PHOTO ANNUAL 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES LISSIMORE
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YEAR IN REVIEW WITH ANDY WHITE
M X P C H AT T E R W I T H M AT T G O E R K E AND SHAWN MAFFENBEIER
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Pine trees, mountains and a setting sun. Kyle Demelo herds cattle on his farm in British Columbia.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
On the roughest track on the series, Hayden Halstead leans back and pins it at Gopher Dunes.
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M O T O C R O S S P E R F O R M A N C E M A G A Z I N E A / /
Y E A R T W O
T H O U S A N D
I N
P H O T O S
S E V E N T E E N
M O T O C R O S S P E R F O R M A N C E // V O L U M E 1 7 , I S S U E 7
MX P C O N T E N T S F E ATURE S 4 2 O N E O N O N E W IT H S H AW N M A F F E N B E I E R
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FA M OU S L A S T WO R D S
4 6 O N E O N O N E W I T H M AT T G O E R K E
18
THROUGH THE LENS
5 4 PA L M S 5 T H A N N U A L G O L D E N E L B O W A W A R D S
20 FEMALE PERSPECTIVE
6 4 GOING BACK TO CALIFORNIA
32 INSIDE LINE
Palms sits down with the 2017 MX2 Champion Palms speaks to 2017 MX1 Champion Celebrating the best from 2017
Palms dreams big in the Golden State
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COLUMNS by Chris Pomeroy
with James Lissimore by Kennedy Lutz by Andy White
2018-01-17 4:12 PM
M X P M AG A Z I N E
VOLUME 17 ISSUE 7
FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES CALL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 416-635-MXP1 PUBLISHER: Charles Stancer/Mark Stallybrass V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING: Charles Stancer EDITOR: Chris Pomeroy SALES MANAGER: Al Jaggard SENIOR WRITERS: Brian Koster, Brent Worrall, Mike McGill SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: Blake Breton STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: James Lissimore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: James Lissimore, Drew Robertson, Brian Koster, Virgil Knapp, Leticia Cline, Andy White, Matt Wellumson, Kourtney Lloyd, Krystyn Slack CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Krystyn Slack, Virgil Knapp, Clayton Racicot, James Lissimore, Bill Petro, Matt Wellumson, Frank Hoppen, Hoppenworld, Summer Denzler, Matt Wellumson, Steve Dutcheshen COVER PHOTO: James Lisssimore
MXP has the exclusive rights to the CMRC’s mailing list of racing license holders. Every CMRC license holder from coast to coast receives and reads each issue of MXP. In addition to this exclusive list of readers, we are partnered with several motocross and off-road enthusiast organizations across the country including the FMSQ. TEL: 416-633-1202 Email: charles@mxpmag.com Online: www.mxpmag.com
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SMILES AND AIR MILES
LAST YEAR BEGAN LIKE ANY OTHER FOR ME AS I MADE MY WAY DOWN TO ANAHEIM STADIUM FOR THE 2017 SUPERCROSS SEASON OPENER. AS IT IS EACH AND EVERY YEAR, THE OPENING ROUND OF THE MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS SERIES IS BY FAR THE MOST ANTICIPATED RACE OF THE YEAR. ANAHEIM 1 IS A VERY BUSY RACE TO ATTEND, BUT I FEEL LIKE EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE GOING THERE AT LEAST ONCE ON THEIR BUCKET LIST. TO SIT IN THE STANDS ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT WAITING FOR THE FIRST GATE DROP OF THE SEASON IS ALWAYS SO EXCITING. CONSIDERING THE OPENING ROUND OF THE SX SERIES USUALLY TAKES PLACE IN EARLY JANUARY, IT’S ALWAYS A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF A NEW YEAR.
“THINK ABOUT IT, FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO WITNESS LEGENDARY RIDERS LIKE BRETT METCALFE, DAVI MILLSAPS, MIKE ALESSI, AND CHRISTOPHE POURCEL. THE LEVEL OF RACING HAS BEEN VERY HIGH AND IT’S BEEN FUN TO WATCH.”
