Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
With the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals fast approaching, we wanted you to get to know some of the talented riders that will be on the starting line in Kamloops. Thanks to Royal Distributing and Marin Bicycles for sponsoring not only this new weekly feature but also for their continuing support of Canadian motocross. This week we asked these revealing twenty questions to Redemption Racing KTM MX2 rider Shawn Maffenbeier.
MXP: Where is your hometown?
SM: Swift Current, SK
What is one unique thing about your hometown?
It has more churches per capita than any other place in Canada.
Would you like to retire there?
SM: Not quite sure yet, ask me again in a few years.
When is your birthday?
Actually it’s coming up on April 26th. Also, I was born in 1992.
Regardless of how his race day goes, Shawn Maffenbeier always has a big smile on his face.
How old were you when you first fell in love with dirt bikes?
I was three-years-old when my passion for racing began.
What is your very first riding memory?
At my first race, I remember getting lapped and finishing almost last. I remember coming back the following year and winning multiple races against the same kid that lapped me!
When was your first race and how did you finish?
It was a CMRC Provincial in Moose Jaw and I finished last.
Would you let your son or daughter race?
Whenever I have kids I’ll leave it up to them. I think racing motocross creates a great back bone for teaching hard work and dedication that crosses over into other aspects of life.
What was your favourite track growing up?
It was a track in Weyburn, SK.
What year did you turned pro?
My first pro race was in 2008.
What surprised you the most about pro racing?
The amount of preparation vs racing that goes into it.
What have you had to work on the most since turning pro?
In my early years I had to learn how to stay on two wheels and be more consistent.
What is your best result so far in the pro class?
I had an overall win in the MX2 class, and a fifth overall in the MX1 class.
What do you think you do really well on a dirt bike?
Good question, I think that I charge down hills very well.
Shawn considers fast and hilly tracks like Ulverton as his favourite type to race on. Photo by James Lissimore
What is your favourite type of track?
Definitely fast tracks with a lot of flow and elevation changes.
What training tool could you not live without?
Without a doubt my Garmin watch!
Who do you consider to be your biggest rival?
All my rivals from growing up have retired.
What type of music do you listen to?
Alternative rock all the time.
For 2016, Shawn will be riding something other than a Yamaha for the first time as a pro. Instead, he will be a member of the talented and fast Redemption Racing KTM Team. Photo by James Lissimore
What has been your favourite city to visit?
I always like it when we visit Moncton, NB.
In 20 years, how would you like to be remembered in this sport?
SM: As a hard worker and as someone who never quit.
