Frid’Eh Update #14 Presented by Atlas Brace

By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford

Week #14 goes out to Ontario rider, Jeremy Medaglia. – Bigwave photo

Welcome to the 13th…er, 14th installment of the DMX Frid’Eh Update this week presented by Atlas Brace. It’s because of this week that we usually end up with a ‘bonus’ week at the end of the year. There are a few possible numbers that strike fear in the hearts of riders as they approach the end of the season, and 13 is one of them. Fortunately, getting #13 for the following year means you had a pretty damn good season!

Jeremy Medaglia is the rider who finds himself with the only finish that allows him a choice of numbers – he can choose either 13 or 14 (a question I’ll be sure to ask him if you read on). Jeremy was in the very competitive battle for top 3 in the MX2 class last season that saw him battle eventual winner, Kaven Benoit, and 2nd overall finisher, Jimmy Decotis, tooth and nail week in, week out. In fact, Jeremy only finished off the podium 3 times last summer!

Jeremy’s results form 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals:

Jeremy is currently getting ready for the 2016 season down at GPF in Cairo, Georgia. We got in touch with him to get his thoughts on last season and what it will take to finally take that top spot on the podium at round 10.

Here’s what Jeremy had to say about last season, his winter program, and his goals for the future… – Bigwave photo

Direct Motocross: Hello, Jeremy. It’s week #13 but you will be #14 in 2016. Whose decision was it not to run the 13? Would you be fine with it?

Jeremy Medaglia: It was totally up to me and I had thought about it. If I ran 13 I would have ran 12-17 and potentially tack on an 11 as well, but I like the look of 14 better. My numbers are 4, 14 and 141 if I had to pick 1-2-3 digits.

Let’s back up to last summer. You were only off the podium 3 times last season but there was no room for error in the ultra-competitive top 3. How did the summer go from your perspective?

Right, couple mechanicals from no one’s issues just a part of racing and one rough weekend. All in all, it was a good year. I look to obviously improve on things for next year but I had fun and enjoyed it, for sure.

What would you say was the highlight of your summer?

Racing wise, it would have been my overall win at Ulverton. First time racing a national there, loved the track and the day just felt good as a whole. Series wise, round 1 both Tyler and I coming away with podiums in each class was pretty cool.

Both riders who finished ahead of you in the points won’t be back in 2016. Dumb question, but what is your plan and goal for this summer?

My plan is to just enjoy the racing more than I have in the past. So much goes into it and when you don’t always reach your goals you lose sight of why you’re doing it. Goal for this summer is to get the number one plate for myself, my family/friends, my team/sponsors. I know that we are coming in more prepared and I know what needs to be done. Crazy to think it’s been a few years to say this but I believe this past season was still needed as a learning year to help me win a championship. I think a few small things that I picked up on throughout the season are the last few things I needed. To beat the program we have coming into 2016 is gonna be tough, this is not cocky but confidence in my crew.

Jeremy spent a lot of the winter riding and training with older brother, Tyler at GPF. – Bigwave photo

Whether you win the title or not, you’re up to the 450 class in 2017, no?

That is still up in the air. Honestly, it could go either way.

You’ve raced the MX1 class a few times before. Do you prefer the 250 or is that just the way teams have lined you up?

I prefer racing the 450. I enjoy that style of riding more but with that said racing a tricked-out 250f on the weekends isn’t all that bad (Laughs).

What did you do after Walton last August?

Well, I attempted to race the final AMA round, but after first practice that was a no go. 2 weeks prior to round one last year, I had a crash and ended up with a small fracture on my T-4 in my back. I went through the full season in a little bit of frustration as well as pain. I had seen about 5-6 specialist trying to pin point the issue but we never could. I had a crash at Walton that re-injured it but with everything set in place to race in Indiana I had to at least try. I got a MRI weeks after and saw that the fracture was 90% healed up but there was still some bone bruising around it so that was nice to finally find all that out.

You’ve done quite a few AMA races. As you move through your Pro career, is a full season down south (indoor or out) still a goal/dream?

No, at this point it’s not. I am happy where I am at racing in Canada and with unreached goals here it doesn’t even make sense to start thinking about racing somewhere else. Don’t get me wrong, it would be an awesome experience and something I have wanted to do for years but not yet, maybe on the 450 in a few years…we’ll see.

After Ironman, what did you get up to?

I really just relaxed, spent time with family and friends. Went to visit Tyler, Heidi and the kids, raced RC cars, played hockey…you know, some non-moto things (Laughs).

How has your training been going down at GPF?

Training has been good. I have a new program this year that I am really enjoying and happy where things are at.

Who do you ride with most often?

I mostly ride with Tyler, and once I’m at home my buddies Dain and Tiz and sometimes Shawn (Robinson) jumps in. We got a good little crew that motos together.

Will he move up to MX1 for 2017? It’s up in the air. – Bigwave photo

When are you heading north?

I just got home yesterday, actually. That 22-hour drive straight back was no fun, but it’s nice to be home. Ya, it’s nice being in the warmth riding dirtbikes but besides that everything about Canada is better.

Will you race at all before round 1 in Kamloops?

I am not sure about that. Still lots of time to decide, but really it comes down to whether it’s worth it or not. At this point, with track selection, payout etc, I’ve got a full summer of racing ahead.

Well, welcome home and thanks for chatting with us today, Jeremy. Is there anything else you’d like to add, and who would you like to thank?

