Frid’Eh Update #15 Presented by MB1 Suspension Canada

Frid’Eh Update #15 Presented by MB1 Suspension Canada

By Kyle Carruthers, Jeff McConkey, and Billy Rainford

Welcome to week #15. This week, the Update goes out to the friendly and hard-working rider from the USA, Jesse Wentland. I’ve told this story about Jesse before but it bears repeating. John Maguire puts on a big money race after the end of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals at the Madoc, Ontario, track. The MMRS event gives away a lot of money at this one-off event and a lot of their hard work goes unnoticed.

Kyle Carruthers and I were up in the announcer’s tower when all the money had been handed out. Kyle looked at me and said, “Just watch, Jesse will be the only one who walks over and thanks John.” He was right. It was a small gesture but one that has stuck with me. Jesse won’t be back in Canada in 2015 and his personality will be missed around the track.

We got in touch with Jesse as he was preparing for the outdoors down in Florida. Here’s what he had to say:

Hey, Jesse. We haven’t seen you in a while. Can you give us a quick summary of how your summer went last year in Canada?

I had a great time racing up in Canada last summer; met a lot of awesome people and friends. I got along great with the Mx101 Yamaha team. We had a pretty good season together. A few ups and downs, but I really enjoyed the whole experience of traveling all around Canada. I would love to come back up sometime again if the right opportunity opens up.

What did you do after Walton?

After Walton I hung out for the week at San Del Lee and unfortunately injured myself getting ready for the Madoc race.

You got injured. Can you tell us what happened and how the recovery went?

I broke my left collarbone at San Del Lee, just was cruising around on a 450 the guys at Mx101 built me for Madoc and got cross rutted through a corner and landed just right on my side to break my collarbone. Shortly after I got home I learned that I had a broken scaphoid in my left wrist that I had been racing on all summer too so I had to get surgery on that, which was about a 3 month healing process. After 3 months of sitting on the couch I finally got back on a bike and within 3 weeks of riding I re-broke my collarbone. I’ve been plagued with some bad luck and injuries the last 7 months, but I’m finally back riding and 100% healthy.

We’ve learned you won’t be coming back to Canada this summer. Can you explain how that all came about and what are your summer plans?

Yeah, I had been staying in touch with Mx101 and we talked about next year, but we couldn’t come to an agreement on a few areas about next year. I had a good offer to stay in the US and race with RSR/Starr Cycle Honda. It was a really hard decision that took a few weeks to make, but it just ended up being a better deal to stay in the US and race the Outdoor series here.

What was your favourite track in Canada?

Favourite track is definitely Gopher dunes… San Del Lee is a close second though. (Laughs)

What did you learn about Canadians and Canada in general that you didn’t know before?

I learned that if you don’t like Tim Hortons you aren’t accepted in Canada. (Laughs) Just kidding. If I ever go back to Quebec I need to learn some french too.

Will you miss Canada this summer?

I will miss it for sure, but I also miss racing here in the US. Racing my home town race at Millville. I might still try to make it up to Gopher Dunes national this summer.

Who do you think will win MX1 and MX2 in Canada this year?

I’d definitely like to see my boy Cole Thompson win Mx1. For MX2 I think Kaven Bonoit will win.

Thanks for taking the time with us today, Jesse. Good luck with your season, we’ll be watching, and who would you like to thank?

Thanks, Billy. I’d like to thank Rick Schugel for bringing me on board this year. Wisconsin Kenworth, Starr Cycle, North American Trailer, Blaine Brothers, Pro Circuit, Badger Utility, Loves Travel Stops, Jensen Motors, Fox, Thermo King, blackdiamondmx, Motorex, Dunlop, Renthal, Works Connection, My Mechanic Sean, my Girlfriend Katelyn and all my family and friends who support me.

