Frid’Eh Update #5 | Tyler Medaglia | Brought to You by Dirt-Care
This week, the Frid’Eh Update features an interview with Tyler Medaglia from Brookfield, Nova Scotia, and is brought to you by Dirt-Care.
By Billy Rainford
Welcome to Week #5 of the DMX Frid’EH Update this week brought to you by Dirt Care. We’re experiencing what we’ve always called a “January Thaw” here in London, Ontario. We were hit qith quite a bit of snow over the past few weeks along with some pretty frigid temperatures, but that all seems to be forgotten and now it’s time for everything to get very messy as the snow melts in this rainy 5 degree Celsius weather.
It didn’t stop me from getting Olive the AussieDoodle over to the dog park for a quick run around in the wet snow and my Team Canada MXON waterproof jacket did the trick to keep me warm and dry.
Olive has become a bit of a celebrity at the local dog parks in the area. Her approach to new dogs is pretty entertaining. She’ll start running toward them and then do these huge 10-foot leaps as she gets closer to them. Most dogs can tell it’s just a playful gesture and don’t freak out. It makes everyone laugh.
We’re all sort of waiting for the 2025 Canadian Triple Crown Series Motocross Nationals schedule to come out. I had a long talk with Justin Thompson last week before the Update and he’s definitely busy making some pretty big decisions for our series, but we just don’t have anything solidified quite yet.
The last I heard was that we are still trying to make it an 8-round series with 2 in the west and 6 in the east. Maybe it ends up being 3 in the west and 5 in the east, but we’ll see.
In the west, we’re losing tracks faster than we’re gaining them, so that is already an issue now and will continue to be in the future. But like I said, I don’t have anything concrete to tell you, so I don’t want to speculate too much.
Tyler Medaglia is the rider I’ve spent more time with than any other top pros in Canada. I do my best to keep riders at a bit of “professional distance” in an effort to stay as unbiased as I possibly can, but once you spend as much time doing things over the years as we have, it’s nearly impossible no to become friends.
Tyler first shows up on the TransCan at Walton Raceway Champions Chart in 2001 when he won both the 85 (12-16) and Supermini titles. In 2002, he won 250 Junior, then he won both 250 and Open Intermediate in 2003.
Todd Kuli famously showed Randy Valade the bit board that read, “Pass the B Rider” referring to Tyler when he lined up as an Intermediate. Classic Kuli stuff right there!
Well, Tyler is still going strong and racing as often as he can in as many disciplines as he can. He’s known in both MX and Off-Road as a rider to respect.
He’s had a few gnarly injuries over the years and he’ll definitely feel the effects when he get to my age, but that’s Old Age Tyler’s problem. Right now, he’s still trying to be racing Pro still when his son, Talon Medaglia, turns Pro so they can line up at a National on the same gate. How could would/will that be?!
No, Brookfield is NOT in Ontario as is shown on the official results page.
Direct Motocross: Hey, Tyler. I think you’ve probably done one of these things more than anyone else! I definitely can’t think of anyone who could have done more! Let’s get right to it. First off, how’s your elbow these days? Anything lingering?
Tyler Medaglia: Hey, Billy. Ya, we have done a few, eh! Elbow has been a bit frustrating and is taking longer than expected. Bone and plate are fine but I got a skin infection in the incision so slowed things down a bit. The plan is to take the plate out as soon as the fracture is healed. So I’ve just been chilling between follow ups. “What a drag it is getting old…” Look that one up. Lol (He knows damn well I don’t have to look that one up! He’s talking to you. Lol)
You’ve taken a break from Instagram lately. Where are you and what are you up to right now?
I would like to have some stuff to post but at the moment I haven’t had much to throw up. With trying to solidify my program for next season, trying to make sure my arm heals properly, and regular family life at home, I just haven’t felt the need to post. I’ve played the bass guitar since like the 5th grade so been slappin’ the shit out of that lately and have had the time to learn a few songs that I’ve never been able to play. (The tougher Chilli Peppers songs and Jamiroquai stuff that have really awesome bass lines). Also, my daughter Millie’s soccer team kicks ass, so I take her to that 4 times a week.
How is Talon looking on the 125? Have his lap times come down and started to make anyone nervous about being passed?
Ya, I think we are all on borrowed time here because he’s on the rise. He stopped hockey to take the time to come down with me for the full Florida trip to ride and race as much as possible.
We spoke not that long ago and you were sort of in the middle of trying to figure out what the plan is for 2025. Any closer today?
