ROYAL DISTRIBUTING, Canada’s Powersports Leader & MARIN BIKES, both proud supporters of Canadian Motocross are pleased to bring you another edition of 20 FAST QUESTIONS!
This Week We Feature … Dylan Wright
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ROYAL DISTRIBUTING & MARIN BIKES are hoping this new feature of “20 FAST QUESTIONS” will help us all get to know more about the top MX STARS who are now preparing to do battle for the first gate drop of the 2016 EDITION of CMRC’s ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MOTOCROSS NATIONALS.
MXP: What is your hometown Dylan?
DW: Richmond, Ontario, it’s a town just outside Ottawa.
What is something unique things about your hometown?
One unique thing about my home town would have to be that it has hosted one of the best nationals on the circuit for the last 9 years. It is also the oldest running track in the country.
Do you remember how old were you when you first fell in love with dirt bikes?
I was 4 years old when I fell in love with motocross. My dad bought my brother and I a bike while my mom was away on a work trip and ever since that day I have loved moto!
What is your first riding memory?
The first or second day on my bike when I was 4 years old, I was doing laps around the house. Then one time when I came around to the front of the house, I must have cut the corner a little bit too sharp and hit the front steps. I then went flying into my mom’s front flower bed and I think I took out just about every flower she had planted!
Dylan has had a great off-season of training in California and will no doubt be one of the favourites to win a title in the MX2 class this summer.
Your poor mom and her flowers. Do you recall your first race and the result?
If I remember correctly, my first race was at Rideau Carleton raceway on my XR50. MX101 was running the race and I believe I came second to last, however, I still had a blast and well it lead me to where I am today!
Whenever you have kids, would you let them race?
I would for sure let my son or daughter race as I think the sport of motocross is a great sport for kids to be brought up threw. Not only does it teach kids lifelong lessons, but it’s also very family orientated and I feel like it keeps the family relationships very strong. Saying that, I would never push my kids to ride or race motocross if it’s not what they would like to do, I just hope they have that same love and passion for the sport that I do!
What was your favourite track growing up?
My favourite track growing up would have to be Sand Del Lee as it is only about 5 minutes from my front door and I grew up riding and racing there. I still spend most of my summer there, when I’m not on the road that is!
What do you personally do to mix up your training regime to make it less of a grind?
I don’t really see my training regime as a grind as I love everything I do on and off the bike. It’s something I am really passionate about and that I love to do. If there is one thing I do to sort of lighten things up a bit it’s just to go riding for fun with no real training purpose and throw whips and just have fun with my friends.
Since he lives nearby and spends alot of time there, Dylan says that Sand Del Lee is his favourite track.
What’s the best advice you could give to any Amateur rider wanting to turn Pro?
The best advice I could give any amateur kid wanting to go pro would be to put your all into it, even if the results don’t show right away. If you keep working hard at it they will come. Even if the results are not what you had hoped for the first few races, don’t give up and don’t get down on yourself.
Do you have any personal pre-race rituals that help you relax & focus?
No I don’t have a real pre-race ritual, I like to do a little run or bike to get my blood flowing before a moto, but other than that I try and stay calm and talk to my fellow competitors while in the staging area.
What’s your favourite sport besides Motocross and do you get the opportunity to partake in it?
My favourite sport besides motocross would have be hockey! Being a Canadian kid I grew up playing hockey and although I don’t play anymore I still like to watch a good game that’s for sure!
When you turned pro in 2014, what surprised you the most?
One of the things that surprised me the most about pro racing is the intensity that the guys bring to the table, because you are no longer racing for trophies anymore, you’re racing for a job and a pay check. I think that that was the one thing that I had to learn pretty quick. The riders don’t give you as much room as an amateur would because they know that one position can really mean a lot at the end of the day.
What have you had to work on the most since turning pro?
The thing I’ve had to work the most on since turning pro has definitely been being more patient and consistent during the longer pro motos. The series is also a lot longer so even if something does go wrong in a moto, you still have to think about the big picture of the championship. If you’re going to have a long and successful career as a pro rider, then you have to be patient.
Since turning pro in 2014, Dylan has had to learn to be more patient and consistent as he battles Canada’s top MX2 riders. Photo by James Lissimore
What is your best result so far in the pro class?
My best pro result so far is a third overall, but I’m hoping to change that this season!
What do you think you do really well on a dirt bike?
One thing that I think I can do pretty well on a bike is scrub. I have fun scrubbing and it is something that I excel at as a racer and I think it definitely does save me some time out on the track that’s for sure.
What is your favourite Canadian National track?
My favourite Canadian national track last season was definitely Sand Del Lee as it is so close to home and the track is amazing. Going into this year I would have to say that the track I’m most looking forward to is Calgary because I like that it’s so close to the city and I really like the track itself.
What training tool could you not live without?
The training tool that I could not live without would have to be my road bike because without it my training wouldn’t be complete and my cardio on the bike definitely wouldn’t be where it is at right now!
What is your favourite type of music?
My favourite music is definitely country music.
Of all the cites you visit throughout the year, which is your favourite?
My favourite city to visit would have to be Ottawa because it is close to home and is the nation’s capital. It is also a very nice and clean city and its cool to have all of the parliament buildings to visit and see. It is also fun to have all the festivities like Canada day to go with it!
Final question Dylan, in 20 years, how would you like to be remember in this sport?
In 20 years, I would like to be remembered as the greatest racer of all time, but I know that that will not come without a lot of hard work and dedication to the sport.