Yamaha Motor Canada Presents Wednesday’s Amateur Profile- Jeremy McKie

During this series of Yamaha Motor Canada Amateur Profiles we’ve gone almost coast to coast to have a look at this country’s talented young riders. However, the one Province we haven’t taken a look at yet is Quebec. Well, the wait is now over as this week we called up a fast KTM rider who goes by the name of Jeremy McKie. This kid is well on his way to filling the big shoes left by past Quebec Champions JSR, Marco Dube and Carl Vaillancourt. Let’s see what Jeremy McKie has to say.

MXP: Hey Jeremy, thanks for taking the time from your training to chat with us. Can you start off by telling us how old you are and where your hometown is located?

JM: Sure Chris, thanks for calling. Right now I’m 11 years old and I’m come from Beloeil, Quebec.

How long have you lived there?

I‘ve lived here my entire life, It’s a beautiful place.

What class do you ride and how long have you been riding?

I will ride in 85cc 9-11 and Supermini class this year. I started racing motocross at the age of 4 so even though I’m young I’ve been racing a while.

I remember you at Walton a few years ago, you put on a great show. How did your 2014 racing season go?

I had a bad start with a crash at SMX Motocross and I ended up breaking my collarbone and my foot. In June I starting riding and training again so that was good. After that I won the both classes ECAN in 65cc 10-11 and 85cc 9-11. At MMRS, I won the 85cc 9-11 and finished 3rd in 65cc 10-11. At Walton, I finished 2nd in 85cc 9-11 and 3rd in 65cc 10-11so it ended up being a pretty good season even though it didn’t start out well.

That does sound like a great season Jeremy. Before last season what are some of your past racing highlights?

I have three National Championships from the Parts Canada TransCan. Also, I did some races at Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross, Mini O’s and Lorreta Lynn’s. My results haven’t always been great at those races but they’re been fun to do.

Do you have a favourite track Jeremy?

My favourite tracks are SMX Motocross and Area 51 in New York State.

These days the tracks have a lot of cool obstacles. What parts of the track do you like the most?

I love any technical tracks especially the whoop sections and jumps that are right out of a corner. I guess you could say that I like riding SX tracks for sure.

Do you have a jump that you considered your favourite?

I pretty much like all jumps! However, if I had to pick one I’d say that the Natural Double at Walton Raceway is my favourite.

Here is a cool question for you, before the race do you like things calm before the race or rocking?

I prefer to be relaxed and calm before the race because then I can keep my energy and my focus on the race.

What are you usually thinking about while the thirty second is up?

While the thirty second s is up, all I’m thinking about is trying to win the race!

Would you rather holeshot and win or come from behind and win?

Good question, although it’s cool to get a holeshot and win, sometimes I like to battle from behind and win. I guess it depends on the track and the race.

I agree, some tracks are easier to pass on than others. Does everyone at your school know you race dirt bikes?

My friends know that I do motocross, but not everyone at my school. It’s not a sport that a lot of people pay attention to, so they don’t understand the difficulty and all the sacrifices and training that we must do to perform well in motocross. I have to travel to several training camps and races during the winter so I have to miss a few weeks of school. I always bring my home work with me so I don’t fall behind too much.

Do you have a favourite subject at school?

My favourite subject at school is definitely physical education and also I like French class.
Favourite thing to do other than ride a dirt bike?

This winter I started to do some Snocross so that was fun. It’s different from motocross but it’s very cool too. It allows me to keep my fitness and to also stay competitive.

Well Jeremy here is your final question. Who would you like to thank?

First off, thank you for doing this interview with me, I really appreciate it. I would like to thank all my sponsors who support me, Oakley, Amnesia, Seven, Troy Lee Designs, Kutvek Amerika, Axxel Suspension, SMX Motocross, Asportek, KTM Canada, Forma Boots, Excavation McBec, Nihilo Canada and Odi.