Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
BigSteelBox has a vast network of stores and yards across Canada to help make moving and storage simple. Our moving service is less stressful than dealing with traditional moving companies and our mobile storage options can meet any residential, construction or commercial need.
BigSteelBox is committed to providing storage on demand. We bring the storage to you, when and where you need it. Contact us today to see how we can meet your moving and storage needs. Find a BigSteelBox location near you here www.bigsteelbox.com.
Once again friends, as another week draws to a close it is pretty hard to believe that we are now 46 weeks into 2015. I, like many of my colleagues in the Moto industry on and off the race track, have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing helping after helping of what has been nothing short of a smorgasbord of excitement in Canadian Moto. As I set this week’s edition of the Flight in motion I cannot help but be pre-occupied with the first snowflakes of the season that are at this very moment decorating the Okanagan landscape. A sure sign that eventually all good things must come to an end. I guess, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I make no bones about not being a fan of winter. I do however think that it is cool, the technology and advancements in many departments have seen the inception of Motocross-type snow toys like the Timbersleds and Yeti-Snow Bikes. I even had Brock Hoyer, who is involved heavily with the first product mentioned, try to convince me that even someone as physically limited as myself could enjoy a rip on one of these machines. His claim being that they pretty much stay upright on their own and he saw no reason why I would not have a blast on it. I guess one thing life has taught me is to never say never and the day may come where snow related fun is for me. For now, however, the thought of heading south in January for what will be six weeks in the heart of the Supercross season will keep me looking to warmer days sooner rather than later.
The ruts were deep and the racing was awesome last weekend in Cloverdale. Photo by Michael Earle
With the newly conceived AX-tour just successfully putting its first year in the history and the Future West series at the midway mark, many forward strides have been made this season. The increased number of gate drops across the country for all levels of competitors late into the season is of huge benefit to our future. Having witnessed firsthand every single race of the Future West series for the last three years, along with taking in a round of the AX-tour in Penticton BC, I am really liking what I see. To see the evolution of a rider’s skill set and confidence in a time span as short as a couple of rounds of this type of action is positive proof of its value. Arenacross is never short on entertainment for the fans but the real value for racers and their forward progress is the payoff in experience and skills acquired. I also think it is safe to say, based on the numbers signing up, that any stigmatism, if there ever was such a thing, or preconceived ideas of what may or may not happen in Arenacross have been shaken. Arenacross racing, in my experienced opinion, sees the reward in the sense of what is gained skill and confidence wise far exceeding any inherent risk fears. I believe that Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki rider Jacob Hayes on the heels of his $25,000. U.S. AX-tour Parts Canada Triple Crown victory will back up my belief. I could also point to the likes of B.C. boy Jess Pettis who just put his Vernon/ Prince George Motorsports Yamaha on the top step of the podium for the first time at the Future West series in Cloverdale. I cannot tell you enough how good it felt to see the smile on Jess’s face Saturday night. I have watched Jess grow up in the Future West series and seen him stick with it and never give up on his dream through some pretty tough and trying times. After the action on Saturday night in Cloverdale I rolled into the pits and sat about 50 feet away just taking in and watching all the up and coming future riders gathered around him just to be beside the winner. Nice work Jess and Jacob, hats off to you along with everyone else that continues to sacrifice everything and anything to ensure this sport moves forward. You are all to be commended.
Even with the soft conditions in Cloverdale, the future stars of our sport put on quite a show. Photo by Michael Earle
The successes, developments and progressions of riders at all levels, and not just the top, should be noted, talked about and recognized. On a race track this past weekend in Cloverdale that made the most veteran riders look average at times had to be negotiated by all. I sat and took it all in trackside on my Ironside Designs platform hosting the live broadcast at the end of the first turn that lead into the rollers. When the gate dropped on the small bike class (50cc) it was impressive beyond words to watch some of the small kids on the PWs improve and learn from previous laps throughout the races. I can think of one rider in particular that fell over on lap one as his small wheels were axle deep in the ruts. He simply just did not have enough momentum or speed to pull him through. One of the flaggers came to his aid and got him going. The next lap around I could see the rider (who is brand new to the sport) opt for a different line and carry more notable speed through the section that dogged him the lap before. It is so impressive to see how quickly some of these kids learn from their mistakes and move forward. If you have been out to one of these events and supported them, whether they be AX-Tour or Future West, you know what I am talking about. If you have not, the good news is the AX-Tour will be back with an expanded version in 2016. Also, if you are on the west side of the country, the Future West series still has two full weekends of racing left at the best indoor venue in Canada, in my opinion. Chilliwack’s Heritage Park will be the home of Rounds 5 thru 8 of this Fall Classic. All the details and everything you need to know on sign up, track rentals, schools etc. can be found at www.futurewestmoto.ca/Arenacross. Future West is also asking riders to submit their bios for each round’s programs that are given to spectators.
Just to expand on the dividends paid forward by Arenacross racing, I had recently retired Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha rider Bobby Kiniry on Wednesday’s Canadian Moto Show. Also as a surprise to Bobby we had the man who was responsible for bringing him to Canada, Billy Whitley, on the line and join in our interview. After going over some of the highs and low of Bobby’s illustrious 25-plus year career racing a Motorcycle, we talked about the value of Arenacrosss. Bill Whitley was quick to point out that one of the biggest reasons he thought that Bobby Kiniry was the successful, intense competitor that he was had a lot due in part to his Arenacross background and experiences gained there. Kiniry validated that point and even though he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him, Bob was very animated as he held nothing back talking about his great career and love of racing indoors and outdoors. The archived episode and interview with Bobby Kiniry and Billy Whitley is up at the Canadian Moto Show website. Good luck to Bobby and his family moving forward, and a huge thanks to him for the great memories of being one of the fiercest competitors and all around good guys Canadian Motocross has ever seen.
You see, Friday the 13th isn’t so scary. Have a great weekend race fans!. Photo by Michael Earle
Have a great ‘Friday the 13th’ friends, and whatever you get up to this weekend do your best to stay safe and let’s all keep that Moto passion pinned. If you can, get out to Heritage Park in Chilliwack on the 27th and 28th for Rounds 5-6 of the Future West Arenacross series and stop by and say hi.
Until next ‘Friday Flight‘ …….Airmail’ out………………
