Frid’Eh Update #26 | Kaven Benoit | Brought to You by RP Race Performance

Week #26 belongs to Canadian Triple Crown Series Motocross Nationals 250 Pro points leader Kaven Benoit from Ste Perpetue, Quebec.

By Billy Rainford

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Brought to you by RP Race Performance
Week #26 belongs to Kaven Benoit from Ste Perpetue, Quebec. | Bigwave photo

Welcome to Week #26 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update brought to you by RP Race Performance. We find ourselves in another off weekend in our series up here in Canada, but the AMA Pro Motocross Championship is back after its 1-week break and heads to Moto 338 at Southwick in Massachusetts.

We have a couple Canadians heading to New England to race in the sand. Here’s a look at the entry lists:

If #778 Tony Lorusso qualifies for the motos, he’ll be the oldest to ever do so at 52.

We’ll have Jordan Wilsey from RussOgraphy on the track this weekend grabbing all the coverage for us. And if

#26 Kaven Benoit is happy to be back at the track. | KTM Photo

Back in 2019, if you told me we’d be doing a Frid’Eh Update interview with Kaven Benoit and that he’d be leading the 250 points when we did so, I would not have believed you. A “Where Are They Now?” sure, but not as the 35-year-old putting it to the youngsters in the Nationals.

OK, that may be a bit of a stretch with #300 Drew Adams in the field, but I think Kaven will have the rest of the field covered when we hit the softer tracks in the east. I could be wrong, as we’ve got a few other riders who are coming into form after 3 rounds of western racing, but I think Kaven will be the one they’ll be chasing in the east. I guess this is why we drop the gate, right?

Kaven was “talked into” coming back to race last season when Matt Deroy told him he could ride the new, fuel-injected KTM 250 2-stroke in the 250 class. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out and he ended up racing the 4-stroke, but he came out guns-a-blazing and won the first round, announcing he meant business.

He would end up 3rd in the 250 class behind Ryder McNabb and Josiah Natzke.

Here’s a look at how his 2024 season has gone to to this point:

He’s 8 points ahead of Georgia rider #402 Gage Linville and 10 ahead of #300 Drew Adams from Tennessee. Sitting 4th is #12 Sebastien Racine, 32 points back.

Let’s have a look at the 250 points right now, shall we:

250 PRO / AM 
Place – Name
Number – Hometown
6/2/2024
Finish
6/9/2024
Finish
6/16/2024
Finish
Total Points
1st – KAVEN BENOIT
#26 – Ste-Perpetue, QC
1st 1st 4th 128
2nd – GAGE LINVILLE
#402 – Lake Park, GA
3rd 3rd 2nd 120 (-8)
3rd – DREW ADAMS
#300 – Chattanooga, TN
2nd 8th 1st 118 (-10)
4th – SEBASTIEN RACINE
#12 – Casselman, ON
4th 10th 3rd 96 (-32)
5th – WYATT KERR
#59 – Brantford, ON
9th 4th 6th 87 (-41)
6th – QUINN AMYOTTE
#14 – Blackstock, ON
12th 2nd 7th 82 (-46)
7th – TIGER WOOD
#143 – Barrie, ON
7th 6th 10th 76 (-52)
8th – AUSTIN JONES
#30 – Perth, ON
14th 7th 5th 69 (-59)
9th – TANNER SCOTT
#25 – Oro Medonte, ON
10th 12th 8th 67 (-61)
10th – EVAN STICE
#316 – Carmen, ID
5th 5th   61 (-67)
11th – ZACH UFIMZEFF
#24 – Lake Country, BC
8th 14th 11th 60 (-68)
12th – NOAH PORTER
#66 – Williams Lake, BC
13th 11th 12th 55 (-73)
13th – CLAYTON SCHMUCKI
#32 – Red Deer County, AB
11th 13th 15th 53 (-75)
14th – TYLER YATES
#33 – Duncan, BC
17th 9th 9th 52 (-76)
15th – BLAKE DAVIES
#29 – Mission, BC
6th 18th   38 (-90)
16th – DEVYN SMITH
#34 – Mission, BC
16th 19th 14th 32 (-96)
17th – LIAM DODDS
#87 – Revelstoke, BC
20th 17th 16th 25 (-103)
18th – DYLAN REMPEL
#19 – Aylmer, ON
  15th 13th 24 (-104)
19th – ALEX GATT
#181 – Penticton, BC
  16th 18th 13 (-115)
20th – BRADEN SPANGLE
#113 – Mead, WA
15th     12 (-116)
20th – BRYCE WADGE
#86 – Stonewall, MB
  23rd 17th 12 (-116)

