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From Print To The Web: Sam Gaynor- On The GasGas

For the past two seasons Sam Gaynor has been competing in the 450 class aboard a OTSFF Yamaha. Even though he was a rookie to the pro class in 2019, Sam was a consistent top 10 rider as he battled against the more experienced members of the 450 class. For 2021, a lot has changed, and Sam will now be not only racing in the 250 class, but he will also be part of the newly formed TLD/GASGAS/SSR Racing Team. To celebrate this new and exciting brand being a part of Canadian racing for the first time ever, as well as this new race team, we decided to put Sam Gaynor on the cover of this issue.

MXP: First off Sam, congratulations on your first MXP Magazine cover. It’s been a long time coming but it must be worth the wait.

SG: It’s always been a dream of mine for sure! I’m very excited to be represented on the front of such an established magazine! 

MXP: Before we talk about your new TLD GASGAS deal, let’s chat about the past. When and how did you start riding?

SG: I first started riding when I was three years old. My neighbour two doors down had a little PW50, and they offered it to me to try out. So, I did, and I went wide open into a wood fence and crashed. The rest is history! 

MXP: That’s quite a start to your riding career [laughs]. Thankfully, things improve and we’re assuming it didn’t take long to fall in love with riding?

SG: Yes, I was hooked quickly. My dad used to road race professionally way back when, but I used to watch his races and it always amused me but once I got on a bike myself it was immediate love! 

MXP: Do you remember your first race? How did it go?

SG: I somewhat remember it. I know it was at an indoor track in Ohio. It was my sister’s first and only race. We did the first moto and packed up to leave as my dad didn’t know there was more than one race. Then the people beside us told us there was two so we stayed and I’m pretty sure I won the overall.

MXP: Ontario has a rich history of producing some great riders. Growing up who were some of the riders you admired?

SG: When I was really young, I remember going to Motopark and watching Kerim Fitz-Gerald and Kyle Stephens. I used to also look up to Bobby Kiniry as he always treated fans amazing but was an absolute bulldog on the track. As for U.S. riders, I have always admired Ken Roczen for his ‘never give up’ attitude. 

MXP: As you progressed through the ranks, there were times when you were a second or even a third-place rider. Did those years make you even more hungry to be better?

SG: For sure they did. I don’t think I was ever looked at as the next up and comer or part of the ‘Fab 3’ but that always made me hungrier. I learned early on that it was going to take a lot of hard work to get to where I wanted to be.

MXP: At what point did you get involved with the Motopark Academy and how did that training help you? 

SG: I think around 2014 I went there just for a week during the summer and then after that I was there every summer to date. Motopark and Iain Hayden have been a massive help with not just my riding but also teaching me how to be a good person. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without Motopark crew and Iain Hayden.

MXP: Looking back at your amateur career what do you consider your best finish or finishes?

SG: Obviously, winning three Walton Championships was pretty cool as it was in front of all of my family and friends. However, my best finish that stands out, to me, has to be Loretta Lynn’s in 2018. I went there with the intention of just having fun and ended up on the podium in one moto and a fourth overall and a sixth O/A. It was great week and one that I will never forget.

MXP: That’s amazing! I had forgotten about your LL results. Okay, so you turn pro, and instead of racing in the 250 class like most rookie riders do you go straight to the 450 class. Can you talk about what was behind that decision?

SG: It was a decision that took some time to make, but honestly, it was really our only choice at the time. The costs of running a 250 compared to a 450 are immense. It was more affordable to go straight to the 450 class and my dad and I felt like I could be just as competitive on a 450. Looking back, I believe it was a good decision as I had some good results, and I learned a lot racing against those guys. It’s a different type of racing in the 450 class and the riders are experienced and very smart.

MXP: You most certainly held your own in the 450 class that first year. Were you happy with your results?

SG: I was for sure! My goal was top 15, and I did a little better than that. I finished 10th in the outdoors and sixth in Supercross and then ended up ninth overall in the Triple Crown Series. I also won the rookie of the year award so it was everything I could have asked for in my first year as a pro rider.

MXP: That was a great rookie year. You were also fortunate to have Phil Nicoletti and Shawn Maffenbeier as teammates. What type of things did those two veteran riders teach you?

SG: They indirectly taught me that hard work will get you a long way in this sport. They taught me what to eat between motos, after motos, and they were a big help with telling me what lines on the track work for them. That was one of the areas I needed to work on was my line selection, so Phil and Shawn were a big help.

MXP: It’s always great to have some experienced riders around when you’re young and trying to learn as much as you can. We’ve seen a lot of fast amateur riders not be able to make the transition to the pro class. Why do you think that is and what was your experience?

SG: My dad and I have had many conversations about this. I feel it’s because once they get a car, a girlfriend, and a job, they see the kind of money they can earn from an everyday job and they know that to make money in Canada from moto takes time and a lot of hard work. I personally love racing. I work in the off-season to store some money away for the summer, but I love motocross and I plan to race for as long as I can.

MXP: What do you feel is your best finish in the past two years as a pro?

