LYNN’S AMATEUR NATIONAL
BY MATT WELLUMSON | PHOTOS BY MATT WELLUMSON
oretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch is a sacred destination to many within the motocross community. It is an event that just celebrated its 35th consecutive year of existence. In history there have been many examples of the Loretta Lynn’s National being a rite of passage for aspiring riders. This event has also served as a flair, signaling the start of pro careers for many of our sport’s most celebrated riders. During the years that I have been attending this amateur national event, I would have to say the 2016 running of the Loretta Lynn’s National is one of the toughest, both on and off the track. With roughly 18cm of rain that fell during the week, added to the usual tropical heat of this region, the theme for 2016 was mud. Good or bad, I am sure many competitors, workers, mechanics and media will likely remember this year’s event for many years to come thanks to the difficult conditions, vast
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Left: Jake Tricco rode well all week in Tennessee but ran into bike troubles on more than one occasion.
heat, and glutinous mud that stuck to everything that touched the ground. The catalyst that started this was a sudden onslaught of storms that hit at the end of Monday’s practice and remained relentless overnight into the late morning. Heading into the first day of competition, there was no indication that things would be easy for people hoping to race. Due to standing water and frequent lightning, race action didn’t start until after 11am on Tuesday, almost four hours after it was originally scheduled. Once the officials cleared the track for racing, it was as if a large dam had broken, releasing a torrent of bikes loose, and sending mud and anything in their path flying trackside. Not a single rider held back heading into those first two turns as this was Loretta Lynn’s; there is no such thing as taking it easy. It only took about five races before the track was shaping up well, with some corners and jump faces starting to get dusty. One thing’s
for sure, Loretta Lynn’s ranch can definitely hold its drink. I am sure many of you will remember the King’s tale of Marco Cannella’s Alternate to Champion transition that took place last year in Schoolboy 1. Marco was now in an elite group during his return to Loretta’s as a champion standing. According to personal friends who have been in that situation, that status can play mind games no matter what the person’s level of experience. Outside of that, Marco’s training was postponed due to him recovering from an injury that took place after an unfortunate crash at Daytona last winter. For 2016, Marco had quite a bit in the back of his mind and stated that it did affect him somewhat in qualifying as well as opening competition at the ranch. Thankfully, he was able to overcome these issues and put in some good motos despite muddy conditions. Competing in the 125cc and Schoolboy 1 classes, Cannella found both classes to be stacked with highly competitive riders as well as being thrust into some of the worst track conditions he’s dealt with in quite some time. Overall, Marco faced four motos where the track was either muddy or offered up incredibly rough track conditions. Regardless, nothing could kill off his high spirits, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find this guy in a bad mood all week.
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Right: Frankfit leader Kyle Thompson has a word with Brenner after a hot moto.
As far as results, Cannella’s training regimen with Matt Crown did shine through as he again found himself in the top 10 many times during the week. One of the rare cases when he wasn’t within the top 10 was his second moto of Schoolboy 1 when an unexpected detour sent both rider and bike sailing into the Rocky Mountain ATV pond where he took a momentary water break. Marco says he wasn’t attempting to add a water skipping section to the track, but I am not exactly sure myself. Overall, his finishes in Schoolboy 1 were 10-25-4 for 9th overall in Schoolboy 1, and 9-13-12 for 11th overall in 125cc. Not the results he was hoping for but he didn’t let the weather, incredible heat or anything else take away from him having a great time in Tennessee. After having earned his second consecutive trip to the ranch, Austin Watling was in a totally different spot in his riding career than just a year before. Over the year that passed, Austin made the transition to the B class in the US and now found himself in Tennessee on a four day old 450. Austin had last used a 450 competitively at Walton last year, and this bike was actually a temporary loaner from Honda Canada. In short, he came to Loretta’s with very little seat time on a 450, and was competing in two of the most hotly contested classes consisting of 450 B and 450 B Limited.
Above: Austin Watling rode well all week and finished 7th overall in the 450B Limited class.
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Below: After a tough, hot moto, the first thing Marco Cannella wanted was cold water.
“As far as results, Cannella’s training regimen with Matt Crown did shine through as he again found himself in the top 10 many times during the week.”
His personal goal was realistic, as well as obtainable, given his skill level on the track and Frankfit Canada backed fitness level. For 2016, Austin had intentions to be within the top 10 for his first year racing B and was well within that throughout the competition leading to the final moto in both classes. In Austin’s case, mud did not end up being much of a factor as his races ended up being rain-free, leaving ruts as his biggest track obstacle all week. By the final days of competition, Austin was no stranger to the impound area off track, having visited this location every single moto. For those unsure, impound is the section of ten tents located near the podium where bikes are inspected after a race to ensure they are legal. As you can guess, this treatment only applies within the top ten finishers for any given class, and for many, getting here just once during the week is a goal in itself. In the case of 450B Limited, Austin would see impound twice, finishing out Friday with 7th overall after achieving 8-7-11 moto finishes. The goal he set for a top ten had been achieved, yet there was still one more class left to wrap up on Saturday.
Above: TJ Scott shows us that sometimes you just have to pin it in the mud.
After the gate drop for his final 450B race, Austin soon found himself in contention for a podium spot as well as the potential to finish top 5 overall. Perhaps knowing this in the back of his mind, he was laying fire in every corner as he worked on securing that position from anyone else. While I know he is known to be a fast rider, I really saw that in action this moto as he was on a mission. Overall, the race was going well until a point mid-moto when Austin had a minor mishap that stalled his bike, followed by mega difficulties getting his 450 going again. When a lesser rider would throw in the towel and DNF such a moto, Austin put his head down and continued to fight through to finish 31st. The finish was far from ideal, far from how he wanted to end his week, and he knew it put him out of the top ten. Kudos to him for being such a great sport, role model, and showing others that a race finished is worth more than a pride-filled quick exit. Austin’s 450 B standings saw results of 9-6-31 for a still respectable 13th overall, but the results don’t do anything to show the true heart in this rider. Finishing things off on the younger side of the competition, we saw Brenner Lammens as the sole Canadian competitor within the 50cc classes. No doubt the 50cc riders dealt with some of the most stressful situations of any group during the 2016 national. Like other 50cc riders, Brenner’s week didn’t start off all that smooth. Just as
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Right: The Lammens family really enjoyed their first trip to Loretta’s.
“This was one heck of a storm that damaged some motorhomes and sent EZ-ups flying all over the property.”
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Above: You want ruts? Loretta’s has all the ruts you could ever want.
his entire group was set to head out for practice, all of them (mechanics and all) ended up stranded in staging late when a severe thunderstorm struck the area with heavy rain and frequent lightning. During this time, many of the kids stuck in that situation were out of their minds with fear, and for good reason. This was one heck of a storm that damaged some motorhomes and sent EZ-ups flying all over the property. However, one kid that really wasn’t bothered by it was Brenner himself. According to his mom, during the storm, he was after tools to create a mini Motocross track while he waited out the storm in staging. Eventually practice for his class took place, however they had to wait until late Tuesday for them to get their chance to race. Brenner arrived to staging on Wednesday and ended up with a far from ideal gate pick to open up his first moto. Again showing good spirit, this did nothing to crush this 6-year-old’s spirits with father and son deciding to make the best of it. Going with their own strategy, Lammens lined up with an outside right gate pick, setting him up for a great line into the first corner. This turned out to be a brilliant plan overall as he was able to rocket out of the gate and position himself within the lead pack, avoiding first and second turn crashes that plagued many classes this year. Despite some track grooming prior to sending out the 50s, Brenner found himself in some of the deepest ruts he has experienced in his short racing career, hanging him up a couple times but not taking him out. Somehow he was able to avoid downed riders all over the track and had one heck of
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Right: Tanner Ward struggled all week with an illness and wasn’t able to show his true speed.
