Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Josh Cox is a kid from Erin, Ontario who absolutely loves the sport of motocross. Not only does he love riding and watching races, but he is a great mechanic. In the last few years has worked with top riders such as Jared Allison and Zack Deiana. Currently, Josh is working at Larry’s Small Engines in Orangeville, Ontario, a very popular Honda and Ski-Doo shop. Even though he doesn’t get to work on too many dirt bikes at Larry’s, his heart and mind are always on motocross as he hopes to land a job in 2014 spinning the wrenches for a Pro rider. We caught up with Josh as he was taking his lunch break.
Q: Hey Josh, we haven’t really seen you since the TransCan. What have you been up to?
A: Not too much, just working at a shop in Orangeville called Larry’s Small Engines. It’s a great place to work, but we don’t do a lot of motocross stuff there.
Q: Yes, Larry has never really got into motocross much has he?
A: Yes, he’s pretty anti-motocross because I think he knows that he can’t do enough of it to make money at it. He helps a few local kids but that’s about it. However, our shop does a ton of snowmobile stuff and ATV stuff so I’m pretty busy with that.
There’s nothing Josh likes better than being at the track.
Q: Well, there is usually such a great snow season up here that you can’t blame him. So let’s talk about the summer. You helped out a few riders here and there; your main guy was Zack Deiana at Walton. How was he to work for?
A: He was good, I mean he’s a really talented rider and his family is great. Going into 2013 I was supposed to have another deal in the works but it fell through at the last minute, so to be at Walton with Zack was great for me. It felt great to be at the races and working on bikes again. I wish we could have won a Walton title together but we came up just a little short.
Q: I know Zack rode the MX2 class out west but at Walton he rode the big bike pretty well.
A: Yes, I think he rides the 450 better. He has that smooth style and good throttle control so I think he belongs on a 450. I think Nathan Bles is in the same boat. He rode small bikes all year but at Walton in the Youth class he was on fire.
Q: Everyone that knows you and sees you at track can definitely see the passion you have for the sport. Where does that passion come from?
A: Well, it all started at a young age. I got my first dirt bike when I was six years old, my Dad made sure that I did well in school; he kept a tight leash on that. For a long time I only enjoyed riding dirt bikes and not working on them, but then my brother started to get better at racing and he needed some help on his bikes. I guess I just learned as I went and then Nick Di-Cristofaro offered me a position to help out with the OTSFF Team. That was the opportunity I was looking for and that’s when I really started to learn the ins and outs of working on a race bike.
Q: You’re not only a great mechanic but you’re a real fan of the sport also. From the races you saw this summer, which young riders impressed you?
A: Obviously Dylan Wright is going to stand out from this summer as he was going so fast and he’s a great kid. One kid that I thought rode really well this summer was Nathan Bles. I think he was kind of under the radar but he had some great rides. Also, like I said before, I think he’s a better 450 rider so hopefully in 2014 he can get on a big bike and do well.
Q: I really like Nathan also, he’s a great kid. So Josh, what are you plans for this winter?
A: As of right now I’m just going to work at Larry’s because we’re really busy. Hopefully someone calls me and wants to go south to ride at some point. I’d love to do something like that for maybe a week or two. I know we’re still early in the off season and a lot of riders don’t even know what they’re doing yet for 2014, but I’d love to find a rider and hit the circuit next year.
At Walton this past summer, Josh and Zach Deiana made a pretty good team.
Q: Are you available to do some in-house work on anyone’s bike over the winter if they need it?
A: For sure, I don’t do a lot of stuff on the side but I’d certainly help out if I could. I know how complicated some bikes are to work on these days so if people need help, I understand that. If anyone wants to contact me they can find me on facebook or on Twitter at @joshcox501.
Q: Well Josh, you’re a good guy and a good mechanic. Thanks for taking some time to chat with us. We’ll see you in 2014.
A: Thanks, I appreciate you giving me a call.
