MAY 21, 2008
The first round of the Monster Energy CMRC Motocross Nationals is closing in fast. This year’s series boasts another talented lineup in the premiere MX1 class, and the new nine round MX2 series will surely entertain with riders from the East and West fighting for national supremacy. So who’s going to win? That’s a good question. So to answer that as best as we can, we assembled a highly knowledgeable team of Canadian MX "experts" to offer their views on several MX1 and MX2 championship contenders. Remember, folks, this is all in good fun so don’t take it too seriously.
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Facciotti is moving into the #1 spot on Blackfoot. |
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photo: Allison Kennedy |
MX1
Colton Facciotti
Steve Matthes: He’ll be one of the “big 2” all summer. Fast and kind of like the KW of Canada. He is finally growing mentally into that body that he’s had for a while. If he can find his way out of the BF tent, he’ll be there every weekend.
BigWave Billy Rainford: Last year was his “coming out” party if you will. He will be tough to beat with his newfound confidence and ‘media-friendly’ attitude.
Rob McCullough: Everyone says he’s wicked fast so I’ll go with that. Even John Nelson was impressed with his second moto ride last year in Ste-Julie which, if you know John, speaks volumes. The championship should come down between him and Dusty with the winner being the one who’s mentally toughest.
Brett Dailey: First off, Matthes and McCullough are both crusty old men. I guess being a pro rider “back-in-the-day” has made them critical because today’s crop of riders gets more press. Actually, Matthes sure gets a lot of press these days. When I think of Facciotti, I think back to an arenacross in Chilliwack when he was only 15 years old. There was a difficult single to table combo that Dusty Klatt was eyeing up all afternoon. It looked impossible to me because the single was low and abrupt and the gap was huge, plus you had to land on top of the table, which wasn’t much wider than the wheelbase of the bike. Klatt did go for it, successfully, and won all of the heat races. When the main came up, Colton holeshot and Dusty was back in the pack. Dusty used his single-to-table combo to pass into second and was gaining about three seconds a lap on Colton. When he closed in for the kill, Colton jumped the combo … perfectly! Talk about balls, to go for it halfway through the main when you haven’t tried it all day. Colton jumped it every lap and won the race. Kyle Beaton, then only 15 as well, tried it in practice and crashed himself out for the night. Colton is a highly skilled rider. He proved himself last year with a few great battles with Paul Carpenter (Moncton comes to mind) and he’s now the top dog at Blackfoot. I know I have a hard time letting go of icons, but is JSR really not racing Ste-Julie or is Blackfoot just playing head games?
Danny Brault: So, after reading these goofball comments, Colton is going to win because he’s fast and tall, is “coming out,” and jumped a double at the Chilliwack AX? Last time I checked, height doesn’t win races, Colton is going steady with Jocelyn Killough, and this is outdoors not AMA Arenacross. Regardless, I did say on Matthes’ Podcast that Colton is my pick for the MX1 title.
Jeff Gibson
Matthes: Started way too slow last year but with a year of CDN MX, he’ll do what he does in the United States: be fast and consistent.
BigWave: Bit of a sleeper, isn’t he? Never blew me away last year, but in the end, it seems he blew everybody away that mattered (except Colton and Carpenter).
McCullough: Did you know he’s from Ohio? I think he also has freckles!
Dailey: Boy, my gray hair is really starting to show as I have to admit that I saw Jeff Gibson race when he was 15 as well. I was living in Columbus, Ohio at the time and a young Gibson smoked the field at a local arenacross. His style was fluid and he looked more like a vet than a 15-year-old but he put it to a fast group of career arenacrossers. Gibson is one of only two riders on this list that can lay claim to a Supercross class main. His SX season probably didn’t go quite as well as expected this year, and SX stardom has not always translated into Canadian success (think Johnson brothers) but he made 13 main events and finished in the top 20 in points. He’s raced more than anyone during the Canadian off-season, and he has a year of our Canadian tracks under his belt. He has a head start on the competition and is a strong title favourite, no doubt about it.
Brault: What’s with Dailey and AX? I guess the time change must be screwing with his head. Indoors is long gone and his results from SX provide no indication on his results outdoors. I agree with everyone that Gibson does fly under the radar, but you can’t deny his ability and consistency. Also, I know two frecklish riders who are also fast (RC and RV) so that gives Gibson an advantage over everyone except Blair Morgan.
