On the Radar: Duncan MacLeod
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Duncan MacLeod
Birthday: September 6th, 1997
Hometown: Port Franks, Ontario
School & Grade or Occupation: I’m in grade 12 and I do online school with ILC.
Number: 411
Bike: Yamaha YZ 250
Race Club: CMRC, AMA
Classes: Mx1, 2 and 3 Intermediate/MX2 Pro
Let’s get to know a little more about Duncan MacLeod. – Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
Rob Kaelin owned The Cobra Shop at the time and I went to public school with
Dylan (
Kaelin). I thought it was the coolest thing ever and one day I came home from school and asked my dad for a dirt bike. Then one day my dad came home with a pw50.
What is your favourite track and why?
My favourite track definitely has to be Gopher Dunes. I grew up with sand all through the trails around me. I just like it because it’s tough, always changes. Not many people like it because it’s hard to ride, but I like it because I can hang loose and go for it.
With starts like this, of course he likes Gopher Dunes! – Bigwave photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Weston Peick. He’s Chuck Norris. What he’s been through to make it on a factory team is crazy. And now that he’s racing with that foot injury and a knee injury, shows the drive and the heart for the sport.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Colton Facciotti. ‘Fetacheese,’ he’s the man. He’s so smooth and calm on the bike. He knows what to do in certain situation. It’s awesome to watch him ride.
Who is your hero?
Jay and Kyle Thompson…actually, the whole family. They’re a great family and they’ve definitely saved me.
What are your goals for this season?
I wasn’t really sure what to expect for this season. I went down south with phenumonia, came back with it, still had it at the start of the season and finally got rid of it. Things were going great with riding and training then I took a fall and tore my ACL. After that my plans changed and I was just looking to get my knee better, focus on the Gopher Dunes Pro National, Loretta Lynn’s and Walton.
This season, Duncan has his sights set on the Gopher Dunes National, Loretta Lynn’s, and the Walton TransCan. – Bigwave photo
What are your biggest accomplishments?
It was definitely the first MX2 Intermediate moto of the week at Walton when it poured and I got on the podium.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Other than the racing itself, getting to see my friends and having a good time.
What would you like to when you grow up?
I would love to make it somewhere in motocross. If it doesn’t work out I’ll probably do heavy equipment.
Check out Duncan leading riders like Friese, Wentland, Benoit, and Politelli at Gopher Dunes last summer. – Bigwave photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Relax, go see a couple of my buddies and spend time in the gym.
Who do you want to thank?
I have got to give it up to the Thompsons. They’ve done so much for me with the MXSchools and Frankfit programs. 26 Suspension, Calvin Kelders for getting my bikes ready when I need them quick, and my mom and dad, wouldn’t be here without them.
