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C A N A D A’ S SO U R C E FO R M OTO C R O S S A N D O F F - R O A D

2019 AXTour Preview Jess Pettis Is Ready To Race SX

Chad

Reed:

Beyond

the gate $4.95

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FEATURES 28 C O V E R S T O R Y

Chad Reed: Beyond the Gate

34 2019 AXTOUR PREVIEW

Mike McGill takes us through year 2 of the series.

40 J G R M X S U Z U K I R A C E S H O P T O U R

Palms gets a tour of the JGR HQ.

44 M X P C H A T T E R W I T H S H A W N M A F F E N B E I E R

Andy White talks to our newest 450 class entry.

48 Y U K O N G O L D

Lawrence Hacking rides through Canada’s north country.

54 L I V I N G T H E D R E A M

Jess Pettis heads south to race SX.

60 F I R S T R I D E - 2 0 1 9 Y Z 4 5 0 F X

Marty Halmazna rides the new blue beast.

66 W P S U S P E N S I O N C O M E S T O C A N A D A

Palms looks at WP’s new Canadian venture.

70 O N E O N O N E W I T H J O R D A N S M A R T

We sit down with Royal Distributing’s new CEO.

74 T H E B E S T P H O T O S O F 2 0 1 8

James Lissimore looks back at his best work circa 2018.

96 Y O U N G A N D O N T H E R I S E

Meet one of BC’s youngest superstars.

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Chad

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Beyond

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year 74

COLUMNS

22 FAMOUS LAST WORDS by Chris Pomeroy 24 FEMALE PERSPECTIVE by Kate McKerroll 26 GUEST COLUMN with Dylan Wright 98 INSIDE LINE by Andy White

8 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!

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PHOTO BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

LEAN AND GREEN For 2019, Tyler will be back blowing up berms in the 250 class.

10 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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PHOTO BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

RAINMAN Justin Barcia had no problem with the wet and muddy conditions at the season opener.

12 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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PHOTO BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

TOO CLOSE TO CALL Cooper Webb and Ken Roczen battle right to the line in Dallas.

MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM // 15

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MOTORCROSS PERFORMANCE VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1

FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES CALL: 416-633-1202

PUBLISHER: Charles Stancer/Mark Stallybrass V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING: Charles Stancer EDITOR: Chris Pomeroy SALES MANAGER: Al Jaggard SENIOR WRITERS: Brian Koster, Mike McGill SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: Jamie Baskerville STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: James Lissimore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: James Lissimore, Drew Robertson, Leticia Cline, Andy White, Matt Wellumson, Sean Poitras, Lawrence Hacking CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Virgil Knapp, Clayton Racicot, Bill Petro, Matt Wellumson, Frank Hoppen, Summer Denzler, Mike Vizer COVER PHOTO: James Lissimore MXP has the exclusive rights to the MRC’s mailing list of racing license holders.

Every MRC 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 off-road enthusiast organizations across the country including the FMSQ. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT: Charles Stancer 416-633-1202 charles@mxpmag.com mxpmag.com Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement# 41831514 MX PERFORMANCE is published 7 times per year CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: PO Box 171 Stouffville, Ontario L4A 7Z5 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year - Canada $20.00 Cdn., U.S.A. $40.00 US, 416-633-1202

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim Rutledge SENIOR ART DIRECTORS: Patrick Beltijar, Patrick Dinglasan, Queue Gonzalez, Edward Shintani PRODUCTION: Richard Robles

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2019-03-07 3:33 PM

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNAL FROM RACES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

S Goggles aren’t just for racing.

S When the coach talks, the rider listens.

S Plessinger is always smiling when it rains.

S Winning always makes you want to hug.

S There’s nothing better than a selfie with the Anaheim 2 winner.

S The “Beast from the East” waits patiently for his turn to talk.

S Daniel Blair gives us the 411 on the track.

S Donk waves hello to all of his Canadian fans.

S Is that the old Merv Griffin set?

S You don’t spit into the wind, and you don’t mess around with Jim.

S How quickly things can change in this sport.

S Jess Pettis was so excited for Anaheim 1 that he forgot to get dressed.

18 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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MX19 AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER AND ONLINE AT FOXRACING.CA

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNAL FROM RACES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

S Just five more and Hayes will tie Tom Brady for the most rings.

S The first five rounds of SX sure went smoothly for this duo.

S Roczen was ready to hang loose in California.

S Matt Deroy was all smiles until it started to rain in San Diego.

S Marshall Plumb is a tire changing machine…literally.

S Grandpa Earl is now on to the factory rig for the rest of SX.

S At Anaheim 1 Dungey looked so fit and focused that we thought he

S Ralph tries to explain why they got rid of Fro.

S From darkness to the spotlight, that is the life of a SX rider.

S Apparently walking the track isn’t always fun.

S Tony tells Brayton whether his son is racing in Canada or not this

S Why is Cudby carrying everyone’s camera at Angel Stadium?

was racing.

summer.

20 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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FAMOUS WITH CHRIS POMEROY

I

suppose it would be fitting to start off this Editor’s Column by saying Happy New Year to everyone out there. Putting together the first MXP issue of the year is always an exciting time as there is always new stuff to talk about and new stories to write. This particular issue of MXP Magazine was even more exciting because it features one of my favourite iconic riders, who we featured on the cover. When Chad Reed came on to the North American scene in the early 2000s, the sport of supercross was going through an important transitional stage. The King of Supercross, Jeremy McGrath, was on the way out and he was looking to pass the torch to anyone who wanted it. McGrath not only carried supercross on his back through most of the ‘90s, but he was also the sport’s first real showman. He was charismatic by nature, and even though many felt that his constant winning got to be a little mundane, no one could argue with how much McGrath grew the sport of supercross, especially in mainstream America where Jeremy McGrath would quickly become a household name.

Because of McGrath’s flare and popularity, when he decided to hang up his boots at the end of 2002, the sport needed new heroes.

The first to rider to step-up was of course Ricky Carmichael, who became the second rider to beat McGrath in a SX series. However, for all that RC did bring to the sport, in those early post-McGrath years, he lacked the same connection with the old and all of the new fans that Jeremy had. All RC wanted to do was win races and then go home, work hard, and then come back and win more races. That was how RC rolled. While everyone loved his dominant ways, his personality didn’t sell the sport of SX, so the sport needed someone more personable.

This is why Chad Reed’s entrance into the American racing fray was so important in 2003 and beyond.

Between he, RC, and James Stewart, these three riders embarked on an ultra-competitive quest to see who was the best. Each weekend these bitter rivals battled inside the stadiums of North America trying to one-up each other. Yes, there was a certain level of respect between them, but once the gate dropped all of that fell by the wayside and practically every race turned into a bar banging clash

LAST WORDS

g n i t a r b e Cel s s e n t a Gre

“THIS IS WHY CHAD REED’S ENTRANCE INTO THE AMERICAN RACING FRAY WAS SO IMPORTANT IN 2003 AND BEYOND.” of the titans. Gone were the days of McGrath’s nac-nacs and appearances on the Jay Leno Show, but thanks to RC, Stewart, and Chad Reed, the sport of SX didn’t need any of that. For the first time in its history, the racing on the track was enough to sell to anyone who loved racing and the drama that comes with it.

Throughout those years, I think Chad Reed played the role of the villain and really quite enjoyed the part. Seeing as he was the only one of that trio who wasn’t from America, Reed’s me-against-the world Australia mentality was perfect as he battled the hard-working RC, and the ultratalented Stewart. When Reed won, the fans in those days were unhappy. Even though they couldn’t help but admire his perseverance, the fact was plain and simple, Reed was all about the

green and gold of Australia and not the stars and stripes of America. It wasn’t until RC retired and turned the three man show into a two man hate-fest between Reed and Stewart that fans began to come around. When Reed was forced to start his own Two-Two Motorsports team in 2011, fans really seemed to embrace his new underdog role in the sport. From that day forward Reed’s popularity has soared, and now with him outlasting all of his early competitors and still being out there at 36-years-old, he is without a doubt the most popular rider in the paddock.

What a great journey it has been for the Australian, and because of that MXP Magazine is honoured to have him on our first cover of 2019.

In this first issue of the year there are some very interesting stories on everything from arenacross to riding

up in our cherished north. Mike McGill takes us through the upcoming AXTour Series, which begins in early April.

With stops in Abbotsford, Calgary, Sarnia and Barrie, year two of the AXTour is sure to be exciting. Our off-road guru and world traveller Lawrence Hacking writes about riding through the Yukon last fall and all of the fun that he and his group had. Andy White talks to Shawn Maffenbeier about his new 450 deal with Yamaha, and I look deeper at Jess Pettis and his success in the early rounds of the 2019 Monster Energy Supercross Series. Finally, throw in James Lissimore and his best photos from last year and this issue of MXP Magazine is full of every type of story imaginable.

So, sit back, enjoy and thank-you for reading. With the 2019 riding season almost underway, I cannot wait to see you all at the races.

22 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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FEMALE PERSPECTIVE WITH KATE MCKERROLL

g n i c a r B pact

m I r fo

Luckily, the neck brace debate is now backed by some real numbers. In December of last year, Action Sports EMS published findings from the first study done on neck brace technology. Data was collected from 9,430 patients who suffered motorcycle related injuries over a tenyear period. From those 9,430 injuries, 8,529 qualified for the study. The sample was then split into two groups: patients not wearing neck protection at time of injury (4,726) and patients wearing neck protection at time of injury (3,803). Their findings are quite interesting:

STATISTICS X A critical cervical spine injury is 89% more likely without a neck brace.

X Death is 69%+ more likely (due to cervical spine injury) without a neck brace.

X A non-critical cervical spine injury is 75% more likely without a neck brace.

X A clavicle (collarbone) fracture is 45% more likely without a neck brace.

X Cervical spine injuries sustained without a neck brace are more severe, require greater care.

X Cervical spine injury of any kind is 82% more likely without a brace.

QUICK REFERENCE TERMS X CERVICAL = “Neck” made up of seven vertebrae C1-C7 X CLAVICLE INJURY = Collarbone X ALS = Advanced Life Support Ambulance or Flight Service X HOSPITAL ADMIT = Admitted to surgery, ICU or floor X SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION = Long board cervical collar X NON-CRITICAL = “Stinger” neck pain, decreased range of motion

Neck injuries can be life threatening, at the very least they can be life changing. It surprises me when I see more and more pros lining up on the gate without some type of neck protection. Some riders have noted that neck braces can feel restricting. There have also been rumours of braces causing clavicle and upper back fractures. Is this information being circulated amongst riders simply hearsay? I decided to take a closer look at what the science is saying and determine if we should be taking more precautions when it comes to our necks.

T

he practice of neck protection in MX has been around for almost two decades. First came the ‘neck roll,’ which was essentially a piece of foam that was strapped around a rider’s neck or to the opening of their chest protector. Next came the Leatt Brace, invented by Dr. Chris Leatt in 2004. Both brace designs have the same goal: to transfer energy impact away from the upper neck. They both have been controversial since their conception. The foam donut was often referred to as ‘better than nothing,’ and while we all had high hopes for the Leatt, after a few clavicle and upper back injuries, many started to question its effectiveness. Personally, I have been on the fence of the neck brace debate for some time. In 2008,

my neck brace snapped my clavicle in two places causing a compound fracture that required surgery. I always wondered if my injury would have been more or less severe if I was not wearing the brace. Former pro rider Dylan Kaelin also noted that wearing the brace “makes your head feel more vulnerable as you can’t tuck and roll as well with it on.” He also made a great point about being comfortable. As riders, if we are comfortable with our bike and gear set up, we normally see the best results and lead amount of crashes. For some, ‘being comfortable’ could mean wearing lots of gear and feeling protected.

For others, it could mean not wearing a neck brace or other form of equipment that can limit mobility. It has a lot to do with personal preference.

“THEIR FINAL CONCLUSION IS THAT IN EVERY INSTANCE ABOVE, NECK BRACES ARE AN EXPONENTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN RIDER SAFETY.”

Before this study, real world testing of these products was impossible. It has been up to the brace manufacturers to invest significant time and money in testing their products with crash test dummies, computer simulations, and data which has left their effectiveness up to interpretation. The team at Action Sports EMS believe the 9,430 recorded accidents over nearly ten years is a substantial sampling of real-world data pertaining to neck braces. Their final conclusion is that in every instance above, neck braces are an exponential improvement in rider safety. They also noted, “While we cannot definitively rule out that the device (or any device) could potentially play a negative role during an accident, we feel it is important to mention that no device known to man is 100% effective, and that same rule applies to neck braces.”

Although this study is not scientific, it does open up the conversation around neck braces and makes you aware of possible outcomes and background data.

Regardless of the option you choose, it should be discussed with your medical provider. For anyone looking to dive deeper into the numbers, you can access the case study at www.actionsportsems.com/casestudy-neck-brace

24 8 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2018 MX1 TRIPLE CROWN

CHAMPION

Professional rider on a closed course. Always wear proper safety equipment.

»www.ktm.com

CONGRATULATIONS COLE THOMPSON

WINNING THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE AFTER THEIR SUCCESS ACROSS ALL THREE DISCIPLINES; ARENACROSS, MOTOCROSS AND SUPERCROSS, COLE THOMPSON AND THE KTM RED BULL THOR RACING TEAM CLINCHED THE 2018 MX1 TRIPLE CROWN 450 CHAMPIONSHIP ABOARD THE COMPETITION CRUSHING KTM 450 SX-F

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GUEST COLUMN WITH DYLAN WRIGHT // PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE

Back to d n i r G e h t

A lot has happened since I last checked in with you guys. First off, let’s talk about the brutal winter we’ve been experiencing in Ontario and Quebec. This year has been one of the longest off-seasons I’ve had in a while. It’s not because I delayed my departure to go train down south, because that hasn’t changed too much. It’s because winter arrived early, forcing many of us off our dirt bikes sooner than we wanted and normally would.

