Northern Notes: Pre-Game Headliners

By Danny Brault

Hey there folks and welcome to another edition of Northern Notes – the best damn column ever written in the history of Canadian motocross journalism. Well, maybe top 448, but a guy can dream, can’t he? Speaking of best damn things, are we on the verge of watching one of the most dramatic racing seasons yet in Canada? I do this all the time, get myself excited and then get let down when reality arrives like a shot in the mouth, but it’s too much to think about ‘what could be’ in this year’s Canadian Nationals.

We’ve got a fast and healthy Colton Facciotti on a new team, US stars Kyle Chisholm, Josh Hill, Bobby Kiniry, Mike Alessi, Vincent Friese, and more committed to Canada, post-race rock shows, two-strokes, and a longer race schedule. Lots of changes and twists heading into this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. There are many good stories to discuss going into round 1, but here’s our shortlist of things to watch at The Wastelands and throughout the 10 round championship:

HIRED GUNS
Last year it was Brett Metcalfe, in 2012 it was Matt Georke, and at the opening round of this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals, all eyes will be locked on the #175 of Josh Hill and #800 of Mike Alessi. Not to take away attention from others on the line, but these two ‘Hired Guns’ from the US may be the two biggest names ever to taste Canadian soil.

In my mind, I feel Alessi and his MotoConcepts Team are not necessarily a sure thing to be in Nanaimo next weekend. They are committed to racing Round 1 of the AMA Nationals, and one must think, if Alessi takes a win or podium, wouldn’t they say screw Canada and stick to their roots? I hope they don’t, their results are OK at Glen Helen and we see Alessi and his MX2 teammate, Vincent Friese, at The Wastelands—and all 10 rounds of the Canadian series.

For Josh Hill, who is replacing defending MX1 Champ Metcalfe on the Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki Team, he’s committed to his Canadian summer vacation. Geez, this is a tough one to predict … Hill has the speed and talent to win indoor or out, but it’s a been rough go for the often injured rider. I believe Hill has a soft spot for the nightlife, which is fine, so do I, but when it comes to lining up for two long and hot 30 minute motos, a rider needs 8 hours of interrupted sleep. I think it will go either one of two ways for Hill: he either puts his head down and focuses on winning the title, or enjoys the laidback and friendly atmosphere of Canada a little too much.

LIVE ON THE AIR
Boy, we’re a lucky generation. Not that long ago, I guess it was ’98 (?), I remember hitting refresh on the CMRC result pages for the next week after a Canadian National, waiting impatiently to see who won and lost. In 2007, I can remember calling up my editor, relaying results and notes for a post-race report, and being absolutely thrilled if we got something posted online before Monday morning. Monday?! That’s right, we had to wait until Monday, or if we lucked out and had good cell reception late Sunday night we would find out what happened at the latest National.

My how things have changed…. Enter 2014 and fans have an endless array of media platforms sharing stories from the racetrack. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram—pick your poison and drink up. For those looking for the most intense, in the moment coverage of every Canadian National, tune into the Royal Distributing/ Marin Bike Live Audio Webcast. At every round, host Brian Koster will treat listeners to live commentary from every moto. We’ll also have experts Chris Pomeroy, Brent Worrall and more chiming in. Between motos, enjoy interviews with riders and team personnel and experience the sights and sounds of Canadian motocross right from the comfort of your living room (or tailgate). The first show begins next Saturday May 31^st, tune into mxpmag.com to listen live.

PARTY ON WAYNE …
… and party on Garth! At four of the 10 nationals, fans can expect more than a hearty helping of bar banging race action but also keep their fists pumping for post-race rock concerts. Titled ‘Motofest,’ the Nanaimo, Regina, Gopher Dunes and Moncton rounds will feature a good mix of musical acts, including bands such as Tokyo Police Club, Yukon Blonde, USS, Hollerado and We Hunt Buffalo. The best part for those attending these events, you pay one price and get access to both shows!

COLTY LOCKS
He hasn’t exactly slept around in as many beds as Goldilocks, but Colton Facciotti is trying another bed and hoping for a good night’s sleep. By that we mean making it through a full season without injury. After winning his first three national championships with Blackfoot Yamaha (2008, 2009 and 2011), Facciotti switched to the KTM camp in 2012-13 as Blackfoot stopped racing nationally. Things started well, KTM added more horsepower to their national effort and seemed to have everything in place to bring home their first MX1 title with either Facciotti or his teammate Dusty Klatt.

Looks aren’t everything, unfortunately. While Facciotti enjoyed his KTM 450 SX-F, for one reason or another (bad luck, really) he couldn’t keep it on two wheels. In 2012, he dumped it at the second round in Kamloops and eventually pulled out of the series at round 5 at Gopher Dunes due to a badly injured shoulder/collarbone.

Last year, after sweeping both MX1 motos at the opener in Nanaimo, Facciotti once again lost his footing in Kamloops (and almost lost a finger too!) while putting pressure on Metcalfe for the lead in the first MX1 moto, went down, got up, got run over twice and was left with a busted leg and mangled hand. At the end of the day, if Colton isn’t winning, odds are it’s because he isn’t racing. The GDR Troy Lee Designs Honda deal with his good friend Derek Schuster gives Colton the chance to stick right next to home (he only lives 20 minutes from Gopher Dunes in a small town called Aylmer) and take away the stress of being away so often, and overall it’s a refreshing new change for Colton. GDR offers a more laidback feel, and Colt’s a laidback guy and racer on the track.