Left: Preston Masciangelo was all smiles after his top ten finish in the 65cc class.
a cross-rut that almost sent him off the track directly in front of me. Somehow he managed to pull out of it without skipping a beat. Brenner started off his week with his best finish on the podium with 3rd. Having had some experience at home, Brenner was a natural for the interview portion of his podium visit and made sure to thank everyone that supported him throughout the year. Overall, Brenner had an awesome week, finish-
ing slightly outside of the top 3 with 5th overall after finishing his motos 3-8-6. Brenner is one great kid and was awesome to talk to after his week was over. Discussing his week after the awards ceremony, he really enjoyed his time off the track just as much as racing itself. In fact, the first thing he mentioned was how much he enjoyed the river, almost forgetting to talk about the track or racing itself. Brenner is one kid I look forward to watching as he advances through the ranks. Regardless of how well he does, he likes to have fun, something that is just as important in our sport as results alone. While we only covered a few riders either in depth or in captions, one thing that has to be said is how well Canada was represented for 2016. A total of 17 entrants registered with Canada listed as their home, and this list consisted of nearly all ages and skill levels. For some this was their first trip to the ranch, but for others this was part of their normal race season. Overall, it was great to see so many first timers as well as a vast array of skill levels and classes represented. I really wish I had the space to go into depth on more riders but absolutely do not want to discount the achievements of anyone who qualified for this event. Simply put, qualifying for Loretta’s puts you into an elite group, worthy of respect regardless of how well you did. I hope to see many who qualified this year make the return trip for 2017. Cheers!
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In Italy, on September 25th, Tyler Medaglia will represent our country at the Motocross of Nations for the fifth time. When the Kemptville, Ontario native turned Nova Scotia local eventually retires, he will go down as one of the great riders in our country’s history – a twotime MX2 National Champion, Montreal Supercross winner, AMA Arenacross Lites Champ – a rider who has always been willing to race anytime and anywhere. Along with his brother, Jeremy, he makes up the best brother combo the sport of motocross in Canada has ever seen. What started as a family activity, with the Medaglia family growing up together at the track, has come full circle as Tyler nurtures a young family of his own with his wife, multi-time Canadian Women’s Champion Heidi Cooke. But for all the accolades, a career so promising was almost cut short before it even started. A string of injuries so bad that it would have stopped most riders - two years lost just as he was hitting his stride. But through it all he persevered, never letting his setbacks diminish the fire burning inside to rise to the top of the sport. This is the story of those ups and downs. Like a lot of kids, Tyler got his start on the ubiquitous Honda Z50 when he was six years old. “My Dad raced Superbike and they all used Z50s for pit bikes, so he had one around and got me on it. I was getting out of control on it at the house so he decided it was time to take me out to the Sand Del Lee track,” remarked Tyler as he recalled his humble start to the sport. “I did my first race there, at Sand Del Lee, when I was still six.” Medaglia admitted he didn’t dominate from the start but he was starting to hit his stride on 60s and really started to come into his own when he made the move to the 80cc class. 2001 was a dominant year for Medaglia as he went to the Walton TransCan and swept both the 85cc 12-16 and Super Mini classes. In 2002, he was back to claim a Junior title and then in 2003 the elder Medaglia really served notice that he was the next Canadian star in the making. “That year (2003) I was winning everything. I won my Loretta Lynn’s regional qualifier and I was in the hunt for wins at Loretta’s but had some bad luck. I had just switched over to a four-stroke before the race and I had one bad moto where I couldn’t start the bike and DNFd. Otherwise, I was right up there with the top guys. From there I went to Walton and won 8 out of 9 motos. The only one I didn’t win was when the 250 twostroke I was riding blew up while I was leading.” As impressive as his 8 for 9 showing was at the TransCan, he saved his most storied performance for the Pro National on the weekend. Back in
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2003, the Canadian Nationals featured a Saturday qualifying race and the young Intermediate rider jumped out to the lead ahead of newly crowned MX2 East Champion, Randy Valade, of the powerhouse Blackfoot Honda team. Medaglia would go on to hold off the champ and take the win, bringing out the now infamous “please pass B-rider” pit board by Valade’s then mechanic, Todd Kuli. Coming off such an impressive season, there seemed to be no limit to the heights that young Medaglia could reach. But then, just like that, it all went wrong. “I went to do this triple at this track in Florida. I didn’t need to go for it as I was quite a bit faster than anyone I was racing against, but I went for it and the back end dropped on the face of the jump. I tried to hit the rear brake but couldn’t and ended up jumping off the back. I landed on my feet but the impact sat me down immediately and crushed my back.” Tyler had fractured his T-12 vertebrae and broke his tailbone in two spots. “I basically lost half of one of the biggest vertebrae in my back. I had two major surgeries; I was pretty much out for a week. I really don’t remember much of that week. I lost a bunch of blood in the first surgery so they couldn’t finish it. I had to get donated blood for them to finish the surgery. They put a titanium cage in; it was very similar to what Doug Henry had done to him.” Learning to walk again took time for Medaglia. The swelling in his back had led to a loss of feeling in his toes but gradually, as the swelling went down, the feeling came back and he began the slow march to recovery. Eventually he was back on a bike, but not for long as a simple tip over left him with a severely broken arm. “When I broke my arm, it wasn’t even a small crash, I basically tipped over. Somehow I landed and my arm just shattered, it was broken in about ten places. I had three plates and fourteen screws put in. Half of my tricep doesn’t really work anymore. It took a while. My hand has nerve damage and it didn’t work for nine months.” A string of injuries like that would be enough to kill the career ambitions of many a motivated rider but, as if to add insult to literal injury, another return to the bike left him in the hospital again. “I started doing a couple races again when it started feeling like it was healing up, and somewhere in there a foot peg broke and I seat bounced a jump, cased it and broke my spleen so I was in the hospital again. There was a stretch of time when I couldn’t stay out of the hospital.” “It was a stretch of two and a half years of not even being relevant in racing. I wasn’t even on a bike for two years.” Beset with so many injuries, Tyler took a job with a friend doing carpentry and began to live a
life outside of motocross. It gave him a chance to reflect on whether or not he still wanted to try to make motocross a career. “I think it’s helped me. I’ve had to push through a lot of things that would make someone want to quit so that’s really helped me in my career. Plus, at the age that it happened, I got to enjoy a bit of that life of being a teenager - being able to party with my friends and not worry about training and all that. I was injured, there was nothing else I could do, so I got to live a little bit like a normal kid so it gave me a good balance. I didn’t get burnt out, I still don’t feel burnt out because I got to have a little bit of that normal life for a while.” Finally healthy and with a little money saved
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from his carpentry job and some support from his parents, Tyler headed to Georgia in the winter of 2006 to train and race. His solid rides on the east coast that season caught the eye of the Rockstar Energy OTSFF Suzuki team, who offered Tyler a spot on their team for the 2007 season. After all the suffering and heartbreak, Medaglia had finally made it to the upper echelon of the sport – a spot on a factory-backed team. His time on the OTSFF team would prove fruitful. Originally signed to ride the MX2 class, Medaglia finished his inaugural season in third place overall in the MX2 East and broke through to take his first of two wins at the annual Montreal Supercross that fall. It was his riding on the 450, though, in the western rounds that really put him on the radar and the team chose to bump him up, full time, to the MX1 class for 2008. Medaglia repaid their decision by winning the Gopher Dunes round and leading the championship for over half the season, eventually finishing third overall. Another year with the team in 2009 saw him unable to reach the same heights, as he would end up finishing the season in fifth overall with only one podium at his home track of Sand Del Lee. It was time for a change in 2010, and for Medaglia there would be two big ones. The first one was when
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the mighty Blackfoot Yamaha team came calling with an offer to drop back down to the MX2 class. Around the same time, Tyler had started seeing Heidi Cooke and her presence in his life is something he credits a lot of his success. “She helped me a lot, I think, with focus and a lifestyle that I should have been in for a long time. Her being in my life was a big part of my success at Blackfoot.” Life would change quickly for Tyler through this period. Back in the MX2 class, he would win back to back titles in 2010 and 2011, move to Heidi’s hometown in Nova Scotia, and on the day of his second title win at Walton in 2011, the pair would welcome their first child, son Talon, into the world. A daughter, Millie, would join Talon in 2013. The man who grew up in a moto family now had a family of his own to take to the races. The end of the Blackfoot team in 2011 would signal another move. He teamed up with his buddy, Derek Schuster, to launch the Gopher Dunes Racing Honda team. He had a solid season with a couple podium finishes before breaking his leg at the Ste. Julie round. For 2012, an injury to his friend, Dusty Klatt, led to a fill-in spot on the Royal Distributing KTM team. Jumping on the bike with little testing, Medaglia grabbed third overall in the series and was the top