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FAMOUS LAST WORDS W I T H
fter returning from sunny Southern California it was time to start thinking about racing in Canada. The first event that is a must attend for Canadian media is the motorcycle show in downtown Toronto. This show is always fun as most of the industry in this country are there. It provides a unique opportunity to reconnect after the long winter, and with an industry hockey game also taking place on the Saturday evening, this show was extra special in 2017. These shows also allow me to revisit my childhood while I walk around and check out all of the new models. Even though it’s easy these days to see all of the new bikes online and on Social Media, to me there is still something special about walking around a motorcycle show and seeing
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C H R I S
P O M E R OY
all of the latest product in person. When I was a young kid my dad used to always take me to the bike shows and we would walk around together and check stuff out. In those days, the bike shows were the first opportunity that we had to see the new models. The circle of life is a very impressive thing because when now when I walk around these shows with my son, I think back to the times spent doing the same thing with my dad. Time sure flies when you’re having fun! From the bike show in February, it was time to get excited for the biggest race that happens each year (well not this year) on Canadian soil. For the first time since its inception, the 2017 Toronto SX took place in early March at the Rogers Centre. Over the years this event has become so much more than an indoor dirt bike race, it was a party
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P H OT O S
BY
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L I S S I M O R E
where almost everyone in our industry came together under one large roof. This exciting race weekend usually kicked off with a party or two on the Friday night in downtown Toronto. Then on Saturday, there are some media press conferences and product launches, then at night the gate dropped and all of us got to sit back and watch the incredible race action. Personally, I love the Toronto SX and I always have. From my racing days inside the Skydome, to sitting in the stands as a true fan and as a member of the media, a supercross race in Toronto has always been a special event. For 2018, there will be no Toronto SX as I was told that the stadium is once again under construction this winter and a date for the race couldn’t be agreed upon. I was, howeve, told that there is a good chance that the Toronto SX will return in 2019 as part of the Monster Energy SX Series. With great attendance and entertaining racing, this event definitely should be part of the series for many years moving forward. Once the Toronto SX weekend was over, it was time to think about spring and the beginning of our riding season. This is obviously an exciting time for everyone who rides as it’s always so much fun to get back on our bikes. Unfortunately, for racers in Ontario the spring of 2017 was a wet one and more than a few races had to be cancelled in April and May. Thankfully, the first two months of the 2017 riding season went by fast and before I knew it I was in hot and dry Kamloops, BC for Round 1 of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals. Like the supercross series in the USA, the opening round of our Canadian outdoor nationals is equally exciting. With a familiar list of top riders, as well as a few fresh names like Christophe Pourcel, the 2017 nationals were certainly exciting. Now, I’m not quite sure who all will be riding our nationals in 2018, but I think we’re going to look back on the past few seasons in Canada and really cherish some of the racing moments that have taken place. Think about it, for the past few years we’ve been able to witness legendary riders like Brett Metcalfe, Davi Millsaps, Mike Alessi, and Christophe Pourcel. The level of racing has been very high and it’s been fun to watch. In 2017, we also were able to watch our talented Canadian riders win a lot of races. From Kamloops to Moncton and everywhere in between, Colton Facciotti, Jess Pettis and Shawn Maffenbeier all spent time on the top step of
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M A R C E L L I
the podium. When both the MX1 series and the MX2 series came to an end in Barrie, ON, Facciotti was third in the points standings, and Shawn Maffenbeier was your 2017 MX2 Champion. This was Maffenbeier’s first outdoor national title and I don’t think anyone out there can say that he didn’t earn it the hard way. Over the course of the ten rounds, Maffenbeier experienced some big highs and some crushing lows, but in the end he persevered and brought the MX2 title back to Saskatchewan, the same way that Blair Morgan did two decades before. It was an incredible summer of racing. When I think back to all of the plane rides, the hotels, the interesting conversations I had with so many people at the track, one of my personal highlights was doing the story on being the Team Manager for the GDR Fox Honda Team at Round 8 in Moncton. Throughout that day, I was able to go behind the scenes with the GDR Team and really see what goes on during a race day. To assist Colton Facciotti and Dylan Wright with certain items, to listen to the radio chatter during the motos, even to cut up vegetables for lunch, all of it was pretty cool and I think it ended being a great story. So when I factor in my travels to all of the CMRC Nationals, as well as numerous media launches to cool places like Austria and California, my 2017 was full of exciting travel and some very memorable moments with some great people. From growing up as an airline pilot’s son, I really do love airports and travelling. Yes, the hours spent on airplanes can sometimes feel like a grind, but I was brought up in a household where flying to far away places was just something that we as humans were meant to do. I feel extremely fortunate that I’ve been able to take that way of thinking from my childhood to my adult life. With the 2018 race season now only a few weeks away, I cannot wait to see where my travels take me this year. I hope everyone reading this has a great 2018, and a very safe season at the race track. Please enjoy going through this issue of MXP Magazine and looking at all of the wonderful photos by James Lissimore. Our industry is blessed to have a talented photographer like James. His vision, his love for this sport, and all of the tireless hours he puts in editing photos and travelling to events, I’m not sure where we would be without him. Thanks James, and thank-you for reading.
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“IT WAS AWESOME TO SEE MY FRIEND SHAWN MAFFENBEIER, WHO I’D SPENT SO MANY OF THOSE MILES ON THE ROAD TRAVELLING THE COUNTRY WITH, FINALLY BREAK THROUGH TO WIN HIS FIRST TITLE AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF HARD WORK.”
LIVING WITHOUT BORDERS
THIS FALL, AFTER THE MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS, IN ENGLAND, I HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEND A MONTH TRAVELLING EUROPE AND IT GAVE ME A CHANCE TO REFLECT ON ALL THE COOL PLACES THAT PHOTOGRAPHY HAS GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE. A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT I LOOK UP TO ONCE SAID THAT, “IT’S NOT A CAMERA, IT’S A VISA” AND I’VE ALWAYS TRIED TO LIVE MY LIFE LIKE THAT, NEVER TAKING FOR GRANTED ALL THE CORNERS OF THE WORLD PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK HAS BROUGHT ME TO.
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THROUGH THE LENS S T O RY
itting on a deck, perched on top of a mountain in Switzerland, with some of the tallest mountains in the Swiss Alps towering overhead, I thought about the trips to Florida, to Chad Reed’s place, the Daytona Supercross, and boating among Alligators in the swamps of Georgia. Strolling through the streets of Munich had me thinking about countless trips to California, hours spent shooting at Factory test tracks, travelling up Highway 101 along the coast enroute to shooting at Zaca Station, and too many Anaheim supercrosses to count. Sitting at a café in Paris, I remember so many trips across Canada, going from coast to coast, and back again. Editing photos while sitting in the mountains of my favourite spot, Fernie, BC, sipping a
S
cappuccino on the sidewalk in Quebec City, taking in the World’s biggest tide at the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Many trips taken to nine of the ten provinces (Newfoundland, I’m still coming for you). It was country I dreamed of travelling and I am so thankful that photography gave me the opportunity to see it. Cruising along the highway in Austria reminds me of a recent trip in the spring, down to Poulsbo, Washington, to shoot some photos with the recently retired Ryan Villopoto. A beautiful three-hour drive from my house, through the mountains, along the ocean and a nice ferry ride at sunset, in the Pacific Northwest. Riding on a gondola, at dusk, in Venice brings me back to my previous trip to Italy, a memorable one to last year’s Motocross of Nations at the legendary Maggiorre track and hands down the coolest motocross race I’ve ever had the
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chance to shoot. I think my ears are still ringing from that race. Wandering the streets of Rome one evening gives me time to think about this past summer and all the great racing we were treated to. Surprise winners, close battles, new venues, mud, championship battles that went down to the wire. It was awesome to see my friend Shawn Maffenbeier, who I’d spent so many of those miles on the road travelling the country with, finally break through to win his first title after so many years of hard work. A lone cyclist, weaving his way through the traffic of Rome reminds me of miles spent on my road bike this summer as the tour worked its way across the country, riding to Lake Erie in Ontario, pedaling along the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia, cruising through the rolling hills of New Brunswick.