H

owever, a little less time on the dirt bike means a lot more time in the gym. For me, this also meant an opportunity to correct some stuff on the body. It’s no secret that the training and racing we do throughout the year puts some serious wear and tear on every part of our body. In the same way our mechanics devote hours and hours to fine-tune our bikes, riders work for endless hours with their trainers to fine-tune core, strength, and endurance. It’s about making sure that the body is at 100% when you finally get to swing a leg over a dirt bike again. There’s something to be said for a little down time off the bike. Not only does it give the body time to recuperate a little, but it makes me more eager and hungry to ride and race again.

I’ve been in Florida for a couple of weeks, and now that I’m back on the bike, I feel like I’ve made some important steps forward! To keep things interesting and fun, I decided to switch up my off-season training a little bit.

In addition to the normal stuff in the gym and spinning, I started training for boxing. Let me tell you something … it’s an awesome workout and great cross training. As luck would have it,

my girlfriend’s brother was a pro boxer who introduced me to the sport. He is the one teaching me and helping me out in the boxing gym. This new addition to my training program brings my fitness to a whole new level and … it’s fun!

This brings me to my next point.

I truly believe that success in your professional life is much easier when you have a great home life. I’m happy to report that I have officially moved out of my parents’ home and now call Drummondville home. I’m not suggesting that I wasn’t happy at home with my folks, what I’m saying is that living with my girlfriend, Jade, in her hometown with our two dogs has made me happier than ever. I also have to admit that you grow up a whole lot when you’re not living with Mom and Dad anymore. There are somany responsibilities I had never even thought of and priorities I had never even considered before. My Christmas list looked a whole lot different this year with things like can openers and vacuum cleaners making the cut. (lol) But it’s also been lots of fun putting some personal touches in our place to make our house a home … our home. The people that surround a racer have a significant impact on their program. I can’t thank Jade enough for everything she does

for me in our everyday life!

As the winter really started to settle in, it was time for me to get organized and prepare to head down south for some training. With a new year comes new bikes!!!! With new bikes come lots of work for the team and mechanics as they incorporate the great products provided by our sponsors, adjust the bike to fit my riding style, and essentially have the bike in race condition. It’s like Christmas all over again as the team assembles all the parts and gear I am likely to need for the first little while. I’m so thankful for everything that my team and sponsors have done to support me.

Now that I was fully equipped, the questions that remained were: Where should I go? Who should I go with?

When should I go? The last question was easy - as soon as the bikes are ready!!! As for the other two questions, I must say that it’s nice to have the company of my fellow racer and good friend Brandon Gourlaythis year. He plans to race the full outdoor motocross series, so he’s been a great training buddy and … it’s always nice to have a good mechanic on hand in case something should require skills that go way beyond what I have learned over the years!!!

So … we shared the drive to Hilliard, Florida, home of the Alessis. I’m so thankful to Mike and Danielle for letting us stay at their place and use their training facility for a few weeks.

They are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. As all of you now know, Mike is on the GDR team for 2019. How cool is it for me to be able to call Mike my teammate and to get to train with him!!!

I have no doubt this will also be a positive addition to my training program.

After the 24-hour long drive, you get pretty anxious to get riding and training. On Day 1, we were out on the Marin Canada bikes doing some cycling. On Day 2, it was time to get out on the dirt bike. Lucky for us, Mike has his own turn track in his backyard. We decided that this would be a great way to ease back into riding and to shake some of the rust off. I immediately fell in love with the new 2019 Honda 250R! I definitely think they’ve made some huge improvements that will help me with my championship run.

As we all know, life is full of twists and turns that sometimes have a huge “impact” on you. Of course, I’m referring here to the cycling accident I was involved in about a week into my training. A group of us were cycling on the side of the road when a young girl decided to run a stop sign, T-bone me, and send me and my Marin Canada bike flying. The impact blew the wheels right off the bike and I hit the pavement really hard, knocking myself out for a few seconds! It was anything but fun. In fact, it was really quite scary to wake up and find myself lying on the ground in the middle of the street. I do a lot of training on my bicycle, and this was a first for me. I’m very fortunate and thankful that I didn’t suffer any serious injuries. I took a few days off the bike after the accident but resumed my training as soon as I felt 100% again! I just can’t thank Marin Bikes Canada enough for their support and for getting me a new bike to replace the one that was snapped in half!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends who quickly came to my aid and stopped traffic to avoid further injuries. To the bystanders and first responders who ensured that I was safe and healthy, thank you. To the riders who do some cycling as part of their training program, always be alert and “expect the unexpected.” To the drivers with whom we share the road, please focus on your driving. Distracted driving is a serious cause of injury and death in both Canada and the United States. We all want to arrive alive.

26 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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Chad

Reed:

Beyond Back in 2002, Chad Reed made his premier class debut at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. That year he was moonlighting in the 450SX class for a few rounds while he waited for the 250SX East Series to begin. A year later, after claiming a 250SX East Championship, he was a full-time big bike rider, and then just a year after that, Chad Reed became the 2004 Supercross Champion.

the Gat e

Hey Chad, it’s very cool to be able to catch up with you. How has the 2019 SX season been going so far?

I don’t think it’s been too bad honestly, maybe not great but not bad. I feel like I’m right there and that my riding has been good. I had good heat races in Glendale and Oakland, I just haven’t been able to put myself in a good position at the beginning of the main events. So yeah, not bad, but it certainly could be better.

Other than your start in the third main event at Anaheim 2, you haven’t been able to get up front off the start. Are you beginning to get frustrated and impatient?

E

ven today as we look back at Chad’s early years in America, it’s still amazing to think that the kid from KurriKurri, Australia is still out there at 36-years-old battling the world’s best supercross riders in stadiums across America.

To celebrate Chad Reed’s incredible career we decided to put him on the cover of this first issue of 2019. We also sat down with the two-time supercross champion after the Oakland SX to talk about his racing, his life, as well as what might be next for the legendary Australian.

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It’s frustrating because I don’t know what is going on. Since I’ve been back on Suzuki my starts have been great and I’ve been able to get a lot of holeshots. I’m not sure if I’m just getting too anxious off the gate or what. I know at a few of the first few rounds there has been moisture in the air so the grates behind the gate have been damp, slippery and a little unpredictable. But it’s the same for everyone so I’m not using that as an excuse. When we go back and look at the data we collect from the bike everything looks great. I think just knowing that track position has been so important this year, maybe I’m just trying too hard. We’ll get it figured out here soon.

Do you prefer the grates or do you wish they still had you starting on dirt?

Good question, I’m not really sure. I never minded the dirt as obviously it’s what I grew up on. I guess in this day and age of everyone being equal and everyone getting a trophy, the grates allow all of us to be kept on an even playing field. Yeah, I don’t know, right now we’re using grates and I’m just trying to get good starts on them.

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During these opening rounds, has anything or anyone surprised you. Or is everything been going pretty much how you planned?

Nothing has really surprised me at all, other than not being able to get off the gate consistently. I came into the season thinking that starts would be one of the strongest parts of my game, but so far that hasn’t been the case. As far as the racing or the tracks, it’s all been normal. The speed, the pace, no real surprises there. It’s the same as it’s always been, you have to get track position off the start and then ride hard for 20 minutes.

Other than obviously having less riders in front of you to deal with and the pace being faster, is it easier to race when you’re in the Top 5 early on?

For sure, as you saw at Anaheim 2 when I got off to a good start in the third main event, the race just comes much easier when you’re up there. You can usually ride the lines you want, you can just freight train with everyone and ride more free. When you’re outside the Top 5 and you’re having to push hard to catch up, everyone is bumping and it’s very difficult to race forward. I know I still have some good speed and after all these years I certainly have a lot of experience, so when I do get up front off of the start I can use those two things really well.

These days, is going racing more physically or mentally demanding for you?

I don’t think it’s more either way. I definitely don’t have physical issues right now that are keeping me from winning races. Mentally, it’s no more difficult than it was say five years ago. I still love to ride and race my dirt bike and I still feel like I’m able to compete at a high level. For me, I’ve always been about trying to achieve a certain ‘feel’ on the race track. I think I’ve shown during my career that when I have it I’m as good or better than anyone. When I don’t have it then it’s a struggle. That part of my racing is the same now as it was ten years ago, it never changes. So I don’t really feel any different, even at 36-years-old, I just keep trying to have that feeling as much as possible. As far as all of the outside stuff, the travel, the sponsor obligations, the fans, I still love that as much as ever as it’s part of the job.

Do you find that you’ve changed over the years with how you deal with the ups and downs of racing?

Absolutely, that has definitely improved with age. There was a time when a tough night of racing would have me mad for a few days. These days it’s a lot easier to let a bad race go and move on. I kind of wish I was more like that back in my prime as it would’ve caused me a lot less stress. I guess that just comes with age and experience and you learn to deal with things differently.

This is a very tough sport, and in one night of racing you can go through many different emotions. Look at my race in Glendale at Round 2, I had a good qualifying session, a great heat race, and then I struggled in the main event.

So in just a few hours I go from feeling great to scratching my head. As I said, years ago that would’ve bugged me for a few days, now I just move on to the next race.

As you mentioned earlier, this is a tough sport and obviously everyone is so impressed that you’re still out there trying to win races. I was watching a Tom Brady video last week and when asked why he’s still out there trying to win as a 40-year-old quarterback, he talked at length about how much he still loves the process of just trying to get better every week. Is that process part of what still drives you?

Yeah, I know what he’s talking about.

At this stage in my career it’s definitely about the process. But you know, trying to improve and trying to find ways that make you a better athlete and a better person really, to me that’s what life is all about. Everyone is trying to put this number out there to say that you’re too old to do this or too old to do that. Maybe 36 is old to still be racing dirt bikes at this level, or 40 is too old to be playing in the Superbowl? I guess the record books would say that it is, but honestly I don’t feel old. I still love what I do and I love the process of testing, training, and racing. So I think you just go until you don’t want to anymore. For me, I don’t know when that will be. Obviously the sport takes a lot of commitment and is full of risk. We’ve seen other top riders like RC, Dungey and Villopoto retire early; everyone is different and that is what makes life exciting I guess.

“I know I still have some good speed and after all these years I certainly have a lot of experience, so when I do get up front off of the start I can use those two things really well.”

Since you began racing SX in America, we’ve seen so many things change: bikes, riders, riding techniques and the tracks. However, I was watching you closely at Anaheim 2, and even compared to the younger and talented riders that you’re racing against now, you still send it as good or better than any other rider on the track through the whoops. Do you feel like that it’s a lost art to hammer a set of whoops?

It’s funny you should mention that because last weekend in Oakland the two top finishers found a way to just hop through the whoops. I don’t know if it’s the riders of today, or maybe even the way the whoops are set up, but you see more and more riders jumping through them. When I first came over here and throughout the early part of my career, you had to be good in the whoops or you fell behind. When RC first came into the big bike class, he wasn’t really good at the whoops, but he worked at them and it didn’t take long for him to figure them out. Stewart was always good at them, RV, Dungey, they were all good. So, I had to be good at them as well, and thankfully I’m still pretty fast through them. I wish we had more of them to be honest.

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Like I said, it’s still fun to watch you and some of the other riders who still get through a set of whoops clean. When I was walking through the paddock at Anaheim 2 I was blown away by how big this sport appears to be in 2019.

There’s a new television package in 2019 where a lot of viewers now have to pay to watch the racing.

We see in a lot of stick and ball sports that as it grows so does the athlete’s value, and they end up reaping the rewards from that growth.

Do you feel that the riders in SX are benefiting enough from the sport right now?

No! Definitely not. I obviously come from what many call the golden era of SX where the top riders were all making millions of dollars and flying around in private jets. Even the Lites guys back then were making decent money. I don’t know what is wrong these days but all motorsports are struggling to find outside sponsors. Look at Team Honda, or even my team, JGRMX is currently looking for a title sponsor. These are tough times, for sure, and I know the SX series looks big, but it’s not close to what is was in the mid-2000s. I’m not saying it’s not better or trying to be better, I mean just from how much support the riders and teams are getting. I hope this is just a blip and things start to get better, but who really knows. Obviously energy drinks have been carrying the sponsorship load for a long time now and maybe it’s just getting stale? I know there are some CBD companies that want to get involved more, but right now they’re limited in the exposure they can get at the races. It will be interesting to see what route the sport takes in the next 2-5 years, I hope it’s all positive.

Chad

Reed:

Beyond

the Gat e

“Some people come up to me today and ask if I wished I was younger.

I always say no way!

I wouldn’t change a thing because I got to race in my prime in the greatest era of SX.” You mentioned the mid2000s and that era of SX. That time in the sport with you, RC and Stewart, and I’ll even throw Windham’s name in there, that was just plain awesome to watch every weekend.

It was really cool to be a part of that time in our sport. Not just from the money standpoint but I feel like the racing was just so good. We all raced each other so hard, and since we were also in the transition from two-strokes to four-strokes, there was so much going on. Some people come up to me today and ask if I wished I was younger. I always say no way! I wouldn’t change a thing because I got to race in my prime in the greatest era of SX.

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I still get chills thinking about those days and the level of compete you guys brought to the races each weekend. Moving away from the track; just prior to Christmas you and your family made the move from your longtime home in Florida to North Carolina.

Other than maybe the cooler weather this time of year in NC, are you still happy with the move?

The move has been great for all of us and everything is great in NC. Yeah, the weather is a little cool right now, but I actually like the change as it kind of reminds me of back home in Australia during winter. It was the perfect time to move as we’d been in Florida for a long time and I think we needed a change of scenery. We live in a great neighbourhood in NC and I love hanging out at the JGRMX shop with the team. The gym is there and really if you love motorsports, that area is a great place to be.

