MXP 21.03

C A N A D A’ S S O U R C E F O R M O T O C R O S S A N D O F F - R O A D

DYLAN WRIGHT

AUGUST 2021 $4.95

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M O T O C R O S S

P E R F O R M A N C E

24 COVER STORY

Dylan Wright – True Grit

V O L U M E

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PUBLISHER: Charles Stancer V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING: Charles Stancer EDITOR: Chris Pomeroy SALES MANAGER: Al Jaggard SENIOR WRITERS: Andy White, Mike McGill SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: Shelby Mahon STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: James Lissimore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: James Lissimore, Drew Robertson, Leticia Cline, Andy White, Matt Wellumson, Sean Poitras, Lawrence Hacking, Kate McKerroll

FEATURES

28 WALTON ONE & WALTON TWO The summer MX Season kicks off in Walton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Virgil Knapp, Clayton Racicot, Bill Petro, Matt Wellumson, Frank Hoppen, Summer Denzler, Mike Vizer

36 NEXT PHASE NEW NORMAL

Mike McGill takes a look at Gopher Dunes track and facility

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.

44 WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Palms catches up with Ryan Derry 48 MXP CHATTER WITH KEYLAN MESTON

Andy White talks to the newest MX101 Yamaha rider

28

52 THE BOOM!

Heading outdoors on two-wheels

Charles Stancer 416-633-1202 charles@mxpmag.com mxpmag.com

52

56 THE COLE THOMPSON STORY

A Walk in the Park 60 INDUSTRY PROFILE WITH CHAD GOODWIN

Palms sits down with the Kawasaki Team Manager

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64 YOUNG AND ON THE RISE

We profile young Ontario rider Cody Meatherall

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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

18

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

by Chris Pomeroy

20

GUEST COLUMN

by Brent Worrall

22

FEMALE PERSPECTIVE with Melody Hodgson

66

MX PERFORMANCE IS PRINTED IN CANADA

INSIDE LINE with Andy White

10 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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S Tanner’s better half teaches him how to drive.

S The man who does everything, Brett Lee.

S Palms and Frank get their Flo on.

S Diggs guards his #1 rider’s bike after

S The first one might be tough to get, but it’s

S High fives for the big guy.

S Donk and Maff could be the new dream team.

S By the look of these faces, winning ain’t easy.

S These two are now the racers in the

S This has been a summer Logan would love

S The Blu Cru is always smiling at the races.

S The latest visitor to Canada is still searching

S So far 2021 is another great comeback for BC’s

S The most talented Canadian teenager on two

S Dylan Wright fans are a passionate bunch

S Davey is happy to be back and once again

S When did Gopher Dunes get an Uber service?

S This father/son duo deserves all of the

S Who said retirement was going to be easy?

S Mr. Gaynor almost always has a smile on

always the sweetest.

Facciotti family.

top rider.

to forget.

wheels right now.

success they can get.

without a doubt.

a tough moto.

for his first overall win.

bringing a little East Coast flavour to the series.

his face.

12 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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B E A T

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T H E

H E A T .

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PHOTO BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

SEEING DOUBLE The two factory KTM riders fly in formation at Walton Raceway.

14 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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PHOTO BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

WINNING IS GUCCI Marco Cannella’s first moto win at Gopher Dunes was a dirty one.

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FAMOUS LAST WORDS WITH CHRIS POMEROY

PHOTOS BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

THE POWER OF SPORT

AS I SIT DOWN TO WRITE THIS EDITOR’S COLUMN, WE HAVE COMPLETED FIVE ROUNDS OF THE 2021 TRIPLE CROWN SERIES. FROM THE OPENING MOTO AT WALTON RACEWAY ON CANADA DAY WEEKEND TO THE HOT AND HUMID MOTOS AT SAND DEL LEE, THE RIDERS HAVE BEEN TESTED IN MULTIPLE WAYS THIS SUMMER. THANKFULLY FOR ALL INVOLVED SOME COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS WERE LIFTED JUST BEFORE THE OPENING ROUND AND 25 PERCENT SPECTATOR CAPACITY HAS BEEN ALLOWED AT ALL ROUNDS. FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT OUT TO ANY OF THE ROUNDS SO FAR, I CAN’T BEGIN TO EXPRESS HOW REFRESHING IT IS TO SEE AT LEAST SOME FANS WALKING AROUND OUTDOORS AND ENJOYING OUR WONDERFUL SPORT. ARE WE ALL THE WAY BACK TO HOW THINGS USED TO BE BEFORE THIS TERRIBLE PANDEMIC? NOT YET, BUT WE’VE TAKEN A BIG STEP THIS SUMMER AND HOPEFULLY, THIS JOURNEY BACK TO NORMAL KEEPS ROLLING DOWNHILL.

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o far in the 2021 Triple Crown Series, we’ve witnessed some exciting racing as our youngest riders have really stepped to the forefront of our sport. Teenage riders like Ryder McNabb and Jacob Piccolo have won motos and both appear well on their way to finishing the 250 series on the podium.

In fact, as I write this McNabb is the 250 points leader and is riding well beyond his years as far as speed and maturity. Let’s not forget that this kid isn’t even old enough to drive a car, but he can sure ride a dirt bike.

Will he crack under the pressure in the closing rounds as the pressure of the 250 title is within sight? Only time will tell. So far, he’s been doing everything right and I think with the

solid crew he has at the GDR Honda Team he’s going to be okay.

If you recall last year, we saw McNabb show some real bursts of speed, but his consistency was an obvious issue, as were his starts.

However, during the off-season, he worked on a lot of things and now he’s racing at a different level. His speed has increased, his endurance is better, and he’s been upfront in the early part of the 250 motos. This and more have translated into fewer mistakes and some all-important moto wins and podium finishes. Will McNabb become the youngest pro champion ever in our sport? I mean, I can’t think of another rider who has won a pro championship at 15. If he wins this title will a team in the U.S. take notice and give him a shot down south? Regardless of the outcome, the future is

bright for McNabb, Piccolo, and a few other of our top young pro riders.

We cover these young stars and so much more in this summer issue of MXP Magazine. From Walton to Gopher to SDL there are stories about moments from all three venues of the opening rounds. It really has been an exciting start to the 2021 Triple Crown Series and I’m sure that the final three rounds will be just as entertaining. In the 450 class, we’ve seen a few of the older riders replaced by young and aggressive guys. Jess Pettis and Marshal Weltin have given defending champion Dylan Wright fits as he tries to defend his 2020 title. Pettis and Weltin are fast, fit, and unafraid to mix it up with anyone on the track.

Another great story that has emerged from the opening rounds is journeyman rider Ryan Derry getting a chance to ride for Steve Simms and his new TLD GASGAS Team. Ryan is a great guy and if anyone deserved an opportunity like this it’s him.

Thankfully, just before going to press with this issue, we had a couple of extra pages to fill, and we decided to do a short interview with Ryan.

“I THINK WITH WHAT WE’VE ALL BEEN THROUGH THIS PAST YEAR WITH THE PANDEMIC WE HAVE A NEW PROFOUND RESPECT FOR MOMENTS LIKE THIS AND WHAT THE POWER OF SPORT CAN DO FOR US.”

When I spoke to him moments after his first-ever top 10 finish in moto two at SDL, I could hear the pure joy he was feeling with each word he spoke. I could also see the pride and joy that his dad Peter was feeling as these two have been a great father and son team for years. It’s amazing moments like these that make our sport, or any sport for that matter, so special. I think with what we’ve all been through this past year with the pandemic we have a new profound respect for moments like this and what the power of sport can do for us.

That brings me to our newest cover boy, the previously mentioned Dylan Wright. This cover is not only recognition for what Dylan has done so far in 2021 but also for his incredible rookie 450 season and Triple Crown Championship last year. Dylan is a beast and the ‘True Grit’ text on this cover explains his persona perfectly. Simply put, he doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit, and regardless of injuries or whatever situation he finds himself in on the racetrack, he will never give up. This relentless desire is such a valuable trait to have as you move through life and the jury is still out as to whether it can be taught, learned, or is just instinctive. I think the answer to that question lies somewhere in the middle as we’ve witnessed all three on display in successful people. Anyway, Dylan is who he is, and like him or not, you know what you’re going to get each time the gate drops.

I hope you enjoy this Dylan Wright cover, along with the rest of this entire issue, and all the remaining racing in 2021. Even if we’re not completely out of the woods yet with this pandemic, at the track we all feel free, and that is all that matters.

See you at the track!

18 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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GUEST COLUMN WITH BRENT WORRALL

ALEX HARVILL TRIBUTE

AS THE GATE WAS SET TO DROP ON THE 2014 FUTURE WEST ARENACROSS SERIES, OUR ATTENTION WAS DIRECTED TOWARDS A RACER FROM EPHRATA, WASHINGTON, BY THE NAME OF ALEX HARVILL. LIKE MOST WHO KNEW OF ALEX, AND OF HIS BREATHTAKING WORLD RECORD ACCOMPLISHMENTS, I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED TO MEET HIM.

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he previous year, Harvill set a Guinness World Record, with a 297-foot dirt to dirt distance jump at the Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex in West Richland, Washington. It was something that he had eyed and visualized and claimed was, “the most Evel Knievel-like thing, that I had ever done”. Adding to that incredible feat, was his 2012 distance jump at Toes Motorcycle Park.

Thanks to likes of Steve Eilers, (Toes) and other team members, Alex pulled off an astounding and unheard-of leap on a motorcycle. He successfully landed a ramp to dirt distance jump of 425 feet! Upon learning more about Alex, I believe his love of wingless wheeled flight began shortly after his father had a sand scoop tire made for and installed on his KX-60!

His father was a racer, and they were soon visiting places like the Pasco Arena on a 1976 Honda Elsinore, which was Alex’s first motorcycle. He vividly recounted what he felt was, “the pitty clap” that he was given rounding the final turn in his first ever Motocross race. He also gave his father some grief in later years when his dad restored an MR-50, stating the one he raced looked nothing like that one. Cutting his Motocross racing teeth in an area of eastern Washington that breeds flat-out Motocross Maulers, Alex Harvill’s Motocross racing career was well on its way. Alex recently recounted to me his racing days up in Canada as, “the best Motocross racing memories of my life.” A pinnacle moment he was fondest of and shared with me was from the Ulverton round in 2017. At that race, he was lined up facing the long daunting upward start hill, sandwiched between eventual series

winner Davi Milsaps, and the previous year’s champ, Matt Goerke.

Alex was Born in 1992, in Corona, California to parents Jeff Harvill and Debbie (now Chamberlin). Upon meeting Alex, I instantly sensed that there was something uniquely special about him. He gave me his phone number when I asked, and whenever I saw him, on or off the racetrack, his smile and aura was always contagiously uplifting.

Even though Alex raced in Canada for those memorable seasons, I did not really get to know what his aspirations were until he told me this past May. In that moment at Ulverton, he really felt that he was living out his dreams on the Motocross racetrack. Motocross racing was Alex’s second love behind family. Jumping was something that he loved, and reffered to as, “Dream Chasin”. Thank you to Alex’s friend, Kevin J. Salisbury for providing that quote. In 2016, and for the previous two seasons, he travelled our Canadian Nationals from coast to coast with his long-time sweetheart Jessica, whom he married in 2019. Together they had two sons, Willis who is now five, and baby Watson who was born in May. Harvill would secure a national number 37 in Canada, as a result of his 2016 run. Unfortunately, his bid to run the number 37 that season did not happen because of a set-back at Talladega Speedway in Alabama.

Harvill was contracted by Monster Energy, to do a distance jump at Talladega Speedway before a 2017 NASCAR race. In what he recounted as serious over jump, Harvill flat landed on the fabled Talladega concrete from 300 feet, over-jumping the intended landing ramp. He shattered his calcaneus, and his hopes of being paid for that jump, as well as his opportunity to race

here in 2017. In May, I had noticed that Alex had announced his intention of attempting to break Robbie Maddison’s Guinness World Record jump of 351 feet, ramp to dirt, which is the length of a football field. Alex was hopeful that his record would better or equal his AMA racing number of 352. As an avid aviation enthusiast, I was also excited that this jump would take place at the Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake Washington as part of the annual airshow. Moses Lake is also the

“IN THAT MOMENT AT ULVERTON, HE REALLY FELT THAT HE WAS LIVING OUT HIS DREAMS ON THE MOTOCROSS RACETRACK. MOTOCROSS RACING WAS ALEX’S SECOND LOVE BEHIND FAMILY.”

same town where Evel Knievel owned a Honda dealership in the early 1960s.