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Simon Homans and Marco Dubé proved that they have the speed to win at The Wastelands last year, after finishing 1-2 in the final MX1 moto. |
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photo: James Lissimore |
Marco Dubé
Matthes: Marco is on the way down now but he’s got nothing to be ashamed of. He’s had a great career. He’ll get a few top fives.
BigWave: I’d like to see Marco do well but don’t think he’ll be a factor. Prove me wrong #4!
McCullough: Based on his recent performance at Gopher Dunes I wouldn’t expect much. That said, he’s a savvy veteran and former champion so I expect he’ll pull out a few surprises.
Dailey: That big #4 on Dubé’s bike has to feel good. Four is a lucky number, same with 7. Dubé seems to be able to put it together, year after year. He has a lot of confidence in himself and that goes a long way in motocross. His second moto battle at Nanaimo last year with Homans proves that he still has the speed to win.
Brault: If Marco can find the right grips, look out. Seriously, I like Marco and hope he does well. I can still remember watching practice at the RJ national in `97 or `98 with my uncle, and Dubé looked so smooth, standing up everywhere, and then he truly earned my admiration when he did some whips and heel clickers over the big tabletop in the back section. Why don't we ever see top pros pull tricks anymore (other than Zeb Dennis)?
Simon Homans
Matthes: Very underrated, not sure how much he’s racing in the series but he’ll be in the mix.
BigWave: I liked what Simon brought to the starting line last year. That SDL moto was one of the best ever! I always enjoy his podium speeches too.
Dailey: I like Homans and I’m surprised that he can’t find enough support to race the entire series. He had a couple of awesome rides near the end of the season last year (Nanaimo and SDL) and has done a great job of hiring title contenders for the MX2 East class (Nick Evennou and Jacob Saylor). I hope he snubs everyone and wins Ste-Julie.
Brault: Can’t argue with anyone here. After a dismal performance in Ste-Julie, Homans kicked it up a gear at Gopher Dunes, Nanaimo, and SDL to earn himself sixth overall. I’m also surprised a race winner can’t find enough support to contest the full series. Maybe his mechanic, Pat Cyr, can open a poutine shack at each round to help pay their bills. If not, I hope Homans is in the thick of things after the first two rounds so he’s forced to follow the whole series.
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"The Bulldozer" will definitely be moving dirt at Gopher Dunes and Sand Del Lee. |
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photo: Danny Brault |
Kyle Keast
Matthes: Welder boy seems to be on it this year and I still think his towel shot is sexy. Look for a top three at Gopher Dunes and fifth to tenth outside of that.
BigWave: If every round were held at Gopher, Kyle would be the champ! The guy kills it there. He looks fit and fast this year and that could translate into an even lower number for `09.
McCullough: Possesses an amazing amount of self-confidence and is supported by a family that believes in him unconditionally. I hope, and believe, that if Kyle’s able to stay healthy, he’ll contend for a few wins and lower his national number into the top five.
Dailey: I really like Kyle and his family but I can’t gush too much as I’m sure DanBro will do enough gushing for the panel. He’s very good at Ste-Julie (if it’s choppy) and Gopher Dunes so if he can get some momentum and confidence heading West, everyone outside of Ontario might see the Keast that we’ve seen. His only downfall is that blasted #8. That has to be the most cursed number on the circuit. Remember when Ricky Johnson tore up the place with #22 and then went to #8 and kept crashing? How about Damon Bradsaw? A clear title favourite for the Supercross title? Not with that #8 on his bike! Albertyn got lucky winning his championship with #8 on his plate and even Langston has done it but how many races has Langston missed since claiming that number?
Brault: Is it that obvious that Keast is my guy? Actually, I don’t care; he’s my best buddy, works hard and I hope he kicks butt. You know he’s going to be fast at Gopher and SDL, but the key for Keast is to prove his speed on the harder packed western tracks—and get a half decent start. BTW, Dailey, careful what you say about number 8—that’s the infamous number of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and John Nelson is a big NASCAR fan.
Jeff Northrop
Matthes: Not sure how he’ll do. From what I hear, I think he needs to take it more seriously off the track. More training like Rocky in Rocky 2.
BigWave: He’ll always be ‘in touch’ with the leaders but in the end will leave the winning to the Canadians.