 

This Frid’Eh Update is brought to you by MB1 Suspension Canada. MB1 Suspension Canada has grown with their location in Tillsonburg, ON and having sales reps on the West Coast MB1 Suspension Canada is there where you need them the most…at the dirt bike track.  MB1 Suspension will be attending various races throughout the Canadian Racing Circuits as they will be providing support and services to riders of all ages and skill levels.  The MB1 Suspension trackside trailer is fully equipped to handle a wide variety of circumstances.  MB1 Suspension has the tools, equipment and knowledge to keep you racing!  At MB1 Suspension we are racers ourselves and we have felt the disappointment of a mechanical failure that cuts the weekend short.  If for any or whatever reason your machine cannot be fixed at the track, we also offer to transport it back to our facility for repair and then return it back to at the next race.

As a part of MB1 Suspension Track Support, they also offer suspension and bike set-up.  As racers we know that all tracks are different and having the correct bike set-up is crucial for your safety and control of your bike while we chase the checkered flag!  Have MB1 Suspension show you how some adjustments keep your bike from bouncing, kicking, swapping and climbing out of corners.

Look for the MB1 Suspension Flags at the races.  Stop by and see how MB1 Suspension can help you or contact them for any questions or to book a time for a private suspension set-up session.

MB1 Suspension will be at Gopher Dunes this weekend. Visit them, and let them know Direct Motocross sent you!

Contact MB1 Suspension Canada at 226-270-2785 or email mb1suspensioncanada@gmail.com

MB1 Suspension East
72 Colonel Talbot Rd
RR #6
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 4G9

 

Kyle Carruthers

Hello, everyone. It’s good to stretch my legs again here, or should I say my typing fingers? Just like all the motocross people digging themselves out of snowbanks and trying to turn frozen bikes over, I thought I better pop in this week and see what’s going on. I first started off this week by posting the story of the DMX Ducati adventure we took to Unadilla last year with Chris Pearson and Arai Helmets‘ Jeff Weil. It truly was one trip for the books and you can check out the whole thing HERE and in print in the Spring issue of Inside Motorcycles which is on newsstands now in most parts of the country.

As others have said, the Ontario Motocross season is starting up and between AMO at Gopher Dunes and the MMRS school and open practice there should be something for everyone no matter what side of the province you live on. Keep in mind, if you plan on attending the MMRS event at Cochranes that Saturday during the school there will also be an open SWAP MEET. Whether you’re looking to sell your old gear, buy some new stuff or trade this will be a fun event for you to hit.

I came across this video last week of Ronnie Renner snowbiking in the back country and it features our own Canadian athlete Brock Hoyer. I just want to say it is worth a watch and once again the level of athleticism Brock Hoyer brings to the extreme sports segment is bar none. Make sure you check it out:

 

Jeff McConkey

Hey, guys. It is Friday and it is finally riding season here in Southern Ontario. It couldn’t be a better time of year. We get to ride outdoors, the AMA SX series is still going for Saturday night entertainment, and both the CMRC Pro Nationals and AMA Nationals are just around the corner. After being away for a week, I was having a real bad craving for moto. It was really nice to read Billy’s ‘McThoughts‘ from Houston. I really do enjoy reading other peoples opinions, and I think Billy did a fantastic job! It was so good, I am a little worried that he may not want me back (laughs).

Anyways, congrats to Ryan Dungey and Cooper Webb on their respective titles. Both guys were head and shoulders above the rest. Like I have been saying all season long, this was a new Ryan Dungey. In the past I was not a huge fan of Ryan, and I felt his first SX title was a “gimme.” Well, a new Dunge showed up and he was hungry for wins and he straight-up whooped the competition. He has always had the talent and fitness, he was just missing the killer instinct, that need to win every time the gate dropped. I’m not sure where or how he found it, but it sure as heck worked. We better hope James Stewart comes back soon and that Eli Tomac can start up front every race or it is going to be a long summer for the rest of the 450 class.

Speaking of people really improving, and myself bagging on them, this is where I would like to say, “Sorry, Cole Seely. You have been much better than I ever expected. I really thought you wouldn’t do so well on the rougher East Coast tracks, but you have completely proved me wrong! Congrats on a great season so far!” But as amazing as Cole’s rookie season has been, I still think he is an indoor specialist and don’t see the same type of results for the outdoors. But hey…I have been wrong about him all year.

In other huge news, Davi Millsaps has been released from his Factory Kawasaki contract. There still isn’t a whole lot being said about the situation, just a lot of speculation. Davi is a world class talent and has won indoors and outdoors. The talent is there, let’s just hope Davi gets something sorted and we see him ready for Hangtown. In my opinion, if the James Stewart suspension sticks, Davi would be a nice fill-in.