He also performed his first two jumps in nearby Soap Lake and his home of Moses Lake. Harvill even promoted this jump at the Speedway where Knievel first jumped cars.

I’m just a five-hour drive away, so my wife and I immediately began to look into travel arrangements for June 17.

Whatever side of the fence you are on, we were unable, after two attempts, to get border clearance. I last spoke with Alex on Tuesday, June 15. He assured me that it was okay that I could not make it, and that I would be there in person next time. Alex had a plan to successfully add to his list of growing records with this one. He was thrilled that the airport had agreed to allow him to pave a strip, as well as a massive 200-plus foot long landing ramp, which was to remain in place for future jumps.

This all needed approval from the FAA and in an age where stunting can be frowned upon, it certainly was big news.

Alex told me he was so thankful for all involved. He really felt it would give him a home court advantage to continue to chase what he believed was attainable.

Alex also told me that I could watch along on his social media feeds, and we would catch up later that day.

On Thursday, June 17, I sat in front of my laptop and eagerly awaited his first approach. The footage was good, but when he would hit the jump for the first time that day was still a question mark for me. Alex, when you hit that jump, I watched in anticipation, excitement and with a confidence for you, that would only see you succeed. Alex you are a hero, my friend, I am so thankful that I got to tell you that I loved you!

Godspeed Alex Harvill #352

20 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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FEMALE PERSPECTIVE

BY MELODY HODGSON

PHOTOS BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

HERE WE GO AGAIN BRETT AND I ARE FORTUNATE BEYOND MEASURE TO BE ABLE TO WELCOME RIDERS, THEIR FAMILIES, TEAMS AND FANS TO OUR BACKYARD IN WALTON EVERY SUMMER. EACH SUMMER IS DIFFERENT FROM THE LAST, BUT THE COMMON THREAD THAT KEEPS ME INVESTED IN THIS FACILITY AND OUR EVENTS IS A SIMPLE ONE:

I

love the people that come into my life each summer without any expectation of staying or being impactful.

Still, their presence remains long after the last moto. I love the raw emotion that happens before the podium interview, between a rider and their team manager, partner, mechanic – the things you don’t see on camera.

I love the connecting dots between then and now. I love the people.

And I love the story.

The story is what has kept me in moto for the past sixteen years. It’s not the racing. It’s the gaps between the racing, the small moments that stay with me, and the people I am fortunate enough to find.

And while I love the story, being a promoter means you are also a storyteller. An event like the TransCan or Walton ONE should tell a story before anyone even steps foot onto the property. For TransCan, the story is about championships. It’s about a season spent working towards a final goal, a chance for a rider’s commitment to themselves to be acknowledged, and it is a true celebration of Canadian motocross. It is a racer’s race.

Walton ONE’s story painted an entirely different picture. It showcased the collaborative partnership between four race organizations: Amateur Motocross Ontario, the Triple Crown Series, Off-Road Ontario and Flat Track Canada (plus a non-sanctioned UTV race). It brought with it a new pro race format, a few challenges, and a whole lot of fun. It was a story of multiple industries, families and fans coming together to experience new forms of racing and support the sport.

Walton ONE was a jam-packed four days of racing. Each day presented itself with new opportunities to find the moments that will forever sit at the top of my favourites list.

health and awareness held each year at the TransCan. By demonstrating their strength and openness each year, Jeff’s family has allowed an entire industry to have a conversation. Jeff’s legacy is a part of the fabric of TransCan, and his and Tanner’s stories are now also part of WaltonONE. Ryder McNabb’s first-ever pro moto win (also on Friday) was also a phenomenal moment. In 2012, Ryder won his first TransCan championship in the 50cc 4-6 class. For the past few years, Ryder and his family would camp in our backyard for the TransCan. His younger brothers would hang upside from the jungle gym most nights, Ryder would steal Brad and Megan’s golf cart to hang with friends, and Harper would follow Tayvin around like a lost puppy.

They weren’t big moments over the years, but seeing the sacrifice, effort and commitment each member of the McNabb family has dedicated to Ryder’s progression as a pro rider come to fruition at Walton Raceway was monumental. And it is a story meant to be appreciated.

FAVOURITE NON-MOTO STORY

FAVOURITE MOTO STORY

It’s a tie. And it’s a tie because of the story that accompany each win. Tanner Ward winning the second 250 moto on Friday, July 2 and securing the overall for the day on this track carries a meaning that’s hard to put into words. Three years ago, on July 2, 2018, Tanner’s brother Jeff died by suicide, and that loss has an impact that carries forward every day. Jeff is the reason for Ride With Me, the annual ride for mental

“WALTON ONE WAS A JAM-PACKED FOUR DAYS OF RACING. EACH DAY PRESENTED ITSELF WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND THE MOMENTS THAT WILL FOREVER SIT AT THE TOP OF MY FAVOURITES LIST.”

A father/son camping duo set their tent up trackside for the entire weekend, and Walton ONE was their first race ever. They made Kraft Dinner on their camp stove after the last motos and woke up to Barry on a dozer most mornings. When asked, the father said his favourite memory from the weekend was showing his son the Milky Way because light pollution blocks out the stars at home. That’s it, the Milky Way – something so simple, yet that’s the memory he’s taking home with him. It’s easy to take for granted where you live when you wake up and have your morning coffee staring out at the Fox Amateur Finish Line. I’m guilty of it most days. You forget that not everyone can see the night sky where they live, and that having a historic motocross track in your backyard is a rarity. But stories like these are the ones that stay with me and give pause and a sense of appreciation.

Both Walton ONE and the TransCan set the stage for the riders to tell their stories. For the teams to fill a page. And for the fans, if they’re lucky, to catch a glimpse of what makes this sport and the people in it so captivating.

I hope that between Walton ONE and TransCan, the riders share a part of their story with the fans beyond the generic sponsor rundown on the podium or Instagram post. I hope, as promoters, we do our job connecting riders’ stories with the fans lining the fences. And I hope that when the amateur champions are crowned on Saturday, August 14 and the pro series ends on Sunday, August 15, we all have a few stories that we can take home with us.

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TRUE TRUE GRIT GRIT TRUE 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

24 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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I

n recent years, we’ve witnessed one dominating performance after another in the Triple Crown Series 450 class. Back in 2016, it was Davi Millsaps who took control of the 450 Championship and never let go. Colton Facciotti was also a winning machine on route to his multiple 450 titles over the years. Then, in 2020 we watched rookie 450 rider Dylan Wright win over 80 percent of the motos in the Triple Crown and take his first-ever premier class championship.

Dylan was most certainly on his game last year and based on that success many felt 2021 would just be a repeat. However, as history, has proven in all sports, an athlete’s sophomore season can be a real struggle.

As the saying goes, winning a title is hard, defending it is even harder.

During the opening few rounds of the 2021 Triple Crown Series, Dylan has found this to be true as a couple of untimely crashes and subsequent injuries, as well as stiff competition from Jess Pettis and Marshal Weltin, has made an early defense of his 2020 450 title quite challenging.

But he’s met the challenge so far and, at press time, Dylan was the 450 class points leader as the series headed to his two favourite tracks. To celebrate his first 450 Championship in 2020 as well as his success so far this year, we decided to grace our summer issue cover with Dylan Wright.

MXP: HEY DYLAN! FIRST OFF, CONGRATULATION ON GETTING ON THE COVER OF OUR SUMMER ISSUE. THE HONOUR IS WELL DESERVED OBVIOUSLY, AND WE’RE EXCITED FOR YOU AND YOUR GDR HONDA TEAM. DW: Thanks Palms! I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve been on the cover, so this is pretty cool. Obviously, it’s an honour and it’s nice to be on the cover with a #1 on my bike.

MXP: LET’S TALK ABOUT LAST YEAR AND YOUR IMPRESSIVE ROOKIE 450 SEASON. YOU RODE GREAT RIGHT FROM THE OPENING GATE DROP OF THE 2020 TRIPLE CROWN SERIES AND YOU NEVER REALLY LET UP. MANY THOUGHT THAT YOUR FIRST 450 SEASON WOULD BE ABOUT LEARNING AND IMPROV-

ING, HOWEVER, YOU WERE THE BEST RIDER RIGHT FROM THE START.

DW: Yes, thanks! I heard a few people saying that during the off-season last year and I kind of used it as motivation. During the fall of 2019, I was able to get on the 450 and do some riding and testing with the team and with Colton [Facciotti], and that helped a lot as I headed into last winter. At the time, Colton was impressed with my 450 riding and that gave me a lot of confidence. If Colton says you’re ready, then you know you’re ready.

MXP: I REMEMBER TALKING TO COLTON DURING THAT TIME AND HE MENTIONED HOW FAST YOU LOOKED ON A 450. I THINK HIS WORDS

“When I was a kid, my dad would always say, “if the suspension isn’t working, move over three feet and miss the bumps.”

WERE, “I’M GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO RACE HIM.” ANYWAY, YOU ADAPTED WELL TO THE BIGGER 450 AND YOU CAME INTO LAST YEAR READY TO GO. WAS THE PLAN TO GET OFF TO A QUICK START IN THE SERIES? DW: That’s always the plan heading into any series. You want to come out swinging and get some good points early. I think the fact that the 2020 series started at Gopher Dunes really helped me as I’m the type of rider who likes it rough and hot. I was confident in my sprint speed, and I knew I could do long motos without getting tired. Also, a few of the other top riders made some mistakes early and I was able to secure the points lead and never look back. It was a dream season, and it was nice to see all of our hard work pay off. It was also nice to keep the 450 Championship under the GDR tent.

MXP: UNFORTUNATELY, AFTER YOUR INCREDIBLE SUMMER YOU SUFFERED A KNEE INJURY DURING THE FINAL ROUND OF THE SXTOUR SERIES IN SEPTEMBER. HOW MUCH DID THAT INJURY AFFECT YOUR PREPARATION FOR 2021?

DW: It didn’t really affect my off-season too much, I mean, not as much as the border being closed did. It more affected my plans in October as we were going to head to the U.S. to ride the final two rounds of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships. I really wanted to head down and race those guys when I was at the top of my game both physically and mentally. But it didn’t work out and having to take time off wasn’t all bad during the fall and early winter. I had just bought a house in Quebec and having time off gave

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TRUE GRIT TRUE TRUE GRIT GRIT

us a chance to do some much-needed renovations. Once those were done and my knee began to feel better, I started training for this season and in March I headed down to ClubMX to get some riding in.

MXP: SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD A BUSY BUT ENJOYABLE OFF-SEASON. THIS YEAR HONDA HAS A COMPLETELY NEW CRF450R. HOW HAS THE NEW BIKE BEEN THUS FAR?

DW: So far everything has been good and we’re continuing to make things better. With the bike being new, we don’t have any old settings to go off of so we’re figuring things out as we go.

As I get older and get more experience, I’m getting a little pickier with my set-up as far as what feels good and what doesn’t, but overall, I’m not a rider who needs the bike to be perfect in order to go fast. During my amateur career, I didn’t even have any modified suspension until my final year as an Intermediate. When I was a kid, my dad would always say, “if the suspension isn’t working, move over three feet and miss the bumps.”

MXP: THAT’S HOW I RIDE [LAUGHS]. OKAY, SO YOU HAD A GOOD BIKE SET-UP COMING INTO THIS SERIES, OR AT LEAST GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN. BUT THEN JUST BEFORE THE OPENING ROUND AT WALTON RACEWAY YOU SUFFERED ANOTHER INJURY AT A LOCAL ONTARIO RACE. NOT THE WAY YOU WANTED TO COME INTO YOUR SOPHOMORE 450 SEASON.