No stress, I would like to thank my team GDR, Honda Canada, Fox Racing, my new mechanic Mike. Very excited to be working together, it’s been years in the works, all my friends and family for just being awesome and thanks to the people that want to see #14 win this championship, I will not disappoint. Thanks!

This week is presented by Atlas Brace. Click the link to find a dealer near you.

Jeff McConkey

Hi, guys. After a short, much needed break, Supercross is back. This short break gave some guys time to rest and heal up, while it gave others more time to prepare. Supercross is a long, grueling season with 17 rounds in 18 weeks. The big boys race all 17 rounds, whereas the 250’s split the rounds with an East and West. The West 250’s started strong with 7 straight rounds before the East 250’s took over for 4 rounds. This weekend, the West boys will be back briefly, before the East takes over for 4 straight. The season finale goes off in Las Vegas, May 7th. This year, the 250’s will be run in one combined main event with regular points being awarded.

Supercross

As always, injuries have been a big part of this season. Top stars like Davi Millsaps, Andrew Short, Will Hahn, and Dean Wilson are still out injured, but James Stewart, Justin Barcia and Christophe Pourcel will return from injury this weekend. Former 250SX standout, Josh Hansen, is set to make his season debut in Santa Clara. Josh is one of the most talented racers ever, but a real lack of heart, focus and fitness over the years have held him back. I, myself, enjoyed watching ‘Lil Hanny race back in the day, but his effort, or lack of it, towards racing has helped me lose interest. I’m sure he’s still a bad man on a bike, but I don’t see him making the main easily and I think if he is to make the main, it will be in one of the last transfer positions through the LCQ.

Jeff is picking #25 Marvin Musquin for the win in Santa Clara. – Bigwave photo

450 SX

In 450 action, you can bet on Ryan Dungey being up front and continuing his amazing podium streak. I also believe that Marvin Musquin will be a podium contender each and every weekend for the remainder of the rounds. The real question mark will be Ken Roczen. Has Kenny figured out the missing piece? We all know what he can do when he gets a great start. But we have all also seen how he has struggled at points with his starts and coming through the pack. Another big question is Trey Canard. What is going on with Trey? He is one of the most talented guys ever and has some of the fastest raw speed ever shown. Has he been hiding an injury? Is Trey not happy with the bike? Only Trey knows the answers, but whatever the problem… I hope he figures it out soon.

Jeff has #1W Cooper Webb picked for the Santa Clara…or is he hurt? – Spikman photo

250 West SX

Like I said earlier, the 250 West series resumes this weekend after letting the East Coast 250’s have some fun for 4 rounds. Barring disaster, Cooper Webb has still got to be the man of the class, this championship is his to loose. Look for a very strong Joey Savatgy to come out swinging as he tries to erase a points deficit, that I don’t think was his fault at all. I don’t think Joey is a dirty rider, but I would expect to see him put it in hard on Christian Craig if the two come together. Most of the West riders have been testing for outdoors, so I wouldn’t be shocked if a few of them are nursing injuries. Let’s take a look at my Santa Clara predictions.

250 West

Holeshot: Joey Savatgy

1st Cooper Webb
2nd Joey Savatgy
3rd Colt Nichols
4th Jimmy Decottis
5th Zach Osbourne

450 Class

Holeshot: Marvin Musquin

1st Marvin Musquin
2nd Ryan Dungey
3rd Cole Seely
4th Jason Anderson
5th Justin Brayton

Check out this week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ featuring Quebec rider, Kim Normandin. – Bigwave photo

That is all for me this week. Check out This week’s Schrader’s ‘Out of the Blue‘ with Quebec’s Kim Normandin. Kim captured # 2 overall in the Ladies East Nationals in 2015. She’s a rider that impressed me right from the get go in the first practice session at the Gopher Dunes National. I’m even willing to go as far as to pick Kim as my wildcard for the 2016 championship. She will be riding the big 450 and no doubt finally get some good starts. A big thanks to Kim for doing the interview in English and an even bigger thanks for her not making me faire l’interview en Francais. Have a great weekend and always #smileforBC!

Billy Rainford

Thanks, Jeff. This is going to be short and sweet from me this week. We’re sitting here in the San Francisco Airport waiting for the rest of the KTM Canada crew to show up and take us to some undisclosed location for some top secret photo ops.

Tanner Ward and I waiting for the rest of the KTM Canada crew to arrive in San Francisco. – Bigwave photo

We’ll be out here for the Santa Clara race and then doing some Fox Brigade and KTM Canada team intro and photo shoot. It should be a good time…and we’ll finally be able to put the rider list for the 2016 team to rest.

Cole Thompson OUT for Santa Clara

I gave Slaton Racing Fox KTM rider, Cole Thompson, a call last night to check in with him and see how he’s been getting ready to finish out the 250 West SX season strong. Unfortunately, he informed me that he took a fall while practicing this past Tuesday and has decided to sit out this round.

Not to worry, he said it’s not a serious leg/hip injury and he’ll be back on a bike next week for all the KTM Canada events.

No Cole Thompson this week in Santa Clara. – Spikman photo

Jesse Pettis Joins MX101|FXR|Yamaha for 2016

Well, that will have to do it for this week, I’m afraid. The KTM gang has landed and we are off to the rental car area for our ride to Santa Clara. Stay tuned to Direct Motocross this weekend and next week as we bring you all kinds of interesting behind-the-scenes coverage from our week with KTM Canada.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.