Davi speaks…sort of:

“Although my results have not been what I had hoped for up to this point, I have continued to give my best effort and have fulfilled all of my contractual obligations.  I am aware that there is much speculation regarding my termination.  While I am not at liberty to discuss details, I can say without equivocation that I have not violated any AMA or FIM rule or  regulation.    At this point I am evaluating my options, both professional and legal. I apologize to my fans, sponsors and fellow competitors for the confusion this has caused.  I look forward to resolving this and getting back to racing.  See you soon.”

Speaking of fill ins…Who gets the vacant Monster Energy Pro Circuit ride vacated by an injured Tyler Bowers? Crafty Frenchman Christophe Pourcel‘s name has been linked to it, but I would also like to think he would suit Millsap’s empty ride on the Monster Kawasaki 450. It is still early, but as a true fan, why wouldn’t you want both riders back in action?!

Now back to the local action. If you are anywhere near Southern Ontario, you really need to make your way to the MMRS school and practice weekend. The club offers a half day school Saturday followed by open practice, and then a full day of practice on Sunday. Not only that, the club is holding a swap meet Saturday morning. There is no better way to ease yourself into the 2015 season like this. I, myself, will be taking the time to put my new Rekluse EXP Core 3.0 clutch through the paces, in part 2 of my product test, all thanks to Kevin Kinrade and the great folks at Mongoose Machine. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you really need too. Also, I am chomping at the bit to try out my brand new JUST 1 helmet and Fly Kinetic Vector Mesh Rockstar colab from Jeff Fullerton at Gamma Sales. Jeff has been one of the true supporters of Professional and Amateur racing in Canada, so please support the people who keep the sport alive.

That is it for me this week. I hope to see as many of you as possible this weekend. Have a safe and fun weekend and always remember to #smileforBC!

 

Billy Rainford

Thanks, Kyle and Jeff. Welcome back from holidays, Jeff. It sounds like ll the cool kids are hitting Cuba this year. When you left, windows were closed and trees were bare. Now, were’ looking out screen windows and the grass is getting greener by the hour! Tracks are open all across the country or are they? Is that true out east? I checked with Parts Canada Thor Husqvarna rider Tyler Medaglia and he confirms that things are looking better out in the Maritimes where they suffered an even more brutal winter than we did here in southwestern Ontario, but that there is still some drifted snow on their tracks. Ouch!

Medaglia also mentioned he will be at the season-opening race at Gopher Dunes on Sunday. Along with Honda Canada TLD GDR riders Kyle Keast and Westen Wrozyna, there should be a whole host of fast Pro riders racing in the sand in Courtland, ON Sunday. DMX will be there to shoot some photos and video so be sure you have your new gippy all pressed and ready to go!

 

Brad Nauditt Heading North!

Yep, he’s returning to the Great White North at the end of May. Honorary Canadian, Brad Nauditt, will be lined up in the MX2 class when we kick off the 2015 Rockstar Energy MX Nationals May 31st at Whispering Pines in Kamloops, BC. When we last spoke with him in March, he said he hoped to hit the first 4 rounds of our series and then decide from there if he heads east with the series or not.

We spoke with him this afternoon and he indeed confirmed he will be in Canada for the first round in Kamloops. Not only that, he also confirmed he is going to travel the country and compete in the entire series alongside his GA Checkpoint teammate Dylan Delaplace from BC. But wait, there’s more…

Making his return to Canada will be none other than California’s Kevin Urqhart. No, Kevin won’t be racing, he will be spinning the old T-handles for Delaplace while Nauditt will continue with his guy, Darren Stading. The summer just got a whole lot more interesting.

 

After suffering a nagging back injury while preparing for the Supercross season, Brad was forced to take some time off the bike but, as this photo shows, he’s back at it down at his place in California. I remember a few short years ago he was threatening to quit racing altogether and get a “real job.” Well, reality will have to wait a while to welcome ‘B-Naughty’ because he’s got a Canadian title to try and win first. Good luck with your prep work, Brad. See you out west.