I was looking forward to talking with Kaven this week for a couple reason: 1) I always like our chats and 2) there are probably some younger riders out there who don’t remember Kaven from back in his first heyday. You know, the one where he had to race against Vince Friese every week in 2014. Here’s what he had to say when we got in touch with him this week:

Kaven vs. Vince Friese in 2014 was the thing of legend. Yes, he mentions it… | Bigwave photo

Direct Motocross: Hello, Kaven. It’s great timing for Week #26 as you are currently at the top of the points in the 250 class. Let’s talk about it. First off, I know last year racing the new 250 2-stroke was a big draw for you to come out of retirement, but that, of course, didn’t happen. Are you still having a blast coming back to racing?

Kaven Benoit: Yeah, you are right. It was kind of the candy Matt threw at me to get out of retirement. Ahah. Even though it didn’t work out, I’m still happy to be back racing. I know it is a temporary thing as I’m not getting younger. I’m super blessed with the equipment I have under me to go racing, so I appreciate every moment of it right now. 

What part do you like and what part of the whole thing could you do without?

I really enjoy the racing part of it, the boost after adrenaline that a gate drop can give you. There is nothing like it in the world. I could live without the long winter grind away from home. I miss my kids now when I go through that.

Also, can you tell everyone what it is you were doing after you stepped away from 450 racing a few years ago?

The first year (2019) it was a bit of a vacation year. I spent lots of time training kids in the summer too. Second year I did part-time MX schools and real estate agent class. Third year I was a real estate agent for RE/MAX and raced provincials in Quebec.  Fourth year I bought a big land of 100 acres and built a new house on it. That was a big project. I did race the provincials that summer too. After that came 2023 and the out of retirement thing.

Kaven and Tyler Medaglia are two veterans and are both racing the 250 class in 2024. | Bigwave photo

OK, let’s talk briefly about your 2 250 titles in 2014 and 2015. Which one did you enjoy more? You battled Vince Friese (we loved that one!) in 2014 and then had nearly a 100-point lead on Jimmy Decotis in 2015.

I honestly don’t have a preference because both of them had something special to it. The first one was a long and stressful summer racing the most hated racer in the world. I was super happy to overcome all that adversity. The second one was a lot of fun too. Running the number one plate is something really special.

You moved up for 2016 and had to go up against Davi Millsaps, Matt Goerke, Brett Metcalfe, Mike Alessi, and Colton Facciotti. You ended up 3rd in the standings. Was that a good year for you? Did you like racing the 450 class?

The rookie season on the 450 was a good one for sure. The line up that year was no joke and I had to fight hard that year to be up there with these legends. I did win my first overall in (Motocross) Deschambault that year. Great times!

And then you only did a few rounds in 2017. Can you remind us all what happened that summer? And is that what chased you away?

2017 was a tough year. I broke my ankle really bad in Germany racing indoor during the winter and it just didn’t heal up properly before the start of the season. I tried my best to push it through but I had too much pain. I had another surgery on it in the fall to fix things up. At that moment that wasn’t what chased me away.

I was in Italy when you led that race at the MXON for a while. Was that up at the top of the list for best racing memories or does something else stand out for you?

That whole MXON week/event stands out as one of my best racing memories for sure. It just can’t be replicated. It was such a blast! I just felt in that zone that weekend and gave the best version of myself on the track battling with the best in the world.

It hasn’t been all sunshine and lollipops for Kaven though.

OK, that was then, this is now. You’re racing the top A Class prospect in the USA right now in Drew Adams. How has it been racing him this season? Heck, you’re leading the points!