Ah, it seems like we are making ground but nothing has been finalized yet. It’s a tricky time at the moment between motorcycle shows for the OEM’s to take the time to sort out racing stuff. I just know I have people who are always willing to step up and help me out and I appreciate it.
I’ve heard your name is even in the mix for a move to the WLTN Kawasaki team?
I’m happy that my name is still in the mix for premier spots in the sport when there are so few.
What would be the perfect 2025 for you?
I have been in a battle with this, to be honest. On one hand, I’m not very satisfied with how my season went last year. Being on the back foot after lap 1 in Calgary wasn’t ideal and is that how I want my last shake at the national mx championship to go? Having said that, I’m proud of the rides I put in getting 4 podiums in a row when I came back, but again… meh?
On the other hand, I really enjoy the off-road racing and with the segment growing and becoming really competitive the championships are becoming more valuable. Either way, I’m a competitive person and show up to any race ready to perform.
Talon is one step closer to doing his first Pro National moto. Is racing together at a National still something you’re dreaming of accomplishing? Has anyone else ever done it that you know of?
John Dowd and his son have done it. (Oops. Of course!) I raced with both of them in the same race and I remember thinking in staging that was the coolest thing ever. So ya, that’s still the dream.
What are you streaming these days? Everyone is always looking for something new to watch or binge.
Oh man, with my arm I’ve literally finished Netflix and Crave. I started Peaky Blinders a while ago and found the first episode a little slow and scattered. I skipped it but I have returned to it and am halfway through the series now.
If you were to go on YouTube and type any race in the search, which would it be? Gary Bailey has been uploading all kinds of great old races.
If I’m just to go and look for a wow factor race, I think 2014 Stew (James Stewart) at Toronto was a good watch. The race at Budds Creek 2007 with (Ryan) Dungey, J-Law (Jason Lawrence), and (Josh) Grant was awesome, too. There are tons of them out there, even in our series, but those two are searchable.
Hey, I’m still looking for a new sprinter-type van. Which one would you suggest?
My dad puts an insane amount of miles on his Ford Transit. He’s pretty honest and critical on things like that, so the fact that he traded his in on another one speaks highly on them.
You’ll still have your career number next year, so we’re safe there, but what’s the first/best racing memory that comes to your mind when someone asks you to tell them?
Always Walton 2011, the day Talon was born and I had to clinch the title. That was a wild day with crazy conditions. Honourable mention, 2008 Gopher (Dunes) was my first national win, it was an unreal feeling and I loved that (Suzuki) RMZ450. I’ve been chasing that feeling since then.
What are you actually riding these days, and when and where will you head south for training?
6 weeks after my surgery, I rode trails a couple times before the weather turned to winter. Hopefully, I’ll head down begining of February as Talon will have a Loretta Lynn’s Qualifier on the 22nd. Start down at Bostwick Creek MX just south of Jacksonville.
Who’s actually the wildest of the entire Cooke/Medaglia bunch out there?
To be fair, we are all wild in our own ways and that’s what makes it a great way of life here. Never a dull moment. Wouldn’t change it.
Do you have any comment or thoughts on all the stuff going on at the KTM Group?
Not really, but the series should not dumb down the national schedule because KTM shit the bed.
OK, I took us on a bit of a different journey this time. Good luck getting ready for whatever’s coming up this season. Do you want to thank anyone?
Just the people who are always in my corner!
Glendale Supercross this Weekend
We’re off to State Farm Stadium for Round 4 of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series / the Supermotocross World Championship. I always like covering races at this stadium. You’re always guaranteed a dry race and the grounds for this stadium are immaculate. We part on grass so tight I think it may be fake? It’s a big floor and it usually gives a good track layout.