Looking maybe five years down the road when the racing is all done, do you see you and your family still calling America home.

Or can you see yourselves moving back to Australia and really completing the full career circle?

I mean, decisions like that will be really kid driven. All three of my kids are American. This is where they were all born so to them Australia isn’t home. A few months ago we all travelled back to Australia for a month and it was really cool to show them where Elle and I grew up and to see them play with their cousins. They loved it and so did we.

So I can see us maybe spending part of each year back in Australia down the road, but we’ll still call the USA home. It will be the best of both worlds really.

Not to mention that Daytona was RC’s wheelhouse, there weren’t too many riders who beat him straight up there.

You’re right, that was part of what made it so good. He always hated to lose, but he really hated to lose at tracks like Daytona. If I had to pick one race I think that would be it.

Whether this is your last year or not, whenever the day comes that Chad Reed is no longer lining up to race SX, I feel like that is going to be a really sad day. Because to me and to so many people out there I’m sure, you represent an entire era of this sport.

You transcend this sport, and not to put anymore pressure on you but when you’re gone I think there’s going to be a huge void.

I’ve definitely had a good run, and when I think back to all of the years, the journey really has been amazing.

At times it’s been hard with injuries and bad races, but honestly I wouldn’t change a thing and I’m happy that I’m still going. Hopefully as the 2019 series moves east we can continue to improve the bike, and if I can get my butt off the gate, I feel like we can get on the podium and even win one more main event.

Okay Chad, I have one more question for you.

If you look back at your career and all of the great races you’ve had, does one stand out as your best?

Another good question. I have to think about that one. If I had to pick one I would say that Daytona 2005 might be the best. That night I was just on, and regardless what RC did behind me, I was able to counter and pull away. That was the final year of the two-stroke and Yamaha had gone to a new aluminum frame in 2005, so during that SX series we didn’t always have the best set-up.

I don’t know if it was the Daytona track or what, but everything was just perfect that night. There weren’t too many races where I had RC covered like that, but that was one of them and it was so much fun. I think he had kicked my butt the week before in Atlanta or something, so it wasn’t like I was expected to win Daytona. But yeah, it just all came together that night and I’ll never forget that feeling.

Those are great memories and it certainly doesn’t feel like 14 years ago. Thanks so much for giving us some time today.

I know I said it ten minutes and it’s been 45 now so again, thanks. You are very popular in Canada, and if they still had the Toronto SX this year, I know you’d hear 45,000 people on their feet cheering when your name was announced during opening ceremonies. It’s been great talking with you. Good luck during the remaining rounds of SX and all the best with whatever comes your way in the future.

Thanks for calling, and yes, it’s too bad about Toronto not being on the schedule. I always love having to grab my passport to go racing. Toronto is a unique city and the Canadian fans always treated me great. Hopefully that race comes back as it was one of the best of the series. All the best to you and thank-you Canada for all of your support.

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2019 ROCKSTAR ENERGY AXTOUR SERIES PREVIEW

An Exciting Sequel

BY M I KE MCG I LL / PHOTOS BY JAM E S LI SSI MOR E

KYLE THOMPSON IS AN EXTREMELY BUSY MAN THESE DAYS, BUT HE’S CERTAINLY USED TO THAT FEELING. AS THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS FOR JETWERX

BY M I KE MCG I LL / PHOTOS BY JAM E S LI SSI MORE INTERNATIONAL INC. HE IS CURRENTLY FULLY IMMERSED IN PREPARATION FOR THE UPCOMING MX SEASON, SPECIFICALLY THE ARENACROSS PORTION OF THE 2019 ROCKSTAR TRIPLE CROWN SERIES THAT KICKS OFF IN ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA ON APRIL THE 6TH.

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S After a

cold winter, everyone is excited to head indoors and get the 2019 season started.

T

his will be the second year with Thompson and his crew at the helm of Canadian Motocross, and he is fully aware that this year is probably even more important than last, as far as building on the momentum that was created in the inaugural season.

“I’m not even exactly sure what my official title is,” laughs Thompson as I chatted with him from his home in Brigden, Ontario, which is just outside of Sarnia. “I’m not really in charge of any one specific thing. I do media relations and promotion, and really, just whatever needs to be done I help take care of it. I just work,” chuckles Thompson. Thompson’s brother Justin, owner of Jetwerx, and their team worked tirelessly last season putting together the first Rockstar Triple Crown Series, and the workload heading into year two hasn’t diminished in the slightest.

“It never really felt like an offseason at all,” relates Kyle. “One season ended and it was right into prepping for the next one.” So, what are the major issues facing the Arenacross Tour this season? “The dirt, obviously,” says Thompson. “We’d done Arenacross before, but it was always in the fall and wet dirt wasn’t really an issue. Last year we started the Arenacross Series in March and the dirt was wet.” An understatement perhaps, as the opening round in Abbotsford was basically a brutal mud race. So tough in fact that the races were shortened, and many, in fact most of, the freshly prepped factory race machines didn’t make it through the night. “We went through eight clutches and two complete motors on the first night of the Series,” states Rockstar Energy/OTSFF/Yamaha Team Manager Steve Simms. A tough way to start the season, for sure.

“We were in a bit of a tough spot last year,” explains Thompson. “The deal to do the series was a bit late happening and we were forced to take whatever dates we could get at the venues.” This year, with more lead

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2019 ROCKSTAR ENERGY AXTOUR SERIES PREVIEW

An Exciting Sequel

SRacing indoors always seems to produce some very tight racing.

time to prepare, Jetwerx has moved the start of the series back a month from March to April with the hopes that the weather, which hurt attendance at a couple rounds last year, will be better and the dirt will have a chance to dry out a bit. “We’ve had assurances that the dirt will be covered this year prior to it being brought into the arenas,” states Thompson.

“We’re condensing the Arenacross portion of the series this year as well.

All four rounds will take place within a five-week period, starting on April 6 and wrapping on May 4th weekend.”

Through no fault of their own, the Jetwerx Team were hit with a couple of late winter storms last year, and while Thompson claims the attendance was still surprisingly good, he has no doubt in his mind that it would have been better if Mother Nature had not reared her ugly head at the Abbotsford and Barrie rounds of the Series.

“Yeah, that was tough,” admits Thompson.” A big snowstorm hit Abbotsford the weekend of the opener and then we had a freak ice storm

in Barrie for the final in the middle of April. Right when you thought we would have been done with all that.”

Still there was a sellout in Sarnia and decent crowds despite the unseasonal weather at the other rounds.

So, what should the fans expect from this year’s Series? “I think you are going to see even better competition than last year. It’s going to be great racing with good battles.”

Thompson feels the riders’ and the teams’ perception of the Arenacross Series has changed a bit since last year. “I think last year they kind of viewed it as an appetizer, on the way to the main course, which was the outdoor series.” Culinary references aside, Thompson feels that it’s going to be a full-on battle from the opening gate drop this year. “Everyone realizes now that if they want a piece of that $100,000 (or $10,000 in the case of the 250 class) they are going to have to do well and be consistent right off the bat. They can’t ease into it.”

Thompson goes on to add that the demise of the official AMA Amsoil

SWe cannot wait for these three riders to go at it again at Round 1 in Abbotsford.

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RWill Cole Thompson be able to find the success he had in 2018?

RThis is the drink that every rider wants to taste after a night of racing.

WHILE THE 450 CLASS SEEMS PRIMED TO PRODUCE SOME AMAZING RACING, THE 250 CLASS MIGHT PROVE TO BE EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE WHEN YOU CONSIDER WHO WILL BE LINING UP THIS YEAR. Arenacross Series in the US can only help the Canadian series going forward. “There’s no Arenacross in the States this year,” explains Thompson, “and there has been plenty of rumblings, plenty of talk on social media amongst the riders down there about our series so don’t be surprised to see a few top-notch guys coming up here to compete, much like US Arenacross specialist Steve Mages did last year.”

Unfortunately, one rider who won’t be contesting the Arenacross portion of the series this season is 5-time Canadian National MX Champion, Honda Canada/GDR/Fox Racing’s Colton Facciotti. As most Canadian moto enthusiasts will recall, the battle for the 100K went right down to the wire last season, and things got a little

heated between Facciotti and Canadian KTM Red Bull THOR Factory racer Cole Thompson. It all ended badly for Facciotti as the two riders collided over the finish line jump at the penultimate round of the Supercross Series in Quebec City in November. The crash left Colton crumpled on the Coliseum floor. While the 31-year-old plans to contest the outdoor series for one more year, according to Team Manager Derek Schuster, “the extent of the injuries and the rehab time involved will not allow him to line up for Arenacross this year.” Schuster goes on to add that “at this time there are no plans to bring in a 450 rider to replace Facciotti for the Arenacross Series.”

While Colton Facciotti is out for Arenacross this season there will be plenty of high calibre talent lining up for the first gate drop in April. Favourites would of course have to include defending Champion Cole Thompson, along with former multi-time outdoor Canadian Champion, Monster Energy/ Alpinestars/Piller’s Kawasaki and Huber Motorsports rider Matt Georke.

As well the Rockstar Energy/OTSFF/ Yamaha will be fielding a two-man team in the 450 class this season with former 250 Champ Shawn Maffenbeier returning to the fold and moving up to the big class, along with newly signed Cohocton, New York native

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RThe 250AX podium may look a little different in 2019.

Phil Nicoletti, who will be campaigning the complete 2019 season for the OTSFF Team.

The OTSFF team recently completed a two-week training and testing block at Club MX in South Carolina and, according to Team Manager Steve Simms, things are coming together nicely for the upcoming season.

“Yes, things should be good,” claims Simms. “We were pretty happy with the way things went overall last year, but with any new venture there are of course going to be a few issues. I’m sure those issues will be addressed and we’re looking forward to a great season.” Simms goes on to mention that the “New Guy” Phil Nicoletti seems to be fitting in quite well with the squad. “Yeah, Phil’s been good,” states Simms. “He’s always got something to say. He keeps the boys entertained, for sure.”

While the 450 class seems primed to produce some amazing racing, the 250 class might prove to be even more competitive when you consider who will be lining up this year. The obvious favourite has to be Canadian KTM Red Bull THOR Jess Pettis. The Prince George, BC native was the class of the field last year, dominating the outdoor and Supercross portions of the series. He missed out on Arenacross last year due to the fact that he was down south racing selected rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross Series. Pettis is once again contesting the US Supercross Series but currently plans on making it to the opening round of Arenacross.

His results in Supercross have been quite impressive thus far, so his availability for the Rockstar Triple Crown Series opener could possibly be in jeopardy.

STyler Medaglia will still be doing this in 2019, but he'll be doing it in the 250AX class.

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RThe opening ceremonies at the AXTour events are always very exciting.

2019 ROCKSTAR ENERGY AXTOUR SERIES PREVIEW

An Exciting Sequel

SOn April 6th the gate will drop on the 2019 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series.

ALL FOUR ROUNDS WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN A FIVEWEEK PERIOD, STARTING ON APRIL 6 AND WRAPPING UP ON MAY 4TH WEEKEND. One rider who will definitely be on the gate for the 250 opener will be Monster Energy/Alpinestars/Piller’s Kawasaki and Huber Motorsports rider Tyler Medaglia. In somewhat of a surprise move, in my opinion anyways, Tyler has moved back to the 250 class for the upcoming season.

The 32-year-old Medaglia had one of his finest seasons last year in the 450 class, highlighted by an overall win at the Gopher Dunes National in July and a shocking 6th overall at the final round of the 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships at Ironman MX in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

“Even last year I had mentioned to the team that I would be willing to ride the 250 class,” states Medaglia, while relaxing at his Nova Scotia home for a week between pre-season training sessions in Florida and California. “I guess this year they decided to take me up on it,” chuckles Tyler. Medaglia goes on to explain that he is quite excited to be back on the 250, a class in which he has previously won two National Championships back in 2010 and ‘11 for Blackfoot Yamaha. “It’s exciting and different,” he states.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Medaglia explains that the years of riding 450s has taken a bit of a toll on his diminutive frame. “It’s much easier to ride,” he admits, and goes on to add that his new Kawasaki “handles like a dream, and my lap

times on it are as fast or faster than on the 450.” When asked about his chances for the upcoming season, Medaglia is quick to hand out props to his younger competitors. “It’ll be a good fight as usual,” he states, but then goes on to add that, “I’m there to win. I want to win and that’s what they pay me for.” If the videos that Tyler has been posting on Instagram of his recent riding down in Florida are any indication, Medaglia should be absolutely ripping when the season starts and, along with Pettis, has to be an early season favourite to take the title.

Speaking of the younger competitors in the 250 class, there are three up and coming factory riders who all have a legitimate shot at the title.

Marco Cannella, MX101/Royal Distributing/FXR/Yamaha, Tanner Ward, Canadian KTM Red Bull THOR, and Dylan Wright, Honda Canada/GDR/ Fox Racing finished 3rd, 4th and 5th in the Triple Crown Series respectively last season and all are looking to improve on their previous results.

Currently, Ward and Canella can be found pounding laps down in Florida in preparation for the upcoming season. Wright will be heading to Florida shortly as well to get his prep started in earnest.

The 250 class looks to be stacked with all this young talent mixed in with the wily veteran Medaglia.

Speaking of veterans, Ryan Lockhart, last year’s sentimental favourite, who contested the entire Arenacross portion, placing 4th overall, is still undecided as to whether he will line up this year or not. As some of you may recall, the points that the 34-year-old Lockhart earned last year in Arenacross kept him well inside the top-10 in the overall Triple Crown standings well into the Outdoor Series. “I’ve been doing the Future West Series here in BC,” explains Lockhart. “I may do the first two (Triple Crown Arenacross) but I’m not sure yet. Although that’s what I said last year and look what happened,” chuckles Lockhart.

