On the Radar | Seth Hughes
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Seth Hughes
Age: 15
Hometown: Kitchener, ON
School and Grade: Huron Heights Secondary School, Grade 10
Number: 32
Bike: 2016 Yamaha YZ125
Race Club: AMO
Classes: MX2 Junior, Schoolboy 1
This week, Kitchener, Ontario, rider #32 Seth Hughes is ‘On the Radar.’ | Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
I got started racing like most kids — my dad had a bike and he raced and as soon as I understood what a bike was I wanted one.
What is your favourite track and why?
My favourite track would have to Motopark. It’s my favourite track because it’s fast, has “hero berms,” big jumps to throw whips, great people, and just the overall flow of the track.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Ryan Villopoto. He is my favourite rider because of his all out raw speed and talent.
Seth’s favourite rider is Ryan Villopoto | Bigwave photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
A Canadian Pro that I look up to is Zeb Dennis. I look up to Zeb because of his raw talent on a bike and his great attitude off the track. [He’s] always positive and was a very big part of my success this past summer.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my dad. The reason my dad is my hero is because I see how much he struggles during the week, working for 10+ hours a day, and then comes home and works on bikes, takes me riding, and makes time to hang out with the rest of the family.
“I got started racing like most kids — my dad had a bike and he raced and as soon as I understood what a bike was I wanted one.” | Bigwave photo
What are your goals for next season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
My goals for next season are to keep progressing and keep getting faster and more comfortable on the 125, being a contender at the Walton TransCan, and try qualify for Loretta Lynn’s in the Schoolboy 1 class. To reach my goals, I know it’s going to be tough but with this winter I will be living down south at MP @ County Line training everyday, so I know if I keep training hard and getting faster I can reach my goals.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
2016 Motopark Motocup 1st overall in 85 (12-16), 2016 Motopark Motocup 3rd overall in Supermini, and 2016 Walton TransCan 6th overall 85 (12-16).
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part about go to the races is, well… racing. So fun to race your buddies and having some good battles.
Seth is hoping to compete at the top level in the Schoolboy 1 class next summer at events including the Parts Canada TransCan and Loretta Lynn’s | Bigwave photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
When I’m not racing I am either training, practicing, or hanging with friends and family.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to my mom, my dad and my little brother, Ezra. I would also like to thank the whole Motopark crew, Iain Hayden, Zeb Dennis, Andy White, Dawn McClintock from FXR racing, Todd and Linda from Zdeno cycle, Davin Grose from Moto Mech, Bell helmets, Novik gloves, 100%, and DT1 Filters.
