On the Radar: Mason Arnburg
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Mason Arnburg
Age: 17
Hometown: Newcastle, Ontario
School and Grade: Clarke High school, Grade 12
Number: 47
Bike: 2014 KX250F
Race Club: MMRS, CMRC, AMO, MX101
Classes: Junior MX2, Junior MX3
This week, Mason Arnburg is ‘On the Radar.’ – Harvey Gold photo supplied by Arnburg
How did you get started in racing?
A couple years ago, I was talking to a friend of mine at school who has been racing for quite a few years. At the time, I had just gotten my first bike and was getting pretty interested in going to tracks to ride instead of just fields and trails. I was talking to him for about a year that I wanted to try and get into racing, so one day in late September 2013 he invited me to go race at MMRS Cochrane’s. I was able to convince my parents to go and I’ve been racing ever since!
What is your favourite track and why?
Hmmm…that’s a tough one! I’d have to say either Thunder Mud or Motopark. Tracks with long straightaways where you can hold it wide open are my favourite!
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Adam Cianciarulo. When I first started riding, I would always look up riding and racing videos. I was always seeing Adam in all these videos and how great of an amateur rider he was. I would watch videos on him for hours on end, hoping to be able to race and be just like him.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Bobby Kiniry…before he retired at least (Laughs). His love for the sport, reputation and dedication is something I’ve always looked up to. He looked to always have a great time while being able to focus and put in the hard work to get the results he wanted.
“Whenever I have an off weekend racing in the summer, I try to go out fishing with my grandfather.” – Mao Ouyang photo supplied by Arnburg
Who is your hero?
I would have to say my Dad. He’s been there and supported me throughout all the ups and downs in my racing career, and sacrificed everything to let me race and be there every weekend. He pushes me to become a better rider and racer.
What are your goals for this season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
My goals this year are to qualify for the Walton TransCan in both of my classes, and get top 10’s in both of them as well. Also, to get a top 5 at the MMRS National and be a consistent top 5 contender by the end of the season. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and focus to reach my goals, but I’ve been putting in the work I need and training all winter long in preparation for this season!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishments would have to be when I started out last season with a first moto podium finish, receiving the fifth place award in the MMRS Provincial series after missing 4 races due to an injury, my first overall podium last year which was 2-3 for 2nd overall, and getting 17 holeshots out of my first 24 motos of the season last year.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part about going to the races would have to be seeing all of my friends and the atmosphere. The atmosphere at the track is always great – the smell of race fuel in the morning, going out for morning practice, the competition and battles during the races – I just love everything about it!
Mason is gunning for the Parts Canada TransCan and the MMRS Provincial Series this summer. – Mao Ouyang photo supplied by Arnburg
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I actually really enjoy fishing on my off time when I’m not racing. Every opportunity I get to go out with my anyone, I’ll take it! Whenever I have an off weekend racing in the summer, I try to go out fishing with my grandfather.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents for always being there and supporting me and sacrifice everything for me to reach my goals. All of my friends and family for all of the continued support throughout my career. And all of my sponsors: Alma Mechanical for the continued support every year, Boyeson factory racing for providing me with parts for my bike, Broken clothing for always keeping me looking fresh at the track, and FXR for providing me with the best gear.
