Menifee, California’s Austin Politelli returns to Canada looking to repeat his title success from last season.
By Danny Brault
Photos by James Lissimore
Over the last decade, Canada has attracted many fast and interesting racers from the US looking to make a name for themselves, earn a good income and gain pro racing experience. Brad Hagseth, Sean Hamblin, Donnie McGourty, Michael Willard, Jimmy Nelson and more have cut their teeth in Canada. Austin Politelli joins that list having first raced in Canada in 2011 for Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki and then returned last year to win his first MX2 professional championship.
Politelli was the guy to beat last year winning 10 of 18 motos and five overalls. The only rider that could have stopped him was KTM Canada Royal Distributing Fox Racing’s Kaven Benoit, but he was sidelined with an ankle injury midway through the series. The 19 year-old Politelli would like to be more confident going into the 2014 series but after breaking his femur in January, he hasn’t been able to ride and train at the level he normally does. Of course, these kids heal quickly and once they hit the track, it’s game on. Let’s learn a little more about our defending MX2 Canadian Champion.
MXP: Hi Austin. Considering your results last summer, I’m sure you’re expecting to be challenging for wins once again in 2014.
Austin Politelli: I want to win but it doesn’t bother me if I don’t win at the first round in Nanaimo. I broke my femur in January while practicing at Milestone and I haven’t been on the bike as much as I would like, but I’m feeling really good right now. We spent some good time testing suspension and dialing in the bike, so my Leading Edge Kawasaki is working awesome. I’m excited to be going back.
What’s your take on racing in Canada?
This will be my third time to Canada; I came in 2011 and then again last year, and every year it gets better. There seems to be more fans coming out and faster riders to compete against. I enjoy the laid back feel as well; it’s a fun time going to Canada.
There is always a lot of online bench racing happening before the Nationals. Do you stay up on the latest news and gossip of the moto world?
Not really. I keep up with the news a little bit, like I see MotoConcepts with Alessi and Friese are going up, but for the most part, I do my own thing and don’t get caught up in it.
Do you have certain tracks you enjoy more than others on the Canadian circuit?
Kamloops was great last year. It’s cool because it’s the hometown of our team, Leading Edge, but last year the track got really rough and rutty. I like rougher tracks because I am a bigger guy and really throw around the 250F. Gopher Dunes is a nice track even though I sucked there last year. I hope to do better at Deschambault; I was 6th there last year and I’m excited to ride Ulverton because it’s one I’ve never been to.
After breaking his femur in January, Politelli is coming into this year’s Canadian series a little less prepared than he’d like, but his goal remains to win.
How did the decision come about to go racing in Canada?
I first came to Canada in 2011 while I was still an amateur in the States. I thought it would be good experience racing 30 minute motos before turning Pro down here. I got talking with Pat O’Connor from Leading Edge and one thing led to another then I got a ride with them. They’ve been a great group of guys to ride for and I look forward to going back.
What’s your vision for yourself in motocross? Where do you want to go in this sport?
I really like supercross. I want to win and do the best that I can. I don’t want to look back and think that I didn’t try hard enough.
Your favourite Canadian city?
Calgary is cool; I like big cities and there you are riding right in the middle of one. It makes for great photos. Going to Nanaimo on the ferry is fun and Kamloops is beautiful as well.
What keeps you busy when you’re not training or riding motocross?
I like snowboarding but you have to be careful because you don’t want to get hurt for racing. I ride BMX too, but other than that, I spend time with friends and relax on the lake.
You’re back again in the MX2 class, but what if Leading Edge had suggested a 450 ride?
I would like to race a 450, for sure. I’m more comfortable on the 450 and would have raced one this year, but it will be nice getting to run the #1 plate and defending my title. This year will be tougher for me. Kaven Benoit kept me on my toes last year until he got hurt and there are some new guys coming up. It makes things a bit harder that I was hurt and not racing, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.