Here’s a look at the points:
250 WEST POINTS
1 23 Julien Beaumer 69 22 25 22
2 38 Haiden Deegan 62 *17 20 25
3 19 Jordon Smith 60 20 22 18
4 30 Jo Shimoda 56 25 15 16
5 100 Cole Davies 52 14 *18 20
6 37 Coty Schock 49 16 16 *17
7 52 Anthony Bourdon 39 15 11 13
8 25 Ryder Difrancesco 35 18 17 N/A
9 93 Michael Mosiman 35 7 13 15
10 63 Hunter Yoder 33 9 12 12
11 36 Garrett Marchbanks 27 13 14 N/A
12 61 Cole Thompson 22 12 10 0
13 65 Lux Turner 22 11 0 11
14 302 Parker Ross 22 5 7 10
15 91 Tj Albright 22 8 6 8
16 54 Jett Reynolds 18 0 9 9
17 98 Drew Adams 14 N/A N/A 14
18 115 Gavin Towers 14 3 4 7
19 134 Avery Long 10 10 0 N/A
20 334 Brad West 8 0 8 0
450 POINTS
1 94 Ken Roczen 62 *22 18 22
2 4 Chase Sexton 59 25 16 18
3 1 Jett Lawrence 57 10 22 25
4 3 Eli Tomac 57 17 *25 *15
5 2 Cooper Webb 52 18 20 14
6 21 Jason Anderson 49 20 9 20
7 96 Hunter Lawrence 45 11 17 17
8 32 Justin Cooper 42 15 11 16
9 51 Justin Barcia 42 16 14 12
10 27 Malcolm Stewart 40 12 15 13
11 46 Justin Hill 29 14 8 7
12 17 Joey Savatgy 24 1 12 11
13 14 Dylan Ferrandis 19 0 13 6
14 12 Shane McElrath 19 9 5 5
15 70 Jorge Prado 18 8 10 0
16 49 Mitchell Oldenburg 18 6 3 9
17 57 Benny Bloss 16 0 6 10
18 66 Vince Friese 14 7 7 N/A
19 7 Aaron Plessinger 13 13 0 0
20 45 Colt Nichols 12 0 4 8
21 86 Mitchell Harrison 5 5 0 0
We’ll have #61 Cole Thompson, #500 Julien Benek, #585 Blake Davies, #551 Guillaume St Cyr, and #800 Preston Masciangelo in the mix this week to cheer for.
Cole had a rare off week due to sickness last week at A2 and ‘Guac’ wasn’t able to ride through his shoulder pain but has been turning some quick laps at the practice track this week, so hopefully he can hold on and ride well.
#943 Noah Viney needs surgery on his shoulder that he hurt and will get that done this coming week.
On the Radar | Sawyer Saunders | Brought to You by KTM Canada
This time, #17 Sawyer Saunders from Sechelt, BC in ‘On the Radar’ after winning the KJSX at the San Diego Supercross.
Name: Sawyer Saunders
Age: 8
Hometown: Sechelt, BC
School and Grade: Grade 3
Number: 17
Bike: Cobra 50 and 65
Race Club or Series: AMO
Classes: 50 (7-8), 50 Open, 65 (7-9)
How did you get started riding and racing?
I was three years old when I got my first dirt bike. I wanted to start racing when I was four but mom and dad said I was too little. Little did they know, I started racing when I was six years old and my first race was in Pemberton.
What was your first race number and how did you choose it?
My first race number was 17. Still is! I was riding at Popkum with this young boy and he had 17 on his jersey and bike. That was one of the first little kids I saw with a number and I thought that was cool. We rode together for the day. Mom asked a few days later what number I would be if I wanted to race and I said 17.
What’s your favourite subject in school?
My favourite subject is PE.
What is your favourite track and why?
My favourite track is Kelowna.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Favourite rider is Eli Tomac and Hayden Deegan. I like these riders because they are fast and super fun to watch.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Dylan Wright, Blake Davies, and Julien Benek.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are my mom and dad.
How did your 2024 season go? Did you meet your expectations?
My 2024 season was awesome! I came first in 50 cc (7-8) and 50 cc. In Open 65 I came fourth overall.
What was your best race?
My best race was in San Diego at Supercross KTM Juniors where I came first.
What are your winter plans?
My winter plans are to head down to California for a couple months and train. I will also go to some races down there and try for Loretta’s.
What classes will you be racing next season?
50 and 65.
What are the big races you’re planning to attend?
Some big races I will be tending are the finals for KTM Juniors at Supercross in Salt Lake City and trying to qualify for Loretta’s and TransCan.
What are your goals for next season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
Get stronger, faster and more comfortable on my 65. I need to train hard on and off the bike and have fun.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishments would be meeting so many cool friends and winning KTM Juniors.
What is your favourite thing about going to the races?
My favourite part about going to the races is hanging out with all my buddies and riding together.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing? What other sports or activities do you do?
When I’m not racing, I’m playing hockey or fishing.
You just did something not many can say, and that’s to win a KJSX as a Canadian! First off, what was it like to ride in front of so many people?!