BY
JA M E S
L I S S I M O R E
A sunset over the hills of Tuscany takes me back to the time I was standing ankle deep in the Caribbean sea, shooting a wedding in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico as the sun dropped below the turquoise waters and white sand of an improbably perfect location. That was definitely a time I felt fortunate for where photography had taken me. Even the bad times bring back plenty of good memories, in retrospect. There was the time I had to sleep on the floor of the Atlanta airport after all the flights were cancelled. Having to change a flat tire in the snow while returning from a shoot, in California. The blown engine while returning from the Motocross of Nations at Budds Creek, in 2007, actually allowed us to spend a few days exploring Washington D.C., so that was a bonus in the end. Good or bad, all memories that I cherish, and experienced because of photography. Even the beginning of my European trip allows me to realize how cool the opportunities that motocross has given me are, as while shooting Team Canada practicing at the Cusses Gorse MX track in Southern England, I realized that the town my grandmother was born in was close to the track. Getting to see her hometown was such a cool experience that I’d have never got without photography as a career. After finally getting back to Canada after a month away, looking at all the photos from the trip brings back so many memories. This issue represents a chance to share a lot of moments that made up my year on the road. I’m looking forward to the new places that photography will bring me in 2018. Cheers.
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THE INSIDE LINE P H OT O
BY
JA M E S
WITH ANDY WHITE BROUGHT TO YOU BY
L I S S I M O R E
SEASON IN REVIEW ith 2017 soon coming to a close and this being the last issue of the year, I thought it would be a good opportunity to do a year in review. There are a few top items on my list that I will remember for a long time. In no particular order, here are some of my favourite moments of the 2017 season. I joined FXR in 2015 and I have enjoyed the growth of the MX division. I had a chance to attend a MXGP in April at the famous Valkenswaard MXGP track in Holland. This track is located right on the border of Holland and Belgium, and the dirt is 100% sand, and deep sand at that. Don’t bother trying to race it if you don’t have any sand riding experience. I was lucky enough to get VIP passes from our Holland Distributor, TMV. I can tell you they sure know how to make you
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feel special. The VIP area was situated along the start straight. The drinks and food were free and there was plenty to go around. The seating was inside a specially made tent with massive windows and a TV monitor every 20 feet. You could sit back in style and watch live racing, replays and quench your thirst with a local German beer. Sign me up for 2018 please. Oh I forgot to mention the racing - watching the world’s best on a rough track was incredible. Herlings and Cairoli made it look easy. Next on my list was getting to attend 8 Monster AMA supercross events. I started the series at A1 and finished it off at Vegas. The action and the thrill is worth the trip down south to watch your favourite supercross rider. I think the best race or races were at the last round in Vegas. The 450 class battle went down to the wire between Dungey
“THERE ARE A FEW TOP ITEMS ON MY LIST THAT I WILL REMEMBER FOR A LONG TIME. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER, HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF THE 2017 SEASON.”
and Tomac. The champion would be crowned at the very last race of the year and every fan in that stadium stood for the complete 20 laps. If Dungey could keep it on two wheels and not DNF it was his championship to be had! Tomac had a few options: find a friend or two that might help to prevent RD to qualify for the main event or even take him out in the final. It was one race I will never forget! Wait, there is more! How about the take-out Osborne did on points leader Joey Savatgy? Was it a take out or just a really aggressive pass? The AMA crowned Zach the champ so I guess it was a clean pass. I have to admit I knew Shawn Maffenbeier was one of the favourites to win the MX2 CMRC Rockstar Energy Drink championship if he could ride smart. His competition was going to come from Cole Thompson and Jess Pettis. The testing in the spring went very well for the MX101 guys and I knew Shawn wanted the win badly. Jess Pettis was also looking really strong in California in the spring. I knew Thompson was going to be tough to beat, but if it was going to happen it would be Shawn. The season started well at Kamloops with a win for the Yamaha guys. At Round 2, it looked like Maffenbeier was the guy to beat until he cracked his water pump on a rock. A few laps later the Yamaha came to a stop. That DNF hurt. I felt if Shawn had won that one he would have that big points lead that he could use to build confidence on the rest of the riders in the MX2 class. The win went to Thompson. The series wins went back and forth between the two riders until Thompson dislocated his thumb later in the series. With Cole out of the series it was all Shawn’s now, at least we thought. The last few rounds had some ups and some downs that stressed the team manager and the rider with a few DNFs. The team rebounded and finally pulled it off at the last round at RJ’s in Barrie. It was the first MX2 championship for MX101 and FXR. It was a great feeling to see the company you rep for on the top of the podium.
