Monday Gate Drop: Chat with Cole Thompson

Good Morning and welcome to the final Gate Drop of 2013. What a year it has been for both me personally, and for Canadian motocross. While there are many different opinions one could have about the current state of Canadian motocross, no one can argue that despite the still sluggish economy, things for now seem to be okay. The racing at the pro and amateur nationals this past year as well as the level of talent, was astonishing to say the least. The things that even our youngest riders are doing on the bikes these days are just awesome. For instance, the caliber of racing and the ferocity of the battles at the Parts Canada TransCan this past summer was amazing. From the youngest champion of the week, 4-6 50cc champ Preston Masciangelo, all the way to the Vet Master winner Iain Hayden, I think the level of riding is at an all time high in this country. As we’re about to ring in the New Year, things are definitely looking promising for 2014.

Speaking of the Parts Canada TransCan, past champion Cole Thompson is in the news right now. As you all know in 2013 Cole came home and raced the final five rounds of the Monster Energy MX Nationals (the series is now called the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals). With no surprise Cole adapted very quickly to his KTM and by the time the series ended at Walton, he had won multiple MX1 motos and two overall victories. It was great to see him standing tall on the podiums in his home country and it was also great to know that in 2014 Cole will be contesting the entire MX1 series aboard a KTM. However, just last week Cole received a call from the legendary Canadian Dave Gowland, who is currently the Team Manager for the Rockstar Energy KTM Team in the USA. With a few of his riders hurt Dave decided to offer Cole the chance to race SX for his team. Obviously Cole jumped at this chance of a lifetime and now we Canadian SX fans have a hometown boy to cheer for in the super competitive Supercross class. I decided to give Cole a quick call to talk about his new deal and to wrap up this final Gate Drop of 2013, I have included my conversation with Cole Thompson.

Since he is a natural supercross rider, Cole should do very well on the KTM 350.

Q: Hey Cole, how are things. Where are you right now?

A: Currently I’m at home, I got home on the 26th to see my family. Even though the weather isn’t great, it’s nice to get home for a few days and see everyone.

Q: Well, I don’t want to keep you from visiting with your family so let’s get at it. First off, congratulations on signing with the Rockstar Energy KTM Team. Did you know it was coming or were you surprised?

A: Actually I had no idea it was coming. I mean, I knew a few guys were hurt but I figured they had it covered. Then all of a sudden we got a call from Dave Gowland asking if I’d be interested in filling in until the guys got healthy.

Q: Well I’m sure you didn’t have to think about it for too long. So is the deal just for the west coast?

A: It’s for both the west coast and east coast, on the west I will be riding the KTM 350 and in the east I will be back on the 250. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really thankful for it. I feel like I’ve been working hard so hopefully I can jump into the Supercross class and do well.

Q: Sometimes when a team comes calling right before a series begins, you’re not quite prepared. It’s great for you that you’ve been racing arenacross for almost two months and you’re pretty much ready to go?

A: That’s true, but one of my goals has always been to be ready if an opportunity like this comes up. Right now my fitness feels good and I can’t wait to get going. I’m flying out on Tuesday to start testing so things should be good.

Q: Will you be lining up at Anaheim One?

A: No I won’t be racing next weekend, I’ve never rode a 350 before so there just isn’t enough time to test everything. If everything goes well than the plan is to make my debut in Phoenix the following weekend.

With a successful 2013 behind him, Cole is looking forward to racing supercross and then contending for a Canadian outdoor championship.

Q: That’s awesome Cole, I think the 350 is going to suit you well. Have you given any thought to how you might do against the big boys in the supercross class?

A: Not really, I think it’s still sinking in. Other than Las Vegas I have never raced a west coast supercross so I’m sure there is going to be some adjustment, but I’m really looking forward to getting out and start testing with the team. Whatever happens, it’s going to be great learning experience for me and one that will no doubt make me a better rider long term.

Q: No doubt it will. I know you’re not looking too far ahead but is the plan still to come back and race in Canada this summer?

A: Yes, that is the plan for sure. Hopefully I can stay healthy through the supercross and then come back up here and try and win a championship. I think I did well in the five rounds that I did ride in 2013, I certainly felt strong and I felt like I had a chance to win every time I lined up. I really like the KTMs, I feel really comfortable on them and like I said, I can’t wait to get to California and start testing the 350.

Q: Well this news is music to the ears of all Canadian supercross fans because now everyone has a Canadian to cheer for starting in Phoenix. That must make you feel good?

A: (laughs) That’s awesome to hear. I can’t say where I’m going to finish but you know me, I’ll do my best. It’s certainly going to motivate me knowing that I have an entire country behind me.

Q: Thanks for your time Cole, Happy New Year and good luck on the west coast.

A: Thanks for calling and Happy New Year to you and your family.

So that’s it’s for the year 2013. I hope everyone had a good year and is looking forward to next year. 2014 will certainly kick off with a bang as round one of the Monster Energy Supercross Series gets underway this Saturday in Anaheim, California. The talent level is deeper than it’s ever been and if the past years are any indication, the winner at round one might be a rider that few people are expecting. Whatever happens you know the racing will be great and the with the beginning of the supercross season comes the hope that in a few short months we all will be riding. For the record, my pick for Anaheim One is James Stewart, while I don’t think he’ll win the title, I do think he’ll be good for some wins. In closing, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!! I hope 2014 is a good year for everyone both on and off the track.

Happy New Year Everyone!! Bring on 2014.