McCullough: Looked fast to me at Walton last year but I really don’t know enough about the guy to comment. The first time I saw him was in ’02 at the Glen Helen National racing a KX 125.
Dailey: A steal for KTM! Northrop is so entertaining that you sometimes forget he’s so good on a bike. He finished 1-3 at Nanaimo and 3-3 at Walton while driving the Team Sheren rig so we’ll see what he can do with the support of KTM Canada.
Brault: I think McCullough is becoming senile in his old age. Does he know anything about anyone other than Jay Burke? I’m glad Norcal is back in Canada; he’s a hoot off the track and a contender on the track. From what I hear, he’s spent a lot of time riding and testing the KTM 450 SX-F, so he should be ready for Ste-Julie. Please bring out your wig from Nanaimo, Jeff, that was funny!
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What a race we had in the first MX1 moto at Ste-Julie last year! |
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photo: Kennedy |
Mitch Cooke
Matthes: He’ll do what he always does, go very fast once in a while, always look great on the bike, get hurt and miss more races. What did they say about a leopard and his spots?
BigWave: Let’s get this guy through an entire series and see what happens. I look to see him battling for some wins and a top five number for next year.
McCullough: The girls all love him and the guys all want to ride like him. Of all the legitimate title contenders I personally would like to see Mitch win.
Dailey: I have had the luxury of watching Cooke rip up the Atlantic tracks for the past couple of years. He’s aggressive yet smooth and although he’s a very nice guy, and probably wouldn’t admit it, I think he’s one of those Bradshaw-type characters that hates his competition deep down inside. When you’re winning, that can make you unbeatable, but when you’re not winning, it plays with your head. The Cooke family is an important part of Canadian motocross and Mitch needs this title to start chipping away at Heidi’s commanding presence on the trophy mantle. He’s my pick for the title.
Brault: Eat sand Matthes! Cooke is H.A.F., and if you don’t know what that means, toss in your Trailer Park Boys DVD. Cooke will have his day; let’s just hope he has nine of them this year.
Blair Morgan
Matthes: Has to have better luck in `08; the only guys who had worse luck than him was the Leafs! He’ll be good and he's a great guy to have around your team, on and off the track.
BigWave: Is Blair still alive? He is? Cool. Another guy I’d love to see turn some heads for another year. I hope the “Superman” from a few years ago shows up and gets it done this year.
McCullough: He’s a legend on both snow and dirt with obviously nothing to prove to anyone and I still believe he could be a top three guy, if he wants to. That said, stick a fork in him he’s as good as done.
Dailey: With a bunch of Canadians topping the title favourite list and no obvious Paul Carpenter-style ringers coming up, Blair has to be thinking this is his year to win that #1 plate back. He’s battled through the JSR era and he’s still in the championship hunt. Bravo.
Brault: One thing I’ve learned is to never count out Blair Morgan. He’s like Ray from the Trailer Park Boys (I seriously don’t watch anything else on TV, except for MX). He’s older, wiser, and has a hobby (snocross not drinking). Blair doesn’t stress out much, he’s a “That’s the way she goes” kind of guy. Please win one more moto for your loyal fans, Blair!
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Suzuki/OTSFF/Rockstar's Tyler Medaglia will race his first full season in MX1. |
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photo: Dan Stenning |
Tyler Medaglia
Matthes: He’ll do well, good bike, good team. Top ten for sure and a great finish at Hot Dog Vendor’s track.
BigWave: TM looked pretty strong at times at the Gopher Provincial. I think he can muster a top five number by the end of the season. It was really cool to see him goofing around, jumping everything he could find at the OTSFF media day. He really showed that he enjoys what he’s doing—and showed his talent on a motorcycle.
McCullough: Tyler is at that stage in life where he may have a few interests outside the sport, which may take his focus away from racing. Only time will tell.
Dailey: Tyler has proven that he’s a fighter. He’s recovered from career-ending injuries and come back stronger … and smarter. His best finish on the big bikes last year was fifth overall at Walton but he also had a podium wrapped up at Calgary before a mechanical DNF. His best asset is his corner speed and how could you not succeed with Derek Medaglia in your corner?
