On the Radar: Malcolm Farris
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Malcolm George Farris
Age: 9
Hometown: Shubenacadie, NS
School and Grade: Newbridge Academy grade 4
Number: 906
Bike: KTM 50 and 65
Race Club: CMRC
Classes: This past year I raced the 50cc (7-8) and 65cc (7-9)
Let’s get to know Malcolm Farris. – Marion Martin photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad got me my first bike for my first Christmas when I was 8 weeks old. My dad races so I always went to the races with him. When I was 4, I did a few races on a PW50 and I’ve been hooked ever since. The next year I moved to a KTM50.
What is your favourite track and why?
Mitch Cooke‘s track, Pleasant Valley, is my favourite because it’s really close to my house. I like it because it’s really rough and you never know how it’s going to be. They reversed the track this year and I really like the change. They will be hosting a national there this year so I’m really excited about that!
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Tyler Medaglia because he helps me with my riding and he lives really close to me so I get to see him all the time. He works really hard training and he is super-fast. My favourite movie when I was 2 years old was Crossing the Line which featured Tyler. I used to watch that movie all day and then I met him that summer at Pleasant Valley and he took me for a ride on his bike. Then, a few months later, he came to my third birthday party with Mitch in his monster truck so that was pretty much the best birthday ever!
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Tyler because he works so hard!
Who is your hero?
Ricky Carmichael
Do you feel like you have to work harder, being that you are from the East Coast?
Yeah a little, maybe. We have some fast guys here so there is always lots of competition. It would be cool to be able to get to some different events. I really think racing different people/tracks would be a big help. That usually means traveling to Quebec or Ontario, which is a long drive.
With The East Coast having such long winters, it is a disadvantage being off the bike for so long or is it nice to take time off and refresh?
It’s kind of nice to take a break and do other things. I really like skiing, especially freestyle. I compete at that all winter. But when it starts to get a little warm and sunny in the spring, I can’t wait to get back on my bikes. Last winter, my dad and I went to Florida with Mitch, Tyler and Boo Green. It was so fun. Maybe we will get to do that again to break up the winter.
“I’m also a freestyle skier and just last month I did my first backflip onto the airbag, something I had wanted to try for a long time!” – Thor Durning photo
The Maritimes have produced some amazing talent, names like Mitch and Heidi Cooke, Davey Fraser, and most recently Damon Burbine. What is it going to take to add your name to this impressive list?
Well I’m not sure, those are all some pretty big names. I know I have to work hard, set goals and try and reach them. I think going away to races like Walton really helps. Right now, I just really like to have fun riding my bikes and see where things go.
What were your goals for this season, and did you reach them?
My goals for my local series were top 10 in a 65 race and top 3 in the 50 series. I reached both of those goals this past summer.
I was hoping for top 10 overall at Walton and I almost got that but I fell in the last corner of the last moto and got passed and ended up 11th oversell, so that was a major bummer!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
I got selected to race at the Toronto Junior Supercross a few years ago and that was awesome! For the last 4 years I have been top 3 overall in our region for the 50 class. I’m also a freestyle skier and just last month I did my first backflip onto the airbag, something I had wanted to try for a long time!
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Camping with my family and racing! I also like to hang out with all my buddies and watch my dad race and all the pros too.
Malcolm is also in the golf program at school. – Paul Jordan photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I’m in the golf program at my school (because they don’t have a motocross program yet!) and I also love to ski, ride my bike and skateboard.
What are your goals for 2016?
I really want to qualify for Walton again and a top ten in 65 there would be awesome. We hope to get to the ECAN this year too. I really want to work hard and try and finish top three in our local series.
Who would you like to thank?
My family, DEMN Engineering, Freedom Cycle, KTM Canada, 6D Helmets, Terry at Fox Canada, Parts Canada, Adam at Podium1 Suspension, Atlas Braces, HAF Skate and Tattoo, KMF Athletic Therapy, Greenhawk, Newbridge Academy and Tyler and Mitch. And thank you Jeff for asking me to do this!