This season, like all the others I had, is very challenging. It will not be an easy one. Drew is one fast kid and there are other ones on the line too. I try to learn from every one even at 35 years old. I will give everything I have to beat the kids but at the same time I feel lucky to be out there with them and be battling.

Do you have another gear you can use to go with him because it looks like he’s heading east? What’s your game plan for the 5 remaining rounds?

West coast has never been where I’ve shined the most, so, yeah, I think I still have something…we’ll see. Plan is the same. I’m not changing anything.

Are you someone who enjoys the sand of the east? Is there a track you’re looking forward to?

I enjoy racing the sand. I’m really looking forward to Deschambault, that’s not a surprise for anyone. Last year I raced injured at my home race. Hopefully, this year I’m healthy to bring the magic out.

Kaven winning his 2nd 250 title in 2015. | Bigwave photo

Your two 450 teammates are in a points race with each other. As a veteran, are you in a position to help them on the mental side of that? What kind of advice do you give Jess Pettis and Josiah Natzke, if any?

I support both of them. They are two great guys with lots of determination. It is a blast training with them this year. I’m not getting into that with them. They know what to do as they both know how to win races. It’s going to be fun to watch in the east.

Do you get in and out of the races these days or are you enjoying the travel and doing some sight-seeing? Did you enjoy the west at all?

I did stay out west between round 1 and 2 to limit the travelling a bit. I enjoy doing sight-seeing in the most beautiful part of our country. Can’t miss on that when out there. Other than that, I try to be at home for the kids. I need to have time for them too.

OK, let’s say this season ends and you’re either the champion or the runner-up. Does either of those results keep you racing or are you finished at the end of 2024?

I don’t have an answer on that right now. I don’t think winning at the end is what’s going to keep me racing. There are other things in consideration. I just enjoy the present moment for now, that’s about it.

For Kaven to win this title, he’ll have to solve top A Class prospect from the USA, #300 Drew Adams. | Bigwave photo

Do you think you’re going as fast as you did in your championship seasons?

It is hard to tell or compare. I think I’m somewhere around there. If it’s enough to be up front it’s the only thing that matters I think.

Are your kids going to be racers?

As of now I don’t know. They just ride around with Stacycs and they have fun with that. Either one is asking to race right now. I’m not pushing them.

OK, I’m starting to go long here. Thank you very much for taking some time with us this week. Good luck with the rest of the season, and who would you like to thank?

Thanks a lot. I have to give it up to my awesome team, KTM Red Bull Fly Racing along with all of our sponsors for the opportunity.


Tyler Medaglia to Return at Gopher Dunes

#5 Tyler Medaglia returns for Round 4 at Gopher Dunes next weekend. | Bigwave photo

After his first lap crash at Round 1 in Calgary that saw him get run into by Drew Adams, Tyler tried to come back and ride at Round 2 but that ended early too after the day started with a first turn crash. He sat out Round 3 and has used this break to get himself back and ready to go for Round 4 at his Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing team’s home National at Gopher Dunes next week.

There were rumours that he might move up to the 450 class, but he will remain in the 250 class as originally planned.

If he’s back to even close to 100%, he should add some excitement to the front of the 250 class.


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National Registration Is Now Open For 43rd Annual Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Presented By AMSOIL

The AMA Amateur National Will Take Place July 29 – August 3

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 27, 2024) – With the final step in qualifying for the 43rd Annual Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by AMSOIL ending this past weekend, online registration is NOW OPEN. Registration will remain open until Tuesday, July 9th at 12:30 PM ET. Amateur and Youth racers have been working hard, competing since February to qualify for the world’s largest and most prestigious amateur motocross race at the iconic Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

As online registration gets underway, riders will enter their current AMA membership number and hit submit. Riders will then select their national classes; facility permits and check to enter into the Hookup Lottery (optional). Riders are limited to (2) Facility Permits, (1) Extra Car Pass per Facility Permit and (2) Pit Vehicle Permits per Facility Permit. Permits must be purchased in advance. Riders will receive a text message and email with a link to adult racers, and in the case of parents with joint custody, both parents. Please select either the text message or email link to receive the required release waiver. Read the release carefully, enter your name and select Sign and Confirm. A confirmation receipt will be issued, and after that you have completed your registration.