Last weekend I thought Facciotti and his GDR crew were heading up to Moto Park to take on Rockstar Energy Drink OTSFF Yamaha’s Bobby Kiniry, Shawn Maffenbeier, Kyle Keast, Zeb Dennis and a host of other fast guys. When I heard this, it reminded of the good old days, say 2005-2008, when we saw names like DeHaan, Lockhart, Mesley, Keast, Willard, Saarits, Chamberlain, Burke and more on the line. Yes, we Ontarians can seem self-centered at times, but we have featured some of the most competitive regional events, which seem like ‘mini nationals’ at times. Good competition and usually a good payday if you do well.

Anyways, back to Colton and Moto Park … he and the GDR team didn’t end up going north to Owen Sound. Instead they hung back at the Dunes to sneak in another a day or two of testing, says Schuster. I think that’s lame and told Schuster that all you really need to do to win is hold the throttle on longer than the other guy (at least that’s what my old man told us). Isn’t that the bottom line?

I don’t think they agree with me on that one and probably don’t care. At any rate, I’m thankful Colton did race at least one local race before starting things off in Nanaimo. Gauldy knows I ain’t no Pro, but I’m sure the best thing a racer can do is experience a gate drop before the ‘Big Show’ begins. You can ride all you want but riding ain’t racing. A local race is better than nothing. That all said, I see good things coming to Facciotti in 2014. He likes the bike, he likes the team and with limelight not burning so brightly onto him this year, it may be just what he needs to do what we all know he can.

LAST MINUTE MAGIC
Okay, is that it? Are we done here? Has Jeremy Medaglia finally settled down and tied the knot? As of press time, yes (this could change, there is still a week to go), Jeremy is racing for the Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki Team. My first question: what was/is the cost? LE already has three fast and expensive guys under their tent, so how can they afford another? I asked Team Manager Jason Hughes last week if he had any interest and/or budget remaining to take on Jeremy—who all of the sudden parted awys with MotoConcepts when no contract was presented—but he said no and I believed him. Well, never again Jason. I will just have to go to Pat O’Connor instead and butter him up with chicken wings and beer to get the dirt from LE.

Leading Edge and Jeremy have been in discussions over the past few years but could never come to an agreement that satisfied both parties. Better late than never, right?

My second question is: can Jeremy get adjusted and comfortable with his new KX250F in only two weeks before round 1? Correct me if I’m wrong but I am 99.999% sure Jeremy has never raced a Kawasaki. Past champs Teddy Maier and Austin Politelli haven’t struggled to holeshot, win races and championships on the LE bikes, so Jeremy should be fine.

Let’s take a look quick at where Jeremy has been over the last year:

2013 season – R&M Motorsports MX101 Yamaha

October 2014 to March 2014 – Cycle North Honda

April 2014 to May 2014 – MotoConcepts (Honda)

End of May 2014 – Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki

Hey, that’s the way she goes sometimes and I’m happy as a fan that Jeremy ended up with Leading Edge because Alessi’s team is still coming north and now they have Vincent Friese racing the CRF250R that Jeremy was supposed to race. More drama, more fast guys and more to talk about!

TWO BY FOUR
What’s better, a 2-stroke or 4-stroke? Well, that depends Johnny, each has its pros and cons, and we’re going to see a good shakedown between 2 and 4 strokes during this year’s Canadian Nationals. We’re entering the second consecutive year where 250 two-strokes can legally race against 250F four-strokes in MX2, and we’re seeing a lot more racers—especially contenders—switching to 2-strokes.

KTM’s Kaven Benoit is the highest ranked racer thinking of a 2-stroke at some events (most likely the sandier tracks in the East), but we also have Topher Ingalls, Liam O’Farrell, Seth Rarick, Shawn Robinson and other speedsters going old school as well.

Now picture Politelli or Medaglia (or both!) having a dragout battle with Benoit on a 2-stroke at Deschambault or Sand Del Lee?! Man that would be cool!

Before I check out, I want to mention that if you’re in the area, have a Pro license and want to make some serious dough, consider signing up for the Quebec Provincial in Ste-Julie this weekend (approx. 30 minutes east of Montreal). Every Quebec Provincial offers more than $10,000 in payout at every race. Eligible classes include Pro, Intermediate, Vet and Women’s classes.

About four hours northeast of Ste-Julie there is another big race taking place in Quebec. It’s the first weekend of the SX Quebec Arenacross Tour, which kicks off in Riviere Du Loup. There are 8 rounds in total, spanning from now until September 6 when the series wraps up in Dégelis.

And while we’re on the topic of Quebec, I’m happy to see that Ben Milot and his Rockstar Milot Land Tour have signed on to entertain us at some of the Canadian Nationals. Of course, he is a Rockstar Energy Drink sponsored athlete so I shouldn’t be too surprised he got the job, but Milot produces one of the most professional freestyle shows in Canada. This year, he has BC’s Reagan Sieg and Jeff Fehr jumping alongside Milot and also Steel Cutter who is a newcomer to the sport.

Thanks for reading!