DW: No, definitely not. It happened at Gopher Dunes of all places when I just stuck my foot in a corner, and it grabbed in the sand. It was totally my fault and it ended up giving my good knee a tweak.

It’s fine now I just have to keep an eye on it. Yeah, you always want to come into a series completely healthy and ready to go, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.

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MXP: THEN AT THE OPENING ROUND AT WALTON YOU CRASHED AND HURT YOUR FINGER. YOU STILL MANAGED TO WIN MOTOS DURING THE OPENING FEW ROUNDS, BUT IT HASN’T BEEN WITHOUT SOME ADVERSITY.

DW: No, it hasn’t, has it? But that’s what makes life and racing so interesting. Sometimes you make mistakes and have to battle back, but over the years I’ve learned that it’s how you battle back, that counts. I could sit here and think about the pain or a few of the mistakes I’ve made during the opening rounds, but what good would that do. As we sit here today, I have the red plates and the series is heading to two tracks that I love. My bike is good, the team is good, overall, life is good.

MXP: YOU ALSO HAVE A COUPLE OF NEW COMPETITORS IN 2021 WITH JESS PETTIS AND MARSHAL WELTIN. BOTH RIDERS ARE ROOKIES TO THE 450 CLASS, AND BOTH WANT TO WIN. HAVE THEY BEEN DIFFERENT TO RACE AGAINST COMPARED TO SAY PHIL NICOLETTI OR MATT GOERKE LAST YEAR?

DW: For sure, both Pettis and Weltin have been tough as they’re young and aggressive. I’ve raced Pettis before in the 250 class so I’m more familiar with how he races. As far as Weltin goes, he’s a little different but overall, we’ve raced each other clean so far and I don’t [know] why we won’t continue to do that. Maybe if the title comes down to

the final moto that it might turn into a war, but for now we’re just racing each other hard, and may the best rider come out on top.

MXP: WELL, IT’S BEEN EXCITING TO WATCH, AND I KNOW I SPEAK FOR EVERYONE WHEN I SAY THAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REST OF THE 2021 TRIPLE CROWN 450 SERIES. DYLAN, THANKS FOR DOING THIS, AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE COVER. YOU’VE DEFINITELY EARNED IT! GOOD LUCK THE REST OF THE WAY. DW: Thanks Palms! I can’t wait to show this cover to my friends and family.

“Sometimes you make mistakes and have to battle back, but over the years I’ve learned that it’s how you battle back, that counts.”

MXP: I LOVE HOW YOU LOOK AT THINGS, DYLAN! YOU DON’T FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF IF YOU’RE DOWN AND OUT, YOU JUST PICK YOURSELF UP AND GO. LIKE YOU DID IN THE OPENING MOTO AT ROUND 4 IN THE SAND AT GOPHER DUNES. YOU WENT DOWN IN THE FIRST TURN AND THEN CAME FROM ALMOST LAST TO SECOND. HOW DID YOU DO THAT?

DW: I think it’s just what you said. I got up and got going and when I looked at where the leaders were, I knew I had a long moto ahead of me. When you’re down like that you really have no choice but to keep going. In that circumstance, I knew I could go 35 minutes at a good pace without getting tired and all I tried to do was put myself in a position that if I won moto two then I would win the overall. It was a good moto for sure and one that I’m proud of, but honestly, it could’ve been a little better. If I hadn’t tipped over in the final few laps, I feel like I could’ve won. Anyway, I came back and won the second moto and got the overall and kept the red plates. That’s all that matters in the end.

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Walton

One Two Canada Day And Dirt Bikes 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

Over the years in Canada, there have been many great events that left us talking for years afterwards.

Even if you go back to Grand Prix events at Moto Park in the 1980s, or the Toronto Supercross events in the past decade, we in Canada have been blessed with great race weekends.

It was most certainly an unforgettable Canada Day long weekend at Walton Raceway.

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After having come back from his second knee surgery in the past 18 months, KTM rider Jess Pettis proved that he’s going to be a 450 title threat in 2021.

The opening moto of the 2021 Triple Crown Series blasted off the gate on Friday.

S

ince the early 1990s, the Walton TransCan has been embedded in the fabric of Canadian motocross as each year riders from all over North America have made the pilgrimage to the tiny hamlet of Walton, Ontario for a chance to compete against the best. From the 50cc class to the plus 50 class, riders of all ages have enjoyed everything that the Walton TransCan has to offer. And it’s not just the racing that riders and their families have enjoyed. It’s the extracurricular activities like Shift Holeshot Challenge, the Walton’s Got Talent Show or the infamous bingo night that have left people wanting more. On track or off, everyone who has been to Walton Raceway over the years has a cool story to tell!

In 2020, however, the Walton TransCan almost didn’t happen. Due to pandemic restrictions that we all were introduced to last spring, running an event the size of the TransCan at first looked to be impossible. However, as the restrictions eased slightly throughout the summer, Brett Lee and his wife Melody became determined to pull it off. Thanks in part to their many event sponsors and supporters, the Lees were able to not only hold the 2020 Walton TransCan, but also two rounds of the Triple Crown Series. It was a remarkable achievement and one that didn’t go unnoticed in both our industry as well as in the mainstream media. After all, up until the TransCan last August, there hadn’t been an event of that size held anywhere in the country.

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Mother Nature provided Walton Raceway with blue skies and perfect temperatures all weekend long.

Fast forward to this year, and once again due to ongoing pandemic restrictions trying to make a 2021 schedule proved extremely difficult through the early part of the spring.

But like last year, Brett and Melody put their heads down, and not only did they aim for a repeat of the 2020 event, but they wanted to make it bigger and better. When the Triple Crown Series realized that, for the second year in the row, that they wouldn’t be able to go out west for any rounds, they looked to Walton Raceway to try to fill out the schedule.

Brett, who you might say is a person who never stops dreaming, had a vision of not only hosting the opening round of the 2021 Triple Crown Series, but also building an event around our Canada Day long weekend and opening it up to not only motocross, but also off-road, flat-track racing, and whatever else he could think of. And

After winning the 450 class at Round 2 and taking the red plates, Jess Pettis was holding his head high as he walked back to his pit.

Kawasaki rider Marshal Weltin looked great all weekend as he competed in his first 450 Pro national.

Walton

One Two just like that, the Walton weekend was born, and planning began for what would later be known as “Walton One and Walton Two.” The schedule for this new and entertaining event was jam-packed.

Wednesday was a move-in day for anyone that wanted to get a head start on camping and some fun in the paddock area. Thursday (Canada Tanner Ward came into the opening round not quite 100%. However, he left with the points lead and a big smile on his face.

The man in charge of keeping the Walton Raceway track in good condition was Barry Harrington.

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Teenage sensation Jacob Piccolo was fast at Walton Raceway and won his firstever pro moto on Sunday.

At just 15 years old GDR Honda’s Ryder McNabb won his first-ever pro-national moto at the opening round.

There was a new team in the paddock and that was the TLD/ GasGas/SSR Team.

As she’s done on so many occasions, Eve Brodeur dominated the WMX class on Sunday.

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Julien Benek was one of the fast BC riders who came out for the Triple Crown Series this summer.

Walton

One Two Day) was the opening round of the 2021 Off-Road Ontario XC Series and Friday had the opening round of the Triple Crown Series. On the weekend, Saturday featured amateur motocross, and the opening round of the Parts Canada Amateur Open Series with a flat track race scheduled for that evening. Wrapping it all up on Sunday was round two of the Triple Crown Series.

Throw in some side-by-side racing and a lot of bench racing and that was Brett’s grand plan for the Canada Day weekend at Walton Raceway. It most was an ambitious overtaking by Brett and his Walton Raceway crew, but they knew that if Mother Nature co-operated then it could be another great motocross weekend in Canada.

GDR Honda 250 class teammates Tanner Ward and Ryder McNabb give each other a congratulatory hug on the podium.

The podium at Walton Raceway is always a special place.

The Walton podium was the place every rider wanted to visit.

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Defending 450 champion Dylan Wright had his hands full all weekend long as the Walton Raceway track presented the riders with a strong challenge.

Walton

One Two The Off-Road Ontario XC event on Canada Day was a massive hit.

The XC riders were treated to some good old backwoods Walton riding.

Well, as we sit here today, a few weeks past this monumental event, we’re happy to say that they pulled it off, and apart from having to cut the Amateur racing short on Saturday and cancel the flat track racing on Saturday evening, everything went as planned. Mother Nature kept the entire weekend dry, and a great The dream maker himself Brett Lee interviews Dylan Wright on the Walton podium.

time was had by all. With even more pandemic restrictions lifted just before the event, Walton Raceway was allowed 25 percent spectator capacity for each day of racing. It was great to see even a limited number of fans walking around and taking in the festivities.

The two rounds of the Triple Crown Series went off without a hitch and even the XC event was enjoyed by all participants. Brett and Melody’s dream of having a massive Canada Day event came true and, in the end, it became another unforgettable Canadian motocross event.

In case you missed it, here is a pictorial of the racing as well as some of the sights and sounds of Walton One and Walton Two.

The dream maker himself Brett Lee interviews Dylan Wright on the Walton podium.

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Next

Phas Phas Phase – NEW NORMAL

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

The last fifteen months have been extremely difficult for everyone, individuals and businesses alike. No one is exempt from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, be it physically, mentally or financially. The motocross world was no exception to this fact but in the case of Gopher Dunes they may have just come out of this global mess in a better position than when they entered. And that is a testament to head man Derek Schuster, his wife Kerri and their crew at the Dunes.

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se se se

“IT

was a huge shock more than anything,” concedes Schuster when reflecting on the surge of the pandemic’s first wave in March 2020.

“We actually had an early opening in 2020 and the track was humming along with recreational riders, but things snowballed in a hurry. At first, like most people, I guess, I figured we would be closed for a couple of weeks, but it just kept extending, week after week. We ended up being completely shut down for seven weeks. Right at what should have been the beginning of our season.”

While many businessmen would have taken a “batten the hatches” approach to the situation and ridden out the storm, Schuster took the opportunity of the closure to make some big changes to the facility.

“These were changes I had in mind for some time,” states Schuster. “I’d already made some major changes to the track at the end of 2017 and the next step was to just put the finishing touches on those changes.”

Throughout their down-time, Derek and his crew re-located the main track entrance, erected new fencing, and made some adjustments to the main driveway and the sound berm that surrounds the track. Another cool thing they came up with during this period of extended closure was an honest to goodness 30-site campground located in the woods just off the northeast corner of the track.

Personally, I must say that the campground is an outstanding addition to the Gopher Dunes facility. I have only had the opportunity to camp there on one occasion but what I can say is that you get the feeling that you are

spending the weekend at a Provincial Park with a motocross track located about 100 feet away. Outstanding!

“I called this phase one, and these were all things that were in the works prior to Covid,” states Schuster. “But the shut down actually gave us the time to work on it all without any distractions of our normal business of hosting recreational riders, running and organizing riding schools and putting on events. Of course, we had no money coming in either, so that wasn’t great,” laughs Schuster.

An understatement to be sure but when the first lockdown finally lifted, nobody in the industry was prepared for what came next.

“There was a huge boom in riders when we re-opened,” states Schuster.

This phenomenon can be verified on an industry wide scale. Families suffering from lockdown fatigue, eager to get out and experience the outdoors once again were buying up any type of offroad vehicle they could get their hands on, at record numbers, not seen since the 1970s. And it seemed like they all headed directly to Gopher Dunes to go riding once they were allowed to do so. This is an exaggeration, of course, but the influx of old and new riders alike got Schuster to thinking. “Are all these new riders going to leave once we return to normal, and they can go back to baseball, soccer, cottages, U.S. vacations etc., or do we have an opportunity to keep a large portion of them coming back on a regular basis?”

The wheels were turning in Digger’s head but any more changes to the facility would have to be put on hold as, “we were just too busy catering to their customers to make any more significant upgrades to the facility.” Some-

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Phase Phase Phase

“Personally, I must say that the campground is an outstanding addition to the Gopher Dunes facility.”

thing else that should be mentioned is that while Derek and crew were busy with their phase one construction projects at Gopher Dunes, on April 15, 2020, Derek and Kerri’s home, which was located a short distance from the track, burned to the ground.