Canadian. His results led to another year with the team and another third place finish in the series. His association with KTM led to his current arrangement with their sister company, Husqvarna, who Medaglia put his own program together with in 2015. Assembling your own program has pros and cons, and Tyler has experienced both sides of the coin, but says he loves doing his own team with Husqvarna’s support. “There’s definitely plusses and minuses but I really like it. We have a lot of fun. It keeps getting better. We have good support, we have great sponsors and each year it keeps getting better and easier. Kibby (Tyler’s mechanic) has more responsibility but he gets paid for it. It’s been really good. Plus, my Dad is there for some technical stuff and just to give us advice and to give us crap all the time for everything. It’s still fun. Sometimes he forgets is I’m 29-years-old and can handle my own stuff and ride a dirt bike.” The Husqvarna partnership has also allowed him to explore another area of the sport – GNCC racing. For a rider who’s never been afraid to go racing anywhere and anytime – AMA Nationals, Supercross, Arenacross – he’s found another part of the sport that he can excel at. Last spring, he decided to sign up for the opening round of the GNCC series as
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he was already down in Florida. “My Dad was there and we just did it out of the back of my truck. I ended up getting fifth at the first GNCC on my motocross bike – a stock 450 with motocross suspension. I really didn’t know what I was doing. Luckily I had good fitness, it was sand and I could just hang on.” It’s something Medaglia has enjoyed and would like to do more of in the future. “It goes with the whole program with Husqvarna as well. It’s kind of what the company is all about, they’ve got strong roots in the woods. I enjoy it. It’s really mentally tough to be competitive for three hours in the woods.” Before thinking about any career changes, though, Medaglia feels he has unfinished business at the Canadian Nationals. Starting off the season on a 350, Tyler found that even though he loved riding the bike, it was a tough go trying to be competitive in a sea of 450s. A mid-season switch to the 450 saw him make a late surge for the podium with a third place finish in Pleasant Valley and a great ride to get second at the series finale in Barrie. Still, there were no regrets about choosing the 350. “If I didn’t try this, I wouldn’t have known better, and it’s something I wanted to try for a few years, because of my success on the smaller bike. I knew that even at Blackfoot, my 250 lap times were comparable to the best times on the 450s. That’s where my whole
theory was behind it. I’ll still say that I enjoy riding the 350 the most out of any bike that I’ve ridden... ever!” With a solid end to his season, the ultimate goal for Medaglia still lies with the one title that eludes him – the CMRC Canadian MX1 Championship. “I feel like I’m capable of fighting for a championship in the MX1 class so that’s still my focus right now. But the GNCC stuff is something I enjoy and would like to maybe do more seriously in the future, but at the moment I’m competitive enough to stay focused on motocross. I’d just like to enjoy the racing that I do.” For the rider who grew up in a motocross family, it might not be long now before Tyler is the one playing the role of moto dad, as his son Talon has clearly been handed down the family genes. “With my own family, Talon is probably going to race this fall for the first time, and I just went camping this past weekend for the first time with my family and it’s really cool. I thought it was going to be easy to let Talon race but I’m more nervous when he’s riding than I anticipated. When he goes wide open, I know how much stuff can go sideways so quickly. I’m constantly stressed.” If Talon decides to follow in his father’s footsteps, he’ll no doubt be able to lean on someone who has truly done it all.
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e P t s tis s e J Building Momentum BY ANDY WHITE | PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
his year we saw a young man really turn it up at CMRC’s Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. It was 19year old Jess Pettis, who rides for the MX101 Yamaha FXR Rockstar race team based out of Ottawa, Ontario, that proved he has tons of potential and has matured into a solid MX2 rider over the course of this summer. Pettis was born and raised in the largest city in Northern BC, Prince George. If you live in this area you either ride snowmobiles or a dirt bike, it’s just a fact of life out there. And it just so happens that Jess likes both, plus he really likes to head to the mountains to hunt with his dad, mountain bike ride and hang out with his family. With all of the support that Jess gets from his family, he is very grateful for everything he receives. His racing career all started when his dad brought home a Honda Z50. The bike barely even ran but it was the best gift ever. After a few months, his dad traded the mini bike for a KTM 50. Jesse said, “I still remember how excited I was when they unloaded the KTM. I was like ‘OMG that’s a real race bike! Now I can hit the jumps wide open!’” A few days later Jesse started saying that he wanted to race. The family loaded up the truck and headed to Quesnel, BC, only an hour and a half from home. Fortunately, the race went so well that the Pettis family was hooked on racing. When Jess turned 9-years-old, he was accepted to compete in the KTM KJSC Vancouver SX round, with the winner of the event being invited to the final round at the Las Vegas Supercross to compete against all other winners. “What an opportunity! The track jumps were massive, and there were tons of fans in BC Place,” said Jess. “I was pretty nervous because this was the first big event I had ever raced, but I was really excited. I started off being the quickest in practice. I remember my Dad telling me ‘Okay, this is your race. Just pin it and go as fast as possible. When you hit the whoop section just lean back and go for it.’ I came off the start with a holeshot and basically pinned it into the whoops, cartwheeled and went from first to last real fast. That was it, no Vegas.” Doug Pettis, Jess’s dad, said, “I feel I might have put too much pressure on my 9-year-old son. As they say, live and learn!”
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As Jess begins to mature into a young man, he’s also becoming one of the most stylish riders on the track.
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Left: Jess has been doing this sport since he was a young kid.
Next on Jess’s program was to find someone that knew how to train and ride properly. Steve Taylor, a local pro and a friend of the family, took Jess under his wing. Steve would video tape Jess practicing at the local track, then afterwards they would go over the tape and Steve would point out the areas they needed to work on. Training and nutrition were also on the list of things they needed to focus on. After a few months, Jess started winning amateur races, giving Steve the credit for his newfound success. The next step on the list was to attend bigger races, which meant lots of traveling from Prince George to all the tracks, but the closest ones were five hundred miles away. “I know it was not easy for my Dad because he sacrificed his weekends to go to the races for me. I am really grateful,” said Jess. He also added, “My Dad was my driving force. Together we were determined to succeed and do whatever it took to accomplish my goals. He would say ‘Never give up!’” Part two involved knocking on doors for sponsorship. This is what the Pettis family did to raise the funds to go racing, and fortunately his home town really supported Jess. It was hard work but they were able to raise the money to travel to all the races. Once the arenacross events started, this meant they would leave home Thursday night and return Sunday, and this would go on for most weekends but he never stopped going to school. “School was important to me and my family so I made sure I graduated from high school. Motocross racing is not just about racing, it’s a life journey. You learn a lot as you travel across the country like how to budget your money, because it
Right: Over the years Jess has been mentored by many riders, including Teddy Maier.
Right: Thanks to his hard work and perseverance, Jess visited the MX2 podium numerous times in 2016.
“The next step on the list was to attend bigger races, which meant lots of traveling from Prince George to all the tracks, but the closest ones were five hundred miles away.”
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runs out fast if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also, networking is one of the most important skills in this industry because you need friends to succeed in this sport. The motocross community is a tight one; you meet so many nice families on the journey to the pro level.” Racing dirt bikes is not the safest sport and many riders end up with broken bones or damaged knees. Being just 19, he has already broken nineteen bones over the years. When asked how he stays positive, he said “Well, I really love the sport. It’s addictive! When I get out on my dirt bike I want to blow the berms up and hit the big jumps. I have learned to stay positive over the years, and I feel really lucky to be able to race year round with the support of my family. I have to remember that I won’t be able to do this my whole life so I want to enjoy it as much as I can now.” Jess was lucky to have the support of the Team Green program, receiving help from Kawasaki and his local dealer, Leading Edge, at the 65cc level up to the 250F from 2011 to 2014. Leading Edge then gave him a break at the pro level when the team worked out a deal to have Jess as their rookie MX2 rider and transported his bike from round to round. Jason Hughes, team owner of the Monster Kawasaki team, said, “Jess was the next fast kid on the block. If I didn’t support him someone else would get him.” With Jess now racing pro, it was that time in his life that he needed to connect with teams that have professional managers and technicians that could support him at the next level. Luckily, Jesse caught the eye of the MX101 team based in Ottawa. Kevin
Left: Due to his young age, Jess wasn’t exactly the tallest rider when he turned pro a few years ago.