When you pre-enter you will receive $50 in Race Gas Cash credits on RockyMountainATVMC.com (One cash credit per rider, per event). You will receive an email after registering letting you know that cash has been put into your account, what event you received it for and the expiration of that credit.

Register today for the 43rd Monster Energy AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Photo: Align Media

MotoTees will continue to offer riders the opportunity to put their last name on their official Loretta Lynn’s racing bib. All bibs are fully sublimated and will include riders last name above their race number. No press on numbers or letters. Purchase extra bibs to frame after the event or have on-hand during race week. These customized bibs are in addition to the race bib provided by MX Sports. Orders will begin when rider numbers are assigned.

MyLaps transponders are used for the National event. Transponders can be rented or purchased in advance of the event. To speed up the rental process, we request you order your rented/purchased transponder online when registering for classes and passes. The online purchase price is $145, while the rental fee is $45 with a $100 refundable deposit. Riders that currently own a transponder must register it at the event. You do not have to have your transponder in order to register, but you must obtain one prior to racing.

Although pre-entered, all riders must confirm their entries at the event during Registration. Only adult riders and the parents of minor riders are required to attend Registration. Minors are not required to attend registration.

All riders are required to check-in. Registration will be held at the Monster Arena as follows:

Sunday:
10 am – 11:30 am Youth Classes 20-27
12 pm – 1:30 pm   Youth Classes 28-36
2 pm – 3:30 pm     Amateur Classes 4-13
4 pm – 5:30 pm     Amateur Classes 1-3 and 14-19

Monday:
7 am – 10 am        All Classes

The 2024 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship will commence from Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, from Monday, July 29, through Saturday, August 3, with six days of action featuring the finest amateur motocross talent on the planet, across 36 classes of competition. 

Registration is NOW OPEN!

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, visit the series official website at www.mxsports.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the event’s social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.


Final TransCan ANQ this Weekend at Walton Raceway

Ride the National track this weekend and be sure to punch your ticket to the TransCan at Walton Raceway!

Walton Raceway June 29-30 to Host RD6 of True North Fleet AMO OPC/ANQ (FINAL ANQ) and Hudsons Motorcycles RD4 West Series

Registration is officially open https://www.livelaps.com/event?16048

*** IF YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES/ISSUES WITH LIVELAPS PLEASE EMAIL TONNY@LIVELAPS.COM OR USE THE LIVE CHAT ON LIVELAPS.COM

THINGS TO KNOW: PLEASE READ THROUGH

Address:  42932 Walton Rd, Walton, ON N0K 1Z0

Event Gate Hours
Friday June 28, 9:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday Jun e 29, 7:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday June 30, 6:30am – 1:00pm

Camping/Practice: 

https://waltonraceway.redpodium.com/2024-open-practice-days-camping-registration

Waivers:

https://waltonraceway.speedwaiver.com/bkzdm

Facility Rules: 

https://www.waltonraceway.ca/facility-rules

TRANSPONDERS – It is the member’s responsibility to have your transponder up to date. This is not an AMO-related question (though we can help point you in the right direction if you need it). You must contact the folks at https://speedhiveshop.mylaps.com/tr2-mx-transponder.html  for all information, inquiries, and updates related to your transponder. Please also ensure your subscription is up to date and activated when racing begins.

AMO DOES NOT SELL TRANSPONDERS

YOU MAY RESERVE A TRANSPONDER RENTAL BY E-TRANSFERING $30 TO AMORACINGRELOADED@GMAIL.COM WITH THE INFO: BIKE #, NAME, RACE DATE/LOCATION, AND CLASS IN THE TRANSFER DESCRIPTION. Screenshot or save the transaction for extra backup when you arrive to get the transponder It can be picked up between those times below.

