As we continue the countdown to Christmas here is a reminder that we are currently just two weeks away from the big day. As I mention last week, December always goes by fast as the anticipation looms over our favourite day of the year. So, get out and get shopping, and if you know anyone looking for a mint 2023 YZ250 two-stroke, I happen to have one for sale. My email address will be at the end of this column so please reach out if you’re interested.
Before I get into some sad news I’d like to first mention some exciting news that dropped this morning. Tyler Medaglia and the GDR Honda Team announced this morning that they have come together on a deal for 2024, which will see Tyler race the Triple Crown Series in the 250 class. This is great news for both sides, as well as for the Triple Crown Series. Tyler is a living legend in this sport, and the GDR Honda Team, with its multiple championships, is a legendary team. I also like that Tyler will be racing in the 250 class as this puts he and Kaven Benoit, two fast Vet riders, against a solid group of young fast Canadian kids. Yes, the 2024 250 class title will be a fight between two riders in their 30s and a group that are barely old enough to buy alcohol. This deal also came as a bit of a surprise as I assumed Tyler would be racing either a KTM or a GASGAS in 2024 as part of a solo deal. Tyler told me a few weeks back that even if the Thor GASGAS Team is back next year that he wouldn’t be a part of it. I’m excited that Tyler and GDR Honda were able to come to terms with a deal and with Dylan Wright, Jacob Piccolo, and now Tdags under the red rider tent, they will once again be a formidable force in 2024. I will have more news on this deal throughout the week, as well as Tyler’s thoughts on how it all came together.
Now onto some very sad news. Yesterday, just after lunch my Dad passed away after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. The combination of the two illnesses made his decline a fairly rapid one, although, knowing what we know now, he was showing symptoms for quite some time. My Dad was a kind man who loved flying, riding, and of course his family. Growing up the youngest of four children in Peterborough, Ontario, his three sisters (as he told us) dominated the household, leaving not a lot of room for the male opinion. However, it was a blessing in disguise as it drove him outside and into the arms of motorcycles. By the age of 14 he was working part-time at a small engine repair shop, at the time they specialized in motorcycle engines. Throughout my Dad’s entire life he had the ability to fix anything, and he told me that he learned this skill working at that old bike shop. While there, he built himself an old BSA and hit the back roads around Peterborough and nearby Keene. Those years, as the story goes, also introduced my intoxicating relationship of man, machine, and the freedom that one can feel while out there doing something you truly love to do. This led him to his next love and that was aviation. He began flying at the Picton Flying Club, where he built his flight hours, and eventually met my Mom. After that he used his degree in Aeronautical Engineering to get a job in England working for De-havilland for a few years. When he returned home, he applied to Air Canada and in 1968 he began a professional flying career that lasted physically for 35 years, but mentally the rest of his life. Even though my Dad retired from Air Canada in 2003 at 60 years old, that didn’t end his career in aviation. He would go on to work at Sunwing Airlines as not only a part time pilot, but also as their Head of Training. After that, he worked for CAE as the Head of Simulator training right up until the Covid Pandemic which turned our world upside down. Whether it was his age, the early stages of his disease, or just the natural effects of what happens to older people when they’re forced to slow down and not use their brain every day. Whatever it was, looking back now it’s obvious that the beginning of Covid-19 signaled the start of my Dad’s quick mental and physical decline. Just as it did for so many people his age.
My Dad lived a great life flying all over the globe and creating an amazing family. Not only was he a great Father that gave his three kids everything they needed to find success in this world. But he was also, an incredible Grandpa to his five grandchildren, making each one feel that they could tackle anything in life. When my son Ayrton was born, he was the first visitor and was eager to hold his newest grandchild. When Ayrton began riding, my Dad purchased a KLX140 so he could ride with him. When riding around our farm turned to racing, my Dad was right there, always willing to lend a helping hand, to not just us, but to everyone in the paddock who needed assistance. As I mentioned, he could troubleshoot and fix anything and his talents were needed multiple times at the track. He was a beauty and I’m glad that we were able to experience racing together with him in the role of supporter and Grandfather. It was relaxed, fun, and I know he enjoyed watching Ayrton get introduced to the love of riding dirt bikes.
I will end by saying that as you can well imagine I have so many fond memories of my Dad and the time we spent together. He was my OG best friend as we spent a lot of time driving to races and working around our farm. He was right there when I won my first race, when I got my pilots license, he was my first passenger, and as I mentioned above, he was there when I became a father. He was always there through the mud, the blood, and the beer, and sadly now he’s not. Dad, you left a legacy that will live on until the end of time. Thank you for everything and I hope where you are today the tracks are perfectly groomed, the skies are clear, and your landings are all good ones! Until we meet again Dad, I will keep the engines running here and do my utmost best to finish what you started. RIP Captain William R Pomeroy (1943-2023)
That is all I have this week. I hope everyone has a great week, and if you’re able to please give your family some extra hugs. Time flies and it honestly feels like just yesterday that my Dad and I were driving to the races and he was complaining about my choice of radio stations. Thank you for reading and if have any questions or comments please email me at editor@mxpmag.com.