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Below: In 2015, Jess made the switch from Kawasaki to Yamaha for the first time in his career.
Below: Coming into this summer, Jess was happy to be with Rockstar Energy, FXR Racing and the MX101 Yamaha Team.
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Tyler and Johnny Grant have a solid program and receive a lot of support from key sponsors, such as Yamaha who have been involved for many years and offer good support. On the management side, Kevin Tyler, who is a former pro rider himself, knows the ropes of the racing world. He knows it’s not as easy as buying a race bike from your local dealer and
of a family-run race team rather than a team at a corporate level that puts tons of pressure on the riders. Doug Pettis commented, “It’s exactly what we have been looking for, and I am super happy with the way the season went. It’s a learning curve for both sides. I am a guy that likes to be involved at all levels so I had to learn to let the team take the lead and
“Jess has found a good home with MX101 because it’s more of a family-run race team rather than a team at a corporate level that puts tons of pressure on the riders.” slapping some numbers on the bike when you hit the pro ranks. If it was that easy you would see a lot more teams out there. The MX101 crew have built relationships with engine builders and suspension companies that understand their riders’ needs, and their mechanics need to know how to fine tune the bike specifically for each rider. Jess has found a good home with MX101 because it’s more
listen to Jess’s needs. I will be honest, it’s not easy letting go. I have been the one that has worked on my son’s bikes from day one and make all the decisions. I was the only one that my son looked up to for advice, but I have learned that I have to let go and let the team make the decisions now.” This is what happens when your kid hits the big leagues. It really is tough for a rider’s parents to let go.
What’s the next step in the program for Jess Pettis? “Well, I feel I have lots to improve on. I want to win races every weekend but I know I have some weaknesses that I need to figure out. The plan is to race some Arenacross events this fall because there is some good money in that series. That will help with paying for a riding coach and a trainer over the winter. I need to step up my program if I want to beat the guys in front of me, so I am ready to do whatever it takes,” said Jess. “I would really like to continue with the MX101 program. We know each other and I feel we are on the right track.” It only makes sense for Jess to continue with the same program, because it was a solid year with some podium finishes and no real issues. The first year on a team is not easy. You meet lots of new people on the team, and you start to develop some good relationships. This is a great step and the second year usually is much better. It’s a great team for Jess Pettis and hopefully this is one building block that forms only a stronger structure for 2017.
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CANADA’S DREAM TEAM
2007 MXoN at Budds Creek ttention Canadian moto fans: The biggest international race of the season, the Motocross of Nations, is fast approaching and Canada will be sending a team. This is a pretty big announcement since we don’t always go. That’s right, the big race will be taking place on the 24th & 25th of September in Maggiora, Italy. It’s been thirty years since the race was held at this facility, and the last time it was there Team USA put on one of the most dominant performances in the history of the event. Honda mounted superstars David Bailey, Johnny O’Mara and Ricky Johnson totally waxed the international field and won every moto on their way to a decisive victory. Most fans will remember this as the year that O’Mara caught and passed 500cc World Champ David Thorpe from England on his CR125. Thorpe took a lot of heat over that in the press, never really lived it down as a matter of fact. Canada also had a team that year. Glenn Nicholson, Al Dyck and Arnaud Bernard flew the colours for Canada in ‘86 and finished 18th overall. This year, Tyler Medaglia, Kaven Benoit and Shawn
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Maffenbeier will be heading over to Europe to compete and I’m sure will do a fantastic job of representing our country. As most moto enthusiasts in this country are aware, we as a motocross nation have had a real love/hate relationship with this event in the past. Simply put, the fans love it but the industry hates it. That’s an oversimplification of the situation of course and I don’t want to go into the whole political aspect of the event, but suffice it to say our participation has been sketchy to say the least. One time we actually got really close to getting it right, however that was back in 2007. That was the year that the Motocross of Nations returned to North America, Budds Creek, Maryland to be precise, for the first time in twenty years, and only the second time ever. The previous version took place at Unadilla in New York State back in ’87; you can read all about that in the June 2015 issue of MXP Magazine. The great
thing about having the race so close to home, of course, is the fact that we didn’t have to send a team and equipment overseas, and the fact that the Blackfoot Factory Yamaha Team decided to support the effort that year helped even more. Budds Creek is only a ten hour drive from Toronto so the logistics of sending a team were greatly
reduced. Blackfoot had our top Canadian riders under their awning at that time so things were looking really good for a decent showing. So after years of frustration, half-hearted and underfunded efforts combined with lots of arguing and lousy results, we were finally prepared to send our best team to battle the rest of the motocross world. The “Champ,” Jean-Sebastien Roy, “Super-
man” Blair Morgan and former Blackfoot ace and 2006 CMRC MX1 National Champion Dusty Klatt, who had been contesting the AMA Nationals in the MX2 class for Star Racing Yamaha, were chosen to represent Canada. On paper this seemed like an absolutely fantastic team. Unfortunately, Dusty sustained an injury at the final round of the CMRC Nationals at Walton in August and was not able to compete.
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modest estimation of the size No problem though as the Left: Nine years ago of the crowd. No matter, it was other member of the Team Colton Facciotti was being hailed as the largest Blackfoot powerhouse, Colton the newcomer to Team Motocross event ever held in Facciotti, was available and Canada. Time does North America, and really, who was willing to ride the MX2 certainly fly by. could argue? bike. Colton had just finished Right: Even though he Of course the US Dream second to Paul Carpenter in was riding with a broken Team of Carmichael, Villopoto the CMRC Nationals so he was foot, Blair Morgan did his and Tim Ferry were dominatready and willing to fill in for part in securing Team ing the headlines and the the injured Klatt. “I was the Canada’s great finish. pre-race hype beforehand, first alternate anyways,” reBottom left: Under and rightfully so. They were members Facciotti, “so I had the direction of Manthree of the biggest stars it in the back of my mind that I ager Carl Bastedo, Team in the sport but there was would be racing.” Canada was a relaxed definitely a quiet confidence Expectations for a great group in Maryland. surrounding the Canadian finish were running high as the Bottom: One of most team that year. Although they weekend of the MX of Nations thrilling moments in mowere both in the twilight of approached. The proximity tocross is when the best their illustrious careers, the of the Budds Creek facility to riders on the planet blast experience of multi-time the Canadian border and foreoff the starting line. casts for glorious weather saw Champions Roy and Morgan mixed with the youth and an unprecedented amount of Canadian fans make the trip “ JSR BEING JSR, THOUGH, HE WAS ABLE TO WORK HIS south. In fact, WAY UP TO PLACE AN EXTREMELY CREDIBLE 15TH BY MOTO’S END. IT WAS ROY’S BEST RACE OF THE WEEKthey headed END AND A GREAT SIGN FOR CANADA.” down by the speed of the young Champion busload – literally - and were Facciotti seemed like a truly joined by a tremendous throng winning combination. The of US supporters along with team had actually gone and fans from all parts of the done some testing the previglobe. Estimates of attenous week in the area and were dance placed the numbers brimming with confidence as at around thirty to forty the Blackfoot Factory Semi thousand, but to the naked pulled into the paddock area eye it seemed like that was a
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on Friday. It was certainly nice to see the Canadian team with such an impressive pit presence after so many years of less than ideal situations. Some were even suggesting that Canada may be able to better their best ever placing of 8th overall achieved at the Lierop, Belgium event in 2004. A tall order indeed but seemingly doable. Saturday was qualifying day and the riders and spectators alike were greeted with near perfect conditions. The boys managed to qualify fairly easily for the A final race on Sunday so that relieved a lot of pressure on the team. Unfortunately, during the qualifying races on Saturday, Blair Morgan twisted his ankle quite seriously and his injury was certainly cause for concern. Blair had been a stalwart for Team Canada in years past at this event. In fact, he had been Canada’s top point scorer at the last three des Nations events so seeing him hobbling around on Saturday after the races was not a good sign. “We didn’t know how bad his ankle was at first,”
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remembers Facciotti. “We found out later that it was actually broken so it was pretty amazing he was able to ride at all.” The first race on Sunday, which was MX1 and MX2 combined, saw JSR and Facciotti going for Team Canada, which was good as it gave Morgan a bit more time to prepare and try to get his ankle into some sort of shape to ride. In a very un-JSR-like move, the Champ got a terrible start and had to work his way through the pack, He rode hard and was able to work his way back up to 17th place by the finish. Colton had a steady, solid race on the 250F and finished a very credible 16th overall at the checkers. “I was pretty stoked on the result,” remembers Facciotti. “I hadn’t really ridden a 250F in a couple of years so I wasn’t really sure how things were going to go but I was happy with that result.” While Facciotti was the youngster on the team at age twenty, he certainly wasn’t lacking in experience. This was already his third time representing Canada at the MX of Na-