With temperatures hitting record lows in many parts of Canada recently, the thoughts of the upcoming motocross season probably seem like a long way off to most fans. Staring at your bike in the garage, as you pass by on the way to the snowblower certainly doesn’t help matters, but there is light at the end of this wintery tunnel friends. Both the Jetwerx Team and the Factory Race Teams are in full-on preparation mode for the upcoming season. The bugs are being worked out and optimism is high for 2019. It should be a great year and it all gets underway on April 6th in Abbottsford, BC.

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Meeting Chad Reed was definitely one of the coolest parts of the JGRMX tour.

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TOURING

THE JGR FACTORY SUZUKI TEAM HQ B Y C H R I S P O M E R OY / P H O T O S B Y M X P S TA F F

A

s we move through the 2019 Monster Energy Supercross Series, there has definitely been some exciting racing and some very interesting incidents. Throughout the multiple heat races and main events in both the 250SX and 450SX classes, the JGRMX Factory Suzuki Team has had some very good finishes, including a podium finish in the San Diego mud by Jimmy Decotis. The Captain of the RMArmy Team, 36-year-old Chad Reed, has been a consistent Top 10 rider in the 450SX class and appears to be very in sync with his RM-Z450.

This is the view from the street of the massive Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR HQ.

Success on Saturday night is every team’s goal and it doesn’t come by way of an accident. The work that very few people see is the effort that takes place during the week at the test track as well as at a team’s headquarters.

For the JGRMX Factory Team, their home base is located just north of Charlotte, NC in the NASCAR dominated suburb of Huntersville. Sitting in a large, unassuming building just up the street from the enormous Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR HQ, the JGRMX shop has everything a factory motocross team could need inside its walls. Included is a machine shop where the team

The team transporter was all shiny and ready to hit the road for the 2019 SX Series.

designs and manufactures a few of its own parts, a suspension shop, graphic design room, an engine shop, offices for staff, and of course a room that contains the factory bikes of all of the team members and their mechanics. More than any other team on the circuit, the JGRMX Team prides itself on making a few of their own parts for their team bikes. Items such as brackets, chain guides, and wiring harnesses are just a few of the custom parts that they make. Some of these items are also available to the public through their retail side of the business. All you have to do is visit www.jgrmx.com and browse through the cool items that are available.

After touring the JGRMX race shop and meeting all of the team staff, including riders Jimmy Decotis and Chad Reed, our guide, Communications Manager John Basher, drove us up the street to the building where all of the transport trucks are kept.

John took us through both JGRMX semi-trucks as they were busy getting loaded with supplies for the opening rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross Series.

From there we got back in our vehicles and drove back down the street to the massive Joe Gibbs

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TOURING

THE JGR FACTORY SUZUKI TEAM HQ Racing NASCAR HQ. This building is made up of multiple structures, and once inside there was one strict order to not take any photos. So, with our camera tucked away, for the next two hours we made our way from room to room to see every facet of the team’s massive NASCAR program. I can’t even put into words just how cool this tour was as we were able to see exactly how one of the team’s Toyota race cars is created. There was even a mock pit area at the back of the building where the pit crew practices the all-important pit stops. As they say in NASCAR, races are usually won and lost in the pit area as every second counts. This became even more apparent when we got to the fully functional gym area. John told us that the fittest people in NASCAR are actually the pit crew who change tires and fuel up the cars during the everimportant pit stops. With training programs that rival that of professional athletes, the pit crews train twelve months of the year. Adjacent to the gym is a physiotherapy room, a nutrition centre, as well as a room where a hairdresser comes in every Tuesday to give a haircut to anyone in need. To say that the entire JGR Racing Team likes to keep as much as they can in house would be a massive understatement. Their philosophy is, why do something outside of the shop when you can do it inside the shop?

The gym area is the perfect example of that idea. I’m sure there are a lot of fitness centres in the area, but having a gym on site allows the JGR family to workout together and stay fit. As you can read in the Chad Reed cover story, he loves visiting the gym and hanging out with his new JGR family.

After touring the JGR HQ for over four hours, it was finally time to say goodbye. With heavy rain falling outside, the team did not do any test riding on this particular wet North Carolina

Chad Reed’s practice bike as well as the bike he raced in Australia were getting some work done while we were there.

More than any other team on the circuit, the JGRMX Team prides itself on making a few of their own parts for their team bikes.

Three shelves of factory engines wait to be loaded into the team transporter.

The JGR gym has everything you could ever need to get into great shape.

This was one of the only photos we were allowed to take inside the NASCAR shop.

This had to be the best trophy in their NASCAR shop.

day. However, a few days later the sun came out and we were invited to the test track to watch Jimmy Decotis and Chad Reed spin some laps. There we were, sitting in the sun on Christmas Eve watching the legend Chad Reed ride lap after lap on the immaculately groomed SX test track. In between practice sessions, the riders and their mechanics bench raced and talked crap to each other while we waited patiently for their next session to begin.

It was an amazing day and a perfect way to cap off our JGRMX experience.

Going behind the scenes and into the heart of this factory race team was very interesting to say the least.

The JGRMX Factory Suzuki Team wants to win and they want to win very badly. With an all-new 2019 RM-Z250 for their 250SX riders to race, race wins and championships are not far off. On the 450 side of

things, signing Chad Reed appears to be one of the best moves they have ever made as Reed’s fan following is the largest in the paddock. The entire sport wants to see this guy win at least one more main event before he decides to hang up his boots for good. With no current title sponsor, Reed winning races would be a massive boost to the team and would aid in their search for more financial support. Until that day, the JGRMX Team will continue to do things their way. Our sport needs teams like this as their passion and commitment to excellence is something you don’t see everyday. I would like to thank John Basher and the entire JGRMX Team for opening their doors to MXP Magazine so we could get a look at how everything works.

This was most definitely a day I won’t soon forget.

42 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2018-10-16 1:18 PM

“CLUBMX HAS BEEN AWESOME SO FAR. I WAS SEARCHING FOR A LITTLE BIT MORE STRUCTURE IN MY DAY TO DAY RIDING AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED. THE TRACKS HAVE BEEN SUPER ROUGH AND IT’S BEEN A LOT OF FUN.” 2019_19.01_MXP Chatter Shawn Maffenbeier .indd 1

2019-02-28 11:51 AM

MXP CHATTER

SHAWN MAFFENBEIER B Y M I K E M C G I L L / P H O T O S B Y M X P S TA F F

With a new season comes change. Over the course of the new year you will notice a few riders that have switched teams and some have even shifted classes. For Shawn Maffenbeier, change was a necessary part of his program moving forward. Why did he make the change and why now? Was it time to jump into the premier class? I was a little surprised to hear that Shawn made the move, and to be honest I didn’t know there was an open ride at the OTSFF Yamaha team. Shawn is a podium rider on the 250 any day of the week. Last year was not a great year for the outdoor portion of the series, and to be fair, the competition was tough as well. Pettis and Wright looked way more comfortable. The ClubMX team brought up Joey Crown and Josh Osby. Yamaha’s 250 rider Marco Cannella really stepped it up, too, in his full rookie season.

Strange enough, the rider that dominated in 2017 didn’t even win an overall in the 2018 outdoor series but ended up winning the 250 Triple Crown Rockstar Series title. I guess being super consistent really does pay off. Congratulations to the 26-year-old from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. What does the 2019 season look like for the champion? How will he prepare for the MX1 class? The riders in this class have been at it for a long time. If you are looking to get on the podium in 2019 you better make sure you have put in the time before banging bars with the likes of Facciotti, Nicoletti, Thompson, and the list goes on.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 2018 ROCKSTAR TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE 250 CLASS.

Thank you. It was an exciting year. There was a ton of racing and a brand-new platform for us all to showcase some different skill.

I THINK IT’S THE LONGEST SERIES EVER IN CANADIAN HISTORY. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT?

It was challenging, mentally. We had to be ready by the end of February and keep that same mindset all the way into the end of November. It was a learning experience but an exciting time for Canadian moto to tackle a new approach to racing.

I SEE YOU HAVE MOVED UP TO THE 450 CLASS FOR 2019? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MOVE UP?

The 450 class is where I have wanted to be for a few years. I really felt like I had the ability to win the 250 class, and now that I’ve done that, I’m moving on to my next goal of winning the 450 class. I always want to challenge myself and this is the next goal on my list.

DO YOU PREFER RIDING A 450 NOW THAT YOU HAVE STARTED TESTING ON ONE NOW?

Riding the 450 is a complete change in mindset. You go from this mentality of always keeping your momentum up on a 250 to being smooth and working with the bike more than on a 450. I do like the 450 better though, and so far, things have been progressing really well.

YOU RODE A 450 A FEW YEARS AGO THEN YOU DROPPED BACK TO THE 250 CLASS. WHY DIDN’T YOU STAY IN THE 450 CLASS THEN?

A big reason for riding the 450 to begin with was to be cost effective.

It was just my Dad and I going racing and we knew we didn’t have the

resources to compete properly in the 250 class so we always rode 450 when I was younger. When I had the chance to move to a team, that’s when I decided to jump back down to the 250.

I NOTICED ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE IN KAMLOOPS. WHY IN KAMLOOPS? AND CONGRATS BY THE WAY.

I think that’s one of the most nerve-racking things I’ve ever done in my life. Robin and I have been looking at places for a while there.

We have been there for a few years now and really consider it our home. We both love BC and the city!

NOW THAT YOU’RE IN THE 450 PREMIER CLASS WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF YOUR PROGRAM THAT YOU ARE REALLY WORKING ON?

I’ve really been working on the bike and my fitness right now. It’s still early. Building a solid base before the long season is important. I’ve been playing around with different settings with the bike and finding the best approach when it comes to the longer motos and more power.

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“THAT WAS A HUGE THING I LEARNED LAST YEAR. IT WAS HARD TO STAY “ON” THE ENTIRE YEAR. ONE THING I DID DO THIS YEAR WAS TAKE A SOLID BREAK FROM RACING IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER AND PART OF JANUARY TO REALLY ENSURE THAT I WAS HUNGRY AND EXCITED TO RIDE.” 2019_19.01_MXP Chatter Shawn Maffenbeier .indd 3

2019-02-28 11:52 AM

MXP CHATTER

SHAWN MAFFENBEIER

Club has been awesome so far. I was searching for a little bit more structure in my day to day riding and that’s exactly what they have provided. The tracks have been super rough and it’s been a lot of fun.

YOU HAVE TRAINED IN CALIFORNIA IN THE PAST. DO YOU THINK TRAINING IN THE EAST IS A BETTER CHOICE?

I think it provides different opportunities.

California has great resources as most of our industry is based out of there. It provides a lot of variety for track choices but it also has its negatives. I have trained in California for many years and was looking for a bit of a change to freshen things up and challenge myself in different ways.

THE YAMAHA IS A PRETTY BIG BIKE COMPARED TO THE OTHER 450S OUT THERE. DOES THAT BOTHER YOU OR ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH THE YZ?

Yes, I think that is a misconception. It might appear bigger with the air box being up at the front, but when you take the measurements of the bike and compare it, it’s actually the same or smaller than some of the other brands.

I’ve grown up and rode Yamahas my entire life. I love them and am stoked to be back on Blue.

YOU ARE TRAINING DOWN AT CLUBMX THIS WINTER. HOW IS THAT WORKING OUT FOR YOU?

NOW THAT YOUR NEW TEAMMATE IS PHIL NICOLETTI, YOU GUYS MUST TRAIN AND RIDE TOGETHER MOST OF THE TIME. I AM GUESSING THIS WILL REALLY HELP YOU WITH YOUR PROGRAM.

Phil provides a very unique side to the program. The angry New Yorker is living up to the hype of the New York mentality. It’s been good, though. He has a lot of experience with some great teams, and I think he is going to better the program and better myself.

WITH THE SERIES STARTING IN APRIL AND FINISHING IN OCTOBER YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN OUT DURING THE SERIES. WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED SO YOU STAY HUNGRY FOR THE FULL SERIES?

That was a huge thing I learned last year. It was hard to stay “on” the entire year. One thing I did do this year was take a solid break from racing in the month of December and part of January to really ensure that I was hungry and excited to ride. If you’re up to race pace in February then you’re probably not going to feel great by the time August comes around.

Timing is key now with the longer series.

I LIKE THAT YOU’RE TESTING AND TRAINING IN THE EAST. I FEEL THE TRACKS IN CANADA ARE A LITTLE MORE LIKE THE TRACKS YOU’RE TRAINING ON RIGHT NOW. PLUS, YOU’RE TRAINING IN THE HUMIDITY. CLUBMX HAS PLENTY OF TOP COMPETITIVE RIDERS TRAINING THERE DAILY. I ASSUME THIS IS GOOD FOR THE CONFIDENCE. I think it’s an all-around great facility for all the reasons you’ve stated and many more. The east always provides a different atmosphere than, say, California. I think it’s going to be a good change for me and it’s going to allow me to grow as a rider.

I HEARD MIKE BROWN WILL BE PARTNERING WITH YOUR TEAM THIS COMING SUMMER. I’M SURE HE WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU AND PHIL WITH HIS EXPERIENCE.

I’m excited to have Mike around for a few rounds. I got to spend some time with him at the FXR dealer meeting and he’s a great guy.

Plus, we share the same career number and hair cuts! More importantly he’ll bring experience and wisdom to some of the rounds for us.

I LIKE THAT YOU SIGNED A TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH OTSFF. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO FOCUS ON RACING, AND NOT BE STRESSED OUT THINKING THAT IF THE YEAR DOES NOT GO WELL, YOU’LL BE LOOKING FOR A NEW RIDE.

I’ve been looking to do a two-year deal for a while now. It feels good to be able to lock it in and just focus on growing for the next two years. I’m excited that OTSFF took me back under their wing and gave me the chance on big bikes.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK IN THE CANADIAN SERIES? I really enjoyed the Manitoba round this past year.

YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MX?

My 250 championship in 2017 and representing Team Canada at the Motocross of Nations are on my list of proudest achievements.

THE 450 CLASS IN CANADA WILL BE STACKED. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

I think it’s going to be another great year of racing in both classes. I see myself as a podium threat.

I’m honestly focused on the day-to-day right now and seeing how far I can progress and get comfortable on the big bike.

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO THANK?

Thank you to all my personal sponsors, FXR, Forma Boots, 100% goggles, 6D Helmets, Mobius Knee Braces, Club MX, and a huge thank you to all my team sponsors as well: Rockstar, OTSFF, Yamaha, Sunoco, Pirelli, Motul, FMF, Pro Taper, Flu Designs, BluCru, Permatex, UFO, Galfer, Motooption, Dasa, Superior Supension Settings, Ride Engineering, Motion Pro, Haan Wheels, Tm Designs, Twin Air, Kimpex, Get Ignitions, Works Connection, Raptor Pegs.

MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM // 47

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G O L D YUKON

B Y L AW R E N C E H A C K I N G / P H O T O S B Y J AY R I C H A R D S O N

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“THE YUKON IS WILD; YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU AND A GOOD, WELL PREPARED MOTORCYCLE UNDERNEATH YOU.” The formula for an epic adventure ride is pretty simple: get a bunch of riding friends together, make it as easy as possible for everyone to participate, pick the ultimate adventure destination and pull the pin. We did exactly that over the past Labour Day weekend and following week last September.

Eighteen of our close riding buddies dropped their bikes off at Dualsport Plus in Brantford, Ontario eight days before the tour started.

The bikes were loaded into the DSP tractor trailer then we flew into Whitehorse, Yukon to meet up with our motorcycles. DSP is an adventure rider biased shop that caters to the serious adventure enthusiast. The Manager, Clint McBride, put the tour together for some of their best customers.

T

his particular Yukon trip was and is on many people’s minds these days. The dream of riding through the wide-open spaces of Canada’s North is common; the trip is a highly regarded adventure ride.

Our trip was well planned; we rode a good portion of the Canol Road towards the Northwest Territories, ambled along the Dempster Highway to Eagle Plains, which was the last stop for fuel before crossing the Arctic Circle, visited the gold rush town of Dawson City and rode the Top of The World Highway to Alaska. These are some of the most attractive things to do when in the Yukon. We saw wildlife, including bears, elk, deer, mountain goats and numerous birds. It goes without saying but the scenery is breathtaking.

What is cool about the Yukon is the frontier spirit of the locals; one has to be resilient to live in the North. You have to be self-sufficient and tough. If you need it, help is a long way away. In fact, the Dempster doubles as an airport when help needs to be flown in. Often signs are posted saying “Watch out for airplanes landing.”

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G O L D YUKON

The Yukon is wild; you have to have your wits about you and a good, well prepared motorcycle underneath you. I chose a Husqvarna 701 for this ride; it covered all the bases well. Top quality riding gear is key to staying comfortable. We were hit with some pretty cold temperatures - rain and even some snow. The weather in the Yukon can vary wildly; having heated gear is key including heated grips. If you are well prepared the riding is as good as it gets. Long distances roll by easily, the roads are nearly empty and usually fairly smooth. Except for the Dempster, the Dempster was soaked, and in some spots downright treacherous. We asked truckers as they settled into their meals at the hotel in Eagle Plains what the conditions were like further North. Nearly all of them said to turn back and not continue.

The mud was thick, greasy and not passable by motorcycle. Of course, we accepted the challenge and I clicked the Husky up a cog on our way out of the parking lot and headed for the photo op at the Arctic Circle.

We ripped it through the puddles and slop the extra 40 kilometers to the furthest point North on our trip, and I have to admit, I did an exuberant brake slide into the parking lot.

We gathered around the Arctic Circle sign and basked in the bravado that got us to that point. From the outlook you see the Arctic tundra spread out like an immense water-colour painting, the kind that you would find in a dental office waiting room. We felt a sense of accomplishment reaching this point before our hell-bent ride south back, 400 or so kms, to the historic town of Dawson City.

“DAWSON WAS ONCE THE LARGEST CITY WEST OF WINNIPEG AT THE TIME OF THE KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH.”

50 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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Dawson is the site of the Klondike Gold rush during the late 1800s. It seems not much has changed since its heyday; gold miners still frequent the area. The original buildings are still in place and tourists now lurk in the back alleys as opposed to ne’erdo-wells and other shady characters of days gone by. Dawson was once the largest city West of Winnipeg at the time of the Klondike gold rush. It was built on a swamp and many of the old buildings are wildly crooked as they slowly sink into the soft mud.

G O L D

We were standing around a bar at the end of the day spit-balling about our ride when an old friend recognized me and asked, “Are you Lawrence Hacking?” It was Mike McDougall, a former colleague of mine from back in the days of Yamaha Motor Canada. Mike left YMCA to take over his father’s goldmine about 100 kilometers west of Dawson City some 40 years ago and he never left the Yukon. Mike invited our group to visit his operation, so we made arrangements to stop by on our way to Tok, Alaska.

Gold mining is a complex business but a fairly simple activity. Mike explained his operation in detail, and it was incredibly fascinating. He has seven or eight employees who work 100 days a season. They are mostly students who live in a bunkhouse with high speed Internet. “Without internet we can’t get anyone to work out here in the middle of nowhere,” Mike said candidly. Their claim is nestled in a picturesque valley that was once a small village during the boom years of the gold rush. With heavy machinery, the miners scrape off the topsoil to uncover the gold-rich deposits that lie in the first foot of gravel that was washed down the riverbeds over millions of years of erosion. It seemed like a very good business depending on the price of gold. Mike handed me one of the larger nuggets he found in that day’s take. He spends his days

hunched over his shaker box, a noisy apparatus that separates the gold from the fine gravel. The nugget was worth almost a thousand dollars, he said. I reluctantly gave it back to him.

After our visit we shook hands and hit the road over the mountains on the Top of the World Highway to cross into the United States via what seemed to be the most remote border crossing ever. The desolate outpost is perhaps the most relaxed conversation you can have with the US border services.

“You with all the other bikes?” the officer asked. “Yup,” we said, and he waved us through.

Our overnight in Tok was followed by a long ride back to Whitehorse where the Dualpsort Plus team invited everyone to a first-class farewell dinner and drinks at the best steakhouse in Whitehorse. It truly was a great ride with some fun people. We experienced Canada’s North to the fullest; you can’t ask for much more. It was evident that fly and ride motorcycle trips or individual rides are the way to get the most from your adventure riding time and money.

YUKON

52 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2019-03-06 2:14 PM

JESS PETTIS LIVING THE SX DREAM B Y C H R I S P O M E R OY / P H O T O S B Y J A M E S L I S S I M O R E

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If you were to ask any young rider in our sport what they want to be when they grow up, most will say they want to be a supercross champion.

To race inside the stadiums of the USA at the highest level is something easily imagined for any kid who spends their Saturday evenings watching supercross. However, to turn this dream into a reality is the difficult part as we’ve seen over the years, and not many Canadian riders have been able to do it or even make the courageous decision to do it. At times, even our top riders have appeared reluctant to take the plunge into the deep end that is the Monster Energy Supercross Series.

However, for Prince George, BC rider Jess Pettis, racing in the American supercross series wasn’t just a childhood dream, it was a planned stop on his way to eventually becoming Canada’s top rider. omething proven by many riders over the years is you don’t just land on the starting gate of an Anaheim 1 by accident. It takes many years of dedication as you first bust your butt through your all-important amateur career, then most likely spend a few years getting acquainted with the pro class. Then, when the time feels right, you prepare yourself to take the next step and decide to line up for a supercross. In a nutshell, this is how it’s been for Pettis as the road to SX has definitely been a long and winding one, with many obstacles along the way. Injuries, poor results, and thoughts of early retirement, have at one time or another blurred the dreams that Pettis had to not only race in the SX series but also to perform well. However, as tough as Pettis’s dark moments have been over the past half decade, they’ve never been enough to extinguish his burning desire to be the best rider he could be. After winning his first ever Canadian Outdoor Championship last summer, Pettis decided to switch teams. For the next two seasons, at least, he will be a member of the Red Bull Thor KTM Racing Team.

One of the reasons that Pettis decided to switch teams for 2019 was the high level of support they promised for the early rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross Series in the highly competitive 250SX West Class. Over the years this class has been notorious for being deep in competition and cut throat by nature. Simply put, it’s not for the faint of heart, and to have any type of success, you have to be prepared. Even though he didn’t get riding his new KTM until early December, Pettis used the days prior to Anaheim 1 very wisely as he attempted to cram an entire off-season of testing into just a few weeks. When he rolled up to Angel Stadium in Anaheim for the opening race of 2019, Pettis was fit and ready to make himself known to the SX world.

S

ANAHEIM ROUND

1

To say that there is a lot of hype surrounding the opening round of supercross is a gross understatement.

With the entire motocross world focusing its attention to the home of the Los Angeles Angels MLB team, nothing goes unnoticed, and sometimes the pressure can affect even the most seasoned rider. Mother Nature even decided to lay off her meds for a weekend, because for the first time in almost a decade rain fell during the opening round main events.

Even with all of these distractions, Pettis appeared unfazed as he just went about his business on the technical Anaheim track. Throughout the day of qualifying, Pettis had lap times that definitely foreshadowed his main event results later that evening. As the rain fell and the riders’ stress levels began to rise, Pettis remained calm. During the night program when all was said and done, he finished in a very solid 10th place in the 250SX West main event.

“I felt really comfortable and right at home during the opener in Anaheim.

The track was pretty aggressive and technical for the first round, and I really enjoyed it. And then the rain came down, which made things interesting.

I was very excited to get 4th in my heat race and 10th in the main event, which was my career best at the time.”

“EVEN WITH ALL OF THESE DISTRACTIONS, PETTIS APPEARED UNFAZED AS HE JUST WENT ABOUT HIS BUSINESS ON THE TECHNICAL ANAHEIM TRACK.”

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GLENDALE ROUND

ANAHEIM ROUND

OAKLAND ROUND

As Pettis arrived at Round 2 in Glendale, he was most certainly feeling confident and eager to go racing again.

With the stadium in Glendale having a retractable roof, the track was dry and hard packed, definitely the complete opposite of the week before. This was the first opportunity that Pettis had to test his new KTM on a high-speed, dry SX track, so as the day went on it was a very steep learning curve. After running into trouble in his heat race, Pettis was forced to race the LCQ in order to qualify for the main event. This extra track time appeared to help as he finished a strong second that put him on to the premier race of the evening.

When the gate dropped for the main event, Pettis was inside the Top 10 and once again riding well. After some intense battling with a few of the series’ top riders, Pettis settled into a comfortable pace until the checkered flag waved. Although his 12th place finish wasn’t as good as the previous week, Pettis was still pleased with not only his result in Glendale but just how far he’d come from the beginning of practice earlier in the day.

“Glendale was another solid weekend for me. I struggled a bit with suspension setup as the track was really aggressive and slippery, which made it hard for me to find a setting. I made some changes and my main event was good as I was battling for 9th with a few laps to go. Unfortunately, I had a little crash that pushed me back to 12th.

I was still happy with the result as it showed I have consistency.”

Round 3 was back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim and was the first Triple Crown event of the 2019 series. Pettis had a great week of training for this important race, but on the Thursday prior to the race he came down with a 24-hour flu. This was obviously not what he wanted as he prepared himself for the third round of the series.

However, with a great fitness base, Pettis rebounded quickly and by Saturday evening was ready to compete in his first ever Triple Crown event. Under the warm and clear California sky, Pettis soldiered through three intense main events to eventually finish 11th overall in the 250SX West class.

His 11-13-10 moto scores were very impressive given the speed and aggressiveness of the races.

Considering how bad his health was just 24 hours prior, Pettis was very happy with his results.

“Anaheim 2 was the first Triple Crown format of the season so that added something different to the weekend. I had the flu leading up to Saturday and didn’t have much energy or strength, which forced me to struggle a bit during race time. The track was really good and had some big, technical rhythms. I was able to be consistent and have some good moto scores - 11-13-10 for 11th overall, which kept me in the top 10 points chase.”

As the riders and teams made their way north to Oakland for Round 4, Pettis was feeling very confident that this would be another successful weekend.

With a soft and rutted track, most of the riders struggled throughout qualifying as the conditions changed rapidly. After a solid 5th in his heat race, the stage was set for Pettis to have a great race in the main event. After grabbing another decent start, Pettis went down and was forced to play come from behind for the first time of the season. During his race-long charge, Pettis battled riders like Sean Cantrell and Chris Blose. For 16 laps, Pettis once again rode strong and eventually finished up in 11th place in the 250SX West main event. It was another successful evening for Pettis, but as he left Oakland to drive back down to Southern California, he knew he had more to give. “Oakland was a big step in the right direction. I had a really good week and was able to get a good suspension setting that I liked. The track was a little bit easier but with difficult whoops. I led the heat race for a few laps and showed everyone that I had some good speed. The main event started out rough with a crash on the first lap, but I charged from dead last back to 11th and felt it was one of my best rides of the year.”

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3

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“UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD A LITTLE CRASH THAT PUSHED ME BACK TO 12TH. I WAS STILL HAPPY WITH THE RESULT AS IT SHOWED I HAVE CONSISTENCY.”