Davi Millsaps Released from Monster Kawasaki…Brett Metcalfe?

OK, we’ve all read the news. However, have you given any thought to what this might mean to the Monster Thor Kawasaki team up here in Canada? We all remember the Brett Metcalfe deal from last year when he got the fill-in ride down south for Kawasaki and did very well with the opportunity – he finished 4th overall in the 450 series! Is that where we’re headed again in 2015?

I have a feeling Jason Hughes‘ phone was ringing off the hook this morning and I was actually surprised when he immediately returned my call on his way to the gym. To make a long story short, he said the Brett Metcalfe will be racing in Canada this summer. He was heading down to California later today to pick up the race motors and suspension for the team and as we hung up the phone he said, “See you in a month-and-a-half…and Brett Metcalfe will be with me!”

 

Watch MXGP of Trentino

PIETRAMURATA (Trentino), 16 April 2015 – Round four of the FIM Motocross World Championship will take place this weekend in Pietramurata, Italy, home of the legend himself, the eight-time FIM Motocross World Champion and Red Bull KTM Factory Rider Antonio Cairoli.

With Italian based broadcaster Mediaset being a solid supporter of the entire FIM Motocross World Championship they have agreed to do something special for their local viewers this weekend offering them three hours of coverage. The program will start at 15:05 CET with MXGP Race 1 (delayed) but will be followed by LIVE coverage of both MXGP and MX2 race two.

In other exciting news, three of the 2015 European Championship classes will commence. The premier EMX250 and EMX125 classes have maximum entries, which mean there will be some epic racing for sure. Bulgarian broadcasting network will broadcast the second race of the EMX125 LIVE while everyone else can enjoy the second races of all three classes, EMX250, EMX125 and EMX150 LIVE on www.MXGP-TV.com. With that said, it is also a good time to mention www.MXGP-TV.com is doing a promotion where you can purchase the full 2015 MXGP season which includes LIVE footage from every round and every race of MXGP & MX2 and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, as well as extra content such as race two from each European Championship class LIVE and some behind the scenes footage from inside the paddock. Sign-up today and SAVE a massive 20%!

As for the US and Canadian fans eager to see the multi-time American champion take to the European turf, you can watch MXGP of Trentino slightly delayed on CBS Sports Network.

Also, don’t forget to check out the 26mn Magazine ‘Behind the Gate’, which is a filmed production that covers all the action, both on and off the track, with highlights from racing in MXGP and MX2, a GoPro on-board lap of the track, as well as the inside scoop from the pits at each round of the FIM Motocross World Championship. The 26mn Magazine covering MXGP of Trentino will be screened on Tuesday April 21st at 00:00 (CET) on Eurosport International.

Check the guides below to find out how you can watch MXGP of Trentino and click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

ITALY

ITALIA 2-

Sunday 19 April – 15:05 CET – MXGP Race 1 (DELAYED)

Sunday 19 April – 16:10 CET – MX2 Race 2 (LIVE)

Sunday 19 April – 17:10 CET – MXGP Race 2 (LIVE)

EUROPE

EUROSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Tuesday 21 April – 00:00 CET – 26mn magazine «Behind the gate »

MOTORS TV – LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 14:00 CET – MXGP Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 17:00 CET – MXGP Race 2

FRANCE

BeIn SPORTS – LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 14:00 CET – MXGP Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 17:00 CET – MXGP Race 2

PORTUGAL

Sport TV- LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 14:00 CET – MXGP Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 17:00 CET – MXGP Race 2

SLOVENIA

Sport TV- LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 14:00 CET – MXGP Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 17:00 CET – MXGP Race 2

BULGARIA

BNT – LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 09:35 CET – EMX 125cc Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

THAILAND

TRUE VISION – LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 14:00 CET – MXGP Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 17:00 CET – MXGP Race 2

USA

CBS Sports Network – DELAYED

Sunday 19 April: MXGP Race 2 – 07.30 pm EST (4.30 pm PST)

Sunday 19 April: MX2 Race 2 – 08.30pm EST (05.30 pm PST)

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS – DELAYED

Sunday 19 April – 15:00 local time brazil – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 local time brazil – MXGP Race 2

