Frid’Eh Update #45 Presented by Scott Motosports

Frid’Eh Update #45 Presented by Scott Motosports

By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford

Week #45 belongs to Jeff Alessi. – Bigwave photo

If I said #45 to you, you’d probably think of riders like Colton Facciotti, Damon Bradshaw, or maybe some skinny kid named Rainford from back in the 1980’s. However, in the 2015 Rockstar MX Nationals, #45 was none other than Jeff Alessi. Of course, he’s know for riding one digit higher than his brother, Mike, with #801, but had we seen him north of the border last summer, he would have been #45.

I have to admit that I don’t really know Jeff at all. Of course, we’ve all heard the stories and seen the videos of various exploits, but I always give someone the benefit of the doubt and let them make an impression on me, personally. When I saw Jeff in 2014 at the Deschambault National, he was easily the most energetic and chatty rider on the line. He lined up right beside reigning champ, Facciotti, and proceeded to chat away with him before their moto. Was it a distraction tactic to give his brother an advantage? Beats me. Maybe he’s just a friendly guy. He wasn’t a factor in the overall results and Colton went on to win the title.

Jeff lined up beside his brother’s main competition, #45 Colton facciotti, in both motos when he raced the Deschambault round. Distraction tactic or just a coincidence? – Bigwave photo

We got in touch with Jeff today as he was getting set to race in Germany. He was literally getting ready to hit the track, so thank you very much, Jeff, for taking the time to answer a few questions for this intro.

Direct Motocross: Hello, Jeff. we saw you up in Canada a couple summers ago. What have you been up to since then?

Since racing in Canada, I have been doing local races in the Midwest and the east coast, as I only had my personal bike. I found myself more competitive racing the one-off events like Huntington AX and the fun motocross races put on by the AMA and MX Sports that you see the top amateurs racing in between the normal nationals they race. I have also been helping train riders and had fun watching the riders improve, one taking it all the way to A class and being a competitive rider even against myself. The last few months I have been getting back into the swing of professional racing to get ready to compete in Supercross, if I feel I can accomplish the personal goals I have set out to achieve.

Right now you’re over in Germany. What are you up to this winter?

Right now I am in Germany racing for Sturm. This will also help me get prepared for the racing I plan to do this winter because over here I am racing against similar faces I race with in America. And with the added Europeans that can race really fast I believe this helps me get ready.

Jeff is over in Germany racing the Supercross this weekend. – Bigwave photo

What are your plans for the rest of the winter?

I plan to race Supercross if I am in the ballpark come the end of December. Right now I’m going through the regular motions of picking up speed, but as anyone would know, it is a process of ups and downs because while I was away from Supercross these last 3-4 years the talent has become deep with riders being fast from first to last.

What will you do next summer? Will we see you come north when your brother races here next summer?

Canadian motocross was a great experience for me last year. I believe the talent I have would make me a competitive racer in the great white north. The racers in Canada are also very good in the top 15, especially the riders that grew up racing the tracks that I have not been to, so I know if I go to race next year up there that I will have to be ready for that. We will see.

Will we see Jeff Alessi racing back on Canadian soil in 2016? In his words, “We will see.” – Bigwave photo

What keeps you busy when you’re not on the bike?

When I’m not racing, I’m either riding my mountain bike or helping riders at the track. Training riders has been the best way to keep myself at the tracks and also the best way to keep making money to stay racing.

Good luck this weekend in Germany. Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank everyone that has given me the opportunity to race, Motoconcepts for allowing me to practice on the bikes they have from this year, and my dad for letting me train in a great environment in California. JT Racing gear and EVS have also stepped up to support me with gear to keep me safe. Everyone who has offered to help me with my racing. And a big thanks to Sturm for bringing me on to race here in Europe while I continue to build myself up to prepare for SX in January.

Week #45 is brought to you by Scott Sports.

Jeff McConkey

Happy Friday the 13th. It’s still not terrible here in Southern Ontario. I was able to make it out to Gopher Dunes to get in some great fall riding aboard our 2016 KTM 350. The track was great and the bike was even better. This bike is just unreal! With the weather hovering around 10 degrees Celsius this Sunday, you can bet your ass that I, and many others, will be eating sand at the Dunes this weekend.

Congratulations to Jacob Hayes and Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki

Congrats to Jacob Hayes and the entire Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki team. They were very consistent and had a great Canada AX Tour series. Let’s hope the great racing will entice other top riders to make this series a must for 2016.