Brault: Wow, you guys don’t think TM can muster a win? I first met Tyler in 2001 when he was racing against my brother, Corey, Scotty Maidman, and Tyler Wagner in the 85cc class. He had great corner speed then and still does. There’s no reason why TM can’t push for a win, but I hope he doesn’t try too hard as it’s only his first season in MX1.
Dusty Klatt
Matthes: My pick for the title, the Campbell River Crusher has been racing all winter long in the toughest series in the world (some would say that he’s just been riding in the toughest series, but not me.) This gives him the edge over CF in my opinion. I think that Klatt has a lot of pride and knows he has something to prove outside. The team is solid and the bikes are good, look out Canada!
BigWave: Hey, I’m just like everyone else, I watched the races a couple years ago and I am, therefore, forced to put my money on DK for the overall this year … hell, he could pull an RC and run the table if the old DK shows up. Hey, no pressure, Dusty!
McCullough: I've been on and off the Klatt bandwagon so many times since I first saw him in '02 that I don't know what to think. Part of me wants him to fail and another part wants him to crush everyone but my guess is either way he'll be surrounded by drama.
Dailey: Boy, I have called just about everyone a title favourite and I haven’t even got to Klatt yet. Am I going to get called out for being the “look on the bright side guy?” Ah, I don’t care; I’m a big Dusty Klatt fan. I’ve always been a sucker for fast guys that put up erratic results. That’s what I liked about Ron Lechien so much—he would school the field one weekend and then finish mid-pack the next—you never knew what to expect and that is exciting. I get the same feeling from Klatt. When he holeshot and led his qualifier at the Lierop MXdN, I thought for a minute that Blackfoot might just have to leave him there as GP teams would be lining up after the race. Even when he didn’t do well at a SX event this year, I always came into each round, thinking that he would click with the track and he’d post a top 10. He’s one of those riders with heaps of raw speed and when he’s on, he’s on.
Brault: I think all of our heads are swelled up from falling on and off the Klatt bandwagon. I talked to Klatt this week, he’s mellower than ever (not sure if that’s good or bad), picked up season 7 of TPB, rode some BMX, and wishes he could run his amateur number, 144 instead of 111. He also stated that he’s off the internet forums and moto sites. If Klatt’s confidence and mental toughness is there, we’ll all be begging for a spot on the wagon.
Tim Tremblay
Matthes: I like this kid but I just read that he’s coming back from an injury so I suppose the jury’s out. Big tall guy that needed to get out of MX2.
BigWave: Probably the least talked about fast guy next to Andrew Short. Can we call him Tim “Shorty” Tremblay? I think he’s about 6’4” or something.
McCullough: I remember this kid from '03 when he was #777 riding a YZ125. Although he looked like a goon at the time, I saw something in his riding that made me think he might one day be special. His ride last year at Gopher Dunes was impressive and I expect by the end of this year's series he'll be a fifth-place guy.
Dailey: Difficult to say at this point as he’s coming off a major injury so he will have some physical and mental baggage to contend with. Similar to Keast, he’s strong at both Ste-Julie and Gopher Dunes.
Brault: Yes, guys, we know he’s tall, the readers know he’s tall and so does Tim himself. Why are we so focused on riders’ heights today? With “that said” if Tim can fit through the tunnel heading to the Ste-Julie starting line, he should do just fine.
Can Jim transfer his results from MX2 to MX1?
Jimmy Nelson
Matthes: I’m not sure how he’ll do, actually. Could go either way, but if someone put a gun to Hank’s head and made me pick, I’d say he gets seventh in the series.
BigWave: I’ve liked this guy since he scrubbed so hard at Nanaimo a few years back that he landed upside down. Don’t think he’ll win the thing but he’ll look good out there.
McCullough: At what stage in life do you go from Jimmy to Jim? That’s a relevant comment, right?
Dailey: Why aren’t more teams picking him over at motoleague? He’s a proven two-time MX2 West champion and we should all remember what another rider did in the MX1 class after securing two MX2 West titles….
Brault: I understand the difficulty in picking an outcome for Jim. While he’s won two MX2 West titles, he also has a history of trying too hard and crashing. It’s tough to be super-aggressive on a 450 and live to tell about it. However, he hasn’t crashed much since signing on with Blackfoot, he's in great shape, has a great bike, mechanic, and strong team behind him. As Joe Skidd says, "The throttle is located in the same spot and big wheel is still on the front."