MIDDLE EAST – AFRICA

BeIn SPORTS – LIVE

Sunday 19 April – 13:00 CET – MX2 Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 14:00 CET – MXGP Race 1

Sunday 19 April – 16:00 CET – MX2 Race 2

Sunday 19 April – 17:00 CET – MXGP Race 2

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX150 Free/Timed practice 07:10; EMX125 Group 1 Free/Timed practice 07:45; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Timed practice 08:20; EMX250 Group 1 Free/Timed practice 08:55; EMX250 Group 2 Free/Timed practice 09:30; MX2 Free Practice 10:15; MXGP Free Practice 10:45; EMX125 Last Chance Qualifying Race 11:50; EMX250 Last Chance Qualifying Race 12:30; EMX150 Race 1 13:20; MX2 Time Practice 14:00; MXGP Time Practice 14:35; EMX125 Race 1 15:20; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:10; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:00; EMX250 Race 1 17:40.

Sunday: EMX125 Warm-up 08:40; EMX150 Warm-up 08:55; EMX250 Warm-up 09:10; EMX125 Race 2 09:40; EMX150 Race 2 10:30; MX2 Warm up 11:10; MXGP Warm up 11:30;EMX250 Race 2 12:00; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

 

Table Tennis Time Out

Just watch it!

Andy White Joins FXR Team

When Andy White was let go from his duties as Race Team Manager at KTM Canada, many wondered what he would do. Those who know Andy knew it wasn’t a question of what, but more where and when. With the skill set Andy has acquired over the years, he is much too valuable an asset not to be working somewhere in Canadian Motocross.

Well, Andy has landed, and landed very solidly. He has been very busy since leaving KTM. It seems every time I call someone for a news story, Andy’s name comes up. He’s been working pretty hard in his ‘spare time.’

Andy White will now be working with the Canadian gear company, FXR out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here is the Press Release we received Thursday:

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.directmotocross.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/FXR_PR_AndyWhite-2.pdf”]

Industry Spotlight – Kevin Kinrade from Mongoose Machine

Jeff mentioned Kevin Kinrade from Mongoose Machine so we wanted to make sure you had a chance to learn about Kevin and his Port Coquitlam, BC business. We did an Industry Spotlight piece on his this week. We always talk about the riders on the machines and sometimes it’s nice to give the people who make the riders look and perform so well a little love too. Here’s the interview in case you missed it:

By Billy Rainford

Photos provided by Kevin Kinrade

It’s almost redundant to say motocross is full of great people – it goes without saying. Motocross is a sport that usually get a hold of you early and never let’s go. Sure, you can try leaving to go do something else, but the draw of the 2-wheel action is usually too strong and you find yourself back in it.

Case in point, Kevin Kinrade got into the sport the way most kids do – his dad raced. He’s a life-long British Columbia resident and has been in the sport for almost as long as he can remember.

Running Mongoose Machine out in Port Coquitlam, BC is the equivalent of a ‘dream job’ for Kevin and he loves every minute of it. He’s been a long-time supporter of Direct Motocross and we appreciate everything he does for us.

In this week’s ‘Industry Spotlight’ we will take a closer look at Mongoose Machine and Kevin Kinrade:

 

Direct Motocross: Hello, Kevin. How are things going out there in Port Coquitlam, BC?

Kevin Kinrade: Hey, Billy, things are great today! Sun is shining, it’s 10 degrees out. It’s a beautiful day on the west coast.

 

Being in the dirt bike industry, how have things gone over the winter?

Typically, winter is a busy time for our machine shop. I would say about 65% of our machining is for snowmobiles. This year, the west coast winter was quite mild so the shop noticed it a bit.

 

On the parts end, the winter was great! We built our own Top End Durability kit for the Polaris 800’s that sold really well. The Rekluse Core EXP auto clutch and Torq Drive manual clutches sold extremely well to the snow bike community (big thanks to Brock Hoyer for being our test pilot on the snow bike) and we took on a new product line of dirtbike rotors and brake pads called T-BRAKE which has kept me very busy.

 

What keeps you busiest in the ‘off-season?’

