By Bruno Menard

After missing the final round of the last two MX2 West title chases due to injuries, Kyle Beaton has finished in 6th overall in both 2004 and 2005. That is a respectable finish but Beaton is capable of a championship so 6th overall has not met his expectations. For 2006, Beaton is stronger than ever. Even though his main priority is to win the MX2 title, Kyle will start off by racing the first Eastern MX1 round in Ste-Julie on his Kyle Beaton Racing YZ450F (he will miss Gopher Dunes to attend his high school graduation).

RXC: When did you decide to do the nationals on your own?
Kyle Beaton: Around February. It’s not totally my own; it’s still fully Yamaha backed and Clearbrook Yamaha is helping me out huge. But yes, I’m the only one on the team and I have my own name on my bikes so yeah, it kinda is [laughs].

Why aren't you on the official Yamaha team?
I was supposed to be on the Morgan Racing team but there were some issues with sponsors and other things so it was just easier to do it on my own.

How do you feel on the 450F?
Really good! I was pretty iffy on it when I first started riding it but I have the suspension all dialed in and that. I’ve also got a lot stronger on it too so that definitely helps. I’ve been working really hard in the gym this year so I can throw it around. You just have to respect that bike because if you don’t, it will spit you off in a heart beat.

What do you want to accomplish in the MX1 class?
Well, first off, to stay safe. Top five would be nice but consistent top 10’s will be good.

I guess you really want to win the MX2 West title this year. Do you know who your main competitors will be?
Yeah, I really hope I do win it; I’ve worked hard this year and want it so bad. Well, [Teddy] Maier’s coming back up this year and [Michael] Sleeter will be up here but I think I can beat them. I know the tracks a little bit better; I just have to stay consistent. I rode with Sleeter down in California so I know his speed, but we'll just have to wait for the first round.

Who’s going to be hanging in the KBR pits?
Whoever [laughs]. My dad will be there at most of them, and my mechanic and Ed from Clearbrook Yamaha. Shane Wiebe will probably be joining me to race a few of the rounds. He is an intermediate rider that races for Ed Wagstaff too and his dad was nice enough to lend us his big fifth wheel trailer to do the West coast in so it should be fun.

What about the east coast?
I’ll be with Simon Homans back east. It just costs a lot of money to go all the way back so we talked to Simon and he agreed to help us out in the east.

Anything else you have to do before Ste-Julie or are you ready to race?
Well, just to keep riding and training ‘cause you can never be in too good of shape. Other than that, just stay safe and make it there.

All right, take care and we’ll see you next week!
Thanks, see ya!

Kyle Beaton's sponsor list: Yamaha Canada, Clearbrook Racing, SHIFT, M2R. Sunline, Pro Circuit, Enzo suspension, Ogio, DC shoes, Oakley, Signworks, Toyota, CTi2, Orthoflex, Gaerne