Frid’Eh Update #52 Presented by North Pole Sleighs
By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford
Week #52 would have belonged to Michigan rider, Marshal Weltin…but this isn’t really an official Update. – Bigwave photo
Welcome to the 52nd Frid’Eh Update of 2015. Since this one actually fell on Christmas Day, we couldn’t expect people to answer their phones or allow their time with family be interrupted, so here’s what we’ll do. We got in touch with 2015 #52 Marshal Weltin and asked him a few questions. That’s what we’ll call the ‘Update’ this week.
Direct Motocross: Hello, Marshal. You came up to Canada in 2014 and made an immediate impression. What made you decide to head north?
I came up to Canada just to get some extra seat time after Loretta Lynns. I was kind of surprised, I came in with no expectations and I actually gained a lot of confidence after I left Walton. I think I ended up with a 3rd place overall in the 250 class.
What was your impression of our series?
I was really impressed with the CMRC series and how they ran things. I liked how things were laid back but for the most part everything was on time. It was a great experience.
Marshal came up and raced the final round at Walton Raceway in 2014. Here he is leading eventual series champion, #24 Kaven Benoit. – Bigwave photo
Let’s back up a little bit. Can you tell us how old you are, where you’re from, how your amateur career went, and when you turned Pro?
I’m from Ubly, MI. It’s kind of located by Baja Acres and that is what I would call my stomping grounds/home track. I turned 20 this fall, and I raced Loretta Lynn’s in the 250 A and Open pro sport class. I ended up with a 2nd overall in Open Pro Sport and a 6th in 250 A. I decided to do the final three outdoor rounds after Loretta’s and had a lot of fun with those. The first round was kind of a downward spiral straight from qualifying. I bounced back in the final two races and had some top 15 finishes. I was happy with being up there, but not satisfied. I know I am capable of doing more.
What did you do for racing last summer?
Yeah, racing last summer was basically just my regionals for Loretta’s and racing at Loretta’s. To finish it out, I did the last three rounds in the U.S. I had good intentions to coming up to race in CMRC… but unfortunately the week before Gopher Dunes I almost tore my pinky off and had to get 16 stitches in my pinky (Laughs).
Next summer? “As of right now, I will be racing the U.S National Series, unless something else comes up.” – Bigwave photo
What have you been doing since the season ended this past summer?
This off-season I have made the transition to the Supercross track and have been training with the help and support of Justin Barcia.
What are your training/racing plans for this winter?
My training plans for this winter are to train for the East Coast SX season in the 250 class in the FL/GA area.
What will you be racing next summer?
As of right now, I will be racing the U.S National Series, unless something else comes up.
You’re calling Club MX home these days. How does your speed stack up against riders who have raced up here in Canada, like Cade Clason (finished 6th in 450 this year)?
I actually have stepped out of Club MX, but have lived at club for the past 3 years and really enjoyed my stay. It’s a great facility and has a lot to offer. I actually didn’t get to ride a lot with Cade this summer. His travel schedule was really hectic I think with coming back and forth into the states. When we did ride we would dice it up. Cade has good speed.
With the help of Justin Barcia, watch for Marshal in the East Coast 250 SX Series in 2016. – Bigwave photo
Is there a chance we’ll see you up in Canada any time soon?
As of right now I’m not planning on heading up there, but anything can happen and plans can change.
OK, thanks for answering a few questions for us today. Happy Holidays and is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Yeah, thanks for having me! I’d like to thank my whole family for always sticking behind me 100%, my dad especially. Also, I’d like to give a shout out to Justin Barcia for giving me a great opportunity this year, Caro Motorsports, everybody at JGR, Renthal, Pirelli, Scott, LiveitXtreme Sports, Sunstar, No Toil, and 180 Decals.
Jeff McConkey
Merry Christmas, everyone.
I hope everyone is having a great Holiday so far. With social media nowadays, it is very cool to be able to see what everyone has gotten and how their holidays are going. The best one I have seen so far is the video of KTM Canada’s Tanner Ward‘s little brother Carter. If you’ve been to the races in Southern Ontario over the last few seasons, you surely have seen young Carter cheering on his older brother and favourite rider Tanner. Well, now it’s Carter’s turn. Carter has been putting in the laps aboard a PW50, but this Christmas, he was lucky enough to receive a KTM 50. Now, who knows if this is the start of a long successful racing career, or maybe just a little guy riding around? But the reaction, when he unwraps his new KTM is priceless!
Merry Christmas, everyone. Be sure to check out my ‘Catching Up with…’ with fast American Brittany Gagne, and this week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ with Maia Kerr. Have a great time with your family and #smileforBC!
Oh, and I can’t forget, a huge Happy Birthday to one of the nicest guys in the business, Jeff Fullerton from Gamma Sales. Happy Birthday, Jeff. I hope you didn’t get cheated any gifts, being a Christmas baby.