Race teams. I spend a lot of time in the off-season talking with the teams we are aligned with to set up programs for the next race season – everything from getting them product to test with to writing contracts.

 

Let’s back up for a minute. Can you tell us all a little bit about your motocross/off road history?

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Maple Ridge, BC.

 

How’d you get involved in moto?

My dad raced as a teenager and he made sure I had a bike when I turned 3. We mostly rode for fun and when I turned 16 I decided to try motocross.

 

How did your racing career go?

Horrible! It only lasted three years. I guess my talent never caught up to my ambition. I raced for three seasons: 2 outdoor and 1 arenacross, and never finished one of them before getting injured. The last injury was a long recovery so I called it day and went back to riding for fun.

 

What’s the most memorable race you can think of?

It was a Chilliwack Arenacross back in 2000. I got on the podium for the first time with a 3^rd place finish. As a kid, getting your name announced over the PA was pretty cool!

 

Did you have a moto hero as a kid?

I have always been a huge Jeremy McGrath fan.

 

Where did you go to school?

I went to two different high schools, both in Maple Ridge.

 

OK, I have to ask you a couple personal questions:

What kind of music do you like?

I’ll listen to anything…even country lately.

 

What is your favourite movie?

Fight Club

 

Would you admit to watching American Idol?

I don’t watch it but wouldn’t tell you if I did.

 

Best meal ever?

Shrimp ‘n Grits at Marlow’s Tavern in Orlando

 

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Given?

YZ50 with training wheels for my third Christmas.

I gave my wife a snowboard one year for her birthday that went over really well.

 

What’s the 2nd and 3rd best sport in the world?

Hockey and MMA

 

How did you get involved in this side of the industry?

My family has owned Mongoose Machine since I was little. I worked here on summer breaks as a kid, then again after high school. I switched it up and spent some time at Aurora Cylce (Fox Racing) before going to BCIT. I spent a few years in the construction industry but found I just wasn’t passionate about that industry. I came back to Mongoose to manage the growing parts distribution side of our business and have been here ever since.

 

What is Mongoose Machine all about?

There are two sides to our shop. We have always been a Powersports machine shop. We offer in-house cylinder plating, cylinder boring, crankshaft rebuilding and 4-stroke head rebuilding for motorcycles, ATV’s, outboards, snowmobiles and watercrafts.

 

We are also a parts distributor for Wiseco, ProX and Kibblewhite products for the machining we do, and are Canadian distributors for Rekluse clutches, SKF seals and bearings and InnTeck products which include the T-BRAKE line of rotors and brake pads.

 

How many staff are there?

Including myself, we have 9 staff members.

 

Let’s talk a bit about the new Rekluse clutch system for Harley Davidson.

Are you already in the street industry?

Yes, we do cylinder, crankshaft and head machining for all of the Harley Davidson motorcycles.

 

How is the Harley system different?

It’s a hybrid of the Torq Drive thin clutch plates and the EXP auto disc technology. By using the Torq Drive thin clutch plates both the manual and auto Harley Davidson clutches offer better performance and a higher torque capacity than the OEM clutch.

 

How is the ‘black leather crowd’ to deal with?

They love their bikes, that’s for sure. Their biggest concern is making sure the clutch doesn’t change the look of their bike. But they have been very receptive to learning about the Rekluse systems, especially because of the higher torque capacity the clutches can handle. Most Harley Davidson owners have some level of modification or big-bore kit done to their bike and the extra horsepower puts more strain on the OEM clutch. This offers them an upgrade for their performance motors.

 

Another interesting segment you mentioned is the snow bike crowd. How has that been going for you guys?

The snow bike industry has exploded the last few years for everybody involved. Rekluse sales have had the strongest 4Q ever! The snow bike guys love the auto clutch and with so many of them opting for the turbo kits as well we have been moving lots of the Torq Drive manual clutches.

 

Have you ever tried it?

No, I haven’t. We have had Brock Hoyer on the system for two seasons now and he keeps bugging me to come out…maybe next winter.

 

You mentioned you are going to deal with a braking line. Can you tell us about that? What are some of the benefits of the brand?

