Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Wright Out of the Gate: – Back to Reality
Well, it has been a while since I last wrote this blog. I really apologize, I have been really busy with trying to get ready for the season to start. Since trip to California, there has been a lot going on and I couldn’t be happier. Immediately after the long trip back to Ontario from California, it was time for testing and the photoshoot with the team. Some people really don’t know how much work the team members and us as riders put in behind the scenes to get everything perfect for when we line up at the gate. For testing, Colt and I were lucky enough to have Matt from Proven Moto come up for three days to make sure our races engines were perfectly tuned and exactly the way we wanted them. These three days are very long days in the shop and at the track with all the different parts we have to try. I am proud to say that after the days with him that the race engines are amazing and exactly the way I want them. WOW, those bikes are definitely a rocket ship. It is important to remember that it is not only how fast the bike can go that will win races. It also takes setting up the suspension and chassis on the bike that will lead to success. So, we had a full day of testing with Joe Skidd from SSS Suspension, and with only a few minor adjustments, we had the suspension exactly the way I want it for Round one. I am soo happy with the bike set up I have and feel very confident in it heading into this weekend. Looking back at the week of testing, I can definitely say that I feel very fortunate and lucky to work with some of the best guys in the business as I am looking forward to everything while seeing the hard work pay off this season.
Dylan Wright and his Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing Team are ready to go for this weekends opening round in Kamloops. Photo by James Lissimore
After the long days of testing, the crew had one day to get the bikes ready for the photoshoot. I must admit that the bike for the photos looked soo amazing. It was the first time we all got to see the bikes all dressed up, and we were all so excited when the first bike was put together and ready to go. The next day, unfortunately the weather wasn’t cooperating to get the riding shots done, but we got all the still shots of the bike and the amazing fox gear done. After all the still shots were completed, the weather finally cleared up, but the track was definitely not in any shape to be riding. We then improvised with doing some stuff with puddles, wood chips and on the road, and honestly, some of the shots we got were awesome. The following day was day two of the photoshoot and again the weather wasn’t cooperating with us, so we waited it out until the rain stopped. We then went out and finally we got some great riding shots that I’m sure you will all see at some point. The amazing photos that James Lissimore is able to take makes these two days absolutely worth it. I, as well as all of you, can’t wait to see all these great shots.
With the weather still looking not very nice in Ontario for the two weeks after the photoshoot, I decided to make the trip back down to Florida to get some good riding in heading up to the season. I was lucky enough that my girlfriend was already down in Florida at the time so I was able to meet her down there so she could be with me while I was riding and training. For the first week I spent down there, I was staying at County Line, and all I can say is what an amazing job Iain Hayden has done with the track and facility! I was training with Matt Goerke for the week and it was great to have him give me some tips and ride with him. I always like riding with guys that are faster than me. I feel that in the end this always makes you a better rider. After that great week of training it was time to head to GPF where my girlfriend and I would spend the week with Colt in his trailer. That week I learned soo much from him and I am truly thankful for all the tips and pointers he gave me. Colt is a really good mentor for me and I look forward to working with him more throughout the season. Throughout the trip I had a lot of time to bond with my girlfriend and we got to do some really cool stuff.
Look out this summer for the duo of Dylan Wright and Colton Facciotti. Photo by James Lissimore
Then it was time to head home as the weather finally starting to warm up and the ground was drying. We made the trip home and man can I tell you there is nothing like being back in Canada. Since being home, I have been able to ride at Sand Del Lee again and see a bunch of familiar faces, which is always such a treat when returning to the home track for the first time in a long time.
This past weekend I was able to race at SDL for their first race of the season, and although the weather looked iffy, it held out and was a great weekend of racing. It was really nice to finally get some gate drops in before the season starts this weekend, and honestly, it was just a lot of fun to see the moto community alive and well around here. I saw many familiar faces for the first time this year, and what a treat it is to see all of my friends again. The number of fans and friends I have in the sport is truly amazing, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the good luck wishes and positive energy I got heading into this weekend. FIVE more days until the first gate drop!!
