Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
So far, 2019 has been an incredible season for Dylan Wright. Not only did he win the 250 class title in the AXTour earlier this year, but he also had a great start to the outdoor series. During the first five rounds of the MXTour Series, Wright has three overall wins and currently leads the 250 class points. Each time the gate drops you know that Dylan is not only going to be entertaining to watch but there is never any doubt that he’s going to give it everything he has. For those who were able to witness any of the opening races of the MXTour it was quite clear that Dylan was overall the fastest rider in the 250 class. Now as the series moves east, will he be able to maintain his feverish pace? To celebrate Dylan Wright’s success in 2019 we decided to feature the GDR Fox Honda rider on the cover of this issue. For the cover story we reached out to Dylan to get his thoughts on the his season thus far.
MXP: Congratulations Dylan on your new cover, it’s certainly well earned. Your 2019 has definitely gotten off to a good start. Are you having fun or what?
First off, thank you very much! It’s definitely an honour to be on another cover of MXP. That is fun, for sure! As for the racing, 2019 has been going fairly well for me. I’m finally in a good position in the championship coming out of the West, but there are definitely some motos that I would like to have back. I feel like there was some stuff that maybe I could change, and then there were other things that were just plain bad luck and were really out of my control. Despite some of the issues, I have to admit that things have been clicking! It feels so good when all the effort made in practice translates into wins on the track. It’s unfortunate that the points do not accurately reflect my achievements to date, but we are coming to the East and I am optimistic.
MXP: Earlier this year, you won the 2019 AXTour 250 Championship, your first title as a professional. How good did that feel after all of your off-season training?
I never imagined that my first pro championship would be in arenacross. AX may be popular in the West, but as I was growing up, there was no such thing as AX that I was aware of. That meant that I had to put in the work in the off-season to develop my skills in the tighter, more technical stuff. It was an absolutely amazing feeling to reach the end of the AX tour and to be crowned the champ. I know that a lot of people may have doubted my indoor skills, so to come out and prove the doubters wrong was a huge source of satisfaction. At the first round, I really didn’t put myself in a good position for the championship because it was super muddy. In the second moto I got together with another rider off the face of a jump and ended up landing on some tough blocks and went down. I think I actually ended up finishing seventh. Going into Round 2 in Calgary, I knew that I had to win if I wanted to get myself back into the championship race. I did just that! I got off to a great start and was able to get out front early and take the win. Given my results at Round 1, it came as somewhat of a surprise to learn that I would head out of the stadium as the holder of the red plate. I don’t know if people realize this, but it was my first time ever holding the red plate as a pro. After Round 3, I got another win and had a little bit of a points lead heading into the last round. I was feeling really good at Round 4 until I got taken out in the heat race and missed out on the Clash for Cash. Heading to the main, I knew what I had to do; put that Honda Canada GDR Fox racing machine on the box! If I did, I would take home the championship. After feeling the pressure of leading the series, it was such an amazing feeling and relief to get the first pro championship of my career under my belt. What a great confidence booster leading into the outdoor season.
MXP: I’ve written a few times since the final AXTour round in Barrie that you appear to be riding with more maturity and purpose. Do you feel different so far in 2019 or is it just your natural progression?
Thank you very much for the compliment! I realize that I have been known to be an aggressive, persistent and sometimes unpredictable rider. I worked really hard this off-season on being smoother and more efficient when I’m riding. I honestly slowed down to go fast and just brought it back to the basics. I finally figured out what this advice actually meant! I think a little bit of it is definitely natural progression, but I definitely put a lot of emphasis on things like breathing, timing, and race strategy this off-season. I feel like I have really made some good progress in my riding, and it’s really cool to have people like you point out that you see the difference.
MXP: Moving on to the MXTour. You definitely came out swinging at the opening round in Calgary. Did you feel comfortable on the Wild Rose track?
Round 1 is where we all find out who has done the work and if our efforts were enough to edge out the competition. No other round is filled with more confidence and optimism! As for me, I have always been a fan of the Wild Rose track. I like the flow of the track, and the first moto went super well for me despite the fact that I didn’t get off to the best of starts. I had to pass some title contenders to make my way to the front. As I did, I must admit that I was taking some alternate lines on the track and just felt super comfortable. I was able to get out front and ride my own race. It’s always nice when this happens for the first moto of the year. Sadly, Moto 2 was more reminiscent of what some described as the “old” Dylan. But when you slide out on an over-watered, hard-pack track, drag racing for the holeshot and find yourself at the back of the pack, there is no other option than to put your head down and take a few more risks than usual if you’re going to try to turn faster laps than the leaders so you can catch up with the lead pack. Sometimes these efforts work in your favour, sometimes they don’t. Overall, I am proud of my come-from-behind ride and that my efforts were rewarded with a 6th place in that moto and a 3rd place overall on the day, keeping me in the championship hunt.
