On the Radar: Austin Watling, Marco Cannella, Joey Crown
Three familiar names who competed at this year’s Ricky Carmichael Supercross at the Daytona International Speedway are Austin Watling, Marco Cannella, and Joey Crown. While Joey may not be a Canadian, we’ve watched him grow up racing as if he were one of us. He is from nearby Michigan and usually he and his father, Matt, find their way up to Walton, Ontario, each August to compete at the Parts Canada TransCan GNC.
Walton co-owner, Mark Perrin, mentioned these three riders were all doing the MCR Camp getting ready for the event so here’s what they each had to say:
Name – Austin Watling
DOB – Jan 20, 1999
Hometown – Corunna, Ontario
School & Grade – Grade 10 – SCITS (online with ILC right now)
Bike # – 424
Bike – 2015 – YZ 125
Race Club – AMA, CMRC
Classes -Schoolboy 1, Schoolboy 2, MX 2 Jr.
Name: Marco Cannella
Birthday: May 6th, 2000
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
School & grade or occupation: I’m in grade 9 and I go to saint Mary’s high school
Number: 46
Bike: Yamaha YZ 125
Race club: CMRC, AMA
Classes: schoolboy 1 and 2 , Mx 2 junior
Name: Joey Crown
Birthdate: August 23rd, 1998
Hometown: Metamora, Michigan
School: I’m in 10th grade and I do online school
Number: 35
Bike: Kawasaki 250
Racing Clubs: AMA
Classes: 8 250 B, Schoolboy 2
Let’s check in with Austin Watling, Marco Cannella, and Joey Crwon.
How did you get starting in racing?
AW: Both my parents used to ride trails, so I wanted to ride, so they got me a Honda CRF 50 when I was four years old and I started racing the next year in a local club in Sarnia called Mini Thunder.
MC: When I was three years old my parents took me to a race at Gopher Dunes and I thought it was the coolest thing so my upcoming birthday I asked for a dirt bike and ever since then I’ve been hooked.
JC: My dad raced and I wanted to be like him.
What is your favourite track and why?
AW: Probably Sand Del Lee. I’ve only been once, but the track shaped up nicely and flowed really good.
MC: Motopark Training Facility is my favourite track they have great dirt there and the track flows really good. It is also pretty close to my house and good for training. The crew is fantastic and all the events are run very well.
JC: My favorite track is Freeland when it gets rutted up.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
AW: My favourite rider is Ken Roczen. He’s a super nice guys and a really hard worker. He’s had a few get offs lately, but he will bounce back like nothing.
MC: My favourite rider is definitely Ryan Dungey I just like how he is very humble and I love the way he rides. He just makes it look so he easy while he’s riding and he is so smooth. He is also a good role model and someone good to look up to.
JC: Trey Canard because I like his riding style and his devotion to God.
What Canadian pro do you look up to and why?
AW: I look up to Cole Thompson and Colton Facciotti. I know Cole from training at MX Schools every summer for years and I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a great rider and comes from a great family. Colton’s really consistent and smooth. I’ve also got to know him over the last couple years. Both he and Cole are great role models to look up to in motocross.
MC: I definitely look up to Jason Burke a lot. I just like how he loves the sport so much and I’ve known him ever since I was a little kid when I was first getting on 65s he would come over and teach me how to ride it and use the clutch. It was pretty cool. No matter what happens to him he never gives up.
JC: Cole Thompson because of his fluid relaxed style.
Who is your hero?
AW: My hero’s are probably Jay and Kyle Thompson. Their family has done so much for me over the years, and they definitely got me to where I am right now with racing. I can’t thank them enough.
MC: Both of my parents are my heroes. They give up so much for me to be able to do this sport and make so many sacrifices and I am very thankful for them.
JC: Trey Canard because he has been through so much adversity and still runs at the front of the pack.
What are your goals for this upcoming Season?
AW: My goals this season are to win at least one title at Walton during the Parts Canada TransCan and shoot for top 10 at Loretta’s. I’m also hoping to make it to some larger races in the states this year, like Daytona, Mino O’s and Loretta’s.
MC: My goals for this season are to make it to Loretta Lynn’s and get top 10 in Schoolboy 1 and 2 and to try and win Schoolboy 1 and 2 and MX2 junior this year at Walton and hopefully be a contender for the ‘Yamaha Factory Ride’ award.
JC: My goals for this year is to run with the top riders in the B class.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
AW: My biggest accomplishment was getting podium at Walton during the Parts Canada TransCan this past summer in 85 (12-16).
MC: My biggest accomplishments are definitely placing 8th place at Loretta Lynn’s in 85 (9-11) stock and this year at Walton winning Schoolboy 1 and 2 and MX2 Junior tittles and winning 8 out of the 9 motos getting second in the 3rd Schoolboy 2 and also winning the ‘Yamaha Factory Ride’ award for this year.
JC: My biggest accomplishment is winning Loretta’s in 85 (12-14) stock and mod.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
AW: My favourite part, other than racing, being able to hand out with my friends.
MC: My favourite part about going to the races is getting that adrenalin rush when the gate drops and trying to do my best and the feeling of winning when all the hard work and hours you have put in the gym pay off when you get that feeling of winning.
What would you like to do when you grow up?
AW: I want to become a professional motocross racer, but my back-up plan is to be an engineer of some sort, but hopefully that doesn’t need to happen (Laughs).
MC: My dream would be to be on a factory team racing in Canada or USA.
JC: I would like to be a professional motocross racer.
What do yo like to do when you aren’t racing?
AW: When I’m off the track, I like to hang with friends, scooter, ride my pit bike and work out.
MC: When I’m not racing I like to go scooter at the skatepark, race rc cars, hang out with friends, play airsoft, spend time with my family, and I enjoy watching moto movies.
JC: When I’m not racing I drive RC cars, BMX, Snowboard, and Mountain Bike.
Who do you want to thank?
AW: I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my parents because I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Inglis Cycle, Alias, Atlas Brace, Scott Goggles / Mica Sport Canada, MX Schools, AX Tour, Frankfit Canada, MCR Suspension, WCK, Core, 6D Helmets, MPI Sport Management, Orthomed Canada, Jetwerx, D&D Grips, Sun Star, and my whole family….THANKS!!
MC: I would like to thank my parents, my brother and all my family, Yamaha Canada, MCR Suspension, Matt Crown for training and his family for putting up with me, Jeff Fullerton from Gamma sales, Fly racing, Dragon googles, Atlas Brace, Orthoflex, Donjoys, Motopark, Rynopower, Dunlop, and Defiance life style.
JC: My mom and dad, Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki, MCR, Thor, Dunlop, Wiseco, Oakley, Gaerne, Bell helmets, DVS shoes, Leatt, Maxima Oils, Uni filters, Renthal, Ride Engineering, N-style, Mechanix Wear, GET, Traxxas, Hinson, Cometic, Motion Pro, RK Chains, Everrev, FMF, Acerbis, Parts Unlimited, Excel Rims, VP, Braking, Acr Levers, Rad Wheels and Boyesen.
