On the Radar: Kody Munro
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Kody Munro
Age: 18 years
Hometown: Kamloops, British Columbia
School and Grade: Sa-hali Secondary School, Grade 12
Number: #52
Bike: 2016 KTM 450 SXF
Race Club: Greater Kamloops Motocross Association (GKMA)
Classes: Intermediate MX3, Youth, Pro Am Open
This week, Kamloops, BC rider, Kody Munro, is ‘On the Radar.’ – Munro photo
How did you get started in racing?
I learned to ride when I was 4 years old with my family while hanging out at the MX track participating in riding schools whenever offered. I got into racing when I was 7. My family and I went to watch a couple of local races and I instantly fell in love with the sport. I asked my dad to take me out and try it. I found out how much fun it truly was!
What is your favourite track and why?
My favourite track would definitely have to be in Kelowna, the Bear Creek MX track. It has a ton of jumps and really flows well into the corners. Since it has a sandy base, it makes it super-fun so I can hold it wide open in a lot of sections…this is what I love to do!
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Ryan Dungey. He is technically super-smooth and aggressive when he needs to be. I love how incredibly patient he is when it comes to passing. He waits for the perfect time and just goes for it! It’s cool.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Oh wow, there are so many I can think of: Jeremy Medaglia, Kyle Keast, Tyler Medaglia …they’re all awesome. Kaven Benoit really pushes himself to win every race no matter what the track conditions are. I admire that. He is incredibly technical and flows with his bike; it’s like he and his bike are ‘one.’ He trains hard and is always in control. He’s awesome!
Kody lined up beside Kyle Beaton last year and they bet lunch on who would get a better start. – Muro photo
Who is your hero?
My hero is Ricky Carmichael (Laughs). I used to have a 4-foot poster on my bedroom wall growing up…he’s cool! As I was moving up in my classes, I would watch him race SX every Saturday… he’s totally inspiring.
What are your goals for this season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
I have a lot of goals. For the last 2 years I’ve been working through some injuries which just makes me want to push harder to accomplish them:
To make top 2 finishes of the MX 1 Intermediate, Mx3 Intermediate, and Youth classes during the Amateur days of the Canadian National Motocross (Western Series).
Top finishes in the MX1 Intermediate, MX 3 Intermediate, and Youth classes when able to race the BC South Series (Future West and MCQMX) before Nationals.
Top 5 finishes in the Pro/Am Motos in the BC South Series (Future West and MCQMX).
Focus on a strong off-season strengthening, core, and conditioning program in order to remain healthy for the 2016 season. Work through the physical challenges of injuries I’ve sustained in the last 2 years by completing a positive, full, and healthy race season.
The biggest goal is for me this year is to point-out of the Intermediate class and become a Pro for the 2017 season. I also want to gave a ton of fun!!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
One of my biggest accomplishments was lining up last year on the gate as an Intermediate racer with the Pros in a Pro Am race in Kamloops. Sitting right beside me on the line was Kyle Beaton, he bet me lunch if I holeshotted him (Laughs). I tried hard… needless to say, I took him for lunch following the moto. All in all, I was pretty stoked to finish 3rd overall for the day. It was a really cool experience and I look forward to doing more of that kinda racing this year and maybe having Kyle bring me a lunch (Laughs)!
Another big accomplishment for me was being the 2012 BC Junior BCMA 85cc Provincial Champion- MX1, MX2, MX3.
I also feel quite fortunate to be able to live a life so far that has been full of MX racing, especially with my sister; it’s cool. I love having fun on a dirt bike, making super-cool life-long friends, and spending fun days riding with my friends and family. Many kids dream of that and I recognize just how lucky I’ve been to have that opportunity.
Kody will be looking to point out of Intermediate and turn Pro in 2017. – Photo supplied by Kody Muro
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part is when you get to the track early in the morning to see how perfectly groomed and freshly watered it is. It gets me totally excited for what’s coming in the motos of the day!
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
When I am not racing, I focus on school. This is my last year of high school so I’m sure my life will change after graduation. I also spend a lot of time with family and friends practicing on local tracks where I live. Right outside my doorstep is a prime riding area where I can hop onto my bike and spend some time in the hills, so I do this a with my sister, Jamie, who also races. During the summer, I work full-time, golf, wake-surf, and mountain bike. In the winter, I train for the racing season and mix things up a bit with some downhill skiing.
Who would you like to thank?
I would really like to thank KTM Canada, Barry Wellings (owner of Valley Moto Sports), Valley Speed Machine Shop, Andy White from FXR Racing, Lordco, Custom Decal, Matrix Concepts, Geoff Klassen from GP Moto, and Ryan Lockhart from Atlas Braces. I also want to give a huge shout out to Craig Fortune for wanting to ride with me, challenging me, and supporting me. My sister who always makes me accountable and forces me to step up knowing I can challenge myself to get better and better. And of course, my parents for always taking me to the races, providing me with awesome bikes, having a great mechanic, for coaching me, and for being a part of my racing.
