By Danny Brault

Photos: Danny Brault

Ontario featured some great racing in the intermediate classes this season, and there were at least ten guys who had the ability to win a moto. Sarnia’s Rob Pelletier topped the field several times this year, as he grabbed a few moto wins on his way to finishing third in the 125 and GP intermediate provincial series. He then proved his skills nationally, when he went 4-4-10 in the 125 class for fourth overall and 6-3 in the GP class for fourth at Walton. (He also qualified for his first pro national at Walton, but DNFd both motos.) In nearly all of his motos at Walton, Pelletier came off the line outside the top 20, but with a never-say-die-attitude, he would always finish on the heels of the top three. We caught up with Pelletier while he was practicing near his home in Sarnia, to find out his feelings on the past summer and what he’s doing to get ready for his first year in the pro class.

Rob Pelletier takes a break from riding with friend Ryan McLellan.

RXC: Okay Rob, let’s get some background on you. Tell us how you got into motocross?

Rob Pelletier: I got into dirt bikes through my dad, he raced flat track. So I started racing flat track, when I was around ten. Then I moved into motocross around ’98, and I just liked that way better. My first bike was a mini-moto, and I just rode it around for fun.

What did you race in flat track?

An RM 80.

Where did you race?

Same deal as racing motocross; all over Ontario.

Did you have much success racing flat track?

Yeah I won my first flat track race actually, and then it went all downhill from there.

You were a decent rider in the 80cc and junior class, but it wasn’t until last year people started noticing you. Especially when you were riding with a cast on.

Yeah I won a moto with the cast [on] at Wheatley. It was the week after I broke it.

This past winter you again suffered an injury, what happened?

It was the second day I was in Panama City, I broke my collarbone. We were down there for two more weeks; it was depressing.

How did this season go for you?

It started out well, I was winning some motos at the start of the year and then I started getting bad starts and working my way from the back to the top three.

What were your goals for the season?

I wanted to win the provincials and Walton, but … it was all right, it was kind of depressing. I really wanted to win and I trained pretty hard. But whatever, it just didn’t work out.

What are you up to right now?

I’m roofing right now with my uncle.

What do you think you’ll need to work on to do well in the pro class?

Train my butt off, get into shape and hopefully finish top five in the provincials next year.

Have you talked with anyone for help next year?

I’ve been trying to talk to people. I was talking to Hudson’s and Precision Powersports, but no deals have really been made.

Who would you like to thank for helping you out this year?

My dad and Caroline, obviously. Wrex, Pro Tech suspension, my uncle Rob and the Cobra Shop. 

Great, thanks for chatting Rob and good luck in the pro ranks.

Thanks.