Pick–Up Times:
Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 7 AM – 8 AM

TYKE/STACYC 9 AM SUNDAY – YOU MUST REGISTER THROUGH LIVELAPS………

GATE FEE $10 for everyone (RACERS, Family, Spectator, etc) over 8 years of age – (THIS IS PAID VIA LIVELAPS REGISTRATION) https://www.livelaps.com/event?15789

RACE WEEKEND PASS $35- (Non-AMO member who races. Not a spectator or family. Just for racers) PURCHASED THROUGH LIVELAPS https://www.livelaps.com/event?15789


Saturday – $25 per rider/group PAID UPON ARRIVAL AT WALTON SHOP

Repeat order X3
   
Practice Order – 8 AM – 12:30 PM                 Sunday Warm-Up Order 6 Min each –                                                                                           7:30  AM Start
1. Junior    10 Min                                                                  1. Int/25+
2. Ladies A/B/9-16    10 Min                                                   2. KTM/Hus/GasGas
3. 50’s    10 Min                                                                      3. 85’s/112
4. Vet B (Slower Vet 30 Open Racers)/40/50  10 Min         4. Yamaha/Suz
5. Trail Bike/65 B    10 Min                                                     5. Vet 30/40
6. 65    10 Min                                                                        6. 65’s
7. Open Beginner    10 Min                                                    7. Hon/Kaw
8. 85/112s    10 Min         
9. 25+/Vet30
(Faster Vet 30 Open Racers)/Int/Pro 10 Min                               Sunday –                                                                               Tyke/Orion Electric Balance Bike/
                                                                                9 AM Practice on PeeWee Track

Repeat order X3                                                              
20-MINUTE TRACK PREP              
AFTER PRACTICE BEFORE RACES BEGIN    
            

Saturday Race Order          
1. Vet 50+          
2. 50 4-6         
3. 50 7-8         
4. Girls 9-16         
5. Open Beginner         
6. 65 B/Trail Bike          
7. Vet B Open 30/40/50         
8. Girls 4-8         
9. Ladies A/Ladies B         
10. 50 CC Open/GP         
11. Youth 16-24 Beg/Jun         
10 Min Track maintenance – repeat order    

Sunday Race Schedule

1. Two-stroke
2. 85 7-11
3. 85 12-16
4. 25+/250 Int
5. 250 Junior
6. 65 7-9/10-11
7. Vet 30 Open
8. Open Int/School Boy 1
9. 65 GP
10. Vet 40 Open
11. Open Junior
12. Supermini
13. Pro-Am
20 Min Track maintenance – repeat order

RACE CLASS FEE:

1. $50 First class

2. $40 Second class

3. $20 Third class


Catching Up with #66 Noah Porter

Interview with 16-year-old Motocross Pro #66 Noah Porter from Williams Lake, BC in this Catching Up with interview brought to you by KTM Canada.

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Brought to you by KTM Canada

If you’ve been wondering who the fast rider on the #66 in the 250 class has been so far this summer, that’s Noah Porter from Williams Lake, BC. Noah raced Intermediate at the TransCan at Walton Raceway in 2023 and has made the move to the Pro ranks for 2024. He turned heads at Temple Hill MX in Raymond, Alberta, when he grabbed a holeshot and led the Pro Am class for several laps.

We got in touch with him this week to give everyone a chance to get to know the 16-year-old a little better. We’re on another weekend off from racing in our series, so here’s an interview with one of our fast up-and-comers.

16-year-old #66 Noah Porter from Williams Lake, BC has been turning heads this summer. Let’s get to know the rookie Pro a little better. | Bigwave photo

Direct Motocross: Hey, Noah. I thought we really needed to chat with you after the improvements you seem to have made so far this season. You’ve really turned some heads! Let’s back it up though. Tell everyone how old you are, where you’re from and how you got into racing motocross.

Noah Porter: Hi, Billy, thanks for reaching out.  I am 16 years old and I live in Williams Lake, BC. I got into motocross when I was 4 years old.  My dad took me to the local race on my Honda 50 and I entered the 50 (4-6) class.  I loved it right away and we bought a KTM 50 that season. I have been racing ever since.

Coming from Williams Lake, I assume Brock Hoyer has played a role in your racing? Is he someone you’ve looked up to or had as a mentor? Do you sled in the winter too?