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SAN DIEGO ROUND

5

If everyone thought Mother Nature was unkind at the opening round in Anaheim, that was nothing compared to what she unleashed in San Diego for Round 5. In a city that sees very little rainfall each year, as the racing began on Saturday evening, the skies opened up and for the first time in years, the San Diego SX was a mudder. These conditions didn’t seem to bother Pettis at all as throughout his career he’s had a lot of mud riding experience. In fact, while other riders struggled on the sloppy track, Pettis appeared to excel, and when the gate dropped for the main event, he rocketed to a second-place start. For the next twelve minutes, Pettis battled inside the Top 5, and if it wasn’t for a couple of small mistakes, he might have been looking at a podium finish.

Regardless, his amazing 5th overall was the best finish of his young career in SX and one that he certainly felt proud of.

“I was coming into San Diego with some good confidence. It ended up raining a lot leading up to the race, which made for a very muddy track.

However, I had a good vibe and was excited to race no matter the conditions.

The heat race went solid as I ended up 4th. In the main event I almost got the holeshot and was able to be up front for most of the main event. I crossed the finish line in 5th for my career best and was beyond excited about it. Racing in these first five rounds of SX was a dream come true and I cannot wait to see what is next.”

“I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE IN 5TH FOR MY CAREER BEST AND WAS BEYOND EXCITED ABOUT IT. RACING IN THESE FIRST FIVE ROUNDS OF SX WAS A DREAM COME TRUE AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT IS NEXT.”

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With the first five rounds of SX now complete, the plans were in place for Pettis to continue racing the 250SX West Series when it resumes in Seattle on March 23rd. Unfortunately, just prior to this issue going to press, Pettis suffered a broken collarbone while testing some outdoor settings in California. However, he did go in for surgery and will make a full recovery. Whether Pettis returns to the 250SX West Series in 2019 or whether he just waits for the Canadian season to begin in June, he has already realized a dream and he captivated an entire country with his early season success in supercross. We need riders like Jess Pettis to not only occasionally race on our sport’s biggest stage, but we also need them to find some success while doing so. This not only helps validate the speed of our talented Canadian riders but it also gives our young riders the eternal hope that one day they can do the same.

After all, isn’t that what dreams are all about?

MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM // 59

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X FIRST RIDE

MARKS THE SPOT

2019 yamaha YZ450FX

BY MART Y HALMAZ NA / PHOTOS BY DOUG R AFFE N

THE PASSION, DETERMINATION AND THE WILL TO WIN IS VERY EVIDENT in the new 2019 YZ450FX. One of the leading manufacturers in Japan, Yamaha has been stepping up to be a tough competitor in the Enduro and offroad market. Be careful European brands, a healthy rivalry like this one is shaping up to be great and can only benefit one, the consumer.

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I

am very fortunate to put up my 25-plus years of single-track riding experience to be able to test this untamed powerhouse.

I will put the FX through its paces and give you my thoughts on the re-engineered BLUE woods two-wheeler. I will point out all of the new Yami upgrades for the current year 2019 machine and then add my own personalized touches to this bike to tailor my specific needs for the 2019 race season.

In the last couple of seasons Yamaha has brought out their “X” lineup of machines. The two-stroke version is their trusty YZ250 with some minor changes throughout. The bike is now offered in an X model and is an extremely light weight, reliable sprinter that anyone with any skill level will fall in love with right away. As for the thumpers, Yamaha has put some serious time and engineering into their woods off-roaders and it shows with

the newest line up of weapons, the YZ250FX and YZ450FX. Right away when wheeling the bike into my shop I noticed an 18-inch real wheel. This is a must when tackling larger obstacles such as logs, rock and roots. A large carcass tire allows for low air pressures when conditions are less than tractable. Second, it may not seem like a big deal but as I put the FX on the bike stand for the first time, I noticed the rear fender has a beefed up or thicker “grab handle area.” Nice! With almost zero plastic flex and tons of rigidity, all you offroad people will appreciate this when your lifting it out of a nasty hole. Next, there are narrower front shrouds and front cockpit area that don’t compromise Yamaha’s front air filter intake setup. Add to that a pinned master linked OEM O-ring chain for added durability and longevity, an 8.3L tank, which should get you 65 to 70 km’s, opposed to the 6.0L tank that the F model supports. The all-new chassis

“AS FOR THE THUMPERS, YAMAHA HAS PUT SOME SERIOUS TIME AND ENGINEERING INTO THEIR WOODS OFF-ROADERS AND IT SHOWS WITH THE NEWEST LINE UP OF WEAPONS, THE YZ250FX AND YZ450FX.” is donated from the previous year’s F and current F model, which will add better handling in all conditions. The rearward-canter cylinder is now closer to vertical to keep weight centralized.

The right radiator has three little tabs to allow you to install Yamaha’s hard parts electric fan; the bike is prewired for it already. It’s nice to have in the middle of August when it’s 35 degrees out and the only way home is “up that way.” There’s a kickstand that I am not used to having, but it

MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM // 61

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“THE FACTORY SILENCER ON THIS UNIT WILL LAST FOR HOURS WITH ITS NEWER, SLIMMER DESIGN, AND YAMAHA’S PACKING SEEMS TO LAST.”

X FIRST RIDE

MARKS THE SPOT

2019 yamaha YZ450FX

will be a great bonus, a map switch on the handlebar, which allows a rider to switch on the fly from Map 1 to Map 2. Map 1 is the stock FX map, and with the push on the switch, Map 2 (blue light) is activated with a mellower tune to help in the slick conditions. The YZF and YZFX do not share the same ECU. Different part #’s but in theory can be plugged into either the YZF or YZFX. I spoke with some of Yamaha’s best techs and product specialists and was told that both machines (F and FX) share the same engine: same crank, top end, cam profile, head, etc. A compact and lighter starter motor, accompanied by a 1.5 lbs new lithium battery to help reduce overall weight, is shared between the two models. One of Yamaha’s best features and always has been is the softer tuned Kayaba suspension. For the techie in you, you will love that with your mobile device you can communicate with your machine via Wi-Fi. This allows a rider to play with the endless tuning possibilities while using the free Yamaha Power Tuner App. All in all, this machine is a step in the right direction for Yamaha to be noticed and they should be proud of the new YZ450FX.

The second thing I noticed was a little button on the right-hand side beside the throttle sleeve (happy button), which after my first ride I relocated to the left side grip.

The brakes are very responsive and have a great feel that gave me confidence right away. Within the first few minutes I dropped this BLUE 450 down some intense descents that only mountain goats dare. There are zero issues in the brake power department as I felt no fade. Yes, it’s still a big 450 and has the awkward heavier feel, but I had total confidence in the bike and the brakes. For the long term, I will consider replacing the brake fluid to something with a higher boiling point.

I didn’t think the bike was overly loud. After a 3-4 hour ride, my ears weren’t ringing as I have experienced in the past with other manufacturers, or definitely with aftermarket systems. I feel like its probably one of the quieter bikes on the market in stock trim. I have not put on an aftermarket exhaust system as more power isn’t needed, plus I want to try to stay within a reasonable decibel level. Also, the factory silencer on this unit will last for hours with its newer, slimmer design, and Yamaha’s packing seems to last.

With the Map switch that I installed on the left clutch perch handlebar area, you push the map switch once and it’s supposed to instantaneously go into a more tractable setting to some degree. With it pushed in and the light on, I noticed the bike would take quite a bit more effort to get the engine to over rev and spin in slippery conditions. As soon as you click it back to Map 1, it’s right back to where you started in the power curve. Did I notice it? Yes. Will I use it? Probably not, as I’m usually easy on the clutch and would use the clutch more to tame the power down if needed. I would categorize the Map switch as a “Traction control button.”

Suspension is on point and very impressive in stock trim, but this should NOT be a big shocker. Kayaba has been buddies with Yamaha for a long time and have refined something that most people say is “Old tech.”

The point I’m making is, take it out of the box and go race it. It works! Even at my weight I would not hesitate to enter a pro level event. Now after a couple of hours of seat time and as the bike breaks in, yes, the machine sat low in the travel, but that was the worst of it. It handled corners very well and was responsive to the throttle exiting the curves.

62 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2019-02-27 1:50 PM

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2019-03-08 12:01 PM

X FIRST RIDE

MARKS THE SPOT

2019 yamaha YZ450FX So, I took the FX, aka “Blue Gorgeous,” and did some minor alterations. As I’m a heavier Pro racer, the first thing I had to do was add stiffer springs to the KYB suspension. Pro Action has been with me for a while, so with some minor valving tweaks to make the action stiffer and a couple sizes larger on the spring rates, I’m now able to hold my speed in the nasty stuff better. The bike is up high in its travel and will eat the square edge obstacles with ease, and not beat on my hands or upper body.

At 6’3” I’m a bit taller than the average rider, so I choose the CR high bent Mika Metals Hybrid bar with a set of ODi grips. This is my go-to set up on all bikes. Comfort is key. As I mentioned above, I moved the start button from the right side to the left. I personally feel it is easier to control the throttle with a full hand as to a partially open hand reaching for a button with your thumb.

Also, I do trim my bars down a bit to compensate for the Emperor Racing Hand Guard ends. Four-strokes are generally stable, but this YZ450FX is very stable at all speeds, so to make it overall skinnier above the tank is an asset where I choose to ride. This left me with the kill switch, which I graphed into the center of the Mika Metals bar clamp pad.

Protective gear is a must for offroad. To lose a race or day of riding due to a crushed rad, a hole in a clutch cover or even bent rotors will and does suck. So, TM Design Works is a light weight, somewhat flexible plastic-style armour. A rear rotor guard, a chain guard with sliders and a side of skid plates too are a good investment if you like rock gardens like the infamous Karl’s Diner at Erzberg. In the protection department, a good solid billet clutch cover is a

“THE BRAKES ARE VERY RESPONSIVE AND HAVE A GREAT FEEL THAT GAVE ME CONFIDENCE RIGHT AWAY. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES I DROPPED THIS BLUE 450 DOWN SOME INTENSE DESCENTS THAT ONLY MOUNTAIN GOATS DARE.”

good idea. It’s even better if it houses a Torq-Drive by Rekluse, which adds extra clutch plates to your OEM basket and stack. More plate equals more surface area, which equals more grabbing power. It’s a no-brainer if you have the power in your ride.

The OEM seat cover is nice to look at, but slippery when wet. Add a bit of frost in the early Canadian AM hours and it makes it even more slick. Seat Concepts out of Utah is top notch quality. The cover is easy to install, fits perfectly and is super durable at

my now 20 hours of seat time. They even can supply seat foam if needed.

Love it grippy!

Season after season, more and more BLUE bikes are jockeying for position and battling the elements of the natural outdoors for their spot on the podium. Yamaha is on the right track with their “X” line up. If you are considering a new bike and it’s in the 450 variety, then take a good, honest look at the YZ450FX. This machine will not disappoint, and you can even say “X marks the Spot!”

64 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2019-02-27 1:50 PM

CLEAN, PORTABLE POWER. /// YAMAHA INVERTER GENERATORS OUTPUT FROM 2,000–6,300 WATTS I IDEAL FOR THE TRACK, THE COTTAGE OR THE WORK SITE I LEGENDARY YAMAHA RELIABILITY

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2018-10-17 10:14 AM

LAST YEAR'S SX CHAMPION JASON ANDERSON RUNS THE VERY EXOTIC WP XACT PRO SUSPENSION ON HIS ROCKSTAR HUSQVARNA.

“SINCE SHIPPING ITEMS LIKE SUSPENSION AND PARTS CROSS BORDER IS SOMETIMES COSTLY AND COMPLICATED, WP HAS STARTED OPERATING IN CANADA” 66 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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WP

Suspension Comes To Canada WORDS BY CHRIS POMEROY • PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE AND MXP STAFF

Over the years, I’ve had a lot of amateur families ask me what modifications they should make to their kids’ bikes? Unfortunately, at the moment this sport costs an enormous amount of money so you definitely need to spend your money wisely. While some might opt for costly engine mods or even fancy graphics, both of which are never a bad idea, my answer is plain and simple, if you can, spend your money on suspension.

G

etting the best suspension possible on your bike is the best and easiest way to modify a modern-day dirt bike.

Today’s dirt bikes are already very fast, and most come stock with quality components. Even when the bike comes out of its crate the suspension is better than it has ever been. However, as a rider’s speed gets higher and the demands of their bikes become greater, the entire suspension package will need to be upgraded and more importantly, catered to the rider’s weight, style and skill. Basically, the suspension settings that work for one rider may not work for the other.

This is why you need to find the best upgrade to your suspension that you’re able to afford. This will not only drop your

lap times but it will make your bike handle better, and most importantly, make it as safe to ride as possible.

There are many different suspension companies that do great work that can provide you with what you need. Recently, on a trip to the Anaheim SX, I was invited out to Murrieta, CA to visit the fine people at WP Suspension. For those of you who don’t know, WP Suspension is located in one of the coolest cul-de-sacs in North America as their office sits just a few doors down from Husqvarna Motorcycles USA and KTM USA. With all three housing not just their office space but also their factory team race shops, it’s not uncommon to see Jason Anderson, Marvin Musquin or some other famous motocross industry face at the shop. On the day I was there, Jess Pettis rolled up to WP to pick up a set of suspension, and retired factory rider Casey Lytle was out jogging.

If you ever travel to California and want to run into a motocross celebrity, this street in Murrieta is the place to be.

Once inside the WP Suspension offices I was greeted by their friendly gentleman in charge of Sales and Marketing, Joey Mashchak. While I was at WP, Joey was my tour guide who walked me through their suspension shop. As you can imagine, from the moment I walked through

the door and into the room where most of the suspension work is performed, it was as clean as an operating room, and the sweet smell of fresh suspension oil captured my senses. In the middle of the room were benches where the WP technicians were busy rebuilding suspension for all of the WP Suspension Team, including customers, factory supported riders, as well as suspension for R&D purposes. On the outside walls of the room were all of the testing dynos for both forks and shocks. During the explanation of the workings of each hi-tech dyno, one of the WP technicians came over, introduced himself and asked me how I liked my XACT Pro Forks and Shock last year. Since he has personally done the settings for me, he was curious for some feedback. That conversation really drove home the fact that the people at WP really care about what they’re trying to do, and whether it’s a normal, everyday consumer, or Dean Wilson and Jess Pettis, they want your suspension to be just right. As we continued my tour we ended up in a room where no cameras were allowed. This was of course the room where all of WP’s factory suspension is built and serviced. From the 52mm works forks to the new Trax shock that riders like Marvin Musquin, Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson

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WP

Suspension Comes To Canada and Zach Osborne run on their 450s, every item in this room was exotic.