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Lockhart's turned over a new leaf for 2008; he's ready to win a championship. |
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photo: Brault |
MX2
Ryan Lockhart
Matthes: I bet he does better than some people think he’s going to do. Remember Rocky in Rocky 5 when he loses everything and comes back ‘cause he doesn’t have a choice? It’s either be a professional motocross rider or ask people if they need a straw for that Slurpee.
BigWave: Well, if it isn’t Ryyyyyan, Ryyyan Laaaawkhart! Hard to believe he’s only 35. Seems like he’s been around forever! If he keeps it on two wheels, he’ll be damn close in the end.
McCullough: I’ve seen Ryan put in some very impressive rides, especially indoors and I believe Ryan is more talented than most fans know. I don’t think Ryan will be serving slurpees anytime in the near future like Matthes says but I could see him on Broadway starring as the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz.
Dailey: Lockhart is another rider with tons of confidence in his ability on the bike. He admits that he’s had a few years where he’s relied on his ability too much but he’s doing his homework this year. Hopefully he does well at Ste-Julie because you can expect his results to get even better as the season moves forward. He’s personable and should be a team manager one day, like Kehoe or Stanton in the States. Are Kehoe and Stanton personable? Never mind.
Brault: The truth from the Newf is that he has his heart back. He may keep the tin around for spare parts, however, because he’s been riding almost every day since picking up his KTM 250 SX-F. Ryan’s always had the talent; it’s just been a matter of finding the desire and will. We’ll find out at Walton if he’s still searching the lost and found.
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The new nine round MX2 series should suit Beaton much better than the short four round series of years past. |
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photo: Lissimore |
Kyle Beaton
Matthes: KD Beets! He’ll be great, his bike is REALLY good and he’s hungry. A long series favours him because there will be some bad motos for Canada’s favorite gnome. My MX2 champion, but you already knew that.
BigWave: I think it’s time to turn all this potential into results. Kyle seems ready to take things to the top level. I really like that new pink logo on his back too.
McCullough: Obviously he’s got speed to burn, which makes him a title contender. Unfortunately, more often than not, he winds up on the ground, which won’t bode well if he intends to be a champion.
Dailey: Beaton has been riding a wave of success lately. His win at Nanaimo was a confidence builder not to mention his indoor success in Canada, the U.S. and even Europe! I agree with Matthes that the full-season MX2 series will be a positive change for Kyle. (Other than the fuel expense, of course.)
Brault: Beaton is Canada’s best hope to bring home the first national MX2 championship (well, since the series went to East and West in 2000). Not much left to say; he’s fast, he’s small, and his dad Bryan makes one heck of a grilled salmon!
Aron Harvey
Matthes: Don’t know him, have no idea who he is but I did hear his wrist is still bothering him. If he’s healthy, he’ll do well just because he’s on Blackfoot.
BigWave: Umm, don’t know a ton about this guy except that is one boring name! I’m going to call him “Wallbanger.”
McCullough: Watched him battle with Stroupe at Mammoth both on and off the bike so he has some serious speed and obviously isn’t easily intimidated. Take that and the fact that his team manager is a genius and that makes him a title contender.
Dailey: He has a strong amateur resume and he will be on very strong bikes. Remember that Blackfoot started testing relatively late last season and they now have a full season of Yamaha testing and knowledge coming into ’08. He’s friends with Jimmy Nelson so he knows what to expect in Canada. Blackfoot is in a tough position with Harvey. If he wins, everyone will expect it and if he loses, everyone will criticize them for not giving the opportunity to a Canadian. It’s tough when you’re on top!
Brault: Other than a 5 mins with I did with Aron a few months ago, I don’t know too much about this Vegas kid. One thing I do know is that Blackfoot has won more championships than anyone else in Canada….
Jeremy Medaglia
Matthes: People tell me he’s better than his brother. I guess we’ll see!
BigWave: I let JM pit with me at Walton last year and I’m sure he learned a few things. It’s a long series so I showed him that slow and steady “wins” the race. On second thought, try to forget everything you saw me do on the track, Jeremy, and you’ll do well.
McCullough: I had the pleasure of riding with him last fall after he picked up his Suzukis and I was very impressed. With a faster older brother, fewer distractions and not being afraid to burn gas, I would expect that Jeremy will impress.
