MXP Chatter: Kevin Tyler

MX101’s Kevin Tyler has been around Canadian motocross for a long time, first as a racer and now as a team owner, an instructor and one of the people who runs the Sand Del Lee track just outside Ottawa, Ontario. Kevin is also one of the mentors of the young phenom Dylan Wright, who is one of the fastest, most talented rookies Canada has ever produced. For 2014, Dylan will riding under the MX101 tent so we wanted to get Kevin’s thoughts on how this deal came to fruition.

Q: Hey Kevin, how are things in Eastern Ontario tonight?

A: Hey buddy, things are good. We had a good weekend here and now we’re relaxing.

Q: Okay, here is my first question for you: I was out in BC last weekend and got to see firsthand how good that series is out there. I know people have tried it here, but why do you think a winter series doesn’t work in the east?

A: One reason, it’s just too damn cold! (laughs) I really think that’s it. When it’s cold in BC the temperature is only 2c or something close to that. I know that isn’t warm but you can still do stuff and the buildings aren’t that cold. In Ontario or Quebec, you might get the odd day that is manageable, but for the most part it’s really cold and people just don’t want to bother. If you have the perfect building with heated pits and a heated track, the costs would be so high that you couldn’t do it. I think it’s a shame because the kids in the west are getting so fast each year, especially indoors.

Q: Yes, you definitely need to find the perfect building in the perfect location and that is almost impossible. So MX101 has landed one of the most sought after rookies that this country has ever produced. How excited are you to continue working with Dylan Wright?

A: Oh man, we’re super excited to get Dylan locked in. Obviously, I can’t talk a lot about the deal but I can say that’s it for three years and both sides are very happy. It’s been great to watch Dylan grow up and mature over the years. I remember him coming to SDL to learn how to ride. Back then he was just a kid on a CRF50. I know he will be a rookie in 2014 but with his drive, talent and fitness, we think he will contend for moto wins, for sure.

Q: That was my next question. When you’re a highly touted rookie in any sport you always have a target on your back. Where do see Dylan fitting in next year?

A: Like I said, we think he’ll win a few motos and maybe an overall. However, we’re very cognizant of his age and experience so next year is all about learning. As well, as he did this past summer when he rode in the MX2 class, he still has a ton to learn, and trust me when I say this – there will be zero pressure put on Dylan in 2014.

Q: This past summer he rode a 250 two-stroke and obviously did well on it. For 2014 he’ll be on the brand new 2014 YZF250. Has Dylan had a chance to ride this new bike at all?

A: In October we got Dylan a new 2014 YZF250 to ride and right away he loved it. You know, he’s a kid still so he can get on anything and go fast. The plan is to get him down south by February to do some riding and testing. Right now he’s just training hard in the gym and going to school. Everything is in place so we can come into the 2014 series completely prepared.

Q: I’m assuming Dylan will have one or two teammates next year. Any word on who they will be?

A: As of right now we know that Shawn Robinson will be back in the MX1 class. We think he’s capable of being a top ten guy so we’re looking forward to that. We’re also looking for a MX2 guy that can win right away but those guys are obviously hard to find so we’ll see what happens there. Right now that’s about it.

Q: So no Jeremy Medaglia for 2014?

A: While we were extremely happy with how Jeremy rode in 2013, he will not be back with us next year.

Q: It sounds as though your team is going to have a very successful 2014. Before I let you go, I want to ask you about APG. A press release came out this past Friday announcing this new group and Sand Del Lee was one of the track names mentioned. Can you explain to us what it is exactly?

A: Yes, for sure. APG is basically the formalization of a lot of the National track owners that all share a common goal. We’ve all been talking over the years about how to work with the CMRC to help make the National series better and APG is just the result of those discussions. Even though we’re in different parts of the country and in different markets, we all share the same challenges, and like I said, we all have a common goal. That is what APG is all about.

Q: Between the team and the SDL track, you definitely have a lot on your plate Kevin. Thank you for your time and all the best in 2014. Also, happy holidays to your family and everyone out there.

A: Thank you very much. Next year should be an interesting one for sure; we can’t wait to go racing!  Merry Christmas to you guys as well.