It was scary when I went out for the first practice, but after one lap it wasn’t. I had so much fun. I couldn’t wait for the race riding in front of so many people didn’t bother me. I had the best time. It was the best day ever.
You were the fastest in practice, how was it to ride an actual SX track on a little 50?
It was so much fun. The jumps were so big.
What was the most challenging part of the track for you?
The most challenging part was the start because I’m so big for the E5’s.
What was your favourite part of the track?
My favourite part of the track was the step-up and the whoops.
Then you went out and won the Main! Can you take us through how the race went?
The gate dropped and I was third or fourth around the first corner. I knew I had to fricken go and ride hard. I was in the whoops and that’s where I passed to be in first spot. I passed Grayson (Stevenson) and I knew I had to keep my pace up and ride hard. I did just that and crossed that finish line in first place.
Who was more excited, you or your parents?
I think we all were so excited. Dad’s smile couldn’t have been bigger.
Is the podium photo already mounted on a wall at your house?
Not yet, it’s in the works, but my trophy is.
Congratulations on that big achievement! Good luck next season and who would you like to thank?
Thank you. I’d like to thank my mom and dad, my sisters, RentalEquip, yourfloors.ca, West Coast Cobra, Infinite Road Painting, 100% Goggles, Matrix Concepts Canada Jenkins Construction, Hall race fuel, Inland Construction, CJR Suspension, and last but not least all my friends and family for cheering me on at KTM Juniors. That was so cool. Thanks to KTM Junior also!
AMA Arenacross this Weekend in Nevada
ROUND 8 and 9
Reno
Nevada
- Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2025
- Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
Iron Horse Arenacross in Rimbey, Alberta, is Back
Feb 7-8 and Feb 14-15, 2025
Head over to their Facebook page for more information.
****SCHEDULE INFORMATION****
February 6 and 13 are both Open Practice days. We will run organized practice with appropriate age and bike size classes from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm . Pro practice will 7pm-9pm. (pros only, no intermediates, even if signed up in ProAm) There is no pre-registration for practice. Simply show up for your desired time and have $25 cash. $50 if you would like to do both sessions. You will recieve a practice sticker for your bike.
February 7,8 and 14,15 are Series Race Days. Each raceday will be same format.
7:30 – 9:30am Ryan Lockhart Racing Schools
(For those who signed up)
9:45am Mandatory riders meeting for rider and mechanic.
10:00 11:30am Practice (everyone will get a 3 lap practice) Pro/Am 20 minute session
12:00 – 4:30pm Qualifying Heats and Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ)
6:30 pm NIGHT SHOW
February 15, 9:30pm Championship Trophy Presentations
OK, have a great weekend and enjoy the racing. It looks like our rain is about to turn to snow, so I’d better make sure the snowblower is gassed up because we get pretty busy here on the crescent when it snows.
****Ryder McNabb OUT for AX****
Unfortunately after a few days riding in Florida, Ryder has expressed he is not 100% healed from his off season surgery and will not be lining up on Rimbey.
However!!!! Ryan Lockhart has informed me this:
“Australian Tiger Wood is confirmed for the Ironhorse Arenacross. Tiger who spent last summer racing the Canadian Nationals will test his skill against some of the best arenacross riders in Canada February 7th & 8th and February 14th and 15th. Without a doubt Tiger will be a fan favourite in Rimbey!”
Tiger will be on a Honda under the S5 Motorsports tent!!
****BREAKING NEWS****
The #14 Quinn Amoyette will be in Rimbey aboard a Riderz backed KTM 450!!! The 2023 AMO Arenacross Pro Champion will be there to battle for the cash and try and bring the 2025 Ironhorse AX Championship to the Riderz Team!!
You are not going to want to miss this Pro lign up and the battle in the Agrim Barn!!!!!
****PRO ANNOUNCEMENT****
The 2024 AMO Arenacross Champion is confirmed for the Ironhorse Arenacross!! Tyler Gibbs, fresh off the biggest win in his Pro career, is excited to line up in a few short weeks in Rimbey on his GA Checkpoint YZ 450 with the support of S5 Powersports. Tyler will also be helping with the morning riding schools.
Also in are both 2024 Iron Horse Arenacross Champion Blake Davies and his teammate Julien Benek from the RAD Torque International Triumph team.
If you haven’t seen this, give it a watch and let us know what your thoughts are. I think we’ll let Ricky Johnson say it this week: “See you at the races...” Watch the video and see whose side you’re on:
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