Dailey: Jeremy was our first Factory Rider for a Day. My back still aches when I think of Ste-Julie last year, as I must have washed his three bikes 700 times by the end of the weekend. Between three intermediate classes, pro practice, qualifying and two 30-minute motos, he was on the track all weekend. I was shocked at his fitness and this year he can relax and concentrate fully on the pro class. If he had enough jam to finish fourth overall at Gopher last year after a slew of Intermediate motos, imagine what he can do this year when he’s fresh and on a factory Suzuki.
Brault: The first time I met Jeremy back in `01, he was more interested in scoring goals for his local ‘AAA’ hockey team than beating Kyle Stephens in the 65cc class. My how times change! Jeremy is now using his hockey tape for his blisters instead of on his Easton. Can “Jer the Kid” win a championship in his first year pro? Maybe.
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Mason Phillips is switching to MX2 this summer. |
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photo: Lissimore |
Mason Phillips
Matthes: The Kiwi will be good but some Kiwi friends of mine tell me that he’s a better big bike rider and that there’s another Kiwi coming that’s going to win. I forget his name but I guess we’ll see. Oh those crazy Kiwi’s.
McCullough: The Kiwi will be good and some Kiwi friends of mine tell me that he’s a better little bike rider so based on his big bike results last year he’s a threat. That said I read somewhere there’s another Kiwi coming that’s going to win. I forget his name but I guess we’ll see. Oh those crazy Kiwi’s.
BigWave: Ok, wait, maybe Mason is the second least talked about fast guy after Shorty … which Shorty though?
Dailey: Phillips is coming off a shoulder injury. He’s had a while to regroup now so it may not be an issue. He’s fit and strong and he’s a Kiwi so I guess I should pick him for the title so I can do a big feature story with #7 once he returns to New Zealand!
Brault: Going back to our theme of rider sizes, I’m surprised that Mason is racing a 250F considering his height and weight, but with his third-place at last year’s MX2 East/West Shootout, who knows? I like Mason and all of our worldly visitors; it says something about our series when riders from far off countries like NZ and South Africa want to race here.
Eric Nye
Matthes: He’ll be right in there every week. Eric is an experienced pro rider that knows consistency counts.
BigWave: So ‘The Science Guy’ is back again, eh. He just might be the top guy with the fewest syllables in his name.
McCullough: No comment, all I know about the guy is that he won Friday night’s arenacross in Riviere du Loup.
Dailey: I agree with Matthes. The nine round MX2 series will be good for Nye. He doesn’t have the raw speed of a couple of the top guys but he’s consistent and experienced.
Brault: Eric Nye is another rider who floats under the radar. Did you know that he was only three points back of Nelson heading into the final round at Nanaimo last year? I hung out with Nye at the Lethbridge AX and he seems like a cool guy. I was really impressed how he’s careful with his money and rents out a house or two to maintain a steady income; you don’t see many young racers being responsible like that. Eric Nye the Responsible Science Guy will be there til to the end.
Davey Fraser
Matthes: The Label It guy wouldn’t have hired him if he wasn’t a good kid. I watched him ride the “Good Times” moto and he deserves kudos for going out there. I watched him at Nanaimo and he was out of control. So I’m not even sure where I’m going with this.
BigWave: “Ali” Fraser is going to be up there too if he keeps himself in one piece. Good kid, cool hair and rockstar looks (Black Crows anyone?). Go get ‘em Ali!
McCullough: Every time I see his name I can’t help but think of the Ramones. That said he rode beautifully in the youth class at last year’s TransCan but looked wild and ragged at Toronto. The low pressure atmosphere within the Label It pits should allow Davey to ride to his ability garnering a few top 5's along the way.
Dailey: Another Factory Rider for a Day, Davey is no doubt still enjoying the wealth of knowledge and guidance he picked up from pitting with me last year. Actually, his Dad and mechanic did all of the work but do you think his fourth place at Moncton was simply a coincidence? I think not! Too bad he doesn’t have his lucky #47 anymore (the ultimate number combo and my first racing number) but David Bailey ran #23 on his factory Honda at a USGP so the number gods are still on his side. By the way, why aren’t Kyle Stephens, the Benoit brothers, Ryan Millar, Josh Penner, Kyle Murphy, the Allison brothers, Nathan Slater and Andrew Belin on this list? Blasphemy!