So, a month into an unprecedented global pandemic, and while immersed in some major projects the young family found themselves homeless. And while, thankfully no one was injured they did lose pretty much everything in the fire.

“All of my moto memorabilia collection (which is impressive) was in the garage,” states Schuster. “And it was spared, but 95 percent of our belongings were destroyed. So, all that set me back by about a week.” A week?

Really? “Yeah, I took about a week to get things sorted out with the house

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and we needed to fix up some of the equipment as well, so we lost a bit of time there. I’d say a week. Maybe a week and a half.”

Track ownership is obviously not for the faint of heart. It must also be remembered that Schuster was also juggling all of this: the track, the facility, the shop and the fire with his other job as Principal Team Manager for the Honda Canada, GDR Fox Racing Team.

It’s kind of mind boggling when you think about it. That’s an awful lot for one person to have on his plate but somehow, they made it through.

“We moved into a trailer right at the track,” explains Schuster. “We were in the trailer from the start of May to the end of November. That was a bit of a challenge with two energetic five-year-olds for sure,” The Schusters are now back in the

small house right at the front gates of the facility, which is where they originally lived several years ago.

“I sold the land that our house that burned was on,” says Derek.

“I thought about rebuilding, but it seemed like a good time to sell. We are fine with where we are now and when the time is right, I will build something

close by. No pressure. As long as it’s close enough that I can drive a sideby-side to work, I’ll be happy.”

As the pandemic raged again last winter with no end really in sight, Derek and Kerri set their sights on the future, or phase two, I guess you could say. “We must have drawn up at least 20 different maps,” explains

Shuster, when referring to the further upgrades they wanted to make. The biggest thing was the decision to build another complete track on the property. “I thought this was something that we were going to do, maybe in a few more years,” says Schuster.

“But when we were looking down the barrel of another lockdown to start the season, we figured we’ve got the time. Let’s do it now.”

The construction of the all-new GP track as Digger refers to it could very well be the biggest thing to happen at the Dunes since the installation of an underground irrigation system back in 2005. Here is the thinking behind it, according to Schuster. “Even with the lockdowns and Covid, we’ve experienced a big upswing in our business,” he explains. “And with this big influx in new riders, we want to keep them coming back, but as we all know the main track at Gopher Dunes really isn’t for everyone. It is extremely difficult and, let’s be honest, for some people it’s just not fun.”

Schuster goes on to emphasize his point: “I’ve got good buddies who love to ride, and love to ride tracks but they don’t come here that often because it’s just too tough and they don’t just want to ride the trails all the time. They want to ride a track.”

Thus, the plan for a new track was hatched. “The GP track or, as some people are calling it, the vet track is pretty much going to be the complete opposite from the national track,” says Schuster. “It’s got a firm clay base, not sand, and while there are still lots of jumps, they are all going to be set up in a way that they are fun for experienced riders to tackle but are also very doable for beginners as well. It’s going to be sweet.” It certainly seems like a great idea and something that could take the Gopher Dunes facility to another level. It was not something that happened overnight, however.

“Everything had to be done in a certain order” explains Schuster.

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Next

Phase Phase Phase Derek knew that for him to make the new track legit he could not skimp on dirt when building it. In order to come up with the required amount of dirt to construct the new design he dug out the island in the pond at the front of the property and stockpiled the dirt.

The pond was originally dug and constructed back in the 1950s as an irrigation source for the working tobacco farm that was once on the site.

In the 1980s the owner of the shop at the time enlarged the pond in order to test drive the hopped-up jet skis and personal watercraft that he specialized in. One somewhat unexpected advantage to digging out the pond is that it seems to have turned into a nice little swimming hole for campers to cool off in after a warm day of riding.

I remember the first time I saw someone swimming in there back in the ‘80s. I couldn’t believe it but

now that’s its all cleaned up it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of kids in there splashing around. It just adds to the fun. “We’re probably going to put some floatables and a few other toys in there in the future,” Schuster adds.

Next step was to re-locate what were both the current beginner and peewee tracks in order to make room for the new layout. After that, construction on the new track began.

“It’s been a lot of work,” admits Schuster. No kidding, and how much has all this cost, if you do not mind me asking? “It hasn’t been cheap,” Schuster chuckles, “but I’ve tried to do it as cost effectively as possible.

Let’s just say that the barter system is alive and well in Norfolk County, so it worked out pretty good.”

For those who enter the facility for the first time this year the scope of work that has taken place is immediately evident. I feel the place is starting to resemble one of the bog U.S. facilities like Red Bud, for example, in terms of the professionalism of the layout regarding traffic flow parking and such. The most notable thing is the construction of a new sound berm around the GP Track and the new track itself. Other updates are not quite as noticeable, but still impressive.

“We’ve actually moved the entrance lane over quite a distance, but most people don’t even notice,”

claims Schuster. “I guess they are too busy looking at the rest of the changes. Between building the new GP, beginner and peewee tracks. Adding new fencing and parking areas, extending the trail system in places and creating the new berm, Schuster claims they have moved over 800 loads of dirt. I am no dirt expert, but that seems like a lot to me. “It is,” confirms Schuster. And who helped you do all this? You must have quite a crew of workers. “Me and one other guy pretty much,” states Schuster.

“My dad (Frank) still helps out sometimes and our cousin helps work on the equipment. Kerri runs the shop and that’s pretty much it.”

It is amazing what someone can accomplish when they put their mind to it and the transformation of Gopher Dunes is a perfect example. The new track isn’t open yet but should be in operation by the time you read this.

“We’ve purchased a watering truck for the new track. We absolutely had to have that. It’s only going to be open four days a week and will always be groomed and watered. Sessions will be split up by novice and advanced riders and the rules will be enforced,” emphasises Schuster.

He goes on to add that the first couple of weeks the track will see riders by invitation only as they want to use that time to get any possible bugs

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“For those who enter the facility for the first time this year the scope of work that has taken place is immediately evident.” worked out of the layout, and after that it will be available for all to use and enjoy. I don’t think they will have any problems attracting riders as there has been quite a bit of buzz about it in moto circles and the number of recreational riders hitting the Dunes so far this season hasn’t slowed down, according to Schuster.

The fruits of the Schusters labour were finally realized on the weekend of July 10 – 11, as the Triple Crown National Motocross Championship Series made its yearly stop at the Dunes and the multiple changes to the facility were a large talking point for both racers and spectators alike. By all accounts, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. As for the racing itself, I have been going to Gopher Dunes since it opened in 1986 and have raced the Amateur Program at pretty much every National since they started holding them in 2005, and I cannot remember the track ever being as challenging as it was this past weekend.

I know, I know. People say that every year, but this time I really mean it and I was not the only one saying it.

Many of the pro riders in attendance felt the same way. It seemed the track received the perfect amount of moisture in the previous weeks to really bring out its nasty side, and with many amateurs racing in the Parts Canada Amateur Open on both Friday and Saturday, it got beyond rough. As my colleague “Bigwave Bill” from the Direct Motocross website likes to say, “the sand at the Dunes is bottomless,” and makes for some extremely challenging conditions. It also made for some great racing at both the amateur and professional levels. And while

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the track is tough it also gives riders (myself included) an extreme sense of satisfaction. You can complete your four motos, finish up your day, sit down in your lawn chair and say, “I did that.” And that’s what motocross is really all about, isn’t it?

As for Derek Schuster he could not have seemed any more satisfied with the way the weekend turned out and he was in full agreement on the diabolical nature of the track. “It’s been tough every year, obviously,” states Schuster but some years are nastier than others and this was certainly one of those years. “The only thing we did not have this year was the extreme heat and humidity that we have had on

many occasions in the past. If we had there would have been lots of riders not finishing the motos.”

Schuster compared this year’s conditions to the Nationals back in 2005 and 2006 when, not only track conditions, but heat also played a major role. In 2005, RacerX Magazine Editor Davy Coombs was in attendance and pronounced Gopher Dunes to be the toughest track/National in North America.

“Things are actually starting to feel normal again,” states Schuster on a Monday morning from his office in the shop at Gopher Dunes. “We were at Walton for the first round of the series last weekend, and they had

spectators and it felt good. But being back at home for our National and seeing fans back at the track for the first time in two years was absolutely great. For the first time since it all started things seemed to pretty much be almost back to normal.”

We certainly are not 100 percent out of this pandemic yet, but if this Nationals weekend was any indication, it seems like we may be on the finishing straight. As for the Dunes, Schuster says he’s not finished yet.

He’s got more ideas that he plans to integrate into the facility over the next couple of years. And I, for one, cannot wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.

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Catching Up With

Ryan Derry OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME 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

I

In life and in sports, you just never know when an opportunity will come knocking. For some, there are numerous reasons they fail to make the most of it and the door can shut as quickly as it opens. But when Steve Simms called Ryan Derry with an offer to ride the remaining Triple Crown Series rounds for the new TLD/GASGAS/SSR Team, Derry was more than ready. As you will read in this interview, he took about five seconds to say yes! Ryan has been at this sport a long time and he knows as well as any rider that you must make the most of what you’re given. At round five in Sand Del Lee, in his first race for his new team, Ryan showed how thankful he was by bringing home a solid 10th overall result in the 450 class. This was Ryan’s first-ever top ten finish and we caught up with him moments after he crossed the finish line.

MXP: HEY RYAN, THANKS FOR TALKING TO US. I KNOW YOU WANT TO COOL DOWN AND CELEBRATE WITH YOUR NEW TEAM. FIRST OFF, CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING THIS NEW RIDE. YOU’RE ONE OF THE MOST DESERVING RIDERS IN THE PADDOCK WITHOUT A DOUBT. WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION WHEN YOU GOT THE CALL FROM STEVE?

RD: I think just pure joy, really. I mean, I already knew I was going to say yes so that wasn’t an issue. I think I was a little nervous at first, to be honest. New bike, new team, new everything really.

But overall, I was just excited to get an opportunity like this.

MXP: YOU HAVE ONLY HAD A FEW DAYS OF RIDING AND TESTING ON THE GASGAS. HOW DID YOU FEELING HEADING INTO THE FIRST MOTO TODAY?

RD: Leading up to this weekend I was definitely nervous, but when I woke up this morning, I was more excited than nervous. Of course, as the first moto approached, I started to feel a few more nerves and I ended up getting an awful start and riding really tight. But I was happy to get the first moto on the new bike under my belt and I felt much better in moto two.

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MXP: YOU MUST HAVE FELT MORE COMFORTABLE IN THE SECOND MOTO AS YOU BROUGHT HOME YOUR BEST-EVER NATIONAL MOTO FINISH.

Catching Up With

RD: Yes, I still can’t believe it and I think it’s going to take a little bit to sink in. I just rode smart and steady and battled hard to finish tenth in moto two and tenth overall for the day. It feels good and I’m just so pumped!

Ryan Derry

MXP: IT’S ONE THING TO GET AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS BUT IT’S ANOTHER THING TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT. YOU’VE BEEN AT THIS SPORT A LONG TIME AND I’M SURE YOU’RE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS NEW RIDE WITH THE GASGAS TEAM.

RD: For sure, it has been a long road and I have been at it a long time. I really didn’t start taking it seriously until 2017 as I was finishing up university.

However, since then I’ve worked extremely hard at this sport and while I’m not the most talented rider out there, I do love racing and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.

MXP: EVERYONE HAS HOPES AND DREAMS AND OBVIOUSLY VISUALIZATION IS A BIG PART OF BEING SUCCESSFUL. BUT DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THAT YOU’D GET AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS AND THEN GO OUT AND LOG YOUR BEST EVER FINISH?

RD: Yes and no! I mean over the years you always want to improve and as an athlete you imagine yourself doing well. That is what drives you while you’re working hard during the week.

However, I don’t think I quite saw this coming, not last year and definitely not two years ago.

