Frid’Eh Update #32 | Clayton Schmucki | Brought to You by RP Race Performance
Week #32 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update belongs to Clayton Schmucki from Red Deer, Alberta, and is brought to you by RP Race Performance.
By Billy Rainford
Welcome to Week #32 of the DMX Frid’EH Update brought to you by RP Race Performance. This Update is going to be short because I just got back to the trailer after a long day at the TransCan and it’s getting late. We’ve just got one day left to crown champions, so I need an early night!
Clayton Schmucki from Red Deer, Alberta, is #32 for the 2024 season. I’ve gotten to know Clayton, his dad, and his younger brother, Trey, over the last couple years, and they just might be the happiest and friendliest family you’re ever going to meet. I’m serious. Yes, they are all very competitive but they don’t let it get in the way of being respectful to everyone they meet.
I saw an aggression in Clayton’s riding early in the summer and was watching for a breakout ride from him. I know it’s definitely coming. Here’s a look at his season with just 1 round remaining:
He’s here at Walton Raceway and raced the Pro Am class at the TransCan. Here’s what he had to say when we got in touch with him:
Direct Motocross: Hello, Clayton. Hey, I recently learned that your dad is/was a renowned butcher out there in Alberta. Is that something that runs in the family? Is that the direction you’ll go when you hang up the racing boots?
Yes, it definitely runs in our family. Since I was in a baby stroller I was in the butcher shop, and have worked there many years since. Definitely something I would carry on in the future, having all that knowledge and experience already.
Wow. Let’s talk about your 2024 season. You came out with an 11th at Round 1 in Calgary. It’s been your top finish so far. Was that your best actual riding, as you see it?
Yes, I was riding good in Calgary, and the hometown advantage definitely helped together with some great starts.
Through the season I feel my speed has improved but just haven’t been able to put it all together in the motos with poor starts and losing too much time early in the race.
You looked really aggressive early in the summer but I’m still waiting for that break-out ride. What’s holding you back?
Definitely just need to get my starts down and be able to run the pace of the top guys early in the motos!
We’re at the TransCan at Walton Raceway now and you’re racing this week. How did the Pro/Am class go for you?
It has been going ok here at TransCan, still have been struggling with the starts, but feels good to have the speed to be able to make lots of passes!
Still have one more Moto to go so hoping to turn things around, and be able to battle up in the front!
EDIT: Clayton finished 18th (20-18-16).
How was the track this year for the TransCan?
It was very cool being able to ride the new layout this year going backwards, since I was not able to race here last year.
But track conditions have been good with the dirt being different for every moto, and of course the long Walton ruts!
How old are you now and how log will you chase the Pro Nationals?
I have turned 20 now but I definitely want to keep trying to go for the win! I started riding motocross a lot later than most of the guys so I am a little behind in age. But I know I work harder than anyone and will find the speed to run in the front!
Is heading south ever in the plans for you? Are you interested in Supercross at all?
That would definitely be a dream if I’m in the position to do so. But I love to ride my bike and have lots of fun doing it no matter where I am. Haha.
I always joke that you guys have the absolute friendliest accent you’ll ever find. Can you remind us what your family heritage is?
Haha Yes, most people think it sounds a bit funny. My parents both came from Switzerland, and moved here to Canada.
How about your younger brother, Trey? Is he interested in taking this sport to the highest level south of the border?
He is not sure of that yet, but he definitely has the speed, having started motocross at a younger age and has learned so much already, being able to run with the fastest 85cc‘s in Canada.
Did you do any sightseeing this summer while you’ve been on the road? What’s been the highlight for you?
The highlight is definitely going out to Moncton, NB. With such cool places to see, and seems like a complete different country compared to the west cost!
What does the rest of the summer look like for you guys?
We will keep on working hard to improve and get better, but also enjoy the rest of summer and have fun doing it!
What do you do in the off season?
In the past I have taken a few months off to work and spent the winter in Canada. But this off season we plan to get right back to work to make sure we’re up in the front next season!!
OK, good luck at this final round, and I’ll watch for your breakout ride! Who would you like to thank?
I would love to thank all the great people supporting me and making it possible for me to race!
-My parents YB Racing Team
-My trainer Jim Fredickson
-Meat Chop Inc
-Seven MX Canada
-Charlie at CJR Suspension
-JC Seitz at Fox Racing Canada
-Mountain Sports Distribution
-Turple Brothers Red Deer
I really should have done a podcast interview with Clayton. Their accent really is the happiest, friendliest one you’ve ever heard!
OK, it’s Friday night at the TransCan and the Shift Holeshot Challenge just ended. These days are jam-packed right from the time the rooster crows at 6:30am each morning to whenever that night’s entertainment ends.
#51 Seth Hughes won it for the second time in a row. It’s funny because I’ve been giving him a hard time every week about the fact he hasn’t had one of his trademark holeshots yet. I guess he was saving it for when the $$$ was right! Lol
I’ll have to leave it there for the week because these days just keep coming and there’s nothing worse than going into the without enough sleep.
I’ve made my priority giving up-to-the-minute video and photo coverage, so I hope that’s something you’ve been enjoying throughout the TransCan. If you haven’t seen any of it, it gets put on our Instagram and Facebook pages. I’m able to upload directly and quickly, so it makes the most sense. Check them out:
Have a great weekend, everyone. We’re heading into the final round of the season and everyone is looking forward to a great day of racing with all the stories we have going in. Neither title is settled yet!
And I’ve heard Jordan Jarvis will be here to give the WMX class fits again this year.
Eve Brodeur won another TransCan title and said on the stage that this was likely the last one she’ll ever compete for. You can watch that speech on our IG and FB pages too. There’s lots over there, I’m telling you!
Tanner Ward went 1-1-1 to take the Pro Am title. Tyler Medaglia had a scary moment when he and Tanner came together early in the final moto. Tyler landed cross-rutted and shot off the track at crazy speed. He launched between 2 trees and his 450 went between 2 others. I even heard he said it was the wildest crash he’s had in all his year. Now that’s saying something!
OK, I’m really going now. See you at the races…in a few hours…
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