MXP: During the second moto in Calgary you had a small off-track excursion. Can you take us through what happened?
That second moto was one of those motos I would like to have back. Off the start, I slid out while almost getting the holeshot. A short while later, I went down again with another rider on the first lap and found myself way back from the rest of the field. I knew that I had to pass as many riders as I could and was pushing a little too hard. I caught all the way back up to the lead pack, right behind Tyler Medaglia. While running behind him, trying to make a pass, I hit a rock that sent me sideways off the face of the little table top. Unfortunately, this off-track excursion sent me right into the flagger that was sitting on the side of the track. I felt sooooo bad because it was my mistake and I had some serious speed when we collided. I was really worried about the injuries I may have inflicted on him. I went and checked on him after the moto was over and the following day. Thankfully, he was alright, just a little banged up. I was just really bummed because of how good I was riding that day, but live and learn I guess. It just reminded me of the focus of my off-season training as I promised myself to make every effort not to make that mistake again.
MXP: But then you came back and won the following weekend in Prince George and took the coveted red plate in the 250 class.
Yeah, I honestly just put Moto 2 in Calgary behind me and moved on to Prince George where I have enjoyed some success in the past. I got off to two very good starts off the concrete and made my way past a couple guys in both motos to take the lead. Everything was coming together nicely … until things started falling apart … literally. In the first moto, with about 5 laps to go, my sub-frame actually broke into two pieces underneath me. There would be no more sitting down for me in that moto. I hugged that bike as hard as I could and prayed I wouldn’t get black flagged and that my bike would make it to the checkered flag. But, I never give up unless the bike stops moving or I physically can’t ride anymore. So I limped the bike to the finish. Towards the end of the moto, the bike had no power and could barely make it up the hills at PG. My heart sank as the big lead I had acquired evaporated and the racers I had passed earlier in the race were now passing me and would take all three spots on the podium. But, I still managed to salvage a fourth place in that moto. My heart now filled with joy as I realized that I avoided a very costly DNF and salvaged some precious championship points. Back at the pits, the mechanics worked feverishly to switch things up and to prep my backup bike, which I had never even ridden a lap on. I knew it was going to be a little bit of a challenge, but after a good start, the first couple of laps allowed me to adjust. I was able to put myself in the lead and ride my own race. For the second time in 2019, I held that elusive red plate heading into Round 3.
MXP: Before we get into Round 3 in Manitoba, let’s talk about your GDR Fox Honda Team. With Mike Alessi now on the team, things are a little busier under the tent this season. How has the vibe been so far this summer with the team?
Mike has been a great addition to our team. He is such a nice person and an awesome guy to hang out with. He also comes with a bunch of experience and knowledge. Having two guys under the tent with the credentials that they have is pretty amazing for a younger guy like me. I actually went and stayed with Mike and his family in Hilliard, Florida. It was incredible to go down there to ride and train with Mike. We became pretty close friends during that time. So I don’t find it any different under the tent other than maybe it’s a little more crowded upstairs in the rig where we get dressed. But to be honest it’s been awesome and we all work as a team. With 250s generally taking to the track first, it’s nice to sometimes be able to share some of what I noticed with them before they go out.
MXP: Okay, you dominated the race at Round 3 in Manitoba, in the mud with no goggles on. It was a pretty big effort on your part. However, after the race you were docked five positions for cutting the track. Can you describe what happened with the incident in question?
I had one of the greatest mud races of my career, regardless of the outcome and no matter what anybody says. It was muddy mayhem in Manitoba! Right off the start, I found myself behind other riders and my goggles were immediately covered in mud. I couldn’t see a thing. When I went to pull the string on my roll-offs, the string snapped! I had zero visibility heading into the first turn. As you mentioned, I tossed my goggles in the second corner. I knew I was going to have to be smart and pick my places to pass to avoid getting my eyes filled with mud. After I was able to get into the lead, I was able to find some pretty good lines and pull a nice gap. I was never so happy to see the checkered flag and to cross the finish line first in those conditions. There are no words to describe how truly deflated I was to learn that I was being stripped of my first overall position and was getting docked 5 positions for missing a little piece of track in the first turn. Regardless of whether or not you agree that the penalty fits the crime, the ruling has been made and there’s nothing we can do about it. The only thing left to do now is to put it behind me and focus on winning the rest of the races this year.
MXP: Obviously, the conditions were difficult and the track wasn’t marked very well. Looking back now, is there anything you’d do differently?