MXP: AS I SAID, THIS OPPORTUNITY IS MOST CERTAINLY WELL EARNED. THE GAGAS BIKE IS STILL PRETTY NEW TO YOU AS YOU’VE ONLY BEEN ON IT FOR A FEW DAYS. OVERALL, WHAT ARE YOU’RE FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF IT? RD: So far, I really like the bike and thankfully I felt comfortable on it right away. I’ve ridden KTMs before, so I am familiar with the Austrian brands and how the steel frames feel. I was a little worried that the bike was going to feel too plush compared what I’ve

“I just rode smart and steady and battled hard to finish tenth in moto two and tenth overall for the day.

It feels good and I’m just so pumped”

been riding this year, but it didn’t feel that way and honestly, I really enjoy riding it.

MXP: YOU MUST FEEL COMFORTABLE, YOU JUST FINISH TENTH IN THE FINAL MOTO ON A ROUGH TRACK AND ON A REALLY HOT DAY.

RD: I guess you’re right. I’m happy that my confidence with the bike is there already. Hopefully, we can build on this result and improve on it in the final three rounds. For now, though I’m just

going to enjoy this with my dad and with the team and go from there.

MXP: YOU JUST MENTIONED YOUR DAD, PETER. WHILE WE’RE TALKING, HE’S RUNNING AROUND WITH A MASSIVE SMILE ON HIS FACE. YOU TWO ARE ONE OF THE FEW FATHER-SON RIDER AND MECHANIC TEAMS IN THE PADDOCK. WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS OPPORTUNITY AND THIS FINISH TODAY MEANS TO HIM? RD: Oh man! I don’t even think I could put that into words, Palms. He’s been there through it all and he’s experienced every up and down with me. He’s seen me at my lowest and thankfully now he’s got to see me at my highest.

He’s been great at giving me advice over the years and I think he’s proud of how hard I’ve worked to get to this point. As a team, I think we’re really happy with this finish but I now the work begins to try and not only duplicate it but also maybe improve upon it.

MXP: WELL, ONCE AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, YOUR DAD, AS WELL AS YOUR TEAM AND SUPPORTERS. I DON’T THINK MANY OF US COULD GO THROUGH SOME OF THE THINGS YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH IN RECENT YEARS AND STILL BE SMILING AND ENJOYING LIFE AND RACING AS MUCH AS YOU DO. ENJOY THIS RYAN, AND WE’LL SEE YOU IN QUEBEC AT ROUND SIX. RD: Thanks Palms! That means a lot and, yes, we will see you in Deschambault.

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MXP CHATTER WITH

KEYLAN MESTON IN HIS HAPPY PLACE B Y A N DY W H I T E / P H O T O S B Y J A M E S L I S S I M O R E

A

nother season of Canadian motocross has just started, and some riders have moved from team to team. Our seasoned riders have done their fair share of privateer life as well, and it was right down to the wire for Keylan Meston who was waiting on a team deal to come through for him this year or his season might have been shifted back to that of a privateer. Meston hails from the Calgary area and I met him way back in 2011, if memory serves.

I was managing the KTM factory team at the time and I was watching the MX2 class. I noticed this tall, lanky kid on a KTM, and I thought wow this kid has a great style and looks quite aggressive.

Later that day I introduced myself and told him I was impressed with his speed. We sat down and I listened to his program, and I liked what I heard.

Keylan was really putting in the work,

so I felt I needed to support him for his effort. From that day on I have been a Meston fan.

Over the years I have watched Keylan move to different teams and have noticed that he has moved between different brands too. To make your program work when you’re a privateer you need to do what’s right for you.

I totally understand that it’s very difficult to stay loyal in this industry.

If a sponsor catches the eye of a rider, they usually approach them and before you know it, they have a deal in place.

Keylan has been that guy who has just been on the cusp of signing with a top team. This year the Yamaha MX101 team had an opening on its 450 team.

There are plenty of riders to choose from these days.

I know, after speaking with the team owner Kevin Tyler, that the team was looking for a rider who is consistent and able to finish in the top five. When

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“There are a lot of talented riders out there and the privateer life is a grind, bridging the gap to a program that allows you to access your full potential can be tough.”

it comes to what a rider can bring to the table, there are lots of boxes to tick off and Keylan has just what the team was looking for. I feel it’s a great deal for both parties. Keylan has raced a Yamaha in the past so that helps.

He is also good friends with his new teammate Shaun Maffenbeier. It helps that you get along with your teammate in this sport. These two will push each other hard. Sometimes teammates must protect their lines and positions on the track. This can sometimes be difficult when you’re buddies off the track.

I have to say Keylan is one of the humblest riders I have met in a long time. It’s easy to see why teams and sponsors like this rider. When the gate drops, Keylan puts on his race face and knows it’s time for business. I look forward to watching him compete this season with the Yamaha MX101 team.

ANDY WHITE: FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW YOU THAT WELL, YOU HAVE BEEN RACING FOR 10-PLUS YEARS AS A PRO. WHEN DID YOU START RIDING AND WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST RACE? Keylan Meston: I started riding a little later. I was 10 when I first got hooked ripping around on a 1999 Honda XR70. I did my first race shortly after at Blackfoot in a Tuesday Night Mini Moto.

AW: AS A PRO IT’S NOT THAT EASY TO KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED FROM YEAR TO YEAR. WHAT DRIVES YOU?

KM: Just seeing steady progression and the thrill of competition. Good battles and rising to the occasion. Also, the fact that this joyride doesn’t last forever, so I’m doing it while I can.

AW: THIS YEAR YOU ARE ON A TEAM THAT HAS LOTS OF CHAMPIONSHIPS, THEY OBVIOUSLY KNOW HOW TO BUILD GOOD SOLID BIKES. DOES THIS ADD PRESSURE OR BUILD CONFIDENCE? KM: [It] gives me confidence more than anything. When it has been my own program, I am always second guessing my setup and program. MX101 is tried and true, SSS has won races and championships. So even if I have struggles, I have faith that they will get me going in the right direction and I will deliver what I believe I’m made of.

AW: THE PAST FEW YEARS YOU HAVE RUN YOUR OWN PROGRAM. THAT’S NOT AN EASY TASK. YOU NEED TO WEAR LOTS OF HATS. ONE MINUTE YOU’RE A RIDER, THEN YOU’RE A MANAGER, THEN YOU’RE A SALESMAN. WHAT HAT DID YOU NOT LIKE WEARING AS A PRIVATEER? KM: I think any hat that took away from my focus on riding and being an athlete.

Getting a rig down the road, finding campgrounds / sani-dumps, figuring out where to get parts to fix your bike from the previous weekend, etc. There are a lot of talented riders out there and the privateer life is a grind, bridging the gap to a program that allows you to access your full potential can be tough.

AW: NOW YOU’RE ON A TEAM WITH A MANAGER THAT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR MANY YEARS. ARE YOU ABLE TO RELAX AND JUST FOCUS ON YOURSELF? KM: It just allows me to put more time and energy into myself, training and of course rest! Definitely, a weight has been lifted. I can’t thank Kevin Tyler and Brent Carlson enough for the opportunity I have been given. I am truly blessed.

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MXP CHATTER WITH

KEYLAN MESTON IN HIS HAPPY PLACE

AW: RACING IN THE 450 CLASS YOU’RE UP AGAINST SOME RIDERS THAT HAVE HAD SOME SOLID RESULTS. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO GET ON THE PODIUM? KM: I think just believe it’s there and it’s possible. I have spent a lot of years selling myself short. Even when I have had races where I spanked some top dogs, I don’t give myself enough credit because it wasn’t the result I wanted. I am always in the mix, beating guys that win or land podiums. I’m a podium guy, I just haven’t had one yet. I am going to use every race result as an opportunity to learn, capitalize and make gains for every race thereafter.

AW: WHAT DID YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR THE 2021 SEASON? COVID HAS TAKEN A TOLL ON LOTS OF RIDERS WITH NO TRAVEL AND TRACKS BEING SHUT DOWN.

KM: Lots of decisions were up in the air in the off season. Prior to the MX101 deal, I had hopes to race down south but it was a moving target. So, I just did what I could at home. I started riding late January and did so whenever the weather allowed. Also, I started working with a new trainer, so we made sure I kept the off-bike program steady.

AW: YOUR 450 TEAMMATE SHAUN MAFFENBEIER IS A GOOD FRIEND OF YOURS. DOES THIS CHANGE HOW YOU RACE THIS SEASON?

AW: WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS COMING IN TO THE 2021 SEASON?

KM: Not really. I’ll punt him. He can punt me. As long as it’s left on the track and doesn’t burn down the MX101 tent.

I might need some counselling if things get out of hand.

AW: DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS? SOME RIDERS PUT THE LEFT LEG IN THEIR PANTS FIRST, OR I HAVE SEEN RIDERS THAT WILL NOT WEAR A PARTICULAR COLOUR GEAR.

AW: OUT OF THE FOUR TRACKS, THREE OF THEM ARE SAND. IS THIS AN ADVANTAGE TO YOU OR DISADVANTAGE?

KM: I don’t know. I will have to find out.

“I am going to use every race result as an opportunity to learn, capitalize and make gains for every race thereafter.”

KM: Not really, but I do put my left knee brace on before the right and I get a little weird about which goggles I am going to run for each session. Whatever ones are giving me the best vibes.

KM: I am a hard pack guy but gaining more and more confidence in the sand each year. Ironically, my best results have come at SDL and Deschambault.

AW: IS THERE ONE RACE OR WEEKEND THAT REALLY STICKS OUT AS YOUR BEST RACE EVER?

AW: THE 2021 SEASON HAS A FEW DIFFERENT PROGRAMS TO IT. SOME ROUNDS HAVE THREE 15-MINUTE MOTOS, AND THERE’S A ROUND WITH ONLY ONE MOTO. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SERIES?

KM: I had a race as an Intermediate at WCAN in Raymond where I crashed on the start and came from a mile behind to third.

Not sure why, but I just felt like a hero in that race, and it was memorable one.

KM: I have heard a lot of opinions and understand all ends of the spectrum.

I think with the chaos in our world right now this is the perfect time to try something new. Step outside the boundaries we are used to. See what works, what doesn’t and roll with it for years to come. The sport always needs growth. If things aren’t working, I’m all for switching it up.

AW: WE HAVE ALL HAD THOSE WEEKENDS WHERE WE IT FELT LIKE THE WORST ONE EVER AND HAVE WANTED TO QUIT AND SELL EVERYTHING. HAVE YOU HAD A WEEKEND LIKE THAT? IF SO, WHAT MADE YOU LOAD THE BIKE UP FOR THE FOLLOWING RACE? KM: Last year, at the first mud race at Walton. I buried my bike in a mud hole, took a hot minute to haul it out of there.

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It was basically the first round so would have been pretty pathetic to pack up and go home. I will also never quit on someone else’s dime. They worked hard to make that money so I’m going to work hard for them. I even remember trying to manhandle that bike out of that mud thinking there was no option but to get it out and finish the race.

AW: YOUR PARENTS HAVE BEEN A BIG PART OF YOUR RACING. DOES IT HELP HAVING THEM AROUND ON THE WEEKEND? KM: Of course. They are the reason I started, and it feels good having the OG people in your corner. They have been there for every good time and every bad one. It’s starting to feel nice where they can show up and just enjoy themselves at the races and not worry too much about me.

AW: I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE YOUR OWN PODCAST SHOW. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT? KM: I had asked Jared what he had thought about doing something like that and he said he had been thinking of something like that himself for a while as well. So, it started pretty organically. [I] purchased a couple mics and tackled it head on. [It’s] now known as the world’s greatest show, the Bent Methods Podcast. We have had lots of ideas of what it could be but for now with our busy schedules it’s just something we have been doing for fun with our buddies on the weekends.

AW: THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT. ALL THE BEST IN THE 2021 SERIES. I AM SURE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK A FEW PEOPLE? KM: Kevin Tyler, Brent Carlson, Brad Peake, Ben Fooks, Brad Hatt, my mechanic Pete, Cale Foster, my family, my girlfriend Sloane, Boston Calder, MX101, FXR (Andy White), Newf, 6D, Yamaha Canada, SSS, Ride Engineering, Pro Filter, Dunlop, Renthal, FMF, Maxima, Decal Works.

