Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Ontario Intermediate rider Max Filipek is one of this country’s talented, second generation riders. Max’s dad, Rob, was a very accomplished rider during the late 1980s, and it’s obvious that Max has inherited the Filipek family traits. After training down south all winter Max is ready to make 2015 his most successful ever. With a strong work ethic and a friendly demeanour, Max Filipek is a perfect candidate for this week’s Yamaha Motor Canada Amateur Profile.
MXP: Hey Max, first off, my Grandpa’s name was Max and so is my nephew so I think your name is pretty cool. Can you tell us how old you are and where you call home?
MF: That’s cool, I like the name too (laughs). I recently turned 16 a few months ago and my hometown is Grimsby, Ontario, about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls.
Max is looking forward to collecting more trophies in 2015.
How long have you lived there?
I’ve lived here ever since I could remember. My family has been here since I was born.
What class do you ride and how long have you been riding?
I just moved up to the Intermediate class this year in Canada and I race the “B” class in the States. I’ve been loving it so far. I got my first bike when I was about seven-years-old. At first the whole racing thing scared me and I never really wanted to be a part of it, but I loved messing around at the track on my bike. Finally my Dad dragged me to my first race in the fall of 2009 when I was on 65s and ever since then I’ve been in love with racing.
That’s a cool story. I’m glad you didn’t rush into racing and waited until you were ready. These days almost all of your competition is training harder than ever. What did you do during the off-season to prepare for the 2015 racing season?
During the off-season I spent six weeks in Florida at County Line MX with Cooper Larche and my family. Coop and I worked awesome together; we get along so well. We’re always able to push one another as hard as we can!
Well, it sounds like you’re ready for your first year as an Intermediate. What are some of your past racing highlights?
Yes, I have had a few good results so far. Here are a few of my main results from the past two seasons:
2013 Overall Results:
Robbie Beck Memorial Award – Super proud of this one because I was the first recipient and it was voted on by the riders! Most Improved rider in 2013, Dunlop Cup Series Open Novice Champion.
2014 Overall Results:
Summer Series 2014
Collegeboy 1st
Schoolboy 2nd
Northeast Youth Championship, WNY Racing Overall Championship
Parts Canada TransCan Amateur National Championship:
MX 1 Junior 6th
MX 2 Junior 7th
That’s quite a list Max. Do you have a favourite track?
I’d have to say my favorite track would be either Hog Back Hill in Western New York or Hog Heaven in North Carolina. Those are two tracks I could ride all day long and never get tired of.
It’s kind of interesting that both of your favourite tracks begin with the word ’Hog.’ Anyway, what are your goals for the 2015 season?
My goals for this year are to make it to Loretta’s Lynn’s. I’m racing 250B, 450B and Two-Stroke classes. It’s definitely not an easy goal but I’ve been working super hard and I’m going to trying my best to achieve it! Other than that, I’m hoping for top ten finishes in all my classes at Walton and just trying to stay healthy all year!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given so far in racing and who gave it to you?
Never beat yourself up, what’s in the past is in the past! Instead, focus your positive energy to move forward! My Dad is always trying to keep me in a positive mindset.
So far Max is enjoying his new Intermediate yellow plates. photo by Jacquie Shortino
Do you like music? What is your favourite music?
I love music! I constantly have something playing. My favorite music is rap.
You make your poor Mom and Dad listen to rap on the way to the track? What are you usually thinking about while the thirty second board is up?
I’m usually trying to keep as calm as possible and tell myself to ride safe, ride hard and ride smart!
What is your video game of choice?
My video game of choice is definitely MX vs ATV reflex. Literally the only game I play.
Does everyone at your school know you race dirt bikes?
Yeah, most people know I ride dirt bikes but still a solid 80% of them ask me if I can do a flip.
Can you do a flip? What is your favourite subject at school?
I’d probably have to say my favourite subject would be Science. Not the biggest fan of Physics but I love Chemistry.
Sounds like you got your Mom’s brains (laughs). What is your favourite thing to do other than ride a dirt bike?
My favourite thing other than riding a dirt bike would probably be just hanging out with my friends or my girlfriend, and watching a good movie. I also like to play Basketball and Longboard.
Okay, it’s been a pleasure talking to you. Final question, who would you like to thank?
First I’d like to thank the man above for always keeping me safe! I’d like to thank you for taking the time to do this with me. I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for all their support and everything they do for me! Thanks to Kyle Stephens for being an awesome trainer! Big thanks to my sponsors for helping me out, I am grateful for their support: SunGuard Awning & Patio, Orthomed Canada, Zdeno Cycle, Motovate Performance, Dunlop, One Industries, Dragon, Deft Family, Leatt, Works Connection, Torc1 Racing, Twin Air
