On the Radar: Max Filipek
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Max Filipek
Age: 17
Hometown: Grimsby, Ontario
School and Grade: Blessed Trinity, Grade 11
Number: 343
Bike: KTM 250 sxf and 450 sxf
Race Club: AMO, WNY Racing, AMA
Classes: 250, 450 Intermediate and 250 and 450 B in the USA
Grimsby, Ontario, rider, #343 Max Filipek is ‘On the Radar.’ – Robert Filipek photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad got me a bike for Christmas when I was 7 but I wasn’t really keen on racing. I loved just riding around the track. When I was 10 my dad convinced me to just go try a race. We went to a TVR race at Walton and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What is your favourite track and why?
My favourite track would probably be the tracks at Real Deal MX Training Facility. They get so gnarly and technical you can learn so much from riding those tracks.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favorite rider would have to be Jeremy Martin. He’s got that bulldog style and I could watch him ride outdoors all day long.
Max’s favourite rider is Jeremy Martin and he looks up to Tyler Medaglia here in Canada. – Julie Butler photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I would have to say Tyler Medaglia. He just works so hard and is so dedicated and never gives up.
Who is your hero?
My hero would have to be my dad. He’s such a hard working person there’s just so much to look up to. No matter how hard things get he’s always got a positive attitude and is constantly pushing me to better myself. He does so many amazing things for my family and is always there for anyone to lean on. He’s one of the most supportive and caring people I’ve ever met and I hope I could be half as great as him when I get older.
What are your goals for this season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
My goals are to just keep pushing forward and have a healthy season. I would like to make it to Loretta’s this year and hopefully top 5 at Walton. I just need to keep working hard, train in the gym, on the track, keep positive and be confident!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
I’m pretty proud of wining the Robbie Beck Memorial award in 2013 as well as Most Improved Rider with WNYRACING that same year.
2013 Dunlop Cup series: 1st overall Open Novice Champion
2013 Dunlop Cup series: 3rd overall Schoolboy
2013 Dunlop Cup series: 3rd over all 250 Novice
2014 WNY Racing Overall Championship
Collegeboy 2nd
Schoolboy 2nd
Walton TransCan:
MX 1 Junior 6th
MX 2 Junior 7th
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favorite part is watching the races. I could watch the same corner 3000 times and never get bored of it. Also, I love seeing all my buddies and hanging out. It’s hard because we all live a few hours away from each other so having us all together is always a great time.
Max says he could “watch the same corner 3000 times and never get bored of it.” That enthusiasm will serve him well! – Julie Butler photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I’ll either be in the gym or hanging out with my buddies. Johno Glaves lives about 5 minutes from me so we’re always hanging out and riding together. Also, I love being with my girl, Oliva. I love being around her and her family.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my mom and dad because without them none of this would be possible. I would like to thank Rob and Sherry Burkhart at Real Deal MX Training Facility in Allendale, South Carolina, for all the work they put into making me a better rider, athlete and person. I would like to thank all my amazing sponsors for their support: SunGuard Awnings and Patio, Zdeno Cycle, FXR Racing, Dirt Tricks, Suspension Systems, MotoNorth.ca, Dunlop, Dragon Alliance, No Toil, Works Connection, Ride Engineering, Leatt, Deft Family, and the man above for always watching over us.
