On the Radar: Justin Roney
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Justin Roney
Age: 20
Hometown: London, Ontario
Occupation: Motorcycle mechanic / suspension tech
Number: 204
Bike: Honda 250/450
Race Club: CMRC / TVR
Classes: Pro
Justin Roney (left) has been around bikes his entire life and got into it, like most, because his dad rode. Let’s get to know the London, Ontario, native. – Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
When my dad was younger he always had bikes and rode with his buddies for fun. One year for my birthday I got a JR 50 and he would run around behind me and hold me up while I rode. Looking up to him and my cousin (Doug Dehaan) I decided I wanted to race. I started racing TVR with my cousin and my dad and I haven’t stopped since.
What is your favourite track and why?
I’ve grown up riding the sand so I’d have to say Gopher Dunes. Someone needs to find a way to get Auburn back going because I miss that place.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I don’t really have a favourite. If I was to pick one I think it’d be Matt Lemoine. Over the winter I got to hangout with him a lot. Getting to know him and things about his program made me a fan for sure.
Justin’s favourite track is Gopher Dunes. Watch for him in the MX2 Pro class when the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals make their way east. – Bigwave photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I guess there are a few. When I was young I idolized Doug and wanted to one day do what he did. Growing up and being close with Nathan Bles I look up to him. I have been working with Kyle Keast over the winter and really appreciate everything he does for me and am amazed by the way he makes his program work and puts so much effort into all his racing.
Who is your hero?
My parents are my heroes.* They do everything they can to support my brother and me and make everything we do possible. Without them racing wouldn’t be a reality. I hope when I have kids I can give them everything my parents gave me.
What are your goals for this season?
This season I’m racing MX2 at all the east coast nationals. I’ve been putting in the work and am confident that this year will be good. I’d like to be a top 15 guy and get a good number for next year.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
This past year I won the last moto of the MX2 Intermediate class at the TransCan. That’d be my biggest accomplishment.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
I mean, my favourite part about going is the racing. The nervous feeling any rider gets sitting on the gate I think is indescribable. The day that I don’t get nervous is the day I quit racing. But secondly, the friendly family vibe that is always around my pits is something I love. I take things seriously but I also like having fun with it.
Justin’s says that the day he’s not nervous it’s time to quit racing. – Bigwave photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I golf on occasion I guess. I think I’ve recently grown an interest in fishing. So that may be a new hobby for me.
Who would you like to thank?
I’d like to thank my parents the most for everything they do. Xtreme Toys, TCD Canada, Tim Bennet and Heather Bowman (Tech Care Development), Gamma Sales, Fly, Dragon, Just1, Works Connection, Evans coolant, TLR, 139 Designs, Novik, GPF , Kyle Keast, SP fitness.
