Frid’Eh Update #48 | Nate Mason | Brought to You by RP Race Performance

Frid’Eh Update #48 | Nate Mason | Brought to You by RP Race Performance

By Billy Rainford

Welcome to Week #48 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update presented by RP Race Performance. OK, so this was as far as I got typed when I was down at the Mini O’s in Florida last week. I decided to wait until I got home to my other hard drive so I could use photos of Nate Mason running the #48 this summer. Well, I just remembered that he ran his usual #303 at the Canadian rounds he did this summer.

So, not only did we not have an Update #48 last week, we waited to correct the number issue for no reason…double miss.

Anyway, I’m back hime in London, Ontario, now and we’ll post up our interview with Nate on its ow right now.

Direct Motocross: Hey, Nate. I have to ask you about how you got connected with the Canadian CCR team because you’re from Canton, Georgia. I know you told it to us last year, but let’s hear it again. 

Nate Mason: I got connected with CCR through Kyle Snelgrove with OGs! He’s helped me out so much over the years with gear, goggles, and more tear offs than I could over thank him for. He’s my guy for sure!! 

You came up and raced Gopher Dunes and then the final round at Walton Raceway. You finished 19th and 23rd in the 450 class. How were those races?

They were super fun! Gopher was gnarly and Walton is definitely my favorite of the two. 

How come we only saw you at 2 rounds? What were you up to last summer?

Hitting some close by races to keep the seat time up. Seems like I have been working more than riding / training but I still try to ride after work till it gets dark usually. 

What do you do for work?

 I work at South Atlanta Diesel, a mobile semi truck repair company. 

I also have to ask you about barely missing qualifying for the night show at your first attempt at Supercross in Philadelphia. You were so close! Take us through the experience, if you don’t mind.

Yeah, it was a good experience. Definitely left me hungry for more. Haha. Being that close sucks but also tells me I’m not far off where I need to be. We will be in the night show this next year. 

Oh, nice. Are we talking 250 East?

Yes, that is the plan. I’m not sure if it will be all of them at the moment, but definitely more than last year which was just one.

Will you still be getting help from the CCR crew for this?

Yes, we are still working together. Scotty and Gus have been awesome and go above and beyond for Chris (Blackmer) and I. I appreciate them and all the efforts. 

You also raced the Baja Brawl at Baja Acres. I saw video of you doing a burnout on the stage. How was that event?

It was awesome! Won some motos and pulled some holeshots. Probably one of my favorite races; it’s crazy there. 

I’m down at the Mini O’s right now. You’ve got a pretty good history with this place. I see you have a couple 2nd places in some tough classes here! How was your amateur career?

Yes sir, Mini O’s definitely has a special place in my heart. Haha. I’m sad I’m not here this year, to be honest! My amateur started later than most, I started racing and riding when I was 11. I went to my first Mini O’s in 2014. I’ve been to Loretta Lynn’s a few times as well as Ponca City and a few other Amateur Nationals. 

What are your plans for racing next summer? Will we see you at more races up here?

I’m sure I will be up for the annual Walton and Gopher Dunes but not sure about anymore as they are bit of a hike for me as they start going to the West. 

Do you go looking for one-off races like at fairs or smaller places?

I definitely do go looking for money races and one off races! Here in Georgia we don’t have many fair races but we do have 2-stroke shootouts and other events that payout well. Catch me on 250 2-stroke soon 😉 

You raced some AMA Arenacross last year but I don’t see you racing this year. How was last year and why not again this time around?

Yes sir, I’ve raced Arenacross for the past 4 years. Last year was definitely the most stacked I’ve seen it! I made some main events and learned a lot for sure. 

To be honest plans just didn’t align with bikes and my life this year. Doing my best to hit some of them before they end this winter. I do enjoy racing them for sure! 

OK, good luck getting ready for Supercross. Who would you like to thank?

Thank you, sir, I appreciate that! Definitely would have to thank Jesus for giving me these opportunities to glorify him!! As well as:  OGs, CCR MP1, CCEX, Scotty, Gus, and everyone on the CCR team, EVS, 139 designs, SECO seat covers, HTW Shine, South Atlanta Diesel, as well as my Family and Friends that help and keep me chasing my dream!