Yeah, Brock Hoyer has been helping me out lots.  We ride the local track, natural tracks around Williams Lake, and off-road trails too.  He gives me lots of tips on how to improve my riding and is someone I look up to.  We do sled and I also put a Timbersled kit on my 450 last year so that we can go snowbiking too. I really enjoyed that this year.

Living up where you do, you’ve got a long way to go to compete and rise to the level of Pro. How tough was it as a kid coming up through the ranks? I assume your parents put in a lot of miles?

We had to decide which BC series to compete in when I was on little bikes.  My parents chose the Future West Moto series so that I could compete with riders who get to ride more of the year than Northern riders do.  I have to park my bike at home when the snow hits and pick it back up in the spring, and also I don’t get to train in the US. We try to go to all the Future West races, some of the Peace Motocross races, some PNWMA off-road races and even some Island races. I just try to ride as much as I can to get seat time.

Noah won the Rick Joseph Ward at the 2023 TransCan at Walton Raceway as the Intermediate rider showing potential. | Bigwave photo

You had a pretty good 2023 TransCan last year. You were 3rd in 250 Intermediate and 4th in Open Intermediate. How did your final event as an amateur go in your eyes?

My first time ever going to Walton was a great experience.  It was definitely one of the biggest races I have ever been to.  My mom and I drove in a pick-up to make it to the race because my dad wasn’t able to come at the last minute.  I’m glad that Brock was there to help me mechanic and be my pit crew. I was really surprised to place that well in my classes, because it was all new people I had never raced before.  I am very happy to have made the podium for Intermediate and to also bring home the Rick Joseph Memorial Award

You raced the 250 Pro Am class last year with a best overall of 16th. How did that go racing against the Pro guys as an amateur?

Last year was a trial run for the National races.  I was trying to get used to being on the track with so many riders at once.  I felt a little intimidated, but I just did my best and rode how I know I can. It was really cool being on the track with all the pro riders as a 15-year-old.

I mention all these past results because you’ve really made some moves coming into this summer. You’ve had some great rides! What did you do over the winter to prepare for the 2024 season?

I try to snowmobile and snowbike as much as I possibly can all winter, and I play hockey in town as well.  I joined the local boxing club to stay in shape too.  When spring hits I start riding as much as possible wherever the snow has melted, sometimes it is hard to find places to ride. We have also taken some day trips down to snow-free Savona, BC to ride with Kaylie Kayer at her local riding spots.

The Porters chose to race a lot of the Future West Moto series in BC. Here his is at the Chilliwack AX back in 2021. | Bigwave photo

I think it was at the WCAN in Raymond, AB where you really gained some momentum. You raced at the front for a while against Natzke, Ward, and Linville, to name a few. Tell us how that was for you.

I got a lot of confidence in Raymond.  I know I am good at starts and had some great starts there.  It was very eye-opening what I can do if I get a good start. I liked riding my 450 in West Can because it felt like I could keep the pace and flow with those top riders. I was also freaking out that I was riding with the guys that I grew up watching!

You also ran up front at round 3 last weekend in Pilot Mound, MB. How was that and are you starting to feel more comfortable riding that pace?

In Pilot Mound I was mostly just focused on keeping it on two wheels in that mud.  I was hoping that if I could stay up and in control, I could make a top 10. I am definitely feeling more comfortable riding at that pace with each round I complete.

Always a good starter, Noah usually finds himself up at the front early. | Bigwave photo

You’re 13, 11, 12 so far in the first 3 rounds. How would you sum them up?

I know that I could have done better.  My goal was to get a top 10. But I have done better this year in the Western rounds than I did last year. I will keep working hard to reach my goal. 

Now that you see what the top pace is like, what do you think it is that you need to work on to get there?

I do need to work on my endurance and more practice with catching guys and passing them right away.

What are your plans during this break before we head east?

After the Western rounds, I need to go home and catch up on some schoolwork that I missed while racing. Unfortunately, we have cancelled our plans to do the Eastern rounds.  I am hoping to still make Walton again, even if it is just my mom and I in our pick up.

I’m sorry to hear that. So then, what are your plans for the rest of the summer?

