FXR Presents The Mid-Week Report With Andy White

There wasn’t alot of room inside the Penticton Arena, however that didn’t stop the riders from putting on an incredible show at rounds 5 and 6 of the Canadian National AX Tour. photo by James Lissimore

It’s that time of the year in Canada when the only MX racing happens to be indoors. Round 5 & 6 of the Canadian National AX Tour was in Penticton, BC this past weekend. I was on hand for this round and I can tell you it was some of the best racing I have seen in a long time. When lap times are only 24 seconds you are bound to have some paint scraping and bumping. Monster Kawasaki hired two heavyweights for the series, the likes of seasoned veterans Jacob Hayes and Chris Blose. This series actually works out great for these two riders as they are both contracted to compete in the Amsoil AMA series that starts off in the New Year. I overheard the two riders commenting on how this series is perfect for them. They can get their race bikes all set up for the next series and you can’t get much better testing than in real race conditions.

Speaking of top dogs, Cole Thompson looks solid on his Royal Distributing KTM as well. He always gets good starts and knows how to get through lappers quickly. I was really pumped to see some local BC riders show up as well. Jess Pettis looked aggressive on his Vernon Yamaha YZ250F. On one of the starts, Jess pulled a huge holeshot from the outside line of the gate. I could have sworn he was tipped off when the gate was going to drop! I asked him later and he said he just timed it perfectly. Starts are everything in this type of racing. Another local pro, Brock Leitner on his KX250F, gave it a good effort. I liked how he didn’t give in to the leaders as he was getting lapped late in the race. Yes, a blue flag means there is a race going on and you’re not in it. Keylan Meston from Calgary on his Cycle Works Yamaha YZ250F gave it a good shot as well. Keylan admitted that it’s not that easy to push for 10 laps and not make a mistake while being pushed around. He was asked if we would see him in Calgary, his reply, “Hell yes!”

Jess Pettis and Keylan Meston were two new riders to the series that rode well and had a great time in Penticton. photo by James Lissimore

No stranger to west coast arenacross is Cycle North rider, Ross Johnson. Ross is the current # 1 plate holder for the Future West BC Arenacross series. When asked why he was at the event, he replied, “I love racing”. Not to mention he is a pretty damn fast indoor competitor as well. Ross looked great on his Hondas and he definitely knows how to ride the tight tracks.

This brings me to a subject that has been questioned for years. Once the summer Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals are over, should pro riders or amateurs keep racing through the winter? My answer is 100% yes. I look at amateur riders like Austin Watling and Tanner Ward. These two are learning new techniques every time they get out on the track. It’s not about winning every moto, it’s about seat time out on the track. I was shocked that there is a low turnout at the AX series as it crosses the country. I really do believe that regardless if you’re a Junior or a Pro, you need to try this type of racing to better yourself. The tracks are not crazy with supercross-style jumps, they are pretty low key. Yes, you might need to set up your suspension a little bit harder and you will have to change your gearing. That’s about it.

I look at the BC Arenacross series as an example. What a way to stay on the dirt bike over the winter. If you haven’t tried it before, you should give it a shot and sign up.

Everyone should get out and try racing an AX soon. Just look how much fun these kids are having. Happy Halloween everyone!