At the end of the tour, we sat down to talk about WP’s new venture into Canada.

Since shipping items like suspension and parts cross border is sometimes costly and complicated, WP has started operating in Canada, nested in the KTM Canada Facility in Chambly, QC, in order to serve both English and French Canadian Markets. Also, in British Columbia, Rider’s Edge in Vernon offers WP Suspension Servicing as well as WP Pro Components to their customers. With their proximity to hundreds of miles of off-road riding areas, most of Rider’s Edge customers are off-road and dual-purpose riders. In Calgary, Blackfoot Motosports needs no introduction to the Canadian motocross world as their multiple championships throughout the 2000s were the envy of every team in the paddock. These days, even though Blackfoot Motosports isn’t winning National Motocross Championships anymore, they’re still extremely busy and continue to support a number of riders. Blackfoot Motosports is also a WP Authorized Centre, and just in the last few months alone have been very busy with WP components. To get his thoughts on what it means to carry the WP Suspension flag in Canada, I reached out to Dean Thompson from Blackfoot Motosports in Calgary.

Hey Dean, it’s nice to catch up with you as it’s definitely been a while.

Blackfoot Motosports is one of two WP Authorized Service Centres in Canada; can you talk to us about what exactly that means?

No problem, Chris! This means that we’re able to sell and service WP Suspension instead of a Canadian consumer having to deal with shipping items across the border. Whether a rider wants to purchase a set of WP Pro Component Suspension like XACT Pro Forks and Shock or just get their stock KTM or Husqvarna suspension updated and serviced, they can send it to us here in Calgary.

ONE OF THE COOLEST ITEMS IN THE WP SUSPENSION SHOP IS THE LARGE PHOTO OF THEIR HEADQUARTERS BACK IN AUSTRIA

JESS PETTIS RAN THE WP 48MM XACT PRO CONE VALVE FORKS AT ALL OF THE WEST COAST ROUNDS OF THE 2019 SX SERIES. I know that the stock WP Suspension like the AER Forks are great and can be catered to any rider quite easily. However, what would a rider be getting if they were to purchase a set of XACT Pro Suspension?

DT: There’s definitely a lot that comes with the WP XACT Pro Suspension like the Cone Valve Forks or Trax Shock. There’s the premium parts and lower tolerances inside the suspension, but also, it’s the amazing adjustability that you now have.

For instance, obviously with the WP Trax Shock you get the best of the best. You have access to the same shock and the same settings that Dean Wilson is currently running. Not that you’d need those settings but we have that knowledge base to draw from for everyone. Even with the WP Link Shock we’re getting more adjustability out of it than we ever have on any other brand.

So, a Canadian consumer can contact Blackfoot and within a short amount of time they could have the same suspension on their bikes that Dean Wilson, Cole Thompson or Jess Pettis has on their bikes?

Exactly! As I said, prior to there being Canadian WP Authorized Centres, we would’ve had to send everything to California, and while that worked, it was time consuming and carried the added cost of doing it that way.

We know you haven’t been up and running with this side of the business for too long but have you been busy. Are your happy with how it’s gone thus far?

It’s been great so far, and I think it’s only going to get busier as we transition into spring and our Canadian riding season.

With being a WP Authorized Centre, we can offer Canadian consumers something that no one else can. I mean, where else can you receive Pro Component parts and service done by a WP trained service department?

THE HI-TECH WP DYNO MACHINES SIT IN THE RACE SHOP.

WITH THE WP SUSPENSION RACE SHOP BEING VERY BUSY, THERE IS VERY LITTLE DOWN TIME FOR THEIR TECHNICIANS.

THANKS TO WP AND THEIR NEW CANADIAN AUTHORIZED CENTERS, YOU TOO COULD HAVE THE EXACT SAME SUSPENSION AS JESS PETTIS AND COLE THOMPSON.

Thanks Dean. How would a rider get in touch with Blackfoot if they wanted to get some suspension work done?

Good question! We actually just launched our new website: https://direct-suspension.com/ for all of our consumers. It’s really cold in Calgary right now but hopefully it will be an early spring and we all can get riding very soon.

There you have it! Canadian customers now have full access to not just the high-quality suspension upgrades but if you want to spend a little extra money you can have the exact same suspension that Dean Wilson and Jess Pettis are currently using. For more information on the product and services WP Suspension has to offer, you can visit their North American website at https://www.wp-suspension.com/en-us/

68 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2019-03-06 11:18 AM

ONE ON ONE WITH JORDAN SMART B Y C H R I S P O M E R OY / P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F R OYA L D I S T R I B U T I N G

FOR THIS MONTH’S INDUSTRY PROFILE, WE SAT DOWN WITH THE NEW CEO OF ROYAL DISTRIBUTING, JORDAN SMART. WITH THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN 2019 OF THE MX101 YAMAHA TEAM, AS WELL AS A NEW THREEYEAR DEAL WITH JETWERX AND THE ROCKSTAR ENERGY TRIPLE CROWN SERIES, ROYAL DISTRIBUTING IS ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRATING THEIR DEEP PASSION AND COMMITMENT TO RACING IN CANADA. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT NEW THINGS ROYAL DISTRIBUTING HAS IN STORE FOR US AT RACES RIGHT ACROSS CANADA IN 2019.

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FIRST OFF, THANKYOU FOR DOING THIS JORDAN. HOW ARE THINGS?

My pleasure, Chris. We’re all very excited for this upcoming season of the Triple Crown Series. Things are going great, snow is falling and business is rolling. We know the MX season is right around the corner.

CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG BUT SO FAR THIS HASN’T BEEN THE GREATEST OF SNOW SEASONS IN ONTARIO. HOW HAVE THINGS BEEN FROM ROYAL DISTRIBUTING’S PERSPECTIVE?

It’s really been a tale of geographies this season. Ontario had a bit of a late start but the strong winter in January & February has been terrific. In other regions, they had snow at different times. That’s the great thing about servicing all of Canada, there’s always an area with fresh snow and customers eager to hit the trails.

AS FAR AS THE BUSINESS GOES, DO YOU LOOK SEPARATELY AT THE DIFFERENT SEASONS OR IS JUST ABOUT THE FULL YEAR? We look at the full year but have it broken down into categories and seasons. There is obviously overlap with some of our customers in terms of seasons, some that love to get out in the snow are also looking to ride in the summer. That said, some customers are category or season specific and we always make sure we’re providing top service to each segment.

WELL, LET’S TALK ABOUT THE UPCOMING MOTOCROSS SEASON. WE HEAR THAT YOU HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS TO TALK ABOUT WITH REGARDS TO A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH JETWERX?

Do we ever! We’ve agreed to a multi-year partnership with Jetwerx to support the Triple Crown Series.

This is something that is very important to Royal. One of our company’s core values is to support our industry, and this is a terrific way to help promote the sport and make sure the next generation of riders have access to the best ones doing it today.

ROYAL DISTRIBUTING HAS BEEN SUCH A BIG PART OF THE CANADIAN MOTOCROSS NATIONALS FOR A LONG TIME NOW. WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS NEW MULTI-YEAR DEAL?

No doubt, we’ve been a part of it for a long time. I think a multi-year deal will allow Royal and Jetwerx to really take the series to the next level. Knowing that we’ll be supporting it for several years, it allows the series to plan and build longer-term initiatives. We have a vision for what the finished product will look like and it can’t all be executed in one year. In addition, we feel it’s important for the riders and fans to know this series is only going to get bigger in the coming years.

CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ANYTHING DIFFERENT AT THE TRACK AS FAR AS A ROYAL DISTRIBUTING PRESENCE?

Yes, you can. You’ll see Royal at most of the events. We want the fans to be able to interact with us at the races and we’ll be sure to make it a great experience in every city that we attend. Make sure to come check out our booth at the race.

I’M ASSUMING THAT ROYAL DISTRIBUTING WILL ALSO CONTINUE THEIR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT OF THE MX101 YAMAHA TEAM.

You assume correctly! We have Marco Cannella and Luke Renzland for arena, outdoor and supercross, plus we have Hayden Halstead for the outdoor series.

Along with our riders, our partner, FXR Racing, will also be involved with the team.

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ONE ON ONE WITH JORDAN SMART BETWEEN THIS NEW DEAL WITH JETWERX, YOU’RE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE MX101 TEAM, AND OF COURSE THE LONG STANDING BRANDING OF THE ROYAL DISTRIBUTING HOLESHOT AT THE NATIONALS, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH 2019 IS GOING TO BE A MASSIVE YEAR FOR YOU. I like your enthusiasm, Chris. We do expect 2019 to be a massive year. As mentioned, we’ve always been involved in the series. However, Royal wants to help take it to a new level in 2019. From Royal’s end, we are going to be present at many of the races, we’ll be offering attendees exciting flash promotions on many of the MX products that we carry as well as continuing to help build the sport and series but in some new and innovative ways.

THIS SPORT IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE COMPANIES LIKE ROYAL SO INVOLVED. I’VE ALWAYS LOVED ROYAL’S PASSION TOWARDS RACING.

In terms of powersport retailers, our knowledge and support of this industry is second to none. Our company is full of people that love the sport, so our support comes pretty naturally. You’ll be sure to see several Royal employees in the stands for local races.

EVEN THOUGH ROYAL ONLY HAS WALK-IN STORES IN ONTARIO, YOUR MARKET REACHES WELL BEYOND THE BORDERS OF THIS PROVINCE. CAN YOU TOUCH ON THE SIZE OF YOUR MARKET?

Yes, our superstores are only in Ontario at the moment. With the success of our eCommerce and mail order business, we’ve been able to reach every powersports enthusiast in Canada. Royal has been shipping thousands of orders to every Province and Territory in Canada.

We’ve been leading the powersports industry for over 25 years, which has allowed us to build a very loyal customer base all over this great country.

Additionally, we offer the best free shipping policy in the industry, so it doesn’t matter if you’re in Ontario, BC or PEI, we’ll have whatever you’re looking for sent right to you and get it to you very quickly.

WE’VE BEEN LEADING THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY FOR OVER 25 YEARS, WHICH HAS ALLOWED US TO BUILD A VERY LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE ALL OVER THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

ALSO, I HEAR THAT THERE IS A NEW CENTRAL WAREHOUSE HUB. WHEN AND WHY DID THIS CHANGE COME ABOUT?

In 2017, we built a state-of-the-art Distribution Center in Guelph, ON. We’ve recently expanded this and it’s now over 100,000 sq. feet. We’ve invested in this facility so that we can stock our products to ensure that we get customer orders turned around the same day that the order is placed. We also ensure all our stores are fully stocked. We recognize the frustration of wanting to get outdoors but having to wait for your product to do so. Fortunately, we are able to minimize this pain for our customers regardless if you shop online, in-store or by phone.

AND IF ALL OF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH, THERE IS ALSO A NEW ROYAL DISTRIBUTING WEBSITE LAUNCHING SOON? Yes, our new website is launching in February 2019. We’re super pumped about this and we know it’s a little bit overdue {laughs}. The new site will offer a great year/make/model part search, fast and easy shopping on mobile devices, as well as quick access to the widest in-stock inventory in Canada.

This coupled with the best free shipping policy in Canadian Powersports, be sure to check out the new site at www. royaldistributing.com.

I KNOW WE’RE ONLY TWO MONTHS INTO 2019, BUT ARE THERE A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENING ON YOUR END?

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I’m a soon to be father of two and am blessed to have a wonderful family. I’m originally from Kitchener, Ontario and I did my MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University.

I’m a CPA (accountant) by trade but my passion lies in sports and business.

Before joining Royal, I was involved with two great companies with a focus in eCommerce and Operations.

DO YOU LIKE YOUR NEW POSITION THUS FAR?

Love it! I’m very lucky to have a great team around me. The owners of the business, John Mochrie and Scott Spark, are still very involved at Royal and provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Beyond that, all our staff at Royal are very dedicated, passionate and just awesome at what they do.

ARE WE GOING TO SEE YOU AT SOME RACES IN 2019?

Absolutely! I can’t wait to get there and meet everyone that makes the series such a success.

THANK-YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME JORDAN, AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW DEAL WITH JETWERX. I HOPE 2019 IS A GREAT ONE FOR ALL OF US!

There sure are, there’s never a dull moment here at Royal! Again, we strive to give our customers the best possible experience and make sure our industry keeps growing. I don’t ever see our work being done.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year WO R DS AN D PH OTOS BY JAM E S LI S S I M O R E

Colton Facciotti at the GDR Honda team photo shoot at Gopher Dunes.

As you can imagine, throughout each season I travel to many different places.

Whether it’s a race or an event, I still enjoy the feeling of packing up my camera gear and heading to an event.

In 2018, my travels took me to multiple races in the USA as well as right across this great country of ours. With the new Triple Crown Series consisting of more races, this meant more events and more opportunities to hang out with my extended motocross family. In this collection of my favourite photos from 2018, I think it reflects pretty much all of the places that I was lucky enough to visit. From Angel Stadium in Anaheim, to the East Coast of Canada, all the way to the biggest race of the year at Red Bud. Each photo tells a different story and I hope you enjoy looking at them. With the 2019 race season almost here, I cannot wait to see where my camera and I travel to this year.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

The Walton track is prepped and ready to go for the 2018 Walton TransCan.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

Dylan Wright is always good for blowing up a berm during a photo shoot.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

Kaven Benoit is definitely one rider that is going to be missed in 2019.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

This view from the tower behind the start at Popkum was breathtaking.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

Justin Barcia walks out of the Angel Stadium tunnel like a true gladiator.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

Jess Pettis and Colton Facciotti show off their new #1 plates at Walton.