SG: That’s a hard question, Palms! I think finishing sixth overall in my first year in the SX Tour was great! I had a couple of rides here and there that have also stood out, like the first round of the 2020 season where I was fifth in a moto, but last year at Sand Del Lee was a big one. I broke my toes and dislocated them in a bad crash. I wanted to race the next moto so I used Phil’s boot as it was two sizes bigger, and I could get my foot in it. I raced until the very last lap of that race and was all over Josh Cartwright. That race day will always be one to remember in my eyes.

MXP: You most certainly have some heart, Sam! So, you had a good year in 2020 and everything looked good for this year. However, in a surprise move, your team decides to close its doors and end its racing program. Were you worried at all or did you have a backup plan?

SG: I was very worried! I didn’t have any outstanding rides, so I assumed that I’d have to find something. I pretty much contacted every team letting them know I was available, but I didn’t really hear anything. At one point, I didn’t know what I was going to do.

MXP: Well, thankfully you weren’t without a team for very long as Steve Simms decided to start up the new TLD/SSR/GASGAS Team. I assume you were happy to hear from him?

SG: Yes, I was a pest and contacted Steve almost every day, so I somewhat knew what was going on. Once his side of it was finalized, he called me right away and asked if I was interested in a 250 spot which is something I have always wanted to go back and try. I was excited for a new opportunity in a new class and on a new bike!

MXP: Having been a Yamaha rider for many years, what was your first impression of the GASGAS bike?

SG: I have ridden Yamahas since 2012, so the change was nerve-wracking at first, but since the first day on the new GASGAS I felt right at home. It feels like a brand-new start and a breath of fresh air. It makes me excited for when the 2021 season gets underway!

MXP: So, the plan is to move to the 250 class for 2021. What was the thinking behind that move and how do you feel about it?

SG: It’s something I have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. I feel like I will be a contender at the front so when Steve gave me the opportunity, I jumped on it. I know that the team will build me the best bike possible, so I am very excited to get racing.

MXP: The 250 class will be stacked with talent this summer, it always is. However, I don’t think there is one rider who is the favourite to win the title. These motos are most certainly going to be exciting. Are you ready to battle with the kids [laughs]?

SG: Yes, I am [laughs]! I’m not that old myself, but I do feel like I bring some good experience to the 250 class. This year, the 250 class will be super stacked but the fittest, smartest, and whomever makes the least number of mistakes will be there at the end for the championship. I’m super excited to get battling and banging bars with some of the riders I raced against as an amateur.

MXP: One of the things that I think a lot of people like about you is the strong connection you and your family still have. During this transition to the pro class, you and your dad Jeff are still a team at the track. How have you two managed to make the father-son and rider-mechanic dynamic work so well?

SG: Yes, my dad and I are very close both on and off of the track. At the track, we both know the task that needs to be completed and that’s to be the best we can be each day. As a father and son, we both just have a lot of the same passions for the outdoors, for building things, and we both love to fish. I think it’s very cool that we’re able to do this journey together and I look forward to some more success.

MXP: Every athlete needs good people around them in order to be successful. What does it mean to have quality people like Steve Simms and your dad in your corner?

SG: It’s definitely very comforting to know I have people in my corner that want the same success as I do. I look at Steve Simms and myself as a little Roger Decoster-Ryan Dungey type of deal. We have come a long way from where we started and still have a long way to go!

MXP: I guess the golden question is what are your expectations this summer in the 250 class?

SG: I want to be a title contender right from the opening moto of the series. I have gotten hurt every year since 2012, so I would also like to stay healthy all season long. This is the first year for this team and if we can battle for a title then that would be great. Steve has put a lot of work into making this happen and I want to reward him with a solid season.

MXP: What advice do you have for other intermediate rides who are thinking about turning pro in 2022? What things can they do to help make the transition a little easier?

SG: Work hard! Be respectful! Yes, our sport is a very alpha, but respect and hard work goes a long way. Be grateful for every opportunity and listen to everyone, as you never know who is going to give you some good advice. Also, figure your training and nutrition routines out, as those are two things that most rookie pro riders struggle with. It’s like, you think you know but you really have no idea. So, work hard, take advice, and try and not get caught up with your race-to-race results. If you do all of the off-bike things right, then your results will eventually come.

MXP: That is some great advice Sam. When you’re not racing or training what things do you enjoy doing?

SG: I love just building things, fishing, hiking, being outside mainly. During the winter I frame houses with Ross Malley, so he has taught me a lot about framing, and I find it to be more of a passion than a job during the off season.

MXP: Well Sam, once again, congratulations on your first-ever MXP Magazine cover and good luck this summer! 

SG: Thank you so much, Palms! It’s something I have always dreamed of! I would like to send a quick thank you to the entire TLD/GASGAS/SSR Team, Steve Simms, GASGAS Canada, Oakley, Atlas, GUTS Seats, ProTaper, FMF, Motul, Sunoco, Bn3thapparel, Journey Plumbing, Trains Custom Carpentry, Alpinestars, Ride Engineering, Raptor Titanium, Twenty-Six Suspension, WP, Throttle Syndicate, Tear off Gaskets, Mypitboard, Arthur’s Fuels, and, of course, my entire family!

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