I will go back to work as a heavy-duty mechanic apprentice and keep practicing on my dirt bike. I am excited to help with driving this year on the way to Walton because I was too young last year to drive.

Do you have your sights set on any AMA Supercross?

At this point, no, but one day I would like to do that.

At the end of this summer, what will you call a success?

Getting at top 10 at Walton!

You’re just 16 years old now. What is your school situation?

I am finishing up Grade 11 and I have finished everything I need to do at high school.  In the fall I am starting the Heavy Duty Mechanics program at Thompson Rivers University.  I will be done next April and be a second-year apprentice.  I am excited to be done in April so that I can do the Triple Crown Series without being in school like this year.

OK, well I appreciate you taking some time with us. It’s been fun watching your progress. Good luck with the rest of the season and your schooling. Who would you like to thank?

My mom and dad, Klim, RMR Suspensions, Peter Arnold Log Homes, Spectra Powersports, LRX Performance, Parts Canada, Matrix Concepts, 100%, Atlas Brace, Mobius Braces, Lime Nine, Schickworks Signs and Stitches.

Hopefully, we see the Heavy Duty Mechanic apprentice at Walton again in August. | Bigwave photo

Out of the Blue | Alexa Nelson | Brought to You by Schrader’s

This week, we feature #614 Alexa Nelson from Canyon Lake, California, in our ‘Out of the Blue’ WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s.

By Jensen Amyotte

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Name: Alexa Nelson

Date of Birth: 6/14/2017

Hometown: Canyon Lake, California

Grade: 1st going into 2nd

Race Number: 614

Bike: 22 KTM E5 and 23 KTM 50 SX Factory Edition

Race Club: Dirt Soldiers Racing

Classes: 50 Girls Open, 50 (4-6) Beginner, 51cc (4-6) Sr (Max 12″ Whl), and Girls Jr / Sr (4-8) 0-51cc.

This week, we feature #614 Alexa Nelson from Canyon Lake, California. | Photo provided

Who/what inspired you to get into the sport of motocross and how long have you been racing/riding? 

My daddy. I have been riding since I was 3 years old and I started on Stacycs. 

When not on a dirt bike how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?

The other sport I do is gymnastics. I also like to write.

As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?

There are usually more boys than girls that race dirt bikes.

From your first ride to where you are now what is something you never thought you would be able to overcome but have?

Jumping the jump on the 65 track at Lake Elsinore and clearing it.

Alexa’s favourite track is Glen Helen and her favourite rider is Aaron Plessinger. | Photo provided

Who is your all-time favourite rider and why? 

AP7 (Aaron Plessinger) because he is a cowboy rider.

What is your favourite track and why? 

Glen Helen, because there are big hills.

What event do you look forward to most every year? What’s one you don’t ever want to miss? 

A1 in Anaheim and the NGPC races because they are long.

Who has been your biggest inspiration/hero on and off the track? 

Coach Brook.

Do you have any pre-moto rituals?   

Nope.                       

What are your plans for this upcoming season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?

Try and get first overall in the girls classes. Looking forward to the night race with Moto 4 Kids.

What are your biggest accomplishments to date?

3rd place in the girls class at Mini Monsters (Formerly Mini Majors) and getting 1st place in the  last 3 SWAP Moto race series in the girls class.

What is the biggest lesson that motocross racing has taught you so far? 

Riding in big ruts and being able to start and pick up my bike on my own. Independence.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Still racing motocross until I’m 100 years old.

Are there any females out there who you feel have paved the way for other girls to be successful in motocross?

Coach Brook and Coach Therese.

What kind of track/dirt do you feel you excel at most and why? 

Hard packed dirt or sand track.

If you ever have children will you give them the option to race as well? 

Yes!

Alexa is only in Grade 1, but already knows she wants to be a Supercross racer when she gets older. | SWAP Moto photo

If you could give 1 piece of advice to a female of any age who wants to start riding what would it be? 

To do good and overcome your fears.

What was your first fear when you started riding and how did you overcome it? 

Jumping. I still haven’t overcome it, but I’m better.

What was your first race number and how did you choose it? 

