Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
When you think of Maple Ridge BC rider Parker Eales the first two things that come to mind are the fact that he’s extremely hard-working, and also that he’s one of the nicest guys in the paddock. So because of this, Parker has a lot of fans as people just want to see him succeed. Last week when it was quietly announced that he would be lining up at the Seattle SX in the 450SX class, it most certainly brought a smile to everyone’s face. This was Parker’s first-ever Monster Energy Supercross so obviously there was a lot to take in and process. However, he handled the day and night with class and style and in end, he took away not only some valuable experience but also memories that will last him a lifetime. We caught up with Parker as he was home from work last night.
MXP: Hey Parker, did you make it home from Seattle in one piece?
PE: Hey Palms! Yes, I did, thank you for asking. We had to get a Covid-19 test before we came home but that wasn’t too hard. Thankfully we tested negative and all was good.
It must feel good to be back home and able to process a pretty awesome weekend for you?
Yes, it is for sure. There was a lot to take in on Saturday but I’m happy with how things went and I’m excited to do some more rounds in the future.
I bet! Before we get into the details of Saturday let’s talk about how you prepared for your first SX. Newf (Ryan Lockhart) told me that he saw you at Horn Rapids last week as you were there for a day riding SX. Did you go there for a day and then straight to Seattle?
Yes, I went down because they have a decent SX track and obviously I needed to practice on one. I also went over to Kris Foster’s house recently as he had a little 20-second lap AX type track. So yeah, that was pretty much it as far as preparation goes for Seattle. It would’ve been nice to have more but you have to do what you have to do. I work all week so I can’t take much time off to go and ride somewhere.
I must admit that I was a little surprised when Newf told me that you were planning on racing Seattle last weekend. The news kind of came out of nowhere. Was this a last-minute decision or were you planning on this for a while?
I think the planning started a few months ago when Davey Fraser, Kyle Springman, and I were down at Horn Rapids riding and we said half-jokingly at the time that it would be cool to race a SX in 2022. Also, when we were down in California and I had a set of SX suspension made up in case I decided to race a SX while we were down there. I went and rode the SX track in Hemet and felt pretty comfortable with all of the sections. However, after giving it some thought I figured it might be too much to just jump in and race San Diego. After that, we came home and I had Seattle on my mind as a possible race to go and try.
Well, it sounds as though you made the right choice to wait until you had at least a little more practice. Also, those early California SX rounds are hectic and sometimes not the place to try and get your feet wet. Okay, let’s talk about Saturday. I thought the track was one of the best designs of 2022, what were your initial thoughts on it?
It was fun for sure. The sections were challenging but not impossible or tough to the point where I thought I was going to crash. I had a good crash in the first 450SX B qualifying session so I guess it was good to get that out of the way. The only thing was that in that crash I broke my clutch level off so my lap times suffered a bit. The track was in good shape during that session so that was the time to try and go fast. Anyway, the track was fun and I enjoyed riding it.
I looked at your practice times and they were very respectable. What did you think was the most challenging part of the Seattle track?
There were a few sections that were tough to do consistently throughout the day and night. Some deep ruts developed and the whoops got really beat up, also, the three-on section after the start was tough for sure. The track was tough, but as I said, I felt comfortable on it and I think I picked a good round to go to as there were only forty 450SX riders signed up. That took some pressure off and allowed me to just ride and learn how to go fast on the track.
That’s a good point. It also sounds like you went into Seattle with the right attitude?
I think I did. I just went in with very few expectations other than to ride smart and gain some valuable experience. Obviously, making the night show was something I wanted to do but deep down I knew I wasn’t going to be up there in the heat races or LCQ. This was just something I wanted to try and now I can say I did it.
Here is a two-part question. First, now that you’ve had a chance to process Saturday if you had to pick one thing that you feel you need to work on what would that be. Also, what was your favourite part of Saturday?
As far as what I need to work on. I would say qualifying for sure. Some of those riders know how to really send it for at least one lap so that is something I have to learn how to do. But as far as my favourite part of Saturday. I think coming out and lining up for my heat race was really cool. It was so loud and there was a lot of energy in the stadium. Also, racing in my first 450SX heat race was an awesome experience, and looking back I’m excited that I was able to cross this off of my bucket list.
I’m sure I speak for all Canadians when I say good job and congratulations Parker. I was watching the race at home and when I saw you lined up beside Alex Martin for the LCQ I was excited for you and happy that you were getting to experience that level of racing. So what is next for you?
Right now it’s just back to work during the week. It sounds as though Whispering Pines Raceway is opening soon so I’ll probably head there to ride. I love that track and I cannot wait to race the opening round of the Triple Crown Series there in June. Other than that, I may drive down to Salt Lake City and race the final round of SX in May, we’ll see how the next month goes. That’s about it.
Is the plan to do all of the Triple Crown Series this summer?
Yes, that is the plan right now. I think Davey Fraser and I will be doing them together and because I work during the week I will most likely fly in and out during the week. I love my new KTM450 and I also have some help from Carlson Racing this year, so things are going well right now.
The SLC SX, the Triple Crown Series, it sounds as though you have a busy few months ahead of you. Looking back to last summer, were there a few moments that stand out as your favourites of 2021?
Good question! Obviously, my race at Round 7 at Deschambault was a good one where I went last to 5th. The following weekend at Walton Raceway was a good race also. The entire second half of the Triple Crown Series was pretty solid for me, including the Gopher Dunes SX when I finished 4th behind Davey. I had a good time last summer and I can’t wait to do it again!
Well Parker, you’re a class act and you deserve nothing but success this season. There aren’t too many pro riders who work all week and then fly across the country to race a national, and then maintain that schedule for the entire summer. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us and good luck the rest of the way!
Thanks Palms! It was good to chat with you and hopefully, I’ll see you in Kamloops on June 5th.
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