On the Radar | Damon Tse | Presented by Blade

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

Occupation: Landscaping

Number: 125

Bike: 2017 Yamaha YZ 250-F

Race Club: CMRC, Future West Moto, MCQMX

Classes: Intermediate/Pro, MX2 Lites

This week, Calgary, AB rider, #125 Damon Tse, is ‘On the Radar.’ | Bowman photo

How did you get started in racing?
My dad bought me my first bike when I was 9 years old and I started riding trails in the back country. In 2009, I came across the Kelowna Dirt Bike Club and started riding there every weekend. Two close friends I would like to mention are Carson McQueen and Colby Wellings. They were the first guys I started to ride with. To this day we practice together, battling to keep up to race pace.

What is your favourite track and why?  
Horn Rapids, Washington, because there are 3 different tracks and 2 freeride areas. This is great to work on your skills on different levels of terrain.

Who is your favourite rider and why?
Ryan Dungey because he is a very hard worker, he is very consistent and smooth and tries his best to minimize his mistakes. Never sees himself there with the competition and is always raising the bar!

Favourite part about going to the races? ” …to be outside and see the families take their loved ones out and see them progress and get better and reach their goals. Just the whole atmosphere is amazing!” | Bowman photo

What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why? 
Colton Facciotti because he’s a great character around the track, also carries a lot of corner speed and has a great form on the bike. Great guy even off the bike, which makes him an awesome role model to lots of people.

Who is your hero?
I would have to say my dad because of what he’s been through and what he does for me – constantly helping me, maintaining the bike and giving me tips and advice in places I struggle. He makes me feel confident when I’m stressed out.

Damon hopes to be be top 10 in MX2 in 2017 | Bowman photo

What are your goals for next season, and what is it going to take to reach them? 

To work harder and reach for the top 10 in the MX2 class. To be more consistent with my motos and to find good ruts when the track gets too rough.

What are your biggest accomplishments? 
2010 CMA Supermini Champion, 2010 CMA 85cc 12-17 Champion, 2011 CMRC School Boy Champion, 2011 CMA Intermediate 250-F Champion, 2012 CMRC, Intermediate Runner-Up, 2012 CMA Pro Dealer Winner, 2014 CMA Open, and 2016 Rockstar AX Tour Youth Champion.

Damon looks up to Colton Facciotti because of his corner speed and his great form on the bike | Bowman photo

 What is your favourite part about going to the races?

Going to see the MX1 class race and try to pick up tips and ruts out on the track. I also like to be outside and see the families take their loved ones out and see them progress and get better and reach their goals. Just the whole atmosphere is amazing!

What do you like to do when you aren’t racing? 

I go to the gym putting in the hours to stay fit and improve on core strength and cardio. I try to volunteer at any charity events donation events to make my community a better place. I’m always looking for sponsors, and support because motocross isn’t cheap! (Laughs)
Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank Kelowna Yamaha (Mike Hayes and Terry Poirier have been helping me and my family and I couldn’t ask for any better support!), Gibson Tire (Mike Nicholls), Parts Canada (Jason Scott), Kelowna Manual Therapy (Ryan Bachmeier), Mr. Lube Kelowna, Canadian Moto Show (Brent Worrall), Valley Motorsports (Berry Wellings), Okanagan Tree and Lawn Care, and most importantly my mom and dad. Thank you so much, Direct Motocross.