Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Over the years, Iain Hayden has become many things to many different people. The kid from Espanola, Ontario has certainly made a name for himself as an athlete, as a businessman, and as a well-respected member of this industry. Whether it is motocross, snowcross or flying, Hayden’s passions run deep and he goes about each activity with the utmost effort and focus.
This past weekend Hayden captured his 8th Canadian National Snowcross title at Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort just outside of Barrie, Ontario. Hayden’s 2016 Championship capped off one of his most dominating seasons to date. With winter and snowmobiles now in the rear view mirror, Hayden is focusing all of his efforts on his Moto Park facility in Chatsworth, Ontario. We caught up with Iain Hayden for this week’s Yamaha Canada Wednesday Amateur Profile.
When Iain Hayden isn’t riding, or at Moto Park, or at home with his lovely wife Michelle, he can be seen flying around the skies of Ontario in his mint conditioned Piper Super Cub. Photo by Nick Hill
MXP: Hey Champ, what is going on today? Are you flying around the skies?
IH: No not today, my Super Cub is in for its annual so was I over at MP today getting some work done.
MXP: You’ve been flying for over a year now. How much do you love it?
IH: Well, judging by the hour meter on my plane I think it’s safe to say I’m enjoying it. MXP: Well, I could talk flying with you all day but we have to cover a few things first.
One of things you can always count on with Iain Hayden is that he is almost always smiling!
MXP: This past weekend you won your 8th Canadian National Snowcross title. That is very special. Can you take us through the weekend?
IH: The weekend was great and we were able to get the job done. Our season was a little shorter this year as a few events were cancelled due to the lack of snow. We came into the final round with a slight two point lead, and that’s not very much. We had three days of racing with each day consisting of two heats and a final. Friday we won the final and built the points up to an eight point lead. Saturday we took second in the final but the heats were good and we had an 18 point after that day. So Sunday I just needed two solid heats and all I’d have to do is take the start in the final. It worked out well though. After a good start and an early pass, we managed to win the final race of the year and win this championship.
MXP: Sounds like exactly how you envisioned the weekend going. We spoke back in February and you talked about how happy you were this year in snowcross compared to last season. What was difference?
IH: It was a good year, for sure. We had a great team as far as mechanics, teammates and team owners. Everyone worked really well together and there was just a great vibe within the team. As a rider, you know that can make all the difference when it’s time to go racing.
MXP: Very true and you see it all the time in all forms of racing. For those of us who have never jumped on a sled, is it hard to race one around a rough track?
IH: I think just like everything, after a little practice it becomes a little easier. No question, though, it’s more work wrestling a 500lb sled vs a 200lb bike.
MXP: Okay, here is the golden question then; which sport is harder, MX or snowcross?
IH: They are both difficult in their own way. Sleds take a little more strength and manhandling while motocross doesn’t take the same effort, but it is more cardio based. Both are super fun, but I have to say riding a bike is smoother.
After spending the winter wrestling a 500lb sled around the snowcross circuit, riding motocross is practically a piece of cake.
MXP: I’ve only be able to watch you a few times on a sled and I must say that you make it look fairly easy. Will you be back for a chance at a 9th title?
IH: Who knows? I have a lot to think about and plan. Right now my focus is Moto Park for 2016 and we’ll figure the rest out later.
MXP: Speaking of Moto Park, how is everything looking for this summer?
IH: Well, this weather is definitely not helping (laughs). It can’t decide if winter is over or not, so that’s making it difficult to open and start prepping things. I’m sure that will all change shortly and spring will finally be here to stay. Our schools and summer camps seem to be filling up and we’ve already started planning for them. I’m really looking forward to this season. Each year things have been getting better and better and I don’t see why that trend won’t continue.
MXP: The Moto Park Cups have become two of the biggest events in Canada over the past few years. What can we expect for those races in 2016?
IH: Hopefully some good weather so we can have a couple great weekends of racing. Mikey Walker and I have a few new ideas for after-hours entertainment, so we will see what happens. Either way it’s going to be fun and I hope the event keeps growing the way it has been. We try to make the MP Cups so there’s something for everyone. I think the riders and their families have been enjoying them and we’re looking forward to another successful season.
If he qualifies, Iain Hayden will take his smooth style and speed down to Loretta Lynn’s in July for a chance at a USA Amateur title. Photo by Nick Hill
MXP: I would agree with that, whether it’s the track, the atmosphere, or both. People seem to really enjoy themselves during those weekends. There is another event that will have your attention this summer. You’re attempting to qualify for Loretta Lynn’s in July. When did you start thinking about this race?
IH: This all came about because of Sally Cannella, Marco’s mom. I made mention that it would be fun to go, and once she caught wind of that she never stopped bugging me about it (laughs). So yes, we did our Area Qualifier in Tennessee two weekends ago and now I have to go to Baja in June. Hopefully I’ll make it through to the Regional. If that happens I guess we are headed to the Ranch in July. It’s an event that I’ve always wanted to do. Hopefully we can go there and have a little fun and maybe some success.
Over the years, Moto Park has become one of the premier training facilities in Canada. Yamaha Canada is a proud partner of Moto Park and they will be continuing their relationship in 2016.
MXP: That should be very cool and we‘ll definitely be cheering for you. You’ve been around moto for a long time. How do you feel the sport has evolved and the direction that it is headed?
IH: Overall I see a ton of progression in all areas. The riders, tracks, people, rigs, etc. It’s always great to see. There has been some uncertainty the past few years with amateur racing in SWO, but hopefully that gets straightened out after this season. Seems there are some good events that will happen and I’m looking forward to it. All I can do is make sure that Moto Park is ready to go whenever it’s time for an event. Regardless of who is running it, I want it to be the best it can be.