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The Boom HEADING OUTDOORS ON TWO-WHEELS

BY JAC K I E R I E S S / P H OTO S BY JA M E S LI S S I M O R E

I

n the blink of an eye the world shut down. Only essential businesses were open. No more in-person schooling or work, no team sports, no indoor activities. What did remain was the ability and freedom of enjoying the outdoors. People turned to outdoor living: biking, hiking, boating, and motorsports. The offroad motorcycling industry across Canada and the United States has seen record sales and growth over the past 18 months, which has been an incredible opportunity for the industry. Being able to share a sport

many love so much has brought joy during difficult times.

But with this boom, and the COVID-19 pandemic in general, many challenges have risen to the surface.

Companies are now experiencing massive inventory shortages and supply chain issues, making it difficult for dealerships to keep products on the sales floor. Be it motorcycles, gear, or hard parts, it has been a challenge to keep items in stock due to high demand and a halt in production at the beginning of the pandemic. Along with these inventory challenges, dealerships have had to get creative

with ever-changing safety guidelines.

Cobequid Mountain Sports owner Alex Parker explains, “our business has definitely shifted to a lot more online business… as people want… more contactless interactions.” Although these challenges have presented themselves to dealers and consumers, it has been a time of great growth for off-road motorcycle companies.

Along with increased sales came increased participation. In Minnesota, for example, we have seen incredible growth at the local level, with membership numbers being hundreds over 2019 numbers. But how did these people come across dirt biking? What affected their decision? And do they want to stick with it?

With so many options of outdoor activities, how did people come to take up dirt biking over the past 18 months? In my research, I came across two categories of people: people who came back to the sport after many years and people who came from other action sports.

For people returning to off-road riding, many decided to bring the

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entire family along, rather than riding solo like they used to. With this, one rider multiplied into two, three, even four riders, giving incredible growth to the industry with just one family alone. As for the group that came from other action sports, I talked with people who came from snowmobiling, road racing, and mountain biking. All things quite similar to off-road riding in their own unique ways, but different enough that the change of pace was exciting and enjoyable.

Now, to stray from my research and interject my personal theory of why people chose dirt biking, I believe this sport attracts a certain kind of person.

Motorcyclists, and racers even more, are unique in their athletic ability, but also their ability to adapt and overcome situations. They are willing to take risks, both on and off the track, to make the sport work for them.

They choose certain jobs, buy certain vehicles, and base other decisions around motorcycling. Quite possibly it was this aspect of challenge, along with the excitement of motorcycling, that brought people into the sport.

For the people that joined the sport in the past 18 months, what influenced their decision? The biggest obvious influencer was the pandemic. With indoor activities and team sports put on hold, people began searching for something to do.

As mentioned before, people turned to outdoor activities, motorcycling being one of them. Another factor for parents was the desire to keep their children involved in something. In a time where it could have been quite

easy to stay at home and become screen dependent, many people wanted to escape their homes and show their children the importance of physical activity. Though the pandemic was an obvious influence on the growth of the motorsports industry, it can’t be the only factor. Some people I talked with stated the pandemic had nothing to do with their decision. Baseline growth is natural, but the exponential growth was unexpected prior to the pandemic.

The off-road motorcycling industry has now gained many new members, but will they stick with it? Every person I spoke to said they will continue riding at least part-time for many years to come. Which begs the question, why do they enjoy it so much? Their answers are probably quite similar to why you love riding, but in a time of incredible mental stress and unease, the new riders’ enthusiasm for the sport is refreshing.

The term itself may sound cheesy or cliche, but throttle therapy is exactly what many of these people were searching for. Describing the feeling of riding with words like, ‘joy’, ‘freedom’, and ‘fun’, is exactly what people needed in order to cope in unprecedented times. The pure adrenaline rush of being on the motorcycle helped the worries of the world fade away.

Personally, this is a major reason why I ride. The noticeable difference in mood and outlook after a weekend of riding compared to a weekend cooped up at home is incredible. Part of that personal change is because of the people I get to see, which is another reason why so many people are valuing off-road motorcycling.

It’s no secret the dirt biking community is unique to those that are already a part of it, but to newbies, the strong sense of camaraderie and family is surprising. Most of the people I spoke with noted the incredible people in this sport, and how these people make the track and trails feel like home. In addition to making new connections with people of similar mindsets, the value of family time is what keeps people coming back. The nights spent camping, making new friends, and overall timeless family memories have a strong part in retention of new riders.

As I theorized previously, these people enjoy the challenge of riding.

Many parents noted how easy it is to use racing experiences to teach their children valuable life lessons. It has been a tangible way to show them, and how adults can show themselves, how far they can go with hard work, perseverance, and determination.

After talking with people that have a newfound love for the sport, I realize that I probably didn’t get to talk with people who have had neutral or negative experiences. So, what can we do as established riders to keep these people in motorcycling? We can make

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The Boom connections with these new people. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but a simple ‘hello’ is enough to open the doors for people to start a conversation they may not have had.

Maybe they had a question about their bike or their gear, but they didn’t know who to ask. You could be that resource for someone and make a positive impact on their experience. The next thing we can do is make riding opportunities known.

The power of sharing a track’s post on social media could do just that. You never know who could see the post and re-share it with someone looking

for that exact experience. Not to mention the positive impact your actions can have for track owners who have experienced trials in their business over the past 18 months. And finally, coaching new riders is an important step to creating safe riding experiences. I’m sure we all know someone who quit the sport because they were injured. This is a very real experience for many new riders, and coaching proper technique can strengthen retention, in addition to helping people make valuable connections.

After facing many challenges with the pandemic, those of us involved with the off-road motorcycling community have so many positives to focus on. Does that mean nothing bad happened to us over the past 18 months? No. But I am a strong believer that life is how you perceive it. I am choosing to take the positives from this difficult time, and I hope you can too. Furthermore, I hope you find a smidgen of inspiration to change just one fellow motorcyclist’s experience next time you visit the track or trails. Maybe, just maybe, the pandemic secretly gave us exactly what we needed: connection, purpose, and the pure joy of motorcycling.

“In a time where it could have been quite easy to stay at home and become screen dependent, many people wanted to escape their homes and show their children the importance of physical activity.”

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“AT THE TIME MANY FELT THAT THE 2016 SEASON WAS JUST A CONTINUATION OF THE SUCCESS THAT THOMPSON HAD ENJOYED SINCE HE WAS A YOUNG KID. JUST ANOTHER NOTCH IN THE BELT OR TOOTH ON THE SPROCKET IF YOU WILL.” 56 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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COLE THOMPSON: A WALK IN THE PARK

When you think of Cole Thompson you immediately think of a smooth and precise rider who does more talking on the track than he does off it. Watching Cole ride is a beautiful thing as his technique and style make most feel that riding a dirt bike at high speed isn't much different than walking in a park. However, behind the scenes and under his helmet, the past few years have been difficult on Cole and at times he has had to shift his focus from riding to healing and getting his body and mind back to where he needs it to be.

As much as Cole has made riding look easy during these past few seasons, it has been anything but for the former Triple Crown Champion.

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

A

fter winning the 2016 250MX Outdoor National Championship Cole and his KTM Canada Team were on top of the world. Not only had he won the 250MX title, but his teammate Davi Millsaps accomplished what he was brought to Canada to do – dominate the 450MX class. Together, Thompson, Millsaps, and the third rider on the team, Kaven Benoit, helped create an orange wave of success in our Pro National Series like we have rarely seen before.

And while some in the media referred to Millsaps as the hired gun of the series, Thompson had earned the nickname 'Tommy Gun' by his peers and teammates. The handle, no doubt, was meant to represent Thompson's speed and confidence on the track as well as his swagger off it. At the time many felt that the 2016 season was just a continuation of the success that Thompson had enjoyed since he was a young kid.

Just another notch in the belt or tooth on the sprocket if you will. No one – no one – at the time figured that Cole Thompson could be stopped.

A year later, as Thompson and his team began the 2017 race season, it didn't take long for them to realize that defending a title can sometimes be more difficult than winning it the first time. Not only are pressure and expectations stronger from within, but the competition is always more motivated to knock you off the top of the mountain. Looking back, the 2017 season could be summed up with one word: adversity. Injuries, bike issues, and some great riding by Shawn Maffenbeier all contributed to Thompson's final year in the 250 class being one he would sooner forget.

The following season, his first in the 450 class, Thompson's rollercoaster ride continued as he battled Colton Facciotti in the newly formed Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series to win the overall championship and the $100,000 prize that went with it. The 2018 season wasn't all roses, however, as a few on-track run-ins with Facciotti cooled the riders’ offtrack friendship. But winning isn't always easy and sometimes there is collateral damage.

In 2019, Thompson's task of win-

ning his first-ever outdoor 450 title became even more challenging as he not only had to deal with a very motivated Facciotti, who was racing in his final series and no doubt wanted to go out on top, but the OTSFF Yamaha Team had brought up journeyman Phil Nicoletti to help win them another big bike championship. It was a stacked 450 field in 2019. If you wanted to win, you had to be at the top of your game.

Thompson's series started well with a moto win at the opening round in Calgary, but a derailed chain at round two in Prince George forced him to hand the red plates back. Later that summer, Cole would suffer an ankle injury and a concussion during a hard crash in Quebec, and those lost points ended his hopes of repeating as the overall Triple Crown Series Champion. It was another challenging season without a doubt, but as bad as it was, nothing would prepare Cole or any of the other riders for what they were about to face in 2020.

Being a pro athlete in any sport demands the utmost selfish commitment to your craft. From sunup til sundown, everything has a schedule and routine. As tough as that is, it can't be any other way if you want to be successful. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, everyone's world was thrown upside down. Life as we had known it worldwide came to a grinding halt, and we collectively held our breath and prayed for a quick and healthy return to normal.

For Thompson and his fellow Triple Crown Series riders, throughout April and May 2020 they didn't even have a series to race as Government restrictions had tracks and events shut down. Thankfully, our national series promoter Jetwerx found a way to make things happen and in early June it was announced that the Triple Crown Series would begin in July at Gopher Dunes. All riders, including Thompson were excited and, at that point, it was time to make final preparations.

Leading up to the opening round,

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Thompson and a few of the top riders attended multiple Ontario Provincial events in hopes of getting in some gate drops and working on their intensity. Usually, these races are low stress for our top riders as, on one hand, they try and push their limits, while on the other, they try and stay out of trouble. It was going as planned for Thompson until a freak encounter with a lapped rider caused a cut in the sensitive area surrounding his armpit.

At first, it appeared to be a small cut that was treated as any other would be, but the cut became infected and the situation, which should have been routine, was anything but.

Soon after, Cole’s health began to fail.

Low on energy and unsure what was causing his fatigue, Thompson tried to compete in the opening rounds of the 2020 Triple Crown Series but after just a few races he decided to take some off and figure out what was really wrong.

It would take a few months to diagnose Thompson's illness, but it was finally determined that he was suffering from the dreaded EBV (Epstein Bar Virus). Over the years, many riders have had to go through EBV and while almost all have recovered and resumed their careers at a high level, it can take a long time to pass through the body. Telling a go-go-go professional athlete that they have to take time off and do nothing for a few months is difficult, but that is what Cole was told to do.

After taking the summer off. Thompson returned to the Triple Crown Series in September and the SX portion.

He rode well in the four SXTour rounds and won the 450SX Championship, but he was still not quite himself. At that point, racing was done, and it was time to think about planning his off-season and coming out strong in 2021.

Drawing on his experience as well as advice from the people close to him Thompson decided to use this past off-season as a chance to not only heal and get healthy but also to get stronger both mentally and physically. The first thing Thompson did was something few people thought he would do which was get a day job.

Yes, you just read that correctly.

For six weeks, before heading to the U.S. in December, Cole worked for his family business Monday through Friday for eight hours a day. This experience not only gave him a new appreciation for his full-time job as a professional motocross racer, but it also gave him a new skill set and some added self-confidence that he

COLE THOMPSON: A WALK IN THE PARK could do something other than ride a dirt bike. It wound up being a terrific experience and when Thompson headed to the U.S. to begin his preparation for the 2021 season, he was feeling better than he had in years.