Congratulations to Jacob Hayes and the entire Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki team. – Bigwave photo

Future West Arenacross Series

The Future West series is still racing, and I was really happy to see young Jess Pettis take a win. This kid is coming in hot and someone needs to lock him down. He once held a spot on the Leading Edge Monster team, but I just don’t think he was ready. But fast forward to 2016… he’s ready. No, he won’t win the title or races yet, but he is steadily improving and will be hovering around the podium all season long.

Who’s going to lock young Jess Pettis down for a ride in 2016? © Clayton Racicot Photography (CRP)

Rockstar MX Nationals 2-Stroke Rule

From the CMRC:

250 Two-Stroke Rule for 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals

The intention of allowing 250 two-strokes to compete in the MX2 class was to allow Canadian privateers an affordable way to compete in regional, provincial and national level events. That has been achieved in all regions of the country, apparent by the growing number of 250 two-strokes that line up every weekend to race. However, at the Pro Nationals where a substantial investment is made by all manufacturers to compete at the front of the pack, which is where all of the attention and publicity is gained, the set rules and eligibility guidelines have created concern among the manufacturers that do not produce and retail a 250 two-stroke.

Rather than jeopardize having 250 two-strokes eliminated completely from the MX2 class, there have been additional eligibility rules established that limit certain riders that will be competing for a championship. The new limitations insure that the original intention of the rule is maintained and the overwhelming majority of riders that compete on a 250 two-stroke will not be affected. Therefore, beginning at the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals, 250 two-strokes can be used for competition by Canadians only. Additionally, riders that had an overall finish in the top five at the National series in the MX2 class within the last three years will not be eligible to compete on a 250 two-stroke.

The MX2 ProAm class has always been considered to be a developmental class for up and coming riders, and not one for established, top level Pros. To insure this mandate is withheld, as of 2016, any rider that finishes in the top 5 in the MX1 class will not be eligible to compete in the MX2 class for the following three years.

Much thought and discussion has taken place to establish fair, clear cut rules that leave no grey area. These new eligibility guidelines are well defined, satisfy the manufacturers and will be well received by privateers throughout the country.

For the 2016 CMRC Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, the following rules will apply to 250 two-stroke motorcycles in order to be eligible for competition:

1)     The bike must remain in stock form from the intake manifold to the exhaust port, and all engine parts between those two points. All engine parts (ie. cylinder, cylinder head, piston, rings, rod, etc.) must be OEM for that year model.
2)     Intake manifold is defined from the rubber boot clamps to the carburetor. No porting or headwork allowed.
3)     There are no restrictions on pipes or mufflers other than the fact that they must meet the sound rules.
4)     CMRC will conduct random engine checks throughout the series if necessary. CMRC will have a cylinder, cylinder head and piston from each manufacturer for comparison.
5)     Any bikes found to be modified will be excluded from the results of the day’s competition.
6)     Aftermarket pistons, rings and crankshafts are permitted providing they have the stock OEM specifications.
7)     Additionally, a rider may not switch from a two-stroke to a four-stroke or visa-versa. The type of machine on which a rider begins the series is to be used to the completion (ie. Start on a two-stroke, finish on a two-stroke).
8)     Modifications or replacement parts will be deemed illegal if they are not listed above.
9)      Any rider that had an overall series finish in the top five in the MX2 class at the CMRC Pro Nationals within the last three years is not eligible to compete on a two-stroke.
10)   Only riders that have a Canadian citizenship are permitted to compete on a two-stroke.
11)   Top five finishers of the MX1 class in the 2016 Nationals and beyond will not be eligible to compete in the MX2 class for the following three years.

The CMRC announced their new 2-stroke rule. Wow! I think it makes us all look like a bunch of donkeys. In my opinion, only Intermediates lining up to race an MX2 national should be able to ride the bike. It takes a special rider like Kaven Benoit to ride the bike to its full potential, but it’s clearly a huge advantage.

Another short week for me. Check out this weeks ‘Out of the Blue‘ with Quebecer Sandra Renaud and this weeks ‘On the Radar‘ with Jamieson  MacDonald. Have a great weekend and #smileforBC!

