Well everyone, it all started 24 years ago, growing up in Medina, Ohio. But my racing career probably didn’t start exactly how you might think. I grew up on a horse farm, being that both my parents are horse trainers. So, naturally I rode some horses growing up but quickly figured out that it just wasn’t for me. When I was seven, I raced a quad at a local race and did that a few times, but then at my local county fair, I raced a Honda 50 and it all really took off from there.
I didn’t get serious about racing until I was on 65’s, making it to Loretta Lynn’s for the first time. But then, riddled with injuries, I missed out every year after that until my second year on big bikes. My family and I decided it would be best for me to move south and really focus on my training. I trained with Nario Izzi in Georiga for two years and then moved to Club MX in South Carolina at the end of 2013. I was there training and improving until just last year. I got married and just recently moved to Tucson, Arizona with my wife, Sarah. It’s a huge change not being at a training facility any longer but I’ve really been enjoying the change. Traveling to California to do some training and coming to Canada for testing and racing the arenacross series has really made the change seem to fly by.
My arenacross season didn’t go exactly as I had hoped, but I am healthy leading into the outdoors, and preparing for Calgary has been great. I got to do some testing on the Husqvarna in March when I first got them in California and a little more during the arenacross season. Getting to ride back east in between rounds with Brad Nauditt, Tanner Ward, Zach Zager and Dylan Wright was probably one of my favourite parts of my time getting ready for the season. After that, I went out to California again to do some riding with the guys who were getting ready for Hangtown and Pala. It was good to really push my pace with some fast riders on really good tracks. That brings us to now where I’m in Abbottsford, BC doing some last-minute testing before Calgary with my teammates Marshal Weltin and Chris Fortier.
Cade Clason will be looking to carry the momentum he built during the AXTour into Calgary this weekend. Photo by James Lissimore
I’ve always loved racing in Calgary, well, not in 2018, but no one enjoyed that. 2015 is still my all-time favourite, though. Although I’ve never really enjoyed concrete starts, it is good to be able to switch it up. In my opinion, with a little rain and good prep, it can be the best race track in Canada. Plus, being so close to the city really makes an amazing and unique setting for a race track. Also, with the Blackfoot Hotel right there for all the teams to stay at and with being able to go explore all the different places like the Olympic training center makes it’s a great experience for everyone.
With the new Husqvarna and all of the new team sponsors, it’s going to be a little bit of a learning experience but I have some high expectations for myself. So far, I am feeling fantastic in both fitness and on the bike. With that being said, thanks for reading and we will see you in Calgary!