tions, and while in his words, “It seems like a really long time ago,” he remembers it all well to this day. “The crowds in Europe were a little more gnarly,” he recalls, but the atmosphere at Budds Creek that day “was pretty awesome.” Facciotti drew the unenviable task of going back to back as Moto 2 pitted the MX2 and MX3 classes against each other. The back to back motos, however, actually seemed to help Colton as he scored Canada’s best result of the weekend going 12th overall in the moto. “I was super-stoked with that finish,” he recalls. “I think I was actually top 5 out of the 250Fs out there, so yes I was pleased.” Morgan, on the other hand, did not fare nearly as well because the ankle was really bothering him. It was obvious. While he soldiered on through the intense pain, the best he could muster was a 30th place finish. In the MX of Nations format, you throw away your worst moto score, but with the shape of Blair’s ankle, coupled with the fact that he was scheduled to race Moto
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“ ESTIMATES OF ATTENDANCE PLACED THE NUMBERS AT AROUND THIRTY TO FORTY THOUSAND, BUT TO THE NAKED EYE IT SEEMED LIKE THAT WAS A MODEST ESTIMATION OF THE SIZE OF THE CROWD.” 3 as well, it looked as though Canada may be stuck with the 30th place finish on their final tally, which certainly did not bode well for a top, overall finish. Although he was not expected to ride the third and final moto due to the injury, when the bikes and riders began to line up for the start, there was Blair Morgan sitting on his bike, broken ankle and all, determined to give it a go. This of course speaks volumes about the man. Even with a broken ankle he was willing to line up and give it a shot for his country. Truly one of the all-time greats of Canadian motocross. JSR was also in the third moto and he actually had another bad start, which as we all know was very uncharacteristic for him. JSR being JSR, though, he was able to work his way up to place an extremely credible 15th by moto’s end. It was Roy’s best race of the weekend and a great sign for Canada. Our fans were going crazy, urging him on throughout his charge through the pack during the whole moto. Unfortunately, Blair just could not ride with his injured ankle and was forced to pull off after a couple of laps. This left him with a 37th place score for the third and final moto of the day. Therefore, the 30th that he carded in the second moto would have to go towards Canada’s score in the final standings. Still, even with the 30th place score, the Canadian team of Roy, Morgan and Facciotti rode well enough to earn themselves a 10th overall in the final tally. Not too shabby at all considering Blair’s injury and the stiffness of the competition. In fact, it ranks as one of our best finishes ever at this event. The day’s racing was of course dominated by the powerhouse American team. Villopoto pulled off a Johnny O’-like performance by winning both of his motos on a 250F. Villopoto even pulled massive hole-
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shots aboard his Pro Circuit tuned Kawasaki against a gate full of some of the best 450 riders in the world. It really was awesome. He went on to make the rest of the field look like a bunch of amateurs as he totally decimated the competition in what has come to be known as the most dominating performance in the history of the event. While Team Canada certainly did not dominate, they were proud of the way they performed at the 2007 MX of Nations. Had Blair not been injured they could have quite easily placed as high as 6th. “It was a great experience,” recalls Facciotti. “Being on the team with those guys, Blair and JSR, was really an honour. They really are good guys.” As for this year’s Canadian MX of Nations team, who knows? While the squad of Medaglia, Benoit and Maffenbeier is definitely solid, I think all Canadian fans are wishing that Facciotti and Cole Thompson would have been available to compete. The Facciottis are expecting a new baby right around the time of the race, and Colton has been injured so he has valid reasons for not attending. Plus, he’s done it several times already and has served admirably. Cole Thompson also declined the offer to compete this year because he’s having a nagging shoulder injury operated on at the same time so that counts him out. Let’s just hope our boys go over there, ride well and make the A final. I think that’s really about all we can ask of them. The Euros are no joke, and even a B Team of US riders has to be considered a threat to podium. In retrospect, I think the period of time around 2007 was probably the pinnacle of popularity for this race anyways. The Americans were still really invested in it back then. And let’s face it, the popularity of the MX of Nations is directly related to US interest
in the race, and that interest is definitely waning, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still big, just not as big a deal as it once was. Certainly not in North America and I would hazard a guess that probably the biggest reason for the growing lack of interest stateside is the sheer number of races the top riders are obligated to attend nowadays. It seems like every year another energy drink company adds another one-off race to the schedule, and the last thing that any of the top riders really want to do is head over to Europe on one of their few off weekends to race again when they are not really contractually obligated to do so, even if it is for their country. Come September 25th I’ll be watching though. Well, hopefully I’ll be watching if I can figure out a way to do so, but that’s a different story. I’ll be watching, and I’ll be cheering of course, hoping that our team does well. Next year the MX of Nations returns to North America once again, where Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California will serve as host. It is, after all, the hotbed of US motocross, so that should be interesting. Perhaps we will be able to assemble another Canadian dream team for this one. As Colton Facciotti mentioned to me when we spoke, 2007 seems like a long time ago now. Maybe Colt will be part of it all again at Glen Helen in 2017, but this time as the elder statesman, much like JSR and Blair were for him back in 2007. That might be a really cool way for him to wind down his career. I guess we’ll see whether that happens or not but there is no denying that the 2007 team of JSR, Morgan and Facciotti were one of, if not the best we’ve ever had. The 2007 Motocross of Nations at Budds Creek was certainly a high point in the history of Canadian motocross.
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FIRST RIDE: THE 2017 KX250F
THE NEW GREEN MACHINE BY CHRIS POMEROY | PHOTOS BY DREW RUIZ
ighter, faster, more powerful - those were the first words spoken by the Kawasaki Product Manager when the media sat down at a vineyard just north of Santa Barbara, California. The product Kawasaki was speaking about was the highly anticipated 2017 KX250F, a bike that has been in the works for over three years. Like its big brother, the KX450F, Kawasaki has been using the same platform for the past few years and now it was time for a complete overhaul. Over the years the KX250F has been the most successful bike in its class with over 15 AMA Championships as well as multiple Canadian MX2 titles. Since 2004, the KX250F has claimed almost 50% of the professional titles in the USA. This success on the track has led to race ready bikes in your dealer’s showroom. However, with
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all of the new 250Fs trying to go with machines that are not only very powerful but also easy to flick around in the air, Kawasaki decided to follow suit in 2017 with a completely new motorcycle. For this press launch, Kawasaki chose the ever popular Zaca Station MX Park. This track is a favourite among local riders as it consists of loamy soil, multiple elevation changes and some very cool jumps. Basically, the Zaca Station track is perfect for testing new dirt bikes. To assist in making this press launch as successful as possible and to gain the maximum knowledge out of this new bike, Kawasaki brought along their support rig as well as a host of mechanics, suspension technicians and staff to ensure the media had whatever they needed. From the moment I arrived at the track and was greeted to a brand new 2017 KX250F, as well as my smiling
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FIRST RIDE: THE 2017 KX250F
THE NEW GREEN MACHINE mechanic-for-a-day who I referred to simply as ‘Borky,” it was a perfect beginning to what was about to be a great day of riding. As soon as you look at the 2017 KX250F, the first thing you notice is how narrow this new bike is through the seat and tank area. This is a welcomed feature as Kawasaki has always been one of the thickest bikes compared to its competition, but those days are over. By narrowing the main pipe and the U pipe in the forward part of the frame, the new Kawasaki is almost 1.5 inches slimmer through the area where a rider spends most of their time. This narrowing of the frame has also cut down on the overall weight as the 2017 KX250F frame is 90g lighter than previous models. When you factor in the engine and chassis revisions for next year’s bike, the 2017 is 3.75 pounds lighter than any past model. By making this new bike slimmer and lighter, Kawasaki has given its riders a modern day bike that is capable of anything on the track. On the suspension side of things, Kawasaki has revised its already trusty Showa SFF Type 2 spring front forks for 2017. With slightly thicker inner tubes and revised valve settings, these forks are perfect for all levels of riders. Working in cohesion with the spring forks is a revised Showa rear shock with a slightly different valve setting and a stiffer spring. These changes aren’t drastic for 2017 but they were needed, and they
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help to keep this new 250F in perfect balance. As much as everyone loves a light and great handling 250F, the most important thing to every rider in this class is power. For 2017, Kawasaki has redesigned the engine to give the 250F more low end and mid-range peak power. By changing the offset of the cylinder to accommodate the new downdraft-style intake, Kawasaki has given the rider better throttle response and more useable power. Of course, Kawasaki is still the only motocross bike to use dual fuel injectors. However, for 2017 they have altered the angle of the injectors for a more direct entry into the cylinder. All of these changes add up to more power, more holeshots and hopefully more race wins. After receiving all of the information on the new KX250F, my mechanic-for-a-day and I made a few setup changes to the bike and headed out on to the Zaca track. Over the past few years the KX250F has been the most adjustable bike in its class. With adjustable handelbar mounts, footpegs and three different ignition couplers, it’s very easy to get these bikes set up exactly how you want it. Before I went out for a ride, ‘Borky’ suggested that I move my bar mounts one notch forward so I would have more room. This proved to be a small but good move as I am a little taller than most 250F pilots. The first thing that I noticed as I made my way around the track for the first time was how smooth the new
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SINCE 2004, THE KX250F HAS CLAIMED ALMOST 50% OF THE PROFESSIONAL TITLES IN THE USA. THIS SUCCESS ON THE TRACK HAS LED TO RACE READY BIKES IN YOUR DEALER’S SHOWROOM.