After spending the opening months of this year in the U.S. with his wife Chloe, Thompson returned to Canada feeling excited about his 2021 season. When he and his KTM Canada team met in Quebec for their annual photoshoot in June, Thompson was loose and finally feeling like he did back in 2016. Even his trusted mechanic and close friend Steve Beattie commented on the change in Cole's demeanour and that “Tommy Gun” might be back!

As we all know, when it comes to performing any task, we can have all the training in the world, but if we don't feel truly confident in our abilities before attempting the said task, then most times the outcome isn't favourable. For Cole Thompson, with his health now 100 percent and his mind in the right place, he can once again focus on becoming a champion.

If the opening few rounds of the 2021 Triple Crown Series are any indication, Thompson is ready to challenge for his first 450 title.

At the opening rounds he's been fast, consistent, and near the front of the pack. Will be able to dethrone Dylan Wright and win the 2021 Triple Crown 450 Championship? Only time will tell. However, Cole Thompson is in a much better place right now than he's been in years. His health is better and his physical and mental fitness are now working in unison to make him the best rider and person he can be. As I mentioned before, only time will tell if Cole can find the success.

But maybe, just maybe, Tommy Gun is back!

“DRAWING ON HIS EXPERIENCE AS WELL AS ADVICE FROM THE PEOPLE CLOSE TO HIM THOMPSON DECIDED TO USE THIS PAST OFFSEASON AS A CHANCE TO NOT ONLY HEAL AND GET HEALTHY BUT ALSO TO GET STRONGER BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.”

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Industry Profile:

Chad Goodwin 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

O

When you think about individuals in our sport who are truly passionate about what they do, Thor Pro Circuit Kawasaki Team Manager Chad Goodwin most certainly comes to mind. Born in Ohio in 1972, Chad has been around motorcycles in one way or another since he can remember. From following his dad around the family dealership learning the ins and outs on how to work on bikes, to racing himself, to being a full-time mechanic for many big-name riders, Chad has done it all. These days he spends his time overseeing Kawasaki’s factory race team in Canada as it competes in the 2021 Triple Crown Series.

With Marshal Weltin racing in the 450 class and Darian Sanayei competing in the 250 class, Chad has his hands full. However, he wouldn’t want it any other way and we had a chance to sit down with him for this month’s Industry Profile.

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MXP: HEY CHAD, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US.

constantly moving and dealing with different situations. So, while it’s hard to completely disconnect from that, sometimes we need to.

MXP: OKAY, WE HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO CHAT ABOUT RACING AND MOTOCROSS, BUT MY FIRST QUESTION IS ABOUT YOUR NORMAL LIFE. I’M ASSUMING YOU HAVE ONE OUTSIDE OF MOTOCROSS [LAUGHS]. WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT THE TRACK OR THE SHOP, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE LIKE, AND WHAT TYPE OF THINGS DO YOU ENJOY DOING?

MXP: TALK TO US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND GROWING UP AROUND MOTORCYCLES. HOW AND WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN?

CG: No problem Palms, I’m happy to do it.

CG: Great question! First off, yes, I have a life outside of motocross, but like all of us who make our living in this sport, everything is connected and the wheel, so to speak, never stops turning. I have a lovely fiance who is obviously very supportive of what I do. She has two kids and I have three kids, so they keep us pretty busy. Even though I’m from Ohio, I love the beach and really our happy place is just hanging out at the beach and relaxing. We like to ride bicycles together and just sort of recharge our batteries when we’re not working.

She has a stressful job, so when she’s not at work she likes to get away from it.

For me, my job has me on the road a lot so when I’m not working, I also enjoy just shutting things down and turning my cell phone off. That’s it.

Overall, we’re fairly simple people.

MXP: I FEEL LIKE IT’S LIKE THAT FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEIR LIVING IN THIS INDUSTRY. IT’S HARD TO GET AWAY BUT WHEN THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY, WE LIKE TO JUST GO OFF THE GRID. CG: I would agree with that. This is an intense sport with a lot of emotion. When we’re at the track the atmosphere is like no other and we’re

CG: I believe I was around 12 or 13 years old when I started racing and getting involved in this sport. My parents owned a shop and thankfully they had the means and desire to take me to the track and start racing. As I mentioned, we lived in Ohio so at that time there was a lot of racing and really good tracks all within a few hours of driving.

Ohio was booming with racing, as was Michigan, so we spent a lot of time racing there. Sometimes I would be able to race on a Friday and Saturday night and then also on Sunday. It was a fun time and since we were doing it as a family, it provided some great memories.

MXP: WE’RE ABOUT THE SAME AGE AND I REMEMBER THOSE DAYS IN OHIO AND ESPECIALLY MICHIGAN. SO MANY FAST KIDS AND SO MANY GREAT TRACKS. DURING THOSE EARLY RACING DAYS WERE YOU ALWAYS MECHANICALLY INCLINED?

CG: Yes, I think so. With my dad having a shop, I would spend a lot of time there as a kid and between him showing how to do certain things and me just watching how things were being done, over time I learned how to work on bikes. After racing for a few years, I realized while I was in high school that I probably wasn’t going to be able to make a living at racing dirt bikes, so that is when I transitioned over to the mechanic side of things and began working for some riders.

“So, to answer your question, no I probably didn’t think I’d be where I am today but at the same time, I just did the work, took advantage of my opportunities, and here I am.”

MXP: WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING A MECHANIC IN THOSE DAYS?

CG: The 1990s was really a great era in our sport because there was so much change going on everywhere. The bikes were improving, and the sport was getting more exposure with Supercross.

For me, I went from just going to the local races with a kid to help him out to working for a team to running my own suspension and motor business.

Looking back, it feels like things happened pretty quickly. It was hard work, but I was loving every minute. One of the things my dad taught me was that if you’re going to do something you have to do it right. That means long hours and even though you think you’re done, there is always more you can do. That is how he did things and thankfully he passed that on to me. So, in those early days of working for riders, I just put in the work and made sure their bikes were ready to go.

MXP: WE’VE SPOKEN A LOT ABOUT HOW COOL THE 1990S AND EARLY 2000S WERE AS THERE WAS SO MUCH GROWTH IN THE SPORT. YOU MENTIONED HOW SUPERCROSS TOOK OFF AND JEREMY MCGRATH BECOMING A HOUSEHOLD NAME. YOU WERE A PART OF THAT ERA IN THE UNITED STATES, AND I FEEL LIKE WE COULD

BENCH RACE FOR HOURS ABOUT SOME OF THE THINGS YOU EXPERIENCED. IT REALLY WAS A SPECIAL TIME, WASN’T IT?

CG: For sure, there will never be another era like that as everything now is so public with social media and everyone knowing everyone’s business. Back then, the riders raced each hard and that was one of the things that made the sport so exciting. Maybe they didn’t train as hard as they do now off of the bike, but they had fun and when it came time to race, they went for it. It was a memorable time without a doubt.

MXP: HOW DID YOU END UP COMING TO CANADA?

CG: I first came to Canada in 2009 and, other than 2016 and 2017, I think I’ve been here for every season. So, it’s been a long adventure in your great country.

MXP: THERE HAS BEEN SOME INCREDIBLE RACING IN CANADA DURING THE PAST DECADE AND EVEN BEFORE THAT. IT’S VERY COOL THAT YOU’VE BEEN HERE TO SEE IT ALL. HOW DID YOUR ORIGINAL OPPORTUNITY COME UP WITH THE HUBER MOTORSPORTS TEAM? CG: I was actually at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National when Gerhart [Huber] first called me and asked if I’d come up and work for Jacob

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Industry Profile:

Chad

Goodwin Hayes for a weekend. So, I flew from Nashville to Canada and did a weekend with the team, then I flew back to Nashville, drove home, and then flew back up here the following weekend.

Thankfully, I’ve been with the Huber Team ever since.

MXP: I REMEMBER THAT WEEKEND AND SEEING YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME. I LOVE HEARING STORIES ABOUT THE ROAD PEOPLE HAVE TRAVELLED TO GET TO WHERE THEY ARE NOW. SO MANY BUMPS, TURNS, GOOD CHOICES, AND EVEN BAD DECISIONS ALONG THE WAY. I’M SURE YOU’VE EXPERIENCED ALL OF THAT. LOOKING BACK NOW, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D BE WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

CG: Well, that is a great question, Palms. I would probably say no but at the same time, I have to go back to one of the things my parents taught me. As I mentioned above, my dad taught me all about hard work and just putting in hours at your craft. He also taught me to not look too far ahead and to take things day by day. When I first started going to the races as a mechanic back in 1990, I was helping a privateer rider who was just happy to be at the track.

So, like him, I really didn’t have many expectations. But we worked hard, and people took notice of that. From there, I went an AX team out of Texas and that got the ball rolling. So, to answer your question, no I probably didn’t think I’d be where I am today but at the same time, I just did the work, took advantage of my opportunities, and here I am.

“Our job as a Kawasaki race team is to help out as many of these riders as we can and make them feel like they have a little extra support at the track.”

MXP: YOU JUST MENTIONED GETTING OPPORTUNITIES AND MAKING THE MOST OUT OF THEM. THIS YEAR YOU HELPED FACILITATE THE REBIRTH OF THE CANADIAN TEAM GREEN PROGRAM. BETWEEN YOU, CANADIAN KAWASAKI, AND THE KAWASAKI DEALER NETWORK SOME OF OUR AMATEUR RIDERS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL. TALK TO ME A LITTLE ABOUT GETTING THIS INCREDIBLE PROGRAM GOING AGAIN. CG: Well, even though my main job is overseeing the Thor Pro Circuit Kawasaki Team I felt it was important to help grow the amateur side of the sport and help out as many riders as we can. I think it’s from my days of being one of those kids on the other side of the fence looking in and watching the teams giving support to riders. Helping out riders at all levels is so important, and if we can do that and be a part of

the growth of the sport then I’m all for that. Last weekend we gave a couple of riders some parts that if they didn’t get, they wouldn’t be able to race, and we’ll continue to do that all summer long regardless of if they’re a 65 rider or even a vet rider. We’ve been lucky enough during this pandemic to see our sport grow and now our amateur races are bigger than they ever have been.

Our job as a Kawasaki race team is to help out as many of these riders as we can and make them feel like they have a little extra support at the track. If we can do that and then maybe these riders will stick around motocross for a long time.

MXP: THAT IS AMAZING CHAD AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT THE TEAM GREEN RIDERS AT THE TRACK APPRECIATE ALL OF THE EXTRA HELP YOU’RE PROVIDING. WHETHER THAT’S

WITH THE ODD PART OR EVEN JUST SOME GOOD OLD ADVICE. AS FAR AS THE THOR PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI TEAM GOES, YOUR TEAM OF MARSHAL WELTIN AND DARIAN SANAYEI ARE OFF TO A GOOD START IN THE 2021 TRIPLE CROWN SERIES. ARE YOU HAPPY WITH HOW THE SEASON HAS UNFOLDED SO FAR?

CG: So far things have been good and, at least in the 450 class, we’re right in the battle for the championship. This is Weltin’s first year on a 450 so he’s still learning some things. But overall, his speed is great, and the bike has been working great. As far as Sanayei goes, he’s also been right there in some motos and, as we speak, he has a couple of podium finishes. I believe he can win races and get himself into the 250 title fight, so we’ll see how the final few rounds go. All in all, I’m happy with our riders, our team, and the Triple Crown Series. I’m hoping and praying that they can release a 2022 series schedule before the end of the summer so we can continue to grow the sport and work towards getting back to a coast-to-coast series next year.

MXP: WELL, IT’S BEEN NICE TO SEE AT LEAST A FEW FANS OUT AT THE RACES THIS SUMMER, AS ITS ONE BIG STEP BACK TO NORMAL. AS YOU SAID, HOPEFULLY IN 2022 WE CAN GET BACK TO A NORMAL AND FULL NATIONAL SCHEDULE. THANKS FOR TAKING THIS TIME WITH US, CHAD. BEST OF LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER AND THANKS ALSO FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO TO HELP THE SPORT HERE IN CANADA. CG: Thanks for reaching out and giving me a platform to talk about everything.

