Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Tyler Unger is a very fast, up and coming kid from Alberta. He not only loves to race dirt bikes, but he’s also a very good mountain rider and a great skier. During the most recent WCAN in Lethbridge, Tyler was on fire. He not only won the MX2 and MX3 Junior titles, but he also took home the very prestigious Kermaxx Silver Sprocket Award. With a very bright future ahead of him, we sat down with Tyler Unger for this week’s Yamaha Motor Canada Amateur profile.
MXP: Hey Tyler, how are you? Can we start off by you telling us how old you are and where do you call home?
TU: Hey Chris, thanks for calling. Right now I’m 16 and I live in Langdon, AB.
How long have you lived there?
I moved to Langdon when I was 5-years-old, so we’ve been here about six years.
Tyler Unger had a very successful WCAN, winning two titles and the coveted Kermaxx Silver Sprocket Award.
What class do you ride and how long have you been riding?
I have been riding for 13 years and I am racing in MX2 and MX3 Junior.
It seems like every young rider is training hard these days. What did you do in the off-season to prepare for the 2015 season?
During the winter I have a training program in which I cycle, lift weights and use a rowing machine. Also, we usually go on a trip to the USA to ride in order to stay sharp on the bike.
That sounds like a busy off-season. What are some of your past racing highlights?
I just recently won two championships in MX2 and MX3 Junior and placed second in MX1 Junior at the 2015 Western Canadian Amateur Nationals. I was also awarded with the Kermaxx Silver Sprocket Award!
Congratulations Tyler. Do you have a favourite track?
I would say that my two favourite tracks in Canada are Raymond and Whispering Pines in Kamloops. I like their layouts and they’re fun to ride.
Before a season begins, every rider makes goals for how they want their season to go. So far in 2015, are you reaching your goals?
Actually yes, I have so far. My goals were to have a safe season and do as well as possible at the races I’ve attended. I wanted to do well at the WCAN and I wanted to gain enough points to move up to the Intermediate class. As I said, so far everything has been great and I hope the rest of the season goes well.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given so far in racing and who gave it to you?
The best piece of advice I’ve been told is from my Dad, “It takes hard work and determination, but it also has to come from the heart and from believing in yourself to achieve your goals.”
That is very good advice, for sure. Do you like music? What is your favourite music?
I love listening to music, which would be classic rock!
Classic rock!! That’s awesome Tyler, you must get that from your dad. When the 30 second board goes up, what are you thinking about?
At that point I know I’m about to go racing so all I’m thinking about is getting the holeshot!
What is your video game of choice?
I’m not really a big video game kid. However, if I had to choose one I think it would be MX vs. ATV Reflex.
With Raymond being on of Tyler’s favourite tracks, he enjoyed every lap on the hilly Lethbridge, AB circuit.
Does everyone at your school know you race dirt bikes?
Yes, pretty much everyone in my class knows that I race and they all think it’s very cool.
What is your favourite subject at school other than Gym class?
Why can’t I pick gym? (laughs). If I can’t pick Gym then I’m going to have to go with Science class because it seems to come easy to me and it’s very interesting.
Science, that’s very cool Tyler. Okay, we’re getting close to the end here. Besides racing dirt bikes, what else do you like to do?
Besides racing, I’m really into mountain biking; I love to do downhill and cross-country. Also, in the winter I ski just about every weekend so that’s a lot of fun. I don’t know, I just like to be active.
That’s great Tyler. Thank you for doing this with us. Good luck for the rest of the season and I’m sure we’ll talk soon. Final question, who would you like to thank?
Thanks for calling me Chris. I would like to thank Bow Cycle North, Ryno Power Sports Supplements, Pro-Action Suspension, M7 Graphics, Fox Canada, Scott Goggles, MotoSeat, Jared Stock, and of course my Mom and Dad for supporting me and letting me do what I love.