Billy Rainford

Thanks, Jeff. As he mentioned, it’s Friday the 13th. Whenever this date comes about, I like to find the history and post it here so those who have wondered but never Googled it can get a little insight into the date’s dark past:

From: http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/friggatriskaidekaphobia/

Friday the 13th. It’s considered to be one of the unluckiest days of the year and also one of the most feared. While it can seem relatively harmless to believe in superstitions, there are many people throughout America who take Friday the 13th to a whole new level.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia is a long tongue-twister word that means a phobia of Friday the 13th. People who suffer from this phobia are not just superstitious; they have a morbid, intense, excessive and irrational fear of Friday the 13th. Superstition is more prevalent throughout America then some might think. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute, approximately 17 to 21 million Americans suffer from this phobia.

People who suffer from this phobia strongly believe in all the superstitious beliefs about Friday the 13th. They have a sense of dread and anxiety leading up to the month that holds a Friday the 13th. The fear and anxiety from this phobia can be so great that people can even suffer physical symptoms by the time Friday the 13th rolls around.

Physical symptoms of Friggatriskaidekaphobia

• High anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Loss of control

Common Facts About Friggatriskaidekaphobia

There are many different beliefs as to why Friday the 13th has become such a feared day. For example, traditionally 12 is considered to be the number of completeness. There are 12 months in a year, 12 hours in a day, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel and even 12 days of Christmas. So, the number 13 is considered a transgression, or going beyond completeness.

Also, Friday has been considered to be the unluckiest day of the week for numerous reasons. From a religious viewpoint, it’s considered unlucky because Jesus was crucified on a Friday. From a financial viewpoint, it’s unlucky because “Black Friday” has been associated with many stock market crashes.

People with Friggatriskaidekaphobia suffer feelings of panic, anxiety, fear and dread every time Friday the 13th rolls around. On the actual day, many people with Friggatriskaidekaphobia won’t do anything, not even leave their house. This results in an estimated $800 to $900 million that is lost in business each Friday the 13th due to cancelled appointments and absenteeism.

                Unusorbisaphobia – the fear of saying “just one more lap” at a motocross practice track.

Yep, it’s a thing and now it has a name.

Paris – Lille SX

The Paris -SX is this weekend over in Lille, France. OK, so it’s now the ‘King of Lille’ people are shooting for (calling the winner the ‘Lil’ King’ may diminish the accomplishment a wee bit, eh?). It may not have the history of ‘King of Bercy’ but give it a few years…There are a couple cool story lines to keep an eye on this weekend:

1. The return of James Stewart
2. The debut of MXGP World Champion Roman Febvre in Supercross

Whoever you’re cheering for, it should be a great show with the likes of Cooper Webb, Weston Peick, and Malcolm Stewart also competing.

SX Paris-Lille 2015 0’25 from Larivière Organisation on Vimeo.

ADAC Stuttgart SX

The ADAC Stuttgart SX takes place this weekend (Nov 13-14) and there is a good group of riders lining up. Check out this week’s Update honoree, Jeff Alessi’s, SX2 teammate. That’s right, it’s non other than Canada’s own #651 Kade Walker. Good luck out there this weekend, Kade.

Jake Streichert Update

I noticed it was #194 Jake Streichert‘s birthday today so I wanted to find out what he’s been up to and what his future plans are. As you may remember, he disappeared from the nationals after the Gopher Dune round in July. He had picked up the Devil’s Lake MX ride after #8 Dylan Kaelin re-injured his knee in the pre-season and was hoping to have a strong summer. Unfortunately, things didn’t go the way he wanted and we didn’t see him again. Here is what he told me he’s up to now:

Hey, Billy, thank you very much! Well, after Gopher Dunes I took three weeks off for my head to get back to normal after hitting it in the first moto. Once I felt some what normal I went logging with my dad. I’m not sure what happened with racing but to this day I haven’t ridden my bikes or had the feeling that I wanted to. I’ve just been working like a normal person now. Plans for winter and summer is to continue working and begin my own life and do things that before wasn’t in my best interest for the sake of racing.

It’s working out great so far. Maybe next year I’ll do some local stuff or trail riding but as for now I’m on the money grind!

Motocross racing is an all-encompassing passion – you don’t dabble. For most racers, you’re either all in or you’re all out. Yes, you always have that itch to ride or race; that doesn’t go away. What does change is your willingness to risk it all. You never think it’s going to happen and then there it is, reality looks you in the face and sets you straight. It seems to happen at different ages for different people. For some, it never happens at all, and those people fascinate me.