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FIRST RIDE: THE 2017 KX250F
THE 2017 KX250F DEFINITELY HANDLES VERY WELL, PLUS IT’S PREDICTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT. IT’S EXACTLY WHAT A BIKE SHOULD BE LIKE IN THIS CLASS.
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THE NEW GREEN MACHINE KX250F shifted. For 2017, Kawasaki has changed the design of the shift forks to reduce friction. These changes have definitely improved the shifting as it’s much easier on the 2017. The second change that I noticed was the 2017 is much narrower than before. With the changes made to the frame, as well as the reduced weight, this new bike felt like I could just throw it sideways off any jump on the track. The 2017 KX250F definitely handles very well, plus it’s predictable and lightweight. It’s exactly what a bike should be like in this class. With the severe elevation changes that encompass the Zaca track, I really got a great feel for the powerful engine. I’ve always felt that just because a bike is powerful, it doesn’t mean that it’s easy to ride. However, with the added torque to this engine, the 2017 KX250F pulled strong out of corners and up the long, steep hills. With the type of power that this new bike has, it’s very easy to ride whether you want to hold it wide open or short shift and try to be smooth. Each time I took to the
track, the soil became softer and more rutted, but with the supreme adjustability of the new KX250F, it was easy to cater the bike to the ever changing track conditions. The 2017 KX250F also comes with changes to the bodywork, as well as the lower and flatter seat. All of the new features that come stock on this new bike help to make it an absolute dream to ride. With the help of all of the technicians that day, we were able to set the bike up exactly how I wanted it. As the day went on we made a few subtle changes to the bike that made it better and easier to ride. With so much success that Kawasaki has already had in this class, there is little doubt that the 2017 KX250F will bring them even more titles. I’d like to thank everyone at Kawasaki for making this incredible riding day possible. It definitely confirmed how serious Kawasaki is when it comes to their 250F program, and it also proved why every rider in California loves riding at Zaca Station.
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THE ALL-NEW 2017 championshipdriven MORE POWERFUL ENGINE | FASTER LAP TIMES | SERIOUSLY LIGHTWEIGHT | SLIMMER, LIGHTER FRAME
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©2017 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper riding apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Professional rider on a closed course.
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OR FREE OIL OR RACE KIT OR OGIO GEAR BAG
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BY CHRIS POMEROY | PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
MXP Chatter WitH
Kourtney Lloyd
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n the past few years, Kourtney Lloyd has had many different roles in our industry. From being one of the owners of the highly successful Cycle North Motorsports in Prince George, BC to running her own championship winning AX team, Kourtney has done it all. However, this season Kourtney has taken on what is perhaps her biggest task, which is managing Team Canada at the 2016 Motocross of Nations that will take place on September 25th in Italy. Kourtney has always had a knack for bringing people together for one common goal and during the past few months she has had to rely heavily on this talent. With picking the three rider team, organizing the team’s itinerary for their trip to Italy and fund raising, Kourtney has had a full plate. With only a few weeks remaining before Team Canada departs for Italy, we caught up with Kourtney to find out how everything was shaping up
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Q&A MXP: Since the first day that you learned that you were going to be the Manager for Team Canada, how has the entire process been?
KL: I think in many ways it’s been less stressful than I thought it would be, especially because I’ve had to deal with different teams and personnel. In years past when I put together my Cycle North Team I’ve only had to deal with Honda. With Team Canada you’re dealing with the KTM, Husqvarna and the Redemption team. They all have different sponsors and different requirements. That has probably been the most challenging part, just trying to make sure everyone has what they need. MXP: One of the riders that has been chosen for Team Canada is Kaven Benoit. How has his boss, JSR, been through all of this?
KL: Actually, JSR has been amazing through all of this and I don’t think I could’ve done this without him. He’s been to this event before as a rider so he knows what the riders do and don’t need to be successful. He’s also travelled over to Europe before so he knows the difficulty that flying overseas entails. When you take on a project like this there are certain people you need to be involved and JSR has been one of those people. MXP: You have received a lot of support over the summer. Has the level of support been more or less than you thought it would be?
KL: To be honest I’m a little disappointed with that part of it. I’m happy with what I’ve received thus far, however there are people that I’ve helped out in the past who haven’t returned the favour. I mean, there have been words of support but not the financial backing Team Canada needs. That’s okay though, now I know not to help these people in the future. MXP: However, on the flip side of that there must be people who have stepped up to help that you didn’t think would.
KL: Definitely, there has been a number of people and I’m extremely grateful.
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MXP: We are sending a very fast team over to Italy in a few weeks, but two of our top riders, Cole Thompson and Colton Facciotti, have opted out. Do you think there would be even more interest if those two riders were part of the team?
KL: No, I don’t think so. Previous managers had the same issues that I’m having and they had those riders on the team. I think it’s just the nature of the event, you either support it or you don’t. It’s no big deal, we’re going over to Italy with a great team and we’re going to give it our best.
“I think the other thing that I’m excited about is the moment when Team Canada is announced and we take to the track. I’m sure the feeling of pride will be overwhelming for all of us.”
over as part of Team Canada, so I’m excited to just go there and build memories that are going to last a lifetime. I think the other thing that I’m excited about is the moment when Team Canada is announced and we take to the track. I’m sure the feeling of pride will be overwhelming for all of us.
MXP: From a regional perspective, has each Province supported their rider? For instance, have you received a lot of support from Quebec because Kaven Benoit is going?
KL: For sure, I received donations from people in Quebec that I’ve never even heard of. They just want to support their rider. I kind of thought I’d see a little more support from Saskatchewan as they really love Shawn. Each rider’s home Province definitely wants to see their rider do well in Italy. I, however, just want to see the team do well. MXP: I know it’s a little premature to look ahead when you’re doing something like this but with the MXoN coming back to North America in 2017, is this a two year plan that you have?
KL: In my mind it definitely is. I suppose I have to get through this year and then see if I’m even chosen again. In a perfect world, though, 2016 would be a great learning year and then I’d like to take what I’ve learned and apply it to next year. With this race going to Glen Helen in 2017, the cost of attending will be less and the logistics will be a lot easier. I’ll get through this year and then reassess how everything went.
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MXP: That is going to be incredible, for sure. Okay, final question: I know this might be hard to answer but what finish would make you happy as Team Manager?
MXP: Okay, so I guess what everyone wants to know is when does everything begin? When is Team Canada travelling to Italy and what will they do once they get there?
