Wednesdays Yamaha Motor Canada Amateur Profile-Jack Reid

When you see Jack Reid off the track you wouldn’t know that beneath that quiet exterior is a fierce competitor in both motocross and hockey. Once he straps a helmet on the animal definitely comes out! Jack is also one of those kids that keeps himself very busy playing numerous sports and having fun. When he isn’t racing dirt bikes during the summer, he can be found at the arena where he plays AAA hockey. For this week’s Yamaha Motor Canada Amateur Profile we caught up with the rider from Georgetown, Ontario.

MXP: Hey Jack, Happy New Year! Let’s start off by telling us how old you are and where you live.

Sure Chris, I’m 12 years old and live in Georgetown, Ontario. Georgetown is about 15 minutes north of Mississauga.

How long have you lived there?

I have lived Georgetown all my life with my family and two dogs.

Cool, one big happy family. What class do you ride currently and how long have you been riding?

I just moved up to 85cc 12-16 in 2015 and I also race Super Mini. This year I might try my dad’s RM125 just to see how I like it.

I started riding at three-years-old and started racing at four. My first bike was a CRF50 and my first race bike was a KTM 50Jr.

How did your 2014 racing season?

I had a late start to my season due to my hockey schedule being longer than expected. I play AAA hockey, which keeps me busy right after the Parts Canada TransCan. My season was good even with my late start. It takes me some time to get going but usually by the TransCan I’m ready to race, but it’s almost too late by then. I’m sure one of these days I’ll get an earlier start on the season, however for now hockey takes the priority.

It’s very cool that so many of you young riders are very good hockey players as well. What are some of your past racing highlights?

I did pretty well on my 50 back in the day! At the 2012 Parts Canada Transcan going into the final 65cc 7-9 race I was sitting fourth in points. I ended up having a tough final moto though. I had a good start and was passing a rider to go into third and went down just past the natural double. The rider I needed to beat was behind me; if I had have beaten him I would have finished third overall. I got up, kept racing hard but kept crashing. I ended up finishing eighth overall. I wasn’t too happy but I learned a lot. My parents said it was one of my best races because I didn’t give up.

In 2009, I had the opportunity to race in the Montreal Supercross with the KTM Juniors. I felt so lucky to get picked to race; I got to use the number four just like the G.O.A.T. I had a blast racing with great riders. The track was challenging but fun; they had a really tough sand section that I didn’t have any troubles with, which helped me throughout the race. I finished fourth and almost made the podium by one corner and the finish line jump.

I also did one Enduro race on my 65 in 2012 and won it by 15 minutes; I like to ride trails to help my balancing and other skills on a dirt bike.

That’s a pretty good career so far. What is your favourite track?

In my 50 days I always loved the small track at Auburn Hills. I never had the chance to race the big track, I wish I did! Now being on my 85 I like Moto Park and RAT track. I like RAT track because I got my first ever trophy there, and the track is fast! I like Moto Park because it has lots of jumps I can clear and it has great dirt (sometimes). They also prep it well. My dad tells me when he raced there as a kid, Moto Park used to be full of rocks, but it’s not too bad today.

I was just going to say to ask your dad what the dirt used to be like at Moto Park. These days the tracks have a lot of cool obstacles. What parts of the track do you like the most?

My favourite part of the track is fast rollers, just like the new ones they added at the 2014 TransCan. Where I practice, the track has two fast roller sections that I fly through. Both sections are different and challenge me to keep focused and watch my timing.

Do you have one favourite jump?

My favourite jump right now is where I practice. It’s a big step-up that sends me high and far. Maybe this year I will practice my whips and my no footers off of it!

Do you like things calm before the race or rocking?

I like things calm before races. I don’t say much because my nerves get to me. Usually I ask my dad if I have gas in my bike, then I work on my goggles. My mom tries to keep me calm and make sure I’m drinking lots of water.

What are you usually thinking about while the thirty second board is up?

I think about why we don’t have a Monster girl holding up the 30 second board (laughs). I think about the start and if I don’t get a good start what I need to do on the first few corners. However, in the 2015 season, I need to work on my starting ability and getting more consistent starts.

I think Walton should get a 30 second girl for the TransCan, what a great idea! Would you rather holeshot and win or come from behind and win?

I think it would be cool to holeshot and check out from everybody to take the win. However, I think a come from behind win would be a more impressive way to win. I would rather the come from behind win.

Does everyone at your school know you race dirt bikes?

Of course, it’s a great way to meet girls at school (laughs). All of my friends know that I race dirt bikes. Other people in my school might know because of my Instagram.

Okay, here is the famous question…what is your favourite subject at school?

Is the bus ride home considered a subject? Nah, I like all subjects in school but my two favourites would be Phys Ed and Math.

What is your favourite thing to do other than ride a dirt bike?

I like to play hockey. I play AAA hockey for the Halton Hurricanes. I started skating at 17-months-old and started playing hockey at four-years-old. My first real skate on the big ice was at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit where the Red Wings play. Other things I like to do is scooter, mountain bike and ski. I rode Three Stage in Collingwood, Ontario this past summer; it was so much fun but very challenging! My dad and I are rebuilding an old Honda CR250. It’s taking some time to do, but I’m learning lots. It’s an old bike my dad used to race.

Sounds like you’re a busy kid and very close with your parents, that’s great. Finally Jack, thank you for doing this and who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank my mom and dad for supporting me through everything I do and my sister Sydney for cheering me on. A huge thanks to Ric Wilson for allowing me to practice on his track, and building a sick Enduro track that my friend Dominic and I like to ride. A final thanks goes to you Chris for helping me with my riding. You always challenge me but you also keep it fun.