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FEMALE PERSPECTIVE W I T H
K E N N E DY
LU T Z
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UNFORGETTABLE
YEAR
“THANKFULLY, MX101 GAVE ME A PLACE TO STAY AND RIDE IN BETWEEN EACH ROUND. THEY MADE ME FEEL LIKE A PART OF THE TEAM EACH WEEKEND AND HELPED WITH BIKE MAINTENANCE.”
started the year off in South Carolina by getting back into the routine of riding again and training for the U.S. Amateur Spring Nationals. In March, I battled up front every moto at Millcreek, Oakhill, and Freestone. I came home with a championship in Collegegirl, three 2nd overalls in Women’s, two 2nd overalls in Schoolgirl, and 9th overall in 450B. It was a very busy month of racing and a lot of fun. In May, I raced my one and only area and regional qualifier last year for Loretta Lynn’s. Both races were early in the season so it felt great to tackle these right away. I gained a lot of confidence that weekend as I ran the same lap times as the top pro women in the states. Although I didn’t qualify for Schoolboy, I did place near the top 10. It’s always hard to decide which races to hit every year. Between the Spring Nationals, Loretta’s and all of the qualifiers, the Canadian Nationals, and the Mini O’s, it’s easy to keep busy. These are all so important to me and it can be challenging to choose which is more of a priority. The past couple of years I’ve spent most of my time racing in the
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U.S. against tougher competition like Hannah Hodges and Jordan Jarvis. Even though I always love racing in Canada, the schedules often conflict with the U.S. races. In order to race the Women’s West, I would only be able to hit one Loretta qualifier. To make it to the Women’s East, I would miss the last day of racing at Loretta Lynn’s. It never happens to work out. However, this year I decided to race the Canadian Nationals no matter what. I didn’t care what coast, I just wanted to prove who the fastest woman in Canada was and leave no doubts behind. Eve Brodeur is great competition for me, and since she didn’t disclose which coast she was racing until the day before Kamloops, I flew home from South Carolina, borrowed two used bikes from Schraders and jumped in the truck with my dad and sister. We drove 30 hours to Kamloops. Eve didn’t end up coming so I just raced the amateur classes. I won Schoolboy and battled up front in the Intermediate class, and even won the last MX3 moto. That meant I was going out East to race the Women’s Nationals. I came into Round 1 at Gopher Dunes prepared and I beat the competition by 45 seconds the first moto and a minute and a half the second moto. The track had some big jumps and it got gnarly so my strengths stood out. The gap was closer as soon as the tracks were smooth and less technical. I won the Canadian Women’s East Championship with six out of eight moto wins, which I was very proud of. It’s a goal I’ve wanted to reach since I started racing and it’s very rewarding to win a National Championship like this. Coming from Saskatchewan, with all of my bikes at a training facility in South Carolina, we knew it was going to take a lot of planning. It also takes a lot of money to race out East, but we made it work. Thankfully, MX101 gave me a place to stay and ride in between each round. They made me feel like a part of the team each weekend and helped with bike maintenance. Travelling alone at 17 and racing around North America to fulfill a dream can be difficult, but when you have people like the Tyler family to support you, it makes it possible. There was a two week break in between Rounds 2 and 3 of the Women’s East Nationals, which meant I was able to race the biggest Amateur National of the year, Loretta Lynn’s. I got 3rd the first moto and 4th the second moto against the top women in the United States. I had to miss the third and final moto in order to make the 3rd round in Deschambault, so I hopped on a plane and met my Dad
in Quebec. When I wasn’t racing this season, I was training. I’ve been training at Real Deal MX Training Facility since it opened in March of 2015. I stay with Rob and Sherry Burkhart, the mechanic and fitness trainer. They are two of the most hard working people I know and they put their heart and soul into training their riders. They have made sacrifices of their own to help riders reach their potential and they have a true passion for it. This October they were provided the opportunity to move their facility from Allendale, South Carolina to Kentwood, Louisiana. Leaving South Carolina behind, the Real Deal family continues to stick together. The new place is gorgeous and it’s a track you dream of riding. However, Real Deal is more than just a facility, it’s a family. The bond between all the riders is like no other. When you lose one of those riders in a racing accident, it’s unexplainable. It’s something you never thought you’d have to go through. Nathan Hall, a fellow rider, a brother to all of us, was someone we all looked up to. He would send jumps backwards, go through corners without letting off, and he wasn’t afraid to “make a statement.” It’s crazy how one person can have such an impact on the motocross community. Nathan was an inspiration to the Real Deal family and I’ll continue to make the best out of life just as he did. In memory of Nathan, the Real Deal riders ran #422 at the Mini O’s in Florida this past November. I wish I had a cool racing story to tell from the Mini O’s, but I didn’t stay to race the main event in Supercross. I qualified 3rd in Women’s and I tried qualifying for 250B Limited and 450B Limited as well, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I wasn’t in the right mindset to be out there, so I decided not to race. After seeing so many people get injured in this sport recently, nobody should ever line up for a race they aren’t physically and mentally prepared for. I’m glad I made the decision I did. This year has been crazy with all of its ups and downs. I will forever be thankful for the countless memories that were made, every person I met, every place I travelled, and every opportunity I’ve been given to accomplish my dreams. My Dad is such a huge supporter of me. He does absolutely everything he can to provide me the opportunity to be the best. He always goes above and beyond to ensure I can keep doing what I love. He believes in me when nobody else does, he pushes me to my limits, and he always has the perfect advice. I am glad to be back home for a while, enjoying my down-time with family and friends.
