5 Minutes with…Tommy Dallaire
By Jeff McConkey
Foreword by Billy Rainford
Some riders have such smooth and fluid style they just stand out on the track. Quebec racer, Tommy Dallaire, is one such racer. Tommy lined up for the eastern rounds of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals in 2015 and plans to do more of the same in 2016 as a Pro. We caught up with the stylish rider as he was preparing to head south to train and come into the season in top form.
#213 Tommy Dallaire will run Pro plates in 2016. – Bigwave photo
Direct Motocross: Hi, Tommy, how’s it going?
Tommy Dallaire: Hey, Jeff, I’m fine.
For the people who haven’t seen you ride, can you tell us about yourself?
I am 18 years old and I am a French Canadian from Laterrière, QC. I just try to ride smooth and steady, and it’s true I love to ride with style and turn the bike upside.
When and how did you start riding and racing motocross?
At 10, I made my first race in 65cc class on a regional series in Chibougamau, QC. After this race I really fell in love with racing motocross and I started to do more races.
How did you do as an amateur?
I never made the amateur championship at Walton. I’m disappointed about this. But I had a good time as an amateur. In 2013, I won the Yamaha Factory Ride and I finished 2nd in Intermediate MX2 at Deschambault ECAN National. I won 250C and 450C in Gatorback at Winter Am. In 2014, I won 250B and finished 4th in Schoolboy at the Vurb Classic at MX207. In 2015, I finished 2nd in Intermediate MX2 and MX3 at Deschambault ECAN National and I went to shoot a video at MX207 with Vurbmoto guys and some good riders. I know it’s not a win but for me, to be on a Vurbmoto video was a dream.
Favourite round from 2015? “Gopher Dunes. I love the sand. Having the feeling of floating is cool. Our tracks here in my town have the same sand so I often practice in this hard condition.” – Bigwave photo
Is there a certain French racer, or a Canadian Pro that you look up to?
Cole Thompson. I love watching this guy on a bike, he rides smooth and has a lot of style and all the little tough moves on a bike look easy.
In 2015, you were a part of an incredible group of fast Quebec Intermediate racers. Is there any one thing that you can point to for the success of you all?
Yes, 2015 was cool. It was a lot of good races with the boys, always fun! Consitence is the key to success.
“I just try to ride smooth and steady, and it’s true I love to ride with style and turn the bike upside.” – Bigwave photo
To me, style is everything, and in my opinion you have some of the best swag and style going. Does it come natural or is it something you work hard on?
Yeah, style is everything for me, too. But I don’t work hard for this, it’s just the way I ride. Every time I get on my bike I just think about doing whips and scrubs. And for sure Fox Head Canada makes it easy, always the best stuff!
You raced the CMRC Rockstar Energy Nationals as a Pro-Am in 2015. What was the most difficult part for you?
The hardest part was the start. With a poor gate choice it’s hard to be in front of the group.
Is there one specific round from last season that stands out for you as a favourite?
Gopher Dunes. I love the sand. Having the feeling of floating is cool. Our tracks here in my town have the same sand so I often practice in this hard condition.
Some riders just make things look easy, and Tommy Dallaire is one of them. – Bigwave photo
What did you learn from racing the East Coast Pro Nationals last season?
It’s was a good experience for me to ride with the Pros, being amateur. I learned that we should be more aggressive and make our own place!
Going into 2016, what is the plan?
I will start practicing with my YZ450F to be ready for the Provincial Championship. After this, I will practice with my YZ250F for East Coast National Pro. My goal is to finish top 20 each race. I’m looking forward to a great year with some good results.
How are you preparing for the upcoming season?
I train at the gym, I played hockey and basketball for fun. I’m going to ClubMX in a couple weeks.
Thank you for your time, is there anyone you would like to thank?
Thank you, Jeff. I would like to thank Motosport St-Cesaire, Yamaha Canada, CarrXpert Chicoutimi, Axxel Suspension, AB Express, Fox Head Canada, Oakley Canada, PR-MX, Kutvek Amerika, my family, and my homies.