Brault: Come on, Dailey, this comedy is long enough. It would be like 26,768 words if we included every single rider. Fraser and his dad, big Dave, want to race both classes again. I don’t agree with this idea; there is no ironman award and if you’re serious about winning, you focus on one class. Never short on speed or aggression, however, Fraser will sneak into the top five with a good start.
Nick Evennou
Matthes: He won’t be as good as he was at BF. I know that much. He has some serious speed, and just needs to figure it out.
BigWave: Yes Nick, ‘even you’ are going to have a great series. (No? Not funny?) He pulls back on the bars so hard that I hope he spent the winter toughening up his palms.
McCullough: I heard he washes his hands with Palmolive “Tough on Grease, soft on hands” dishwashing liquid. Last year he appeared to be a bit of a bike wrecker although the factory 250Fs in the states also seemed to grenade more often than not so who knows.
Dailey: No doubt about his speed. Evennou is a good guy and a good addition to the Canadian series. Hopefully he finds a home at Leading Edge Kawasaki and keeps coming back.
Brault: Nick has won races, so that alone makes him a contender. Does anyone else notice that he looks 15 but talks like a mature 30-year-old man? He also laid shingles this winter so I’m sure his hands are tougher than leather.
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Teddy Maier returns to Canada this year with Leading Edge Kawasaki. |
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photo: Lissimore |
Teddy Maier
Matthes: Him, Nye and Beets will go at it for the title in my opinion. I know his bike will be good and he’s another been-there-done-that pro that will be there each and every week.
BigWave: Another guy that should be right up there. He’s shown he’s got the speed for sure. Why don’t I know more about him?
McCullough: I remember reading about a Team Manager using this rider as an example of what’s wrong with the next generation of riders, or at least I think it was him. I think it went something like this:
Team Manager: Teddy, what are your goals?
Teddy: To get a ride in a semi.
Wrong answer! The team manager was looking for “To win championships” because, as we all know, if you do that everything else will take care of itself.
Dailey: He’s competitive and sure doesn’t like to lose! Leading Edge has a great team with Evennou, Maier and Hoyer. Maier was Nelson’s top competition in the MX2 West class so he’s a title favourite, for sure.
Brault: Teddy is just a simple farm kid from Fort Dodge, Iowa, who wants to race dirt bikes. He’s good at it too, and raced some Toyota AMA AX rounds this winter. Ted is a former Team Green and Richmond Racing Kawasaki rider, so he should be more than comfortable on Leading Edge’s bikes. He played second fiddle to Nelson in `06, but he won’t be this year.
Kyle McGlynn
Matthes: Don’t know enough about him really. He must be good if Danny put him on the list. Um, top 10?
BigWave: I took a ton of pics of Kyle last year at Walton. The kid has great style and looks good on film. Not sure what will happen at the next level though. Consistency will be the key for him. (Remember, I never know what I’m talking about. Just remember to send all the pretty girls my way for ‘photo ops’ and it’ll be another great year at the races!)
McCullough: Picture perfect form and as long as he can maintain his drive and stay healthy, he has all the tools of a future champion. For what it's worth, Jay say’s I’ve got him mixed up with Shane Wiebe.
Dailey: One of the best parts of traveling the nationals last year was hanging out with Chris and Cody from Destroyer Films. I’m pretty sure that they mentioned Kyle McGlynn to me during the first five minutes of our first conversation (and many, many times after that). They sure built him up but fortunately for McGlynn, he lived up to the hype. After recovering from a few gnarly injuries—and quitting motocross at one point—McGlynn came back as an Intermediate and finished ninth overall in the MX2 West division. All this despite a second moto DNF at Nanaimo where he broke his Leatt Brace in half. He even recovered from that crash to make it to Walton and wow everyone with his Windham-esque riding style. He’s an excellent starter so watch for #45 (Bradshaw’s famous number) up front.
Brault: It’s hard not to standout when you’re up front and running yellow intermediate plates. That’s exactly what propelled McGlynn onto this contenders list. A winter spent developing his fitness and mental game with PerformX Racing’s Todd Schumlick ensures his transition into the “next level” goes smoothly. He didn’t have that raw speed to win last year, but from what I hear, his lap times are quicker than ever. I predict a seventh at Ste-Julie.
Thanks for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed our predictions. Be sure to send any comments to brett@racerxcanada.com.