Yes, we are the Canadian distributor for InnTeck. They may a brake line called T-BRAKE, which we have just taken on this winter. T-BRAKE has oversize front rotors, adapter brackets, solid rear rotors, vented rear rotors and brake pads. We will also be offering their racing compound brake pads later this summer.

 

The testing went great with this new product line. I have been getting some testing help from Kyle Beaton and Ryan Lockhart and they both really liked the product. Kyle has been testing the oversize front rotor kit on his YZ250F with a noticeable increase in breaking power for that machine.

 

Ryan is extremely hard on brake pads so I gave him some pads to destroy and he was very happy with the feel and was getting more life time out of each set than he was before. It is a great product, visually appealing and priced very well.

 

Are any Pro riders running your stuff this season on the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals tour?

Yes, for Rekluse we have Royal Distributing Fox KTM Canada and Parts Canada Thor Husqvarna Canada both running the Core Manual clutch. The Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha team is running the Torq Drive Core Manual clutch along with Brock Hoyer and Ryan Lockhart.

 

Recently, we signed the Canada’s Motorcyle MX101 Yamaha team to run the T-BRAKE oversize rotor kits for this season, so this will be our biggest line-up of racers ever come Kamloops this year.

 

Where does the clutch system help riders most?

The Core EXP auto clutch’s biggest advantage is the anti-stall. No more worrying that you dropped the bike and have to re-start that 4-stroke. Due to the anti-stall you can focus on other things. You can run a gear high going into corners, which offers smoother power and more traction, and you get less slip off the line.

 

With the Torq Drive manual clutch the system uses 12 frictions and steels instead of the typical 8 or 9. This increases the torque capacity the clutch can handle and gives the rider two set-up options for pressure plate springs. So each rider can choose whether they want smooth or aggressive engagement and normal or light lever feel. The system also prevents clutch fade, lowers the operating temperature and extends the life of each clutch pack.

 

Wait, you guys didn’t even really have a winter out there, did you???

We had a few hours of snow in December I think. (Laughs)

 

What else do you guys do on a daily basis there at Mongoose Machine?

Just a lot of machining and selling parts. 95+% of our work is to dealers so we get machining jobs in from BC, AB, SK and the odd job from ON and QC as well. With the parts distribution we ship to dealers all over Canada.

 

And at lunch I get some time to check out www.directmotocross.com

 

Do you support any amateur-level riders?

We have always supported our local amateur riders, and last year we put together a new program to offer our support right across the country. It’s simply called the ‘Mongoose Amateur Race Team.’ We open up 50 spots per year. As long as you race in one local series you are eligible to apply. The program offers discounts on products and services as well as some Mongoose swag. In fact, there are still some spots open if you head over to our website www.mongoosemachine.com under the promotion tab riders can print out the application.

 

We’re only like 6 weeks from the start of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals. Who are you picking for the titles this season?

Good question! Any of the riders under my program, of course.

 

Will we see you out at the first round in Kamloops?

For sure. I will be in Kamloops, Nanaimo and possibly Calgary.

 

Who will win the MX1 World Championship?

I still think (Ryan) Villopoto is just finding his groove. Once he does he will come back and win it.

 

OK, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. It’s still early out there, so get back to work!

(Laughs) Thanks, Billy, great talking with you as well. Now I have to catch up on the work you made me miss!

 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank before we let you go?

All of my staff here at the shop. They put in the hours that make sure the Mongoose Machine keeps moving forward and my parents, whose business gave me a job that I love.

 

Just 1 Helmets Contest – Win 1 of 3 Just 1 J12 Carbon Helmets from Gamma Sales

Winner #1 Announced!

We have our first winner! If you haven’t gone over to the Gamma Sales Facebook page and ‘LIKED’ them, you can still do so for your chance to win 1 of the 2 remaining Just 1 J12 Carbon helmets being given away.

TODD BRADLEY from Oshawa, Ontario, is our first winner. Congratulations, Todd. Send me an email: billy@directmotocross.com with your phone number and we’ll get you all squared away with sizing etc. and get your new Just 1 J12 Carbon helmet sent out!

The next winner will be announced in next week’s Frid’Eh Update. All it takes is a couple clicks and you’re in!