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Z-MX10
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Justin Petker gets Colton Facciotti’s GDR Honda cleaned up at the Bon Conseil round.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Shawn Maffenbeier (12) and the MX2 field try to put the power down as they round the
first
turn at Gopher Dunes.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
That moment when you get your first National podium. Jason Benny at Deschambault.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Prince George featured some great racing in the MX2 class. Defending champion Cole Thompson leads the pack of favourites up the hill in Moto 1.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
I’ve been trying to incorporate this old, dilapidated van into my photos at Regina as long as I’ve been going to Moto Valley Raceway, and this shot of JC Bujold might be my favourite one yet.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
It’s not the quickest way around the track but Kyle Chisholm looks good blasting through the duff at Kamloops.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
I had the opportunity to spend three weeks traveling Europe after the MXoN. Spending a few days in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland was a highlight of the trip. It’s cool how motocross has given me the opportunity to see different parts of the world.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
One of the most iconic backdrops in motocross, Scott Champion gets flat above the Calgary skyline.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Sometimes rubbing is racing. Mike Alessi (5) and Dillan Epstein collide at Moncton.
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ONE ON ONE WITH
MX2 Champion Shawn Maffenbeier BY CHRIS POMEROY
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PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
ONE COULD SAY THAT 2017 WAS A DREAM SEASON FOR MX101 FXR RACING YAMAHA RIDER SHAWN MAFFENBEIER. AFTER YEARS OF TRYING, THIS PAST SUMMER HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER AND TAKE HOME HIS VERY FIRST CMRC CANADIAN MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. THROUGHOUT THE 2017 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MX NATIONALS, SHAWN BATTLED ALL OF THE TOP MX2 RIDERS TO WIN THE TITLE. IT WASN’T EASY BY ANY MEANS, BUT IN THE FINAL MOTO OF THE YEAR, HE PULLED IT ALL TOGETHER AND LED THE FIELD TO THE FINISH LINE. WITH A BUSY OFF-SEASON, AS WELL AS RUMOURS OF SHAWN SWITCHING TEAMS, WE WERE ABLE TO CATCH UP WITH HIM AND REFLECT ON HIS GLORIOUS 2017 RACE SEASON.
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“IT WAS AN UNREAL SUMMER, WINNING SIX OUT OF THE TEN ROUNDS WAS HUGE FOR ME. I THINK RIGHT FROM THE START OF THE FIRST ROUND I KNEW I HAD THE SPEED AND TEAM TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP.”
MXP: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Shawn. It’s been quite a year for you. How did your first ever outdoor title feel? Shawn Maffenbeier: No problem Chris, thanks for the opportunity. Winning the title this year was a childhood dream come true for me. It was a wild experience of ups and downs throughout the summer. From having my motor let go in the second round from a rock taking out my water pump, to my boot getting stuck in my brake peddle, and the little issues we had with the bike out east, in the end all of those experiences I think made winning the championship that much better! MXP: What have you been doing since the final round in August? SM: My girlfriend and I moved out to Kamloops at the end of August. We took a few weeks off of riding to travel back to the west coast and get settled in Kamloops. After we got all settled in I started preparing for the MXoN. It was about a month of preparation before heading over to England. After the MXoN, it was straight into Arenacross preparation for the Future West series. MXP: Wow, you’ve been busy since you won the MX2 title in August. As you said, you’ve been doing a little racing on the west coast over the winter. When does the real training begin for 2018? SM: Basically, after the last round of Arenacross in December I took about a week off before getting together with my trainer Brad Clifford. We then took a few days to get sorted for 2018 and get a plan in place. In January I will be heading down south to begin preparing for 2018. I’m very excited to get things going. MXP: When you’re not racing, what types of things do you do away from the track? SM: One of my favourite things to do away from training and racing is ski touring in the winter. I have a good group of friends to go out with, and with December being a month off from dirt bikes I use that time to head into the mountains to get away from everything and just enjoy myself!
MXP: I guess living in BC means that you have a lot of access to some great ski slopes? SM: For sure, there are so many great things about Kamloops and BC in general. MXP: Tell us something that is cool about Kamloops? SM: There are times in Kamloops where you can ride dirt bikes in the morning and go snow boarding in the afternoon. The weather out here, especially in the fall, is great for riding and training. Also, we have so much to do we rarely ever get bored. MXP: Let’s go back to last summer and the MX2 series. It was definitely an up and down summer while you battled with Cole Thompson, Jess Pettis and just about everyone else. In your words, how was the summer for you? SM: It was an unreal summer, winning six out of the ten rounds was huge for me. I think right from the start of the first round I knew I had the speed and team to win the championship. I just needed to minimize my mistakes. Unfortunately, I made mistakes that cost me big in the beginning. I knew throughout the summer that I just needed to keep winning and needed to keep putting myself in the position to win the title. For the most part that’s what I did. I think both classes this year provided some of the best racing we’ve all seen in a long time. With everyone being so close in speed, it was forcing mistakes that ultimately costed all of us at some point. It was about who would make the best decisions on their bad days! I think back to the MX1 class and I can’t help but to think that if Goerke didn’t put on his chain so quickly in Regina, then he loses the title. If Pourcel went to the podium and didn’t get docked, he would have won the title. Such small decisions in both classes were big decision makers in the end.
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MXP: I think you’re best race of the year was at Gopher Dunes as you were flying that day. What race do you feel was your best? SM: Gopher Dunes was good, but I didn’t feel like I rode very well there. Calgary was the race I look back on in the summer and thought, I got this, I can win this. Even though I made two mistakes in the beginning of the motos there, I was able to come back and win both motos. ONE ON ONE WITH
MX2 Champion Shawn Maffenbeier MXP: Those are great observation, you’re correct. With that in mind, it must have felt incredible to win the title in 2017, especially since you did it the hard way. SM: It’s a feeling that I have trouble describing to people. It’s almost like all the effort and work that has been done for years is simply justified. It’s so many things coming together to win it. So many things have to go your way and I think learning how to make things go your way is a huge learning curve. MXP: During the MX2 series, I loved how you just kept bouncing back after a bad race. Was there a point during the series when you were just thinking, “Not again!” SM: Any time I felt like I had momentum in the last part of the season, it would feel like someone was pulling the championship right out from underneath me and I’d be back to fighting for the title. Coming into the last round and winning the overall on the day was big for me. I felt like I had showed everyone that is where I belonged. I would have liked to wrap things up a round or two before, but I just kept telling myself that I had to stay positive and keep doing what I had been doing all summer!