Honestly, I couldn’t see anything due to my goggle situation. If I was put in the same situation again, I wouldn’t change a thing. At that moment, I couldn’t see who was ahead of me or beside me, let alone where yellow markers were. I didn’t even know I went off the track; I had so much mud on my goggles. I was also distracted by the fact that I just broke the pull string on my goggles and would have no eye protection for the rest of the race. Suffice it to say that I am someone who learns from his mistakes. All I can do now is do my best not to let it happen again.
MXP: It was definitely a tough deal as you not only had the win taken away but also the red plate. However, I’m sure you’re now looking forward to Round 4 and the rest of the East rounds.
Yeah! It turned out to be a pretty tough deal! Not only was I stripped of my first place finish following what I felt was a solid ride, but I had quite a few points taken away, the red plate taken away, and the win bonus I would have received was gone. During the break, I have opted to take my frustration and turn it into motivation moving forward to the East rounds. I have been good in the East in the past and am looking forward to the opportunity to do it again this year!
MXP: Over the past few seasons you’ve proven that when the conditions get tough you really step up your game. During these East rounds, we could definitely see some extreme track conditions as well as some very hot weather. Are you ready?
Absolutely! I am somebody who loves it when the track gets rough and technical. I am looking forward to the rounds with a little more sand and some tougher racing conditions. I am 100% ready! I have been working my butt off in the gym and on the bike, and am fuelled by the confidence and motivation I have accumulated over the past few weeks. Bring on the heat, humidity and rough tracks!
MXP: Late last year you moved to Quebec to live with your girlfriend. How are you enjoying living there?
It was a huge move for me. Last fall, before the supercross season, I moved to Drummondville with my girlfriend. Honestly, I love it there! I have my own space and can just focus on me, my girlfriend and my program with no other distractions. There is something to be said for having a place of your own, a routine and a great home life. I believe that when you have a great home life during the week, it shows on the track on the weekend.
MXP: You’re fluent in French so we’re sure that helps. Are there some good practice tracks around where you live?
Being fluent in French definitely helps, but when I met my girlfriend, I had almost lost my French, because I rarely used it after I finished high school. But since we’ve been together, my French has not only returned but has improved. I speak the language better than I ever have. As for your question about tracks, Quebec loves its motorsports. As a result, within 1.5 hours of where I live, there are like 8 different tracks for me to ride. This gives me lots of options for different soil, which is awesome.
MXP: With having experienced teammates like Facciotti and Alessi, we’re sure one of the important things you’ve learned is that in order to be successful on the track, you have to lead a simple and productive life away from the track. You appear to be doing that and you’re race results reflect it.
That’s exactly it! Like I said earlier, I believe that if you have a good home life, it shows on the track. I am very lucky that my girlfriend is so supportive and knows how hard I have to work. She is there for me no matter what. Leading a simple and deliberate life is one thing that Colton and Mike have taught me and I am working hard to implement that in my life. Not only do I enjoy a good home life, but I also benefit from a good “pit life,” which also shows on the track. I count myself very lucky enough to be a part of a supportive team that believes in me.
MXP: Before we let you go, can you talk a little about how difficult it is these days to transition from the Intermediate class to the Pro class? You were a multi-time amateur champion and were fortunate enough to land a great ride on the MX101 Yamaha Team for your rookie pro year, and it was still very difficult. What advice would you have for the next group of fast amateur kids coming up through the ranks?
The transition to the pro ranks was definitely harder than I thought it was going to be. I am very grateful to the MX101 team forgiving me the opportunity to become a pro racer. They did everything they could to make the transition as easy as it could be for me. They emphasized learning and experience. They did not impose the pressure of winning championships, although they always believed I could do it and they encouraged me to strive for it. We set realistic goals with increasing expectations with every passing year. Even with all of that, it still was not the easiest thing to do. To go from regular wins to fighting to be in the Top 10 can be a cruel adjustment. Amateur racing just isn’t the same as the pro stuff. The racing is a lot tighter and more intense, and the races are a lot longer. You’re racing against the same guys week in and week out, and there are a lot more FAST guys!
The one word of advice I would give kids coming into the pro ranks would be to not put too much pressure on themselves and to set realistic goals and gradually keep raise the bar. Trust the process and the results will come. The one mistake I made my first year was to put the same pressure and have the same expectations in terms of results in the pro class as I did in the Intermediate class. This is simply unrealistic. There truly is such a thing as “trying too hard.”
MXP: Dylan, thank you for your time and congratulations on your new cover. Good luck for the rest of 2019!
Thank you very much for reaching out to me and for selecting me to be on the cover. To be acknowledged in this way is a huge privilege! I am very excited for this issue to come out!!