 

Colton Facciotti Injury Update

We’ve been down this road before: Honda Canada TLD GDR rider Colton Facciotti heading into crunch time nursing a wintertime injury. Fortunately, this time Colton, himself, said he was well ahead of his usual training this winter and so should be able to get himself back into race shape and be ready for round 1 , May 31st.

He fractured his pelvis in a crash down at GPF and has been off the bike ever since. It hasn’t kept him from doing his ‘dry-land’ training so his fitness will be fine. When we spoke with team owner Derek Schuster last week he figured Colton would be off the bike until perhaps the last week of April.

He’s likely be at Gopher Dunes signing autographs this Sunday but don’t look for him to join teammates Kyle Keast and Westen Wrozyna out on the track. He’s recovering well, but won’t be cleared to race quite yet.

 

Weekly Parts Canada TransCan – Road to Walton Update

Across Canada there is only one Parts Canada TransCan – Canadian Motocross Grand National Championship Amateur National Qualifier happening this weekend. The ANQ is at the Kelowna Bear Creek Moto Park in beautiful British Columbia on April 18/19.

Check out the Kelowna Bear Creek Moto Park Track from last year:

BC has produced some of the fastest racers in the history of Canadian Motocross. With the first inland British Columbia ANQ taking place this weekend, the question is Who’s Next? Who from BC will be the next Canadian Amateur Motocross Grand National Champion? Can Casey Keast repeat as a 2016 Amateur Champion, will Jacob Piccolo take the country by storm, or will other racers emerge in all classes to represent the province of BC at the Parts Canada TransCan?

Below is a list of some of the Up and coming Amateur Racers to Watch, as they have either qualified for or attended the Parts Canada TransCan last year:
Casey Keast
Jacob Piccolo
Ryan Lockhart
Kyle Springman
Julien Benek
Sara King
Summer Knowles
Rachel Springman
Hayden Hart
Zane Mellafont
Jake Streichert
Nic Bordt
Hayden Wolff
Graham Scott

Here are a few other BC Racers who’s results were noticed last year, as these racers could qualify and represent BC the Parts Canada TransCan in 2015!

50cc 4 to 6: CONNOR SZATMARI, CONRAD HALL, NOAH PORTER
50cc 7 to 8: EVAN MILLER, BLAISE SWAAN, KOHL DEVOST
65cc: MITCHELL BRADBURY, THOMAS KAISER, CAMERON MILLER
85cc 7-11: DANIEL ELMORE, MARCUS DEAUSY, DAYNE CUTRELL
85cc 12-16: SPENCER FLYNN, RAD CREUZOT, DYLAN PROCTOR
Supmini: NATHAN JOHNSON, ADAM KINGSMILL, AIDAN PROCTOR
Schoolboy: JACKSON NICKOLET, GABRIEL ELMORE, BAILEY GARRISON
Ladies: HEATHER WALL, KASSEE MORRISON, HEATHER WALL, DANIELLE PETTIS, ARDYN ELMORE
Junior: BRAD PERRON, GAGE STANYER, PARKER ENGEL
Intermediate: WARREN CONSTANTINE, SCOTT HILLS, COLTON SHEPHERD
Youth: BROCK HOYER, BLADE DEGEN, ARTHUR MOTT

 

The Return of Richard Grey?

Word on the street is we will have amateur phenom Richard Grey back on the line for the eastern rounds of the nationals at least. We’re hearing the talented rider will be competing in the eastern rounds aboard a KTM 450!

We gave Richard a call today and caught him as he was on his way to pick up his new KTM450 near Tillsonburg. He confirmed he will be racing at least the Ontario rounds of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals and will be on the line this Sunday.

“It was gonna happen eventually, it was just a matter of when!” – Richard Grey

He called around to see if he could drum up any support for the season and when that didn’t produce results he was resigned to racing mountain bikes this summer. He sounded extremely happy to be back and said he felt no pressure and was just back because he “loves riding dirt bikes!” He also mentioned he hasn’t ridden in around 1 1/2 years and that I could probably find him Sunday sitting around trying to deal with arm pump.

Be sure to check back here on DMX for an interview with ‘Little Richard’ early in the week. Welcome back, Richard. We all knew you couldn’t stay away forever. Few can.