MXP: Yes, you were on fire in Calgary and it was fun to watch you ride with so much confidence. Well, congratulations on your 2017 CMRC MX2 Championship. Moving on to 2018, what are your thoughts on the new Rockstar Triple Crown Series? SM: I’m excited for the change. It’s going to change everyone’s programs up a lot. I think some guys will put more energy and focus into one discipline than maybe the other. I think motocross in Canada was in need of some new fresh energy. The CMRC did a great job taking the sport to the level it was now it’s time to pass the torch. We’re not going to see the change overnight, but I’m excited to see what Justin and his crew are going to be able to do.
MXP: During this off-season you’ve been in high demand from a few teams. That must make you feel good. SM: It’s been a good feeling for sure. I’ve been in the position in December where not a single phone call has come my way after a good year. This year has been a touch different to say the least. MXP: Well, you have most certainly earned it my friend. How old are you now Shawn, and where do you see yourself in five years? SM: I’m 25 now, so I’m still on the young side of things. I have a five year plan to move into the 450 class and contend for championships there. I’m thinking to race until I’m 30 and then call it a day! Who knows? MXP: Well Shawn, thank-you for taking the time to speak to us. Again, great job last year and we can’t wait to see you back on the track in 2018. SM: Thanks Chris! I really appreciate you calling.
MXP: The first round is an Arenacross on February 24th . You have trained before for indoor events so getting ready for this race shouldn’t be a problem. SM: I’m excited for it. Being on the west coast I’ve taken part in most of the indoor stuff during the last few years. My main focus is still on outdoors, but I think this is going to be a good added twist to the entire year. MXP: What do you think it’s going to be like racing these guys on indoor tracks now? SM: It’s going to be interesting. Some guys are going to shine in the indoor stuff, and others are going to perform outdoors. I think we’re going to see more of a switch up with winners and different guys doing well. It’s going to be interesting, for sure.
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ONE ON ONE WITH
MX1 Champion Matt Goerke BY CHRIS POMEROY
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PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
SINCE HIS FIRST RACE IN CANADA WAY BACK IN 2012, MATT GOERKE HAS BEEN ONE OF THE TOP RIDERS YEAR AFTER YEAR. HIS THREE MX1 CHAMPIONSHIPS PUT HIM IN VERY ELITE COMPANY WITH SOME OF THE BEST RIDERS THIS COUNTRY HAS EVER SEE. IN 2017, GOERKE BATTLED HARD ALL SEASON LONG WITH THE LIKES OF CHRISTOPHE POURCEL, COLTON FACCIOTTI AND MIKE ALESSI. IN HIS CHAMPIONSHIP RUN LAST SUMMER, GOERKE NOT ONLY WAS SUCCESSFUL ON HIS FAVOURITE TRACKS OF THE SERIES, BUT HE WAS ALSO VERY GOOD ON THE HARDER PACKED TRACKS THAT IN THE PAST HAVEN’T BEEN HIS FAVOURITE. IN THE FINAL MOTO OF THE SERIES, GOEKE WAS FORCED TO COME FROM BEHIND TO SECURE THE 2017 MX1 TITLE BY JUST THREE POINTS OVER POURCEL. THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST SATISFYING VICTORIES GOERKE HAS EVER HAD IN HIS LONG CAREER, AND NOW HE’S PREPARING TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN IN 2018. WE SAT WITH THE CHAMP TO GET HIS THOUGHTS ON WINNING, HIS OFF-SEASON TRAINING, AND HIS NEW HOUSE.
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“IT WAS TOUGH AS USUAL, BUT WE WON! A LOT OF BATTLING UPFRONT, BUT I WAS ALWAYS IN IT, AND I JUST TRIED TO BEAT POURCEL EVERY MOTO, SINCE THAT’S WHO WAS CLOSE TO ME IN POINTS.”
MXP: Hey Matt, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. It’s been quite a year for you. Did this 2017 championship feel any different than the others? MG: No Problem! It felt just as good as the other two. They all had different scenarios and obstacles, but they all felt just as good when I won in the end. It’s really a feeling like no other. MXP: What have you been doing since the final round in August? MG: I bought a house and took some time to move in and get settled. After that I started training for the German Supercross Series. Unfortunately, I broke my arm in a first turn pileup at the opening round over there. Since then I’ve just been healing up and taking it easy. MXP: It’s unfortunate that you got injured overseas, are you all healed up and ready to begin training for 2018? MG: I’m back to training off the bike, but haven’t ridden yet. I probably will begin riding again in a few more weeks and then the training will be full on. MXP: Since you have been injured and unable to ride, what type of things do you do away from the track? MG: I’ve been hanging out on the beach a lot. (laughs) And lots of cardio on the X-Bike and on the treadmill. I’m ready to get back on a dirt bike to begin my 2018 preparation. I haven’t even been able to paddle board or golf with a broken arm so life has been pretty boring.
MXP: That’s very cool. I remember you saying this summer that if you won the MX1 title that you were going to buy a house. They say that buying a house is the largest purchase you’ll make in your life so congratulations. MG: Yes, we bought a house on the golf course right across from the bay. It’s really nice down here and it’s a great place to live and train. MXP: Let’s go back to last summer and the MX1 series. It was definitely an up and down series while you battled with Christophe Pourcel. In your words, how was the summer for you? MG: It was tough as usual, but we won! A lot of battling upfront, but I was always in it, and I just tried to beat Pourcel every Moto, since that’s who was close to me in points. He’s a great rider and I actually learned a little from him, but his attitude really motivated me to beat him (haha). My bike was great this year too, thanks to Donk, Steve, Mike Haist, and everyone else that’s part of the OTSFF Yamaha team, Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha. I really felt comfortable on my bike in all situations.