I always tell people in this situation the story of my good friend, Pat. We showed up to race in Copetown, ON back in the late 1980’s. We were out on the track in practice and when it was over I headed over to his pit to find him changed into his street clothes and his bike loaded in the trailer. I assumed he must have fallen and couldn’t race. All he said was, “That’s it for me. I’m just not going to race. I’ve got a bad feeling.”

For me, it just didn’t make any sense at all. The fear hit him. At that time I had no idea what could possibly stop anyone from lining up and racing, other than an injury. He never raced again. Sure, he became a mechanical engineer and now owns a huge company, but he’s still not riding or racing.

I’m not saying this story has anything to do with Jake’s situation, it just seemed like an interesting segue to that story. Motocross is the best sport in the world, but it is dangerous. We all know that. It takes all of your concentration and when you get the ‘what if’s’ it may be time to take a step back. It seems like it’s when you’re worried and then off your pace that trouble happens.

Anyway, good luck in the future, Jake. We are all the results of our decisions and we normally make the right ones. You’ll miss racing but will always have those years in your memory. Not to mention how close it makes your relationship with your parents. That’s a bond that is usually made solid through years of dedication to racing.

Have we seen the last of Jake Streichert at the Nationals? – Bigwave photo

Thor Mini O’s Schedule

2016 Parts Canada TransCan and Grand National Pro Open Dates Announced

CMRC and Challenge Quebec work as one in 2016!

Canadian Motosport Racing Corporation (CMRC) is pleased to announce a new agreement between Challenge Quebec and CMRC, Canada’s national sanctioning organization for motocross.

This agreement marks the first in many years when competitors throughout the province will race under one sanctioning organization, which will prove to be a great advantage to racers and the health of the sport in general.
Challenge Quebec will be run under the proven and strong leadership of Hubert Rousseau. “I am very excited about 2016 and working together with CMRC. I believe it will be the strongest year Quebec will have had in a very long time. With all of the promoters united, the riders, sponsors and the entire industry will benefit, so it will be a fantastic year,” stated Rousseau.

“What is happening in Quebec makes me very happy because no one wins when a province is divided. From the experience gained over the past twenty-six years of operating CMRC, it has been proven time and again that regions operating as one enjoy the most success. I look forward to working closely with Hubert. I believe Quebec will see the largest growth across the country in 2016.”

A full schedule of events will be released in the near future at www.challengequebecmotocross.com and www.cmrcracing.com.

Canada AX Tour Final Standings (Unofficial)

Pro Lites

1. 100 Jacob Hayes KAW 179

2. 101 Chris Blose KAW 151

3. 148 Cole Thompson KTM 129

4. 20 Dylan Wright YAM 73

5. 55 Keylan Meston KAW 66

6. 373 Jacob Williamson KAW 61

7. 65 Scott Champion KAW 60

8. 727 Dave Blanchet KAW 56

9. 10 Nathan Bles KTM 52

10. 34 Westen Wrozyna HON 51

AX Pro

1. 100 Jacob Hayes KAW 180

2. 148 Cole Thompson KTM 173

3. 101 Chris Blose KAW 166

4. 373 Jacob Williamson KAW 68

5. 55 Keylan Meston YAM 66

6. 51 Brock Leitner KAW 59

7. 65 Scott Champion KAW 56

8. 34 Westen Wrozyna HON 51

9. 20 Dylan Wright YAM 48

10. 7 Bobby Kiniry YAM 47

10. 727 Dave Blanchet KAW 47

Clash for Cash

1. 148 Cole Thompson KTM 186

2. 100 Jacob Hayes KAW 188

3. 101 Chris Blose KAW 160

4. 55 Keylan Meston YAM 65

5. 51 Brock Leitner KAW 61

6. 34 Westen Wrozyna HON 58

7. 727 Dave Blanchet KAW 53

8. 20 Dylan Wright YAM 53

9. 373 Jacob Williamson KAW 50

10. 10 Nathan Bles KTM 50

OK, we’ll leave it there for this week. There’s lots of racing action to look for this weekend so have fun. Around here in Southwestern Ontario, the forecast is for sunshine and 14C/60F Sunday, so get out and enjoy some mid-November riding while you can!

See you at the races… – Bigwave photo of a Spazz work