JUNE 11, 2007
The Ignition Racing RXC Factory Rider for a Day expands this weekend at Shadow Valley Raceway in Morden, Manitoba. We were torn between two candidates who are equally deserving, so to save ourselves the trouble, we picked both. Our first Factory Rider for a Day in Morden will be Miami, Manitoba's Ryan Millar. Like Kyle Stephens, this weekend will be Millar's first pro national experience and he, too, is only 14-years-old. After a week spent at the MTF and racing his first big dance at the Lake Whitney Classic, Millar is ready to go.
Our second support rider is Josh Penner. He was one of the western privateers featured in Allison Kennedy's story, Full-Time Dreams, in the November `06 issue. Penner has raced the first two MX1 rounds, with his best finish a 15th in the first moto at Gopher Dunes. He will focus on the MX2 class in Morden, but plans to qualify for both classes and race the final MX1 moto. Read on to learn more about two of Manitoba's finest, Ryan Millar and Josh Penner.
Miami, Manitoba's Ryan Millar photo: James Lissimore
RYAN MILLAR
BIRTH DATE: February 15, 1993
BIRTH PLACE: Swan Lake, Manitoba
HOMETOWN: Miami, Manitoba
CLASSES: 125 Intermediate, Youth A
SPONSORS: KTM Canada, Greg’s Custom, FXR Racing.com, M2R, ASV, CTi2, NGK, Image Plus, CFC Racing, and Millar Racing Engines.
Age started riding: 8
Describe your first race: My first race was in Altona, Manitoba. The weather was bad; first it was raining, and then it turned into a snowstorm. It was so bad you couldn’t see across the track. We only had a pickup truck and I remember the problem with getting the ice off my number plates to put my numbers on. The races were cut to one moto and I was one of few that finished the 65 pee-wee race. I ended up second. I was so pumped and ready to race that the weather wasn’t bothering me.
Favorite food: Chinese and pasta
What do you eat/ drink on race day: Pasta, bananas, granola bars, water, Gatorade, and Powerade.
Favorite track: Zach Bell’s.
Best road trip story: My best road trip so far would be going to the Millsaps Training Facility in Cairo, Georgia last winter. Before going to MTF, we practiced at Zach Bell’s track; that was a blast! MTF was great; I had lots of fun with the Racer X crew. After a week of physical and riding training, we traveled to Texas for the spring classic at Lake Whitney. I met lots of new friends and people. The racing was excellent; I would like to do it all again next year.
Who inspires you: Since I started racing I have been inspired by both Kim Houde and Don Formo. They encouraged me and taught me that never-give-up attitude they have.
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Millar's always a joy to watch on the track, with his "Just Giver!" riding style. |
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photo: Danny Brault |
Four CDs you own: AC/DC, Hank III, Johnny Cash, and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour.
Best race you've ever watched: The 2006 MX2 East/West Shootout. Willard and Nelson were awesome!
Best thing about racing in Manitoba: Friendly people, good tracks, usually good weather, and big rider turnouts. Most weekends have over 600 entries.
Who are your picks for the Canadian National titles? MX1: Carpenter, MX2 East: Willard, and MX2 West: Beaton.
Your best skill on a motorcycle: Jumps.
Best place on earth: Probably on the podium. That’s where you realize hard work, support from your sponsors, family, and friends have all helped get you there.
Worst place on earth: Hospital.
Goals for 2007: My goals for 2007 are to keep working on my transition from mini bikes to big bikes, work on my physical strength and endurance, and try to qualify for some of MX2 West nationals and finish in the top 20.
Who's in your regular crew: My family and my physical trainer, Stace Dawson.
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Josh Penner was already in the Factory Rider for a Day spirit at Gopher Dunes. |
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photo: Allison Kennedy |
JOSH PENNER
BIRTH DATE: febuary. 7th / 1986
BIRTH PLACE: Comox, British Columbia
HOMETOWN: Emerson, MB
CLASSES: MX1 and MX2
SPONSORS: Morden Motorsports, FXR RACING.com, Factory Connection, Image Plus, Cti2, Innovation Sport, Two Zero Four Skateshop, Racer X Canada, Fredrickson Performance.
Age started riding: 11
Describe your first race: That was in 1998. I had a 1984 CR80 that my dad made me buy with money that I have saved up from mowing people’s lawns. The whole race was a blur, but after I was addicted. Even though I finished 11th out of 12 guys, I still won’t forget the feeling.
Favorite food: Steak and salad
What do you eat/ drink on race day: Water and an equal amount of protein and carbohydrates.
Favorite track: Morden, MB
Best road trip story: When I first decided to make the trip out to Ste-Julie for the first round of the MX1 Canadian MX series. Aaron from FXR was coming with me and Milo [Christie] called him and needed someone to drive with. So we all got together and took off to the first round. All I’m going to say is that that first week of driving, I have never laughed so hard or smelled such smells and road biked so far, until that trip. It was definitely worth the long hours.
Who inspires you: My dad; he’s a hard-worker with no complaints. I try to be like that.
Four CDs you own: Rise Against, Alexisonfire, Tim McGraw, and AFI
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Josh Penner's eastern experience didn't go so well last year, after he, Milo Christie, and Aaron Wiebe had all of their belongings, bike, trailer and truck stolen. This year, he drove home with points--and his bikes and gear. |
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photo: Allison Kennedy |
Best race you've ever watched: Any Lites race in the AMA nationals. Those guys are all so fast and want to win so badly; the racing is amazing.
Best thing about racing in Manitoba: There are tons of tracks; there are about six tracks around my house in a twenty-kilometre distance. Also, we are the only province to have transponders, except for nationals.
Who are your picks for the Canadian national titles? Paul Carpenter MX1, Mike Willard MX2Eeast, I’d like to say me for the MX2 West, but that will come in time. I’d have to pick Kyle Beaton for MX2 West.
Your best skill on a motorcycle: Strength and corners
Best place on earth: Courtenay, BC
Worst place on earth: Anywhere where there is snow all year round.
Biggest accomplishment: First ever national in Calgary, Alberta in 2005. I finished 14th in the MX1 moto one, right behind Marco Dubé.
Goals for 2007: Top ten overall in the MX2 West series, and to come out healthy to finish off the MX1 eastern nationals with a couple of top fifteens.
Who's in your regular crew: My parents, FXR crew, Milo Christie, Mike Harms, Jim Fredrickson (Fredrickson Performance).
Stop by the Ignition Racing RXC Factory Rider for a Day Funmover and pick up a limited edition Millar and Penner Shield stickers!
