GoldenTyre Presents Friday Flight With Brent Worrall

The GoldenTyre brand of off-road motorcycle tires was established in Italy 30 years ago and its cutting edge design and durability has gained visibility and traction rapidly. GoldenTyre has teamed up with the likes of world renowned accomplished off-road riders like Graham Jarvis and Johnny Walker in efforts to develop the best products in the business. These riders have validated the efforts and achievements of this relatively new product with their top results and accomplishments. The GoldenTyre flag is currently being run on the Motocross GP circuit by top 2015 contenders Jake Nicholls and Stephen Frossard.

With GoldenTyre’s broadening global recognition and on-track success, Mike Nicholls saw fit to bring this great product to Canada five years ago. GoldenTyre in Canada is currently providing ‘The Midas Touch’ on the Motocross track to the likes of Todd Minnie, Jake Striechert, Michael Dasilva, Teagan Williams, Kyle Beaton and Super Mini rider Tyler Gibbs. GoldenTyre has also teamed for 2015 with Team PR-MX.ca as well as GP Moto for their Enduro team.

GoldenTyre is always on the lookout to recruit new members to join their winning team across our great country. If you are interested in giving this highly successful product a try drop Mike Nicholls a line or a resume at www.goldentyre.ca.

Happy Easter everyone and welcome to this holiday version of what officially signifies the end of the work week here at the site and has us all launching into the weekend. The Motocross season officially gets under way on the West Coast this weekend in Campbell River, BC for round one of the Vancouver Island series, and Ryan Lockhart among others will be there. Ryan, who hails from the opposite coast, has had no problem adjusting to life as a transplanted Westerner given what his homeland is still enduring winter-wise. I got word from Ryan this past week that the Josh Damery Memorial Arenacross has been officially cancelled this year as a result of the weather. I am sure for the many who have not been fortunate enough to evade winter’s seeming eternal wrath, in the form of a southern sabbatical, the upcoming season and warmer temperatures cannot come quick enough. Those of you who march to the perpetual beat of the Motocross Drummer that has, for as long as I can remember, cohabited my persona, are undoubtedly picking up what I am dropping.

To most, the sounds of neighbourhood lawn mowers and street sweepers or that of the avian community chirping one awake earlier than normal may signify that spring is officially here. Yes ‘Put me in coach I’m ready to play,’ but for this Motocrosser fanatic, spring will officially arrive next weekend when I roll into Whispering Pines Raceway in Kamloops and reunite with my extended family. My ‘Center Field’ and happy place will not greet me with budding perennials, blossoming outfield ivy and tightly trimmed grass. No, my bird’s eye view from the tower where I will be perched to announce round one of the Future West Outdoor Motocross series, where the sites of freshly tilled soil will be awaiting to be carved and sculpted by a race-fuel scented symphony, will not only be music to my ears but art in motion to my eyes.

The time that seemed to be moving at a snail’s pace for a lot of the contenders for this year’s upcoming Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals has now shifted gears to the contrary. Yes, let’s just say I believe that the countdown for most will accelerate quickly from here to gate drop at round one. The focus on the10 race series that kicks off on May 31st in Kamloops, BC, that will bridge this vast country’s landscape, is a challenge for many reasons. Here are a few things to keep in mind that your favourite has probably had to overcome this past off season when you land up trackside to cheer them on.

Motocross is a niche market, and the kind of support needed and financial resources it takes to achieve glory at any level is not for the meek of heart or weak of wallet. Understatement for sure but where there is a will there is always a way. If your favourite is a rider with a Canadian birth certificate, you can bet if he plans on contending he has been on the road somewhere for some time now. I know that not every rider is as fortunate as the next when it comes to support, and I have the utmost respect for those who press on and commit by making sacrifices as they do. I think it is important that each and every one of these individuals from one through forty at each round is recognized for doing their part in making this great series what it has become. When you are at the races on the fences, be sure to waive ‘em on, stop by their set-up in the pits with some encouragement, and give them a shout out on social media. There are some forms of support that do not include money and a rider can never have enough of it. The potential of what a little added support can do for a rider could be a game changer or motivator to find that little bit extra to dig just a little deeper and press on in the face of whatever adversity arises.

We in Canada have a great program, and when riders like Mike Alessi can come and go and say we are doing a great job you know he means it. Will Mike be back? Who knows, but even without him in the MX1 line up, with the likes of contenders Colton Facciotti, Brett Metcalfe, Tyler Medaglia, Cole Thompson, Matt Goerke, Bobby Kiniry, Nathan Bles, Dylan Kaelin etc. we are in for a great season. Yes, and that is only the big bike class. The 250 class promises to be every bit as good or better. Getting a last minute look at the line up before play begins for keeps, I am hopeful that when the dust settles in Walton at the finale we will have been witness to an epic points chase battle.

As a race fan I am no doubt looking forward to the Pro Nationals to kick off but I am equally as pumped up to follow and attend two of this country’s biggest races at the amateur level. Yes, we have three and they are truly a who’s who as far as gauging one’s talents and progress at any level in all classes. Over and above what the WCAN (July 2-5th in Raymond), the ECAN (Deschambault July 25th and 26th), and the Parts Canada Walton Trans Can (Aug 10-16) offer in competition, they also offer a one of a kind life experience that can be found nowhere else on earth. Yes, AT THE RACES. I don’t know about you but just the thought of these events gets the pre-gate drop Moto mojo and blood thumping through my veins, and I won’t even be lined up.

Okay, I will back off a little as fortunately none of the ANQs have been run yet and some of you have yet to set foot on a Motocross track this season. Remember, races are won and champions are crowned based on their seasoning and preparation. Do your best, friends, to take advantage of anything and everything you can to make sure your season is as safe as can be so you make it past your first local race. Yes, you know what I am talking about, that thing that no one wants to talk about but unfortunately rears its ugly head when we least expect it. Do what you can to be safe, and just like the safety gear, knowledge is something a racer can never have enough of. There are a lot of schools at the scheduled races across the country being hosted by guys that have forgotten more about Moto than most will ever know. They are not only well read in the sport but very passionate about passing it on to ensure that your racing experience is the best one possible. Yes, they make a few dollars and rightfully should, but I promise you, the money is not their motivation, you are! To me it is just a no brainer to take advantage of these seminars and riding schools as one can never have enough seat time at a track he will line up on. Quite simply put, a little extra insurance in the form of doing something right with confidence goes a long, long way.

Without beating the badly bruised horse of safety too much further, I would like to point out that I was super impressed with the World GP in Argentina on the weekend. I could not help but notice how many top level world class Motocrossers were wearing neck braces. It put a huge smile on my face. It was amazing to watch world class athletes negotiate a gnarly race track and for the most part not push beyond the limitations of their comfort zone. In my opinion, that is exactly what Ryan Villopoto did in Argentina going 4-4, then again it may be a cliche by saying he could not have won the title this past weekend but he certainly could have thrown it away. Good on Ryan for his efforts and giving himself a chance to line up and improve the next round in quest for his ultimate goal. I think once Ryan’s comfort level with his new surroundings and the format increases, he will ride a little more relaxed and his results will improve. I think it is important for us all to recognize not only early in the season but at any event anytime throughout the calendar year that there is always more to victory than winning a race.

You are all winners, keep that Moto passion pinned friends and “Let’s Go Racing.” Until next ‘Friday Flight’ Brent ‘Airmail’ Worrall out………..!