KL: I fly on September 15th to get everything organized over there. Adam Robinson will join me and we’ll get the bikes ready for the riders when they arrive. As soon as the riders get there we’ll be testing for a few days so they can get everything dialed in with their bikes. I have a house rented near the track for the team to stay, plus I have also hired a chef who will cook for the team at the house and at the track as well. Once we get the bikes tested and get settled in the house, I’m sure we’ll do a little sightseeing and get ready for the race.
MXP: Other than the fund raising, it sounds as though getting all the logistics figured out is the hardest part of a task like this.
KL: I would say that it’s the hardest part, actually, as there are so many things that have to fall into place. Hopefully everyone can get over there without any delays or flight cancellations. Adam Robinson has been a huge help as he’s been my right hand man. He’s looking after all of the bike stuff so the team is in very good hands. MXP: When you think ahead to the actual event, what are you most excited about?
KL: I think I’m just excited to go over to Italy to represent Canada. There are only fourteen of us going
KL: I’ve actually thought a lot about this and to be honest I think we have a good chance to do well. We have to make the A Final first and then go from there. Once we do that then anything is possible. I think if we finish in the top 15 and have some great motos then I will be happy, for sure. This is a very tough event with some of the best riders in the world, but we have a few of those top riders so we should do well. I feel like I’ve done my part to give the team everything they need, all they have to do is ride like they know how and hopefully have a little good luck along the way. MXP: Well Kourtney, on behalf of everyone in Canada, let me wish you and the team good luck in Italy. We’ll all be cheering for you guys, and it should be an exciting adventure.
KL: Thanks Palms, I can’t wait to get over there and get things started.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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Gearing
Up THE PROSPECT
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The Prospect is a highlight among MX goggles - there has never been a goggle on the market like this before. It gives the rider a maximum field of vision due to the extra height of the lens. In addition, it features an innovative SCOTT lens lock system that makes the lens stay in the frame no matter what impact is coming from outside. To avoid slipping of the goggle, it is equipped with an extra wide, no-slip silicone strap. This strap together with articulated outriggers, contributes to the improvement of the helmet integration. All Prospect goggles come with both a Chrome and Clear lens! SCOTT-SPORTS.COM
FXR 2017 REVO MX COLLECTION JERSEY This jersey features lightweight polyesterspandex mesh for superior air flow and comfort, moisture-wicking yarns to provide quick-dry performance, and a shaped front collar and tapered cuff for the slimmest fit. Finally, a drop-tail hem and long length protect midriff exposure. FXRRACING.COM
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MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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FOX INSTINCT OFFROAD BOOT Born from motocross, refined for offroad, the all-new Fox Instinct Offroad Boot is ready to tackle the most demanding terrains you can throw at it. The Instinct Offroad boot uses exclusive Duratac rubber compound with a larger, open lug pattern on the sole for exceptional traction as you navigate challenging obstacles. Full coverage at toe box provides added protection without hindering shifting. The low ride chassis is designed for a better feel of the bike and command of the controls, while our patient pending buckle system provides flawless operation every time. FOXRACING.COM
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Engineered to exceed, the Fox V3 Grav Helmet is trusted and worn by champions. The helmet delivers industry-leading protection, a precise fit and exceptional comfort for those looking for a zero compromise motocross helmet. The V3 is equipped with the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), that reduces the rotational violence otherwise transmitted to the brain. A dual density EPS liner offers superior impact absorption by using varying foam densities and thickness in critical areas. With a luxury interior, the V3 helmet is exceptionally comfortable. FOXRACING.COM
ZOX MATRIX CARBON Developed over a decade ago to address the consumer need for a comfortable, safe helmet at a reasonable price, Zox has consistently delivered on its core values. The Matrix Carbon is one of Zox’s best and most popular premium MX helmets, offering a lightweight shell with ECE/ DOT approval, numerous safety features and an exceptional liner for maximum comfort and venting. Available in two shell sizes for superior safety and a more precise fit. MOTOVAN.COM
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MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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TIM TREMBLAY
INTRODUCES SHOT R ACE GEAR IN CANADA his year was a great year for snocross Champion Tim Tremblay in his MX season. He reached all of his objectives and even more with a SHOT at a factory bike with the OTSFF Yamaha team in Barrie. Tremblay, whose first discipline is snocross, always has been an avid motocross rider and uses several provincial and national rounds as a means to keep in shape to prepare for his season. This year, however, we have seen him collect the QC Championship and score many top ten finishes at the National rounds he competed in throughout the 2016 season. What does this mean for 2017? Tim has huge goals, including the Championship of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross, but he could also be
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looking at a Factory Team spot if it became available. Rumor is there might even be a new team that would be interested in Tim Tremblay’s focused attitude, hard training and determined personality. Tim has recently been seen wearing Motovan’s brand new acquisition in SHOT RACE GEAR. This new lineup will be available in dealers at the beginning of 2017 and should be seen on multiple riders. SHOT, who is well established in Europe, is coming back with proven success with many top riders in Europe and have chosen Tim Tremblay as one of their first athletes to represent the brand. You can follow Tim during his snocross season starting November and check out the SHOT RACE GEAR at www.shotracegear.com.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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PHOTO : JEFF LAIRD
2014-2016 CANADIAN WMX CHAMPION
CARBON MATRIX
EVE BRODEUR
COMFORT PERFORMANCE STYLE
W W W . Z O X H E L M E T S . C O M
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EVOLVED NUTRITION WITH DREW ROBERTSON & PHOTOS BY NICK HILL
HIT THE RESET
ere we are and another Motocross season has wrapped up. For some of us it was a great summer, for others maybe not so much, but either way we have to deal with some body maintenance. Motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet; we need to do some maintenance on it just like our bikes. Here are five tools that should be added to your regular routine, so let’s work on adding them in now to get the body back to 100% after the season. Remember that training = work + rest. By incorporating these into your daily routine you’ll recover better, which means you can perform at a higher level when training.
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1) Cool Down: Post-workout recovery is second only to sleep in the recovery hierarchy. A post workout cool-down speeds short term and long term recovery (defined as a return to a pre-training state) when compared to not cooling down. Moving is preferable to static stretching because it supports circulatory activity (limb movement assists circulation so the heart doesn’t have to do it all on its own). Use a low-impact method of cycling, rowing or walking. In order to flush the muscles, move easily for 2-5 minutes then sprint for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this process 3-4 times for a total of about 20 minutes. 2) Recovery shower: A properly executed recovery shower stimulates circulation. There are great benefits to hot/cold showers that are scientifically recognized, however the mechanism of action is not clearly understood. First, cook for 3-5 minutes under a hot shower, then relax and massage the muscles; this will cause the blood vessels to dilate. Next, slowly turn off the hot water until it’s unbearably cold and DEAL WITH IT. Remain under the cold water for five minutes; this will cause blood vessels to constrict. Slowly switch the hot water back on and cook again for 3-5 minutes. Repeat this process for at least two cycles. If you’re do-
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“If it’s closer to the time you are wanting to go to bed, then end on hot. I recommend taking a recovery shower right after you finish our cool down post workout.” ing the recovery shower earlier in the day, end on cold. If it’s closer to the time you are wanting to go to bed, then end on hot. I recommend taking a recovery shower right after you finish your cool down post workout. 3) Ice bath: Following an intense workout or race, during which the muscles have been overheated, there is no good reason to cook them more in a hot tub or a simple, hot shower. If an ice cold stream is not available, put 40-70lbs of ice in a bathtub, add water to waist height and get in. Try to accumulate a total of 10-15 minutes in 4-5 minute intervals.
Frequent use of the foam roller increases the effectiveness of a normal, deep tissue massage because the practitioner won’t waste time releasing knots and tension and can work on deeper structural issues. Areas to key in on are the IT bands, quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves. Have questions? Please contact me at drew@evolvednutrition.com.