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This photo from Manitoba was definitely a favourite of mine in 2018.

BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

Dylan Wright takes the win at the Walton National.

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Jess Pettis leads Josh Osby Popkum, BC.

BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

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Hayden Halstead goes flat in front of his team and my camera.

BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

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BEHIND THE LENS:

Photos of the Year

The moment that Martin Davalos was out of momentum and ideas in Atlanta.

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YOUNG PRESENTS

AND ON THE

RISE E IS R BLAKE WITH

DAVIES B Y C H R I S P O M E R OY / P H O T O S B Y J A M E S L I S S I M O R E

BLAKE DAVIS FROM MISSION, BC, DEFINITELY COMES FROM A LONG LINE OF TALENTED WEST COAST RIDERS. RIDERS LIKE DARCY LANGE, DUSTY KLATT, AND 5-TIME CANADIAN 450 NATIONAL CHAMPION COLTON FACCIOTTI ARE JUST A FEW OF THE FAST BC RIDERS WHO HAVE MADE A BIG SPLASH IN CANADIAN MOTOCROSS. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN 2018, BLAKE IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER SOLID SEASON IN 2019 AS HE LOOKS TO WIN ANOTHER NATIONAL TITLE. AS YOU WILL READ IN THIS COOL INTERVIEW, BLAKE NOT ONLY LOVES MOTOCROSS BUT HE ALSO LOVES JUST BEING A KID AND LIVING LIFE. FIRST OFF BLAKE, CAN YOU TELL ME HOW OLD YOU ARE AND WHERE DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CALL HOME? I am ten-years-old and we live in Mission BC CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING COOL ABOUT MISSION? Mission has a local track run by the Lower Mainland Motocross Club, which is a sand track, and it’s where 5-time National Champion Colton Facciotti grew up racing.

I’VE RACED ON THAT TRACK A FEW TIMES. IT’S PRETTY FUN. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RIDING A DIRT BIKE? I have been riding a dirt bike for seven years now. I got my first bike on my third birthday. It was a PW-50.

I first started riding it in a soccer field at a local park.

A SOCCER FIELD? THAT’S ALMOST AS COOL AS RIDING ON A GOLF COURSE. IT’S AMAZING THAT YOU’VE PROGRESSED SO FAST. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST RACE AND HOW YOU DID? My first race was at Mission Raceway.

I fell in love with racing and wanted to come back for every Tuesday night after that. I won my first race, and they told me the next time I came back that I had to move up a class.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE RIDER? BD: I really like Ken Roczen. Seeing him crash and break his arm was really tough, and then watching him come back, only to break his other wrist, and have to come back from that really motivated me. Now he’s back on track looking fast on the bike. He is always positive and obviously never gives up.

YES, ROCZEN DOES HAVE A VERY COOL STORY, AND HE’S A PRETTY NICE GUY OFF THE BIKE AS WELL. DO A LOT OF YOUR FELLOW BC RIDERS GIVE YOU ADVICE? Definitely. I ride with both Gibbs brothers, Tyler and Travis, as well as Julien Benek who are all very fast riders that live in mission as well. We are always giving each other tips and support.

Also, Future West MX has schools run

by Ryan Lockhart and Kyle Beaton.

They give me a lot of good coaching and advice.

WELL, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS. WE STILL HAVE SOME TIME UNTIL THE 2019 RACE BEGINS FULL TIME. HOW HAS YOUR OFFSEASON BEEN? My off-season has been very good.

I’m riding occasionally when the sun comes out, but it’s been pretty muddy.

I have also been going to the gym to keep up my endurance. But the best part about the off-season is snow biking because there’s so much deep snow. You can throw down big turns and get in a groove, and honestly, I don’t want to stop riding it.

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IT’S NICE TO TAKE A BREAK FROM THE BIKE... SOMETIMES....

AND DO OTHER THINGS THAT ARE FUN.

I BET THOSE SNOW BIKES WORK GREAT IN THE DEEP POWDER. LOOKING BACK TO LAST YEAR, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS YOUR BEST RACE IN 2018?

Making it to Loretta’s was definitely the biggest highlight from last year.

Having never been there before was very intimidating. Talking to other kids and parents, it sounded like everybody else had been there before.

My first moto I came out in the Top 10 but cross rutted on the first lap going into the ten commandments. My nerves were very high. Moto 2 was my best finish as I started in the Top 10 and was able to hang on to 12th after some good battles. In Moto 3, I was able to start inside the Top 10. I had a good race going but I tipped over twice in the deep ruts and finished 13th. My endurance really hurt me down there. I never found out until two weeks before that the motos were 20-minutes plus two laps; I only trained for 15 minutes motos. I would love to make it there again. Having Malcolm Stewart lead our site laps and Jeremy McGrath collecting our gate pick pins was super cool.

I’M SURE IT WAS HOT AND MUGGY DOWN THERE AS WELL, WHICH MAKES RACING EVEN TOUGHER. HOPEFULLY YOU’RE ABLE TO GO BACK AND BE A LITTLE MORE PREPARED. STILL, YOUR RESULTS SOUND PRETTY GOOD. MOTOCROSS RACERS AND WINTER USUALLY DON’T GET ALONG. WHAT THINGS DO YOU DO IN THE WINTER TO STAY ACTIVE AND ENTERTAINED? Well, we’re lucky we have Future West that has an arenacross series in Chilliwack, which is close for us. My Dad got us snow bikes; they’re like

a snowmobile and a dirt bike mixed together. So, in the winter we ride them. The best is riding through the trees and all the deep powder. I also love snowboarding a lot. My family movie nights are awesome too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO OTHER THAN RIDE DIRT BIKES? Definitely snowboarding. We have a local ski hill that’s super close to our house called Sasquatch Mountain.

I started riding a snowboard before I rode a dirt bike. My first snowboard had a cord on it that could pull the snowboard around. My parents used to pull me around on the carpet and down the stairs in our house before I was even able to walk. It’s so fun riding powder and through the park.

HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO HEAD DOWN SOUTH TO RIDE OR ARE YOU PLANNING TO? No, not really because we do a lot of winter activities up here. It’s nice to take a break from the bike... sometimes.... and do other things that are fun.

I’VE HEARD THE KELOWNA TRACK IS A LOT OF FUN. OKAY, CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR FUNNIEST OR SCARIEST ROAD TRIP STORY? My scariest drive was on the way to my first snow bike race. The highway over the Coquihalla was closed, so we had to wait three hours before the road was open again. We have a CB in the truck and listened to the truckers make fun of other truckers who were asking if the road was bad. They were very rude on the radio. That part was super funny. Once we started to go our whole truck and trailer started sliding sideways as the road was very slippery. My Dad stayed on the gas and finally grabbed some traction. By the time we got to Kamloops it was 4am and we had to be at the track early that morning.

THAT DOES SOUND SCARY! SOUNDS LIKE AN EPISODE OF THAT TELEVISION SHOW THAT’S ABOUT THAT HIGHWAY. I HAVE TO ASK AT LEAST ONE QUESTION ABOUT SCHOOL, BLAKE: WHAT GRADE ARE YOU IN AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? I’m in Grade 5 and my favourite subject is Gym class. It’s the only part of school where you’re not sitting in a plastic chair. I really enjoy being physical and I’m very competitive.

NORMALLY I’D SAY THAT GYM CLASS IS NOT REALLY A SUBJECT, HOWEVER I LIKE THE RATIONALE BEHIND YOUR ANSWER. WHAT ARE YOUR RACING PLANS FOR 2019?

To race the FW MX outdoor series, and then try to make it to Loretta Lynn’s again but have some better results.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? I will definitely still be racing, hopefully in the Intermediate class. Hopefully I’m racing snow bike too and still having fun living life.

HOW DID YOU ENJOY RACING THE WALTON TRANSCAN LAST SUMMER? It was fun. I wish it didn’t rain, but the days it was dry the track was good.

I like the big races that have a lot of fast riders. Walton is definitely Canada’s biggest race and it was also cool to go and race in another Province.

FINALLY, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO THANK? My Mom and Dad, my sister and both grandmas and grandpas, International Motorsports, Husqvarna, Fox, 100%, Matrix, Atlas, Mobius, CTS Racing, Gibson Tyre, Lime Nine, Nixon Prosports, Lee Coutts and Joe Brown. Check me out on Instagram @mission_missile58

LOOKING BACK AT ALL OF YOUR RACING RESULTS, WHICH ONE ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I think I’m most proud of my results from Walton last year. I won a title there before but not like the one this year when I went 1-1-1. I really like going to Walton. The track there gets really rough, and it’s good to race all the kids on the east coast.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK TO RIDE? My favourite track is in Kelowna, BC. I enjoy the flow there and there’s a big triple that shoots you like 50 feet in the air. It’s about 100 feet long and I really like that jump. It’s my favourite jump on the track. The dirt is really good if it doesn’t dry out.

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THE INSIDE LINE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

WITH ANDY WHITE

“I AM SUPER IMPRESSED THAT WEBB HAS FIGURED OUT HOW TO GET BACK UP FRONT. I HEARD HE HAS LOST CLOSE TO 15LBS AND HAS THE FIGHT BACK IN HIM AGAIN.”

The banter every year is always about what the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series will look like. We all have our opinions on who will crush it and who will fall short.

I must admit that the 2019 series has been one of the most exciting series I’ve watched in a long time.

T

he first few rounds we had different winners then all of a sudden Webb is on fire and he now has the red plate with a little more that 10 rounds left to go. Explain to me how a rider like Bagget can win Round 2 in Phoenix and the next few rounds after he can’t even get close to the podium? Is the competition that strong? It’s a shame we lost a few good riders right out of the gate. Anderson is one exciting rider when he is on his game. Seasoned favourite Zach Osborne made his return; it’s nice to see him back on the bike. I bet he was happy that he didn’t have to race in that lime-soaked mud

in San Diego. That particular round is one event that will be talked about for years to come. I attended that event and was disappointed to find out that they were expecting rain for that weekend. It is such a beautiful baseball stadium right in the heart of the city. That’s one race I expected to return home with a sunburn.

Talking about the lime-soaked track, I know we have all read and heard that the SX grounds crew goofed on the lime additive. I never thought the FELD group would have owned up to it, but it was pretty cool that they took responsibility. I know the privateer riders are still not happy that their brand new SX machines all

look like they have aged 5 years overnight. I know quite a few of the privateers. Not only are they struggling from race to race but now their dirt bikes have just depreciated by more than half the value. The FELD group did offer $5K to each one of the riders, which I thought was a good start.

Dealing with Mother Nature is not an easy thing so I am kind of shocked that they still use stadiums with no roofs. I am sure they could build a schedule that allows the series to be run within enclosed stadiums, which would guarantee perfect track conditions. The cost of putting on these events today must be unreal.

How cool is it to see Webb light it

up halfway in the series? I thought there was no way Cooper was going to win in Arlington with Ken out in front.

Well, I was wrong on that call. I am super impressed that Webb has figured out how to get back up front. I heard he has lost close to 15lbs and has the fight back in him again. Supercross racing just became more exciting than ever. Can you believe Ken has had the red plate a few times so far but has not even won a main? That has to be eating away at him, especially with the last corner pass at Arlington by no other than Webb. I bet that ride home was not that fun for the Factory Honda group. Why on earth did Roczen go so deep into the final corner before the finish line? It’s easy for us to call out riders from the sofa with a beer in our hand. I am sure Ken knew Webb was closing in on him. When your arms are pumped up and it’s the final corner, you’re thinking, “Just keep it on two wheels, and don’t throw it away.”

Oh well, it made for great racing and great bench racing for days.

The case of Bowers vs. Bam Bam: Let’s talk about the Tyler Bowers and Justin Barcia incident. Was the AMA right to suspend Bowers for the night?

In my opinion, I felt it was a little harsh. We all know that both of these riders are a little more aggressive than most in that class, and that they both have history with each other. I feel there might have been some politics that came into play on this one, too.

Bowers was one of the riders that went public about the lime issues from San Diego. Was it payback by the AMA/ FELD? I don’t think we will know for some time exactly what happened.

Bowers should have been penalized say $2-5K for the aggressive move? I think that would have kept everyone happy except maybe Tyler, but at least he could still go out and race. There have been other incidents that have had no suspensions in the past so how is this any different? When you watch a hockey playoff game, sometimes the refs let the players get away with some of the slashes and dirty stuff they would have called in the regular season. Then you have refs that call everything and those games suck.

Maybe we need to change the officials from weekend to weekend. All I want to see is exciting supercross racing, which means some bumping here and there and maybe the odd t-bone! It’s all about entertainment, right?

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PHIL NICOLETTI ROCKSTAR ENERGY OTSFF YAMAHA 2018 QUEBEC CANADA

HELIUM C O L L E C T I O N

Premium Ultra-Lightweight Performance Polyester-Spandex mesh for maximum breathability Slim fit with shaped front collar and tappered cuff

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ALL-NEW ENGINE DELIVERS FASTER LAP TIMES ALL-NEW SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS FOR IMPROVED HANDLING ALL-NEW ELECTRIC START FOR QUICK AND EASY STARTING For more information visit www.kawasaki.ca and www.teamgreencanada.ca ©2018 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always ride responsibly. Always ride within the limits of your skills, your experience and your machine. Wear an approved helmet and protective clothing. The actions depicted here took place under controlled conditions with professional riders.

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