MXP: You’re currently living down in Panama City, FL correct? MG: Yeah, I live in Panama City Beach, right next the bay. MXP: So it’s safe to say that you spend a lot of time at MP County Line? MG: Yeah that’s where I do most of my training. We have everything we need there to get work done! Iain and his crew have that facility in great shape.
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MXP: I think you’re best moto of the year was your come from behind in Pleasent Valley, what do you think was your best race of 2017? MG: Yes, that was a good race for me. I fell and was able to come back and pass Pourcel at the end. I think my best race was Regina, I passed him and won Moto 1. And then had the win in moto 2 until my chain derailed right before finish. Thankfully I was able to get it back on and still get some points.
“ANYTIME YOU HAVE AN ALL-NEW BIKE TO RACE IT’S A LITTLE UNNERVING. HOWEVER, I’VE HEARD IT IS AN AWESOME BIKE RIGHT OUT OF THE CRATE AND WE SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO WHEN THE SEASON BEGINS.” ONE ON ONE WITH
MX1 Champion Matt Goerke MXP: It must have felt incredible to win the title in 2017, especially since you did it the hard way? MG: Yes. It felt so good! I worked so hard for it, and so did my team. Anytime you set goals and then accomplish those goals it’s a wonderful thing. MXP: In the past few years you’ve pretty much owned the national at Gopher Dunes, were you really bummed that you weren’t able to win that race in 2017? MG: Not really. I felt like I rode good the first moto coming from last to 2nd. I was beat though and didn’t have too mcuh energy left for the seond moto. And then in Moto 2 I made a stupid decision to make some changes, which was a bad idea considering I was still tired from Moto 1. Had I not made those changes I think I would have been a little better in Moto 2. Hovever, I still came out of there with good points, so I wasn’t too bummed. I would like to get redemption there next year though!
MXP: Yes, you’ve certainly been very good and being able to put your chain back on while in the heat of the moment. Moving on to 2018, what are your thoughts on the new Rockstar Triple Crown Series? MG: It sounds like it’s gonna be great. Hopefully the AX and SX tracks are gonna be good and challenging, at least comparable to US Arenacross tracks. If the tracks are good then the racing should be entertaining at the front of the pack. MXP: The first round is an Arenacross on February 24th, you’ve trained before for indoor events so getting ready for this race shouldn’t be a problem? MG: No. I’ll be ready for it! MXP: Over the years you’ve raced these guys in Canada so many times on outdoor tracks, what do you think it’s going to be like racing them on indoor tracks now? MG: I like the fact that I have a little more experience than most of them indoors, but I’m sure they will all still be good! MXP: Yamaha also has a brand new YZ450F for 2018, you must be looking forward to testing this new machine? MG: Anytime you have an all-new bike to race it’s a little unnerving. However, I’ve heard it is an awesome bike right out of the crate and we should be good to go when the season begins. MXP: Well Matt, thank-you for taking the time to speak to us. Again, great job last year and we can’t wait to see you back on the track in 2018. MG: Thank you! See you guys soon!
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
After arriving in England for the Motocross of Nations, Colton Facciotti gets a chance to shake down his bike at the Cusses Gorse MX track.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
What do you do when you’re on a photo shoot and it’s raining? Splash in puddles, of course. Colton Facciotti does a fly by at his home track.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Still a crowd favourite everywhere he goes, Chad Reed waves to his fans during opening ceremonies in Anaheim.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Dean Wilson always looks so good on a bike. The former Alberta resident styles it between the skyscrapers of downtown San Diego.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
San Diego is a neat stadium to shoot in, surrounded by buildings in the downtown core. Justin Bogle whips as the last rays of sun shine down at Petco Park.
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2017-06-26 2:45 PM
Palms, 5th Annual Golden elbow Awards BY CHRIS POMEROY
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PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
When you look back at the past year in Canadian motocross, there are many great stories and many great performances. In both the amateur and pro classes, we all witnessed riders push their limit on the race track while battling for moto wins and championships. As I’ve done for the past four seasons, this is the time of year that I sit down and compose my annual Golden Elbow Awards that celebrate the memorable moments from the past year. Whether it was Shawn Maffenbeier’s incredible MX2 title run or Christophe Pourcel’s final lap pass on Matt Goerke at Round 2, there were multiple moments that will leave people talking for years to come. For this season’s Golden Elbow Awards, let’s now look at the winners of the 11 categories.
E V E N T O F T H E Y E A R
Toronto Supercross With rain and bad weather playing such a big role in so many outdoor events in 2017, and no Walton TransCan for the first time in almost three decades, giving this award to the 2017 Toronto Supercross was a fairly straight forward decision. Over the years, this event has become such an important part of our industry here in Canada. Parties, media events, and vacations are all planned around the Toronto SX. In fact, with so much going on away from the track, the race has almost become the secondary attraction. I say almost because regardless of how distracted some people might be throughout the day and night of the race, once the 30 second board goes up for the main event, all eyes are on the riders. With the attendance growing each year, the Toronto round was one of the top five attended races of the Monster Energy SX Series. Sadly, there will be no Toronto SX in 2018 as the Roger’s Centre will be under construction and unable to host the event. This race will be missed by the fans, our industry, and the riders, who over the years have really enjoyed coming to the largest city in Canada. However, I am told by the people at Feld Entertainment that the Toronto round is very important to them and to the sport of Supercross, so expect it back in 2019.