4) Recovery walk / easy spin: Several hours (3-4 minimum) after training, take a 20-30 minute walk with your dog, friend, spouse or spin on a bike at an easy pace (HR no more than 65%) to boost circulation, flush the muscles again and create a demand for more glucose. Afterwards, eat a light snack that is heavier on protein than carbohydrates if you’re getting close to bed time. 5) Foam roller: An essential self-massage tool. Use it daily!! Rolling muscle and fascia under pressure stretches, separates and reorganizes the tissue. It can be painful, but the pain is indicative of bound up tissue or different muscles adhering to each other, which makes them inefficient.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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THE INSIDE LINE ANDY WHITE
brought to you by
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W I T H A N DY W H I T E
RISING TO THE TOP T
eptember is quickly coming to an end and the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals has already packed it up for the year. Those ten rounds rolled by way too fast, and I was lucky enough to be able to travel to all the rounds from coast to coast to watch some great racing. I have been involved in the series for sixteen years now. I joined Suzuki Canada in 2000 where I was the team manager and mechanic for Marco Dubé. That somehow feels like a lifetime ago. That same year, Doug Dubach came up on his FedEx Yamaha YZ400 four-stroke and smoked the competition. From the beginning I have seen and met a lot of riders, team managers and owners that have come and gone. I look back and wonder if those involved had taken it a little more serious, would they still be around? Would their life path be different? If we knew what we know today, how different would it be? Sometimes I wish I’d known what I know now back then. Back in the day, most of the riders that came up from the US were there for two reasons: to race and to have fun. (I use the work ‘fun’ loosely. I could go into details but I think you get my drift.) These riders that came up from the US were either getting on in age or didn’t get picked up by teams down south. The other riders were young kids that were trying to build their name in the industry. This was before the recession when there was a boatload of teams on both sides of the border with way more budget to spend. Times have changed since those days of endless budgets and a choice of teams to race for. We have a new animal now called social media, we have less teams and there is way less money in team bud-
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gets. It really comes down to dollars and cents (and sense) because at the end of the day, the teams are looking for the best bang for their buck. It’s not that easy to find a solid rider to come up to race in Canada. When I say “solid rider” I mean there are plenty of fast riders out there but teams are looking for riders that can race twenty motos consistently. We all know that these riders are hard to come by. The teams are also looking for a rider with no baggage or a past that will scare sponsors away. In Canada I think it’s pretty cool how the manufacturers focus on Canadian riders. Back when I ran the Factory KTM program, there weren’t that many Canadian racers that could win consistently. My budget was pretty small compared to the big teams like Blackfoot. Actually, if you look at the money scale, my budget was a third of Blackfoot’s. Most of my budget went into transportation of the race truck and flying the riders and mechanics in for the nine rounds. I had part time mechanics and riders that made no salary, just a bonus. That’s what it was like competing against the big teams. I had to hire young kids like Michael Willard, who was 17-years-old and had never been to Canada. Willard was a needle in a hay stack down in the States. I look back on it now and I got lucky on that one. Another rider was Eric Nye out of California. Super-fast guy. These riders won four championships for the team. Did they help sell more product in Canada? Not really sure about that. When they went back home to the US they would ride at their local tracks. Did those kids buy bikes from Canada? I don’t think so. Hiring a Canadian rider makes sense for the Canadian manufacturers. When Dylan Wright or Cole Thompson head home after a big race they head to their local tracks. They are the top guns in a way and the locals look up to them. This is where the marketing dollars kick in. I am not saying this is the right way all the time, but it sure will help sell product. Look what happened this year; Davi Millsaps came to Canada and raced all ten rounds and left the series with a Championship. Yes, most of us knew if he stayed on two wheels he would be a favourite to win, because this dude knows how to ride a dirt bike. He was leading the supercross series just a few years ago. I bet most fans were pumped to see a top caliber rider like that in
Moncton, NB! It was pretty cool. How about Metty, Goerke and Mike Alessi? These guys are the real deal, but these riders also cost tons of money. Davi Millsaps didn’t come up for a bonus cheque, he was paid some BIG money. He brought his own mechanic from California, a mechanic that is not a rookie but instead a seasoned veteran at this game. They also had a WP Suspension tech fly up for four or five rounds. This is serious business. I am thinking KTM really wanted to make a statement because KTM’s management spent some big dollars to promote their product line. Will it help sell motorcycles in the future? Time will tell. Now summer is almost over so what’s next? Well, if you’re a pro and you want to keep on improving, you better keep on racing. The arenacross season is right around the corner, and it’s a cheap way to keep racing during the winter months. Yes, there is plenty of travel involved, but the racing is all inside; no mud, which is a bonus! That means the bike stays looking like new all winter, the engine doesn’t get abused unless you come up short on most jumps, and the payout is great. The BC series has been going on for years; I feel this is why we have so many fast BC kids today. There is the Canadian AX tour that starts in Montreal on October 1st and hits most provinces across Canada. If you need to focus on starts or cornering, this is the type of racing you need to race. The next step after that is to start making plans for 2017. Is your stock level higher than it was the year before? If your name is Kaven Benoit, Dylan Wright, Cole Thompson, Keylan Meston and Jesse Pettis your stock value is definitely much higher. For other riders like Shawn Maffenbeier and Tyler Medaglia your value is unchanged but still very solid. What a year Benoit had! I had no idea that Kaven would come on so strong this year. I thought, “Okay, give the 450 Rookie one year to get his feet wet.” Scratch that thought. He is a full-on threat now. On a bigger scale, he has been chosen to be one of three riders to represent Canada at the Motocross of Nations in Italy next month, and he is no stranger to that event. We wish all three riders, Kaven Benoit, Tyler Medaglia and Shawn Maffenbeier, all the best as they compete against the best in the world. Good luck to Team Canada’s new Manager too, Kourtney Lloyd. Do us proud guys!
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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F R O M T H E D E S K O F M A R K S TA L LY B R A S S
T R U E D E D I C AT I O N
he 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals presented by Motovan was without question the most successful series in the history of our country. Spectator turnout was at its highest ever, the level of competition hit a peak, there wasn’t one rainy Sunday and the execution was top notch. As the old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That is the perfect analogy when you consider all of the components that make for a successful series. I have never seen the level of preparation, commitment and dedication so high from so many riders and teams that I have this year. The amount of training and practicing many riders invest these days is the reason why the level of competition continues to reach new highs. Their mechanics are also dedicated and skillful individuals that spend countless hours labouring over their machines to give their rider the best performing bike possible, and are only satisfied when he and his rider achieve the result they target. I have to tip my hat to the team managers as well because they are the ones that invest the most amount of time but receive the least amount of recognition. I can assure you that every one of them already has a plan in place for next year’s nationals. I’m sure they’re already on the phone speaking with existing sponsors and searching for additional supporters, lining up their team of riders, mechanics, truck drivers and administrators, scheduling their tuning and testing times, and going over a budget to insure they can make it all come together with the ultimate goal of finishing on top of the box in each respective class when the final checkered flag is waved. It didn’t go unnoticed how all of the clubs and promoters that hosted a round this year showed how much pride they have in their event by making
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“I have to tip my hat to the team managers as well because they are the ones that invest the most amount of time but receive the least amount of recognition.” huge improvements to their facility. Improvements to their track, levelling and increasing the size of the pit area, painting fences and flagger stands, trimming trees, and cutting grass and weeds are tasks that many take for granted but they all contribute to the legitimacy and professionalism of the series. The success of the tour has only motivated me and my crew to take it up a notch or two, which is something we have always strived for each and every year. The execution of the events, the live streaming coverage, the on-track presentation of banners and structures, the timing system and software, the PR, advertising and social media plans, the television coverage and scheduling are all areas that are being scrutinized so that we can deliver an even better package when it’s time to line up for the first drop of the gate in 2017. To show our appreciate to the unsung heroes of the series, on the Sunday night after the final round in Barrie we launched our first CMRC Pro Awards Banquet to celebrate the series, watch a photo and video presentation that highlighted the many memorable moments of the summer,
give everyone an opportunity to have some fun together away from the track, and recognize individuals that rarely receive the accolades they deserve. After a meeting and a lot of discussion with my crew in a hotel room weeks before the final, we selected the following for their outstanding performance: Rookie of the Year - McCoy Brough Mechanic of the Year - Paul Delaurier Most Improved Rider of the Year - Keylan Meston Surprise Rider of the Year - Ryeley Gallup Team of the Year - KTM Canada Thor Racing Congratulations to all! So as you can see, it takes a lot of people and a lot of hard work to present to you a series in which I am especially proud. Thank you to all of the spectators, riders, families and friends that took the time to attend one of the rounds, and thank you for your support to all of the people that followed some or all of the series. It is to all of you that we credit the success of Canadian motocross.
MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM
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