13, and I didn’t choose it, I was given it.

Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series? 

Sure I do.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Supercross racer.

Who would you like to thank? 

All my coaches, Moto Clubb Jerky, BC Goggles, Go Fast Girls, JFMX Kids, Dirt Soldiers, Mom, Dad, Sister, all my moto girls and all my family.

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Round 3 Recap/Highlights Video from Prairie Hill MX in Manitoba

Thanks to FXR Moto, we’ve jumped back in to do our recap videos from the Canadian Triple Crown Series MX Nationals. It’s a labour of necessity because we feel there really needs to be a highlight video for people to watch after each round on YouTube. We were told the series would be producing them this summer, and we rejoiced! Unfortunately, they’re unable to do them so we’ll do our best to put together short recap – we call them “Highlights” but that’s not really possible with one person with one camera, but we do what we can.

Here’s our first one of the season from Round 3 at Prairie Hill MX in Pilot Mound, Manitoba:


Krystian Janik Coming to Canada

Illinois rider Krystian Janik coming to Canada. | Bigwave photo

It’s official, another top US amateur prospect will be coming to Canada to challenge our riders in the 2024 Canadian Triple Crown Series Motocross Nationals.

Illinois rider #27 Krystian Janik is planning to head north after racing the Moto Combine at RedBud on July 6th to race Round 4 of our series at Gopher Dunes.

Originally, there was talk of Krystian coming up to race Walton Raceway for the final round, but now he will come to Canada to race “a few rounds” as confirmed in an Instagram post by Andrew Whitehead.

The deal was put together by Josh Woods from GPF. The plan is to have Krystian pit off the side of the WLTN Kawasaki rig with support from Kawasaki USA – Team Green USA, Fox Racing, and Monster Energy.


Mammoth Mountain Motocross

2024 EVENT SCHEDULE

Date

Event

Race Schedule

Friday, June 21

Vet Weekend Practice

 

Saturday, June 22
Sunday, June 23

Vet Weekend Races*

VET SCHEDULE

Monday, June 24

Mini Days Practice

 

Tuesday, June 25
Wednesday, June 26

Mini Days Races

MINIS SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 27

Big Bike Weekend Practice

 

Friday, June 28

Open Pro, B, and C; Junior 25+ A/B/C; Schoolboy 1 & 2; and 125 C

6/28 SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 29

250 Pro, B, and C; FMF 2-stroke; Collegeboy; 125cc 12-17 B/C

6/29 SCHEDULE

Sunday, June 30

450 Pro, B, and C; Women; 250 B/C Open; 250C Jr 12-17

6/30 SCHEDULE

*Class days are tentative until class capacity is determined. Event schedule is subject to change.

Results link HERE

I see #89 Zane Mellafont from Duncan, BC in Open Pro Sport and Collegeboy A/B/C.

Should be able to watch live on Saturday and Sunday for the top classes.


#711 Nick Collins Injury Update

#711 Nick Collins on a much better day at Wild Rose MX in Calgary. | Bigwave photo

Let’s end this week with an update on Nick Collins.

You’ll remember it was #711 Nick Collins who crashed hard over the triple at Round 2 at Temple Hill MX in Raymond, Alberta, when his bike quit (spark plug boot came off on the face of the jump!) and sent him to the ground hard.

Here’s what Nick told us today about how he’s doing:

It’s been a rough few weeks but we are finally starting to see some improvement. My concussion and back fracture are feeling great, but my knee and femur are still in some pain. I am able to move around on crutches now and have started physio. Docs are saying it will be a long road ahead to get full motion and strength in my leg because of muscle damage to my quadricep when my femur bone went through my thigh. All in all, things are looking up!

Thank you to everyone that has helped me through this brutal situation: Tee Perrot, Charlie Johnston, my mom, and the rest of the boys… you know who you are!

Hang in there, Nick. Keep working hard to get back to 100% and we’ll see you somewhere soon.


Have a great Canada Day Long Weekend, everyone!

And you were surprised I couldn’t cycle around the track in Manitoba?! Tell em, #18 Parker Eales: “See you at the races…” | Bigwave photo
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