Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Here we are, just a few weeks away from the opening round of the 2020 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series. All the riders and teams are busy making their final preparations. It’s definitely been a long wait to race this season. Now that Round 1 is almost here, the excitement is obviously high. One team that is very much looking forward to racing is Kevin Tyler’s MX101 FXR Racing Yamaha crew. As we all know, between his race team, the Sand Del Lee track and their summer training camps, Kevin wears many different hats. This season was supposed to have been the year with two top 250 riders, Luke Renzland and Marco Cannella, both looking for their first Triple Crown titles. However, with the Covid-19 Pandemic and the world virtually put on hold, preparing for the 2020 Triple Crown Series has proven to be very difficult. However, Kevin Tyler is a survivor and long-standing member of this industry. We’re all aware that if there’s a way to make things work, we know he will. We caught up with him for a quick chat as he was getting ready for another ride day at the Sand Del Lee track.
MXP: Hey Kevin, how are things?
KT: Hey Palms, things are good actually. Just enjoying the heat and hoping for a little rain. I can’t remember the last time it rained here; the storms always seem to miss us.
We’re in the same boat over here. All the afternoon thunderstorms keep missing us. The problem is that when it rains, it pours! As we saw recently in Toronto, the result is some nasty conditions. Anyway, we can’t control the weather. It’s been a long wait, but in a few weeks, the Triple Crown Series will begin. Are you ready?
Yes. We’re as ready as we’re ever going to be. We had Marco [Cannella] here last week testing his race bike and getting some photos done. He’s ready to go and will be racing at Gopher Dunes this weekend at the AMO race. We’re making a few changes under our tent this summer, but overall, it is what it is. I think at this point everyone is just happy to be racing.
Yes, I would agree with that! Can you talk about a few of the changes?
Well, as you’ve probably heard, we won’t have Luke Renzland this summer as he’s decided to remain down in Florida. With no factory contingency and less purse, it honestly just didn’t make sense for him to come up this year. Also, with the Covid-19 restrictions he would’ve had to live here for a couple of months and that didn’t really make any sense. So we just agreed to put his ride on hold. We can look at it again in 2021. Also, back in January Royal Distributing told us that they weren’t going to renew their title sponsorship with us for this year. This decision was unfortunate and a little surprising to be honest, but business is business and we understand that. Finally, we all understand that because of this pandemic fallout, Yamaha obviously had to make some cuts. All of their teams and support are affected. I’m sure things have been really tough for everyone.
MXP: So no Renzland, no Royal Distributing, but you do have Marco Cannella, and I suppose he’s considered the new “Team Leader”?
Cannella is the man now for sure. We’ve always prided ourselves on having a level playing field under the MX101 tent. Each rider gets the same stuff and no special treatment, so nothing will be different there. However, now is the time for Marco to find that next level we all know he’s capable of. You’re going to see some really good things from him this summer.
I’m a big Marco Cannella fan and I love how he is, both on as well as off the track. He appears to be a very smart rider and if he can get off to a solid start in the 250MX Series, the sky’s the limit.
I completely agree Palms! He’s one of those riders who has been fast for a long time, even though he’s still young. As we’ve seen with riders like Jess Pettis and Dylan Wright, it takes time for even the most talented riders to develop. To me, Marco is right on track and now is the time for him to be a consistent podium guy and maybe even win some motos. As you know, once a rider wins one moto, winnings can snowball.
Yes, it’s all about confidence and that will never change. Do you feel that the sport is different now in that regard compared to when we were racing? Yes, these upcoming kids may be faster than ever before, but given how the sport is now, don’t you think they take longer to develop into pro title contenders?
I do for sure. Wright, and now Cannella are perfect examples. They’re completely different riders on the track, but both have taken the time to mature and to develop the effort and focus that go into becoming a top pro. Dylan has obviously found that balance; now it’s Marco’s turn. It’s just such a process: It takes time to learn how to train, how to practice, and how to balance life with racing. I mean, Kaven Benoit didn’t win until he was 27. JSR’s best years were his late 20’s. Becoming the best takes time!
I agree. An athlete doesn’t peak in this sport until they’re an adult when the mental and physical really connect, start working in unison. Let’s change the subject and talk about the national at Sand Del Lee in August. Obviously this competition is going to be very challenging: no fans and all of the social distancing restrictions. How are you and your crew going to make this race happen?
Well, without a doubt this event is going to have its challenges on so many levels. We don’t have a large paddock area like Gopher Dunes or Walton to put everyone. So right away that’s going to be an issue. We want to do it and we want to help out the series by doing it, but if the challenges prove to be too many, and that round has to be moved to either Gopher or Walton, then honestly, we would be okay with taking a year off. This is our 50th Anniversary. We had some special events planned, but without fans, the celebration of this great milestone just wouldn’t be the same. Like I said, if it happens, great, but if it doesn’t, we’re still okay.
Well Kevin, I know I don’t speak for everyone but I hope the Sand Del Lee National happens as it’s one of my favourite events to travel to each year. In fact, I’ve heard a lot of riders say that SDL is their favourite track. A final question for you: If someone out there has some spare money and wants to support your awesome team, how can they get in touch with you?
They can email me at kevin@mx101.ca and we’ll accept cash, cheques, or even credit cards. We’re not too picky (laughs). Thanks for reaching out Palms, see you at Gopher Dunes.
