On the Radar: Greg Quantz
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Greg Quantz
Age: 34
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Occupation: Owner/Operator GQ Consulting Ltd, Drilling Fluids Engineer
Bike: Yamaha YZ450F, Yamaha YZ250F, Husqvarna TE350
Race Club: CMRC, CMA, WRMA
Classes: MX- Intermediate, Offroad- Pro, Ice Racing- Pro
Let’s get to know Alberta rider Greg Quantz. – Epic Ride Photos photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad always had these older bikes in the garage and he would neeevvverrr let me ride them. I kept asking and asking, and then one day he said if you can start them you can ride them. So I pulled his 1974 CZ125 race bike out of the garage, cleaned it up, new fuel and the rest was history. Was a late start to riding being 16, but I have been hooked since that first day.
What is your favourite track and why?
Tough call since I love every track for unique reasons, but if I had to narrow it down to the top 3 I would say Drumheller for AB, Kamloops for BC, and Starwest in California. All the tracks have big whoop sections or long roller sections!
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I have a dead even split on this one. From the past, Doug Henry. That guy has always been a stand-up guy and has endured so much that it is crazy to even think that all he wants to do is ride a bike even with being partially paralyzed. Then the new age hero, Kevin Windham. How could you not like this guy! He has textbook riding style, super-fast, and just an all around nice guy that always has time for the fans. Was hard to see him retire after 20yrs of racing.
Greg’s moto heroes are Doug Henry and Kevin Windham. – Epic Ride Photos photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Easy one! Julian Cerny. There are not too many guys out there that have a Pro card for off road and motocross that compete at a level that they are in the mix for Nationals in the top 25 consistently. He should have the same nickname as (Ryan) Dungey – “The Diesel.” When your practice regiment is, fill your bike and ride wide open until it runs out, then repeat, you have my respect! Hoping to see him move up the ladder this year!
Who is your hero?
My parents, for sure. They gave up so much to give us everything. ‘Thank you’ will never be enough. (My dad) taught me to work hard, earn respect and always, always, accept that your wife is right. (Laughs)
What are your goals for this season?
Stay healthy. That is it, plain and simple. Nationals last year were rough. At Nanaimo, I got landed on in practice. At Kamloops, a guy went down in front of me and I had nowhere to go. I dislocated my elbow and got tendon damage in both arms…not fun.
Plus, the wife and I have a muchkin on the way so I do not want to have any casts on my arms so I can play with her as much as possible. (Laughs)
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment would have to be 2009 when I was the Canadian and Provincial Ice Racing Champion for 450 Pro, 450 Open and Vet Pro. It was a fun year riding and I had so many fun battles.
2013 was also a good year for MX. I was only able to do half the season and ended up with a 3rd overall and a 5th overall. A lot of big classes that year so being in the top 5 was awesome.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Moto Family! I am away 50% of the time with work so I do not get to spend a lot of time hanging out and keeping up with everyone, so this is a chance to hang out and see what everyone is up to.
Like everyone, Greg’s favourite part about going to the races is seeing his “Moto Family.” – Epic Ride Photos photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I have quite a few hobbies outside of racing, but to name a few…Snowmobiling, Snow-biking, 4×4-ing, Camping, Hunting, Riding offroad, travelling with the wife. I pretty much spend as much time outside as possible!
Who would you like to thank?
My wife Cassee Quantz. Whether she is running the pit board, helping with training or even rebuilding my bikes, she has always been there for me no matter what and I cannot thank her enough. All the sponsors and friends that have helped me out over the years: Mike Federow from SoCal Mx Training (and his awesome family), BowRidge Sports Cochrane (Bryan Watt & Jason Williams), Don @ ProAction Suspension, Ryan Lockhart @ Atlas Brace, 11EightPerformance Services, True Game Apparel, Sosa Original, Oneal Racing, LimeNine, Matrix Concepts, Big Dog Perfromance, VP Racing Fuels, ProCircuit, and Teri @ Epic Ride Photos for all the awesome snapshots!