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mX101 FXR Racing Yamaha With their top rider, Shawn Maffenbeier, being named our Rider of the Year, it would almost be impossible not to give his MX101 FXR Racing Yamaha Team the award for Team of the Year. Since the team’s inception a few years ago, the people behind the MX101 Team have run a very solid program. As Yamaha Canada’s designated leaders of the MX2 program, this team has provided a solid home for some of our young pro riders to pay their dues, so to speak. Although mentoring young riders like Dylan Wright and Jess Pettis has been the main goal, the MX101 Yamaha Team wanted nothing more than to win a CMRC Canadian National MX2 Championship. In the past they have certainly come close, but due to some untimely bad luck, they had to wait until 2017. Right from the beginning of the 2017 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, this team was determined to win their first title. Through a tough DNF at Round 2, a strange mishap at Round 4, and a very rough day at Round 9 in Deschambault, the MX101 Yamaha Team didn’t quit and the 2017 MX2 Championship was there’s. With the number one plate as well as a national event back at their home track in 2018, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this popular race team.
T E A M O F T H E Y E A R
MOST EN T ER TA INING MOTO
Final mX1 moto in barrie When the gate dropped for the final MX1 moto of the 2017 series, the title fight between Matt Goerke and Christophe Pourcel was still alive and well. During the opening laps, Pourcel was up front and definitely in the position that he wanted to be in. Behind the lead pack, Goerke was struggling to find his rhythm as he tried to pass the riders in front of him. What happened next could’ve spelled disaster for Goerke’s championship hopes. With Pourcel now leading, Goerke stalled his bike in the back section and took forever to restart his big YZ450F. By the time Goerke got his bike fired back up, he was way back and outside of the top 20. If they finished in this order, Pourcel would be champion and Goerke would be left wondering where it all went wrong. However, to his credit, Goerke refused to quit and he put in one of the greatest charges I have ever seen. As Pourcel was way out front doing what he needed to do, Goerke was frantically passing rider after rider until he was in a position where the final MX1 points standings was in his favour. When all was said and done, Pourcel won that battle in what would be the final moto of his racing career, but Goerke won the war and with it his third Canadian MX1 title. There were definitely a lot of great motos in 2017, but this one in Barrie, ON wins the Golden Elbow for the Best Moto of 2017.
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Shelby Turner
F E M A L E R I D E R O F T H E Y E A R
R O O K I E O F T H E Y E A R
Right from the first gate drop of 2017, KTM rider Shelby Turner was excited and motivated to build on her success from 2016. Turner, who is known for her focus and work ethic, left little doubt through all four rounds of the 2017 CMRC Western Canadian Women’s Nationals that she was the rider to beat. With the ability to get both great starts and charge for the entire moto, Turner was very tough to dethrone in 2017. Also, with her success in the USA in the Endurocross Championships, Turner has proven time and time again that she can ride in any condition presented to her. In the dry and sandy conditions of Round 1 in Kamloops Turner was fast and smooth. When the rain came down at Round 2, Turner wasn’t phased at all. With back to back titles in 2016 and 2017, it will be interesting to see if Shelby Turner can go for the three-peat in 2018. Whether she wins the title again or not remains to be seen, but the one thing that is for sure is that she’ll be ready to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Tanner Ward As the last cover of MXP Magazine states, Tanner Ward was my pick for the 2017 Rookie of the Year. I chose Tanner not just because of his performances in the second half of the MX2 Series, I chose Tanner because of the way he approached his entire 2017 race season. The work ethic, the focus, and the goal to be as prepared as he possibly could was unmatched by any other rookie rider. As much as racing has changed over the years with equipment and technique, the one thing that has remained the same is that at the pro level, nothing can replace experience. For Tanner, to do what he did, particularly at Deschambault where he came up just short of winning the second MX2 moto, was very impressive. As a rookie, it is important to demonstrate that you have to ability to do something very special in the future. While everyone assumes that you’re going to make mistakes at some point during your rookie year, when the opportunity presents itself, you must take advantage of it. This is exactly what Tanner Ward did in the eastern half of the MX2 series, and what no other rookie was able to do all summer. Casey Keast, for instance, had a solid season campaigning the entire MX2 series, but he was never a threat to win a moto or get on the podium. However, as we’ve seen so many times in the past, a rider’s sophomore season is always tougher than their rookie season. So, it will be interesting to see how riders like Tanner Ward and Casey Keast handle year two of their pro career.
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colton Facciotti This award usually goes to a MX1 rider as this class has always been jammed full of top International riders who travel to Canada in search of glory. In 2017, GDR Fox Honda rider Colton Facciotti had to battle all summer long against riders like Matt Goerke, Christophe Pourcel and Mike Alessi. During the opening rounds of the 2017 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, Facciotti tried his best to match the speed of both Goerke and Pourcel. At first, he was unsuccessful as the lead two were just too fast and too motivated to win. Also, at Round 4 in Regina, Facciotti came down with a stomach ailment that dogged him not just for that day of racing, but also for the two weeks that followed. However, when the series arrived at Gopher Dunes for Round 5, Facciotti was motivated to race in front of his family and his Honda bosses. Despite still feeling a little under the weather, he won the opening moto at Gopher Dunes, and then backed that finish up with another moto win and the overall victory a week later in Quebec. After two more sub-par races on the east coast, Facciotti came back strong at the final two rounds, winning three of the final four motos of 2017 season. As he now enters the final year of his Honda contract in 2018, as well as closing in on his 30th birthday, 2018 is a very important year for Colton Facciotti. I feel like he has at least one more MX1 title in him, and that 2018 could be his year. However, in looking back to 2017, Colton Facciotti gets my vote for our Canadian Rider of the