It’s been a long road, but I’ve loved every minute of it.

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CANADA’S SOURCE FOR MOTOCROSS AND OFF ROAD NEWS FOR THE PAST 22 YEARS @MXPMAGAZINE

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@MXPMAGAZINE

@MXPMAG

2021-05-13 3:51 PM

YOUNG PRESENTS

AND ON THE

RISE ISE R WITH

CODY MEATHERALL B Y C H R I S P O M E R OY

WE ARE EXTREMELY LUCKY IN CANADA TO HAVE SEVERAL FAST YOUNG RIDERS. FROM COAST TO COAST, OUR KIDS ARE RIPPING UP THE TRACKS AND WITH EACH LAP, THEY’RE PROVING THAT THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT IN CANADIAN MOTOCROSS. ONE OF THESE TALENTED YOUNGSTERS IS ONTARIO RIDER CODY MEATHERALL WHO, AS OF PRESS TIME, HAS BEEN CLEANING UP IN EARLY SEASON AMO OPC EVENTS. CODY IS A SMOOTH AND FAST RIDER AND HE’S LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE SUCCESS AS THE 2021 SEASON ROLLS ON. FOR THAT’S COOL. A LONG THIS MONTH’S TIME AGO I USED TO YOUNG AND ON RACE SOME STEEL CITY THE RISE, WE RIDERS EVENTS. I’M PROFILE CODY GLAD THEY’RE STILL MEATHERALL. AROUND. DO YOU HAVE MXP: FIRST OFF CODY, CAN YOU TELL ME HOW OLD YOU ARE AND WHERE DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CALL HOME? CM: I’m 8 years old and live on a farm just outside the small town of Waterford, Ontario.

CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING COOL ABOUT WATERFORD? Waterford has lots of great fishing and we try and get out at least once a week to try our luck.

I GUESS FISHING IS LIKE RACING – SOMETIMES BE LUCKY TO BE GOOD. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RIDING A DIRT BIKE? Well, believe it or not I started riding dirt bikes at 18 months old on a Yamaha PW50 with training wheels with LOTS of help from dad THAT’S AMAZING THAT YOU’VE PROGRESSED SO FAST. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST RACE AND HOW YOU DID? My first race was with Steel City Riders at their club track in Ohsweken racing that same PW50. It was a fun time. I finished the race and that’s what was important to me.

A FAVOURITE RIDER? Jack Wright. He’s been helping me prepare for Walton TransCan this year and he’s really fast.

OTHER THAN JACK CURRENTLY, DOES ANYONE GIVE YOU ADVICE? My dad has taught me pretty much everything I know but now we are working with Jack to help take me to the next level.

HOW WAS YOUR OFFSEASON. WE KNOW IT’S BEEN TOUGH TO GET AND DO ANYTHING BUT WERE YOU ABLE TO PLAY OTHER SPORTS OR STAY ACTIVE? Yes, we kept quite busy with lots of ice skating, snowmobiling, and outdoor winter activities. We even spent some time at Oakland Ponds with ice tires on the 65cc Cobra that was an amazing experience.

OKAY, SO IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD NO PROBLEM STAYING BUSY DURING THE WINTER. LOOKING BACK TO LAST YEAR, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS YOUR BEST RACE IN 2020?

It’s hard to say as I’ve been lucky enough to have some good results.

I really enjoyed the racing at Gopher Dunes last year and I had some really fun battles there.

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WELL, THAT MAKES SENSE. WHAT GRADE ARE YOU IN AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURTIE SUBJECT? I’m in grade 3 and I’d say math is my favourite subject. I don’t know why, I guess I just like numbers.

“I FEEL LIKE MY HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF. I TRAINED A LOT AND PUT THE WORK IN SO IT’S GREAT THAT THIS YEAR I’M FINALLY GETTING SOME SOLID RESULTS.”

GOPHER DUNES IS A TOUGH TRACK, IT’S GOOD THAT AT YOUR AGE YOU ALREADY ENJOY RACING THERE. MOVING ON TO THIS YEAR, YOU’RE OFF TO A GREAT START SO FAR IN THE 2021 AMO OPC SERIES. HOW HAVE THE FIRST FEW EVENTS GONE FOR YOU? I feel like my hard work is paying off. I trained a lot and put the work in so it’s great that this year I’m finally getting some solid results. I’m leading the AMO Provincials and Parts Canada Championship at the moment. We broke a throttle cable at Sand Del Lee while in the lead position and unfortunately that led to a DNF in one moto, so I’m mounting a comeback in that championship.

One more weekend maybe and I’ll hopefully be back in the top spot.

HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO HEAD DOWN SOUTH TO RIDE AT ALL. ARE YOU PLANNING TO WHEN THE BORDER OPENS? No, we haven’t yet. We just practice around here, and I have my own track at home on the farm. I’m sure at some point we’ll head to the U.S. to do some riding and maybe even some racing.

LOOKING BACK AT ALL OF YOUR RACING RESULTS, WHICH ONE ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I would say it was first year racing AMO 50cc 4-6 class and the 50 GP class. I won both Provincial Championships first try at racing and even Won the Motopark Cup Championship that year as well. Being my first year racing I had no expectations other than to show up and have fun so winning was a bonus!

WHAT IS YOUR FUNNIEST OR SCARIEST ROAD TRIP STORY? That would be at the Sand Del Lee National race when my younger brother split his head open at the rockstar tent. It wasn’t pretty and we ended up having to take a trip to the hospital.

Hopefully, that was the first and last trip to the hospital we have to make.

WELL, SOMETIMES THOSE THINGS HAPPEN. IT’S GOOD THAT YOU’RE READY TO BOUNCE BACK. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO OTHER THAN RIDE DIRT BIKES? I’d have to say swimming or fishing. I like the water, so I guess anything to do with that.

THAT’S AMAZING! WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK TO RIDE? I’d have to say Walton now that I have learned to ride ruts properly and can hit the bigger jumps there, the dirt there is awesome too. It wasn’t always my favourite track in the past though as sometimes I would struggle in the deep ruts.

THAT SOUNDS A LITTLE SCARY FOR SURE. ARE YOU AN XBOX PLAYER OR PS4 AND WHAT GAMES DO YOU PLAY? I don’t really play video games. I’m very active and I’d rather play outside sports. But If I do play video games it’s usually in the offseason and they are motocross games. [laughs]

THAT’S A GOOD ANSWER AS MOST MOTO KIDS WOULD SAY GYM CLASS IS THEIR FAVOURITE [LAUGHS]. OKAY, WE’RE INTO THE SUMMER NOW, WHAT ARE YOUR RACING PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2021?

My goals are to get ready to move up next year and be ready to challenge for championships in the 65cc class, but also focusing on finishing off my 50cc career in style this season. I’m after every win and every championship I’m lining up for, it’s going to be a blast!

YOU SOUND VERY MOTIVATED CODY, THAT’S GREAT. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN SAY FIVE YEARS? Probably doing the same thing but at higher levels of competition. One day I’d like to turn pro and ride for a big team. That would be very cool if I could ever get to that level.

OKAY, THANKS FOR DOING THIS CODY, AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. FINAL QUESTION, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO THANK? My mom and dad for supporting me.

It takes all their time and most of their money and I appreciate it a lot.

It’s part of the reason I work so hard.

I’d also like to thank Glen Meatherall (Beepa) as he’s helped me a lot too with equipment and supporting me at the races.

I’d also like to thank my Team Sponsor- TMR Motocross, Cobra TM Canada, Titan Cycle, MP1 Suspension, and Probuild Transmission Limited for all they do in helping me get to racing and my goals.

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THE INSIDE LINE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

WITH ANDY WHITE

PHOTOS BY JAM E S LISSIMOR E

“IF THE TEAM MANAGER SEES YOU’RE INTERESTED AND ARE SHOWING SOME PASSION, YOUR NAME USUALLY GETS ON THE LIST OF POTENTIAL RIDERS.”

BUILDING YOUR BRAND THE STAKES ARE HIGH FOR SELF-PROMOTION THESE DAYS AND KEEPING ON TOP REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF THOUGHT, CREATIVITY, AND COMMITMENT. DO YOU HAVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GAME DIALLED IN? IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, I HAVE NOTICED THAT TOP PRO RIDERS HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE ON THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA. THEY ARE EITHER POSTING PICTURES ABOUT THEIR TRAINING OR THEIR MOVES AT A FULL WEEKEND EVENT.

R

Riders like Adam Cianciarulo and Dean Wilson have been doing this for some time and do a good job. Why do they spend the time and money to invite you into their lives? Cianciarulo has someone following him around to capture lots of good content. Then someone else edits the videos with music. This process involves a fair bit of time and money.

Again, I ask why do factory riders do this on a race weekend when they should be focusing on the race? I think it’s pretty easy to figure it out. These are the riders that are making sure their sponsors are happy with their investment. I have always said the best riders to support are the ones that understand the entire picture, including business aspects.

If a gear sponsor is looking to spend say, $250,000 on a top rider, the marketing manager wants the best

bang for their buck. Do you know how much gear you need to sell to support an athlete like that? If you guessed $1.2 million, you’re close. By the way, that figure does not include the product and the extra time spent on marketing the rider.

It’s a full-time job for a brand or marketing manager to ensure return on your investment. That’s business, people. Yes, it’s fun but at the end of the day, it’s all about selling product.

If you have a choice between a few riders, you are going to look for the rider that gives you the most in return.

Yes, winning races is important, but if the rider has the personality of a turnip where does that leave you?

I have met some unengaged riders over the years. They think because they win, they’re safe and will stay employed until they start losing. There is some truth in that. But imagine winning races and having a personality that invites people in, makes them want to engage,

maybe get an autograph and snap a photo or two. This is the rider that all teams are looking for. Riders that have figured out the winning formula are generally paid more and are signed to longer contracts, and their racing careers last longer because of their winning personalities.

I am only telling you this because I feel today’s riders are still in their little bubble. They think it’s up to the sponsors and teams to parade them around like circus acts at the carnival.

Sorry folks, that’s not the way it works in this day and age. Do you know how many good riders have no real support?

I am talking about pro riders that can easily come up to Canada and podium in the 250 class. The 450 class is a little harder, obviously.

I hear from lots of riders that ask the same question: “do you know of any teams looking for a fast rider like me?”

I reply with, “have you tried contacting the team manager or someone on the team?” Make the effort, people.

If the team manager sees you’re interested and are showing some passion, your name usually gets on the list of potential riders. Make sure you do your homework on the team. It’s always good to know who’s who before you walk under the tent not knowing the name of the team owner. Get yourself noticed by the team, or the mechanics,

or even the truck driver. They will put in a good word in for you.

I remember a while back when managing the Factory KTM team, there was a rider from another team who walked right by me and didn’t even say hi. He approached one of the mechanics and asked if Andy White was around. The mechanic looked at me and laughed.

He said, “you almost knocked him down as you entered the team pit.”

That was not a good start for that rider, and he didn’t sign with KTM. Another rider that finished in the top five in the 450 class many years ago said to his friends, I was waiting for my phone to ring. I am not approaching any team. If they want me, they am with a smaller paycheque.

If, after reading this column, you still don’t understand how the system works you should probably hire an agent that will help you get your name on the list.

I am the first to admit that we are not good at doing everything. If you’re great on the marketing side, but you’re finishing outside of the top ten then you need to hire a riding coach like Mike Brown.

If you are out of shape and you need to understand how to better yourself, then hire a personal trainer. The same goes for marketing yourself. Find someone who can help you get in front of fans and sponsors. It’s only money, right? You are already spending a ton on your program. Budget a little more in areas that can help you.

For example, if you start seeing your social numbers grow, your sponsors will notice. In return, that means the sponsors will most likely help you out with either bigger discounts or free product.

It might even lead you to a team looking for a special rider who can bring fans to that team. Call me if you have any questions. I would love to help.

66 // MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM

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2020 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always ride responsibly. Always ride within the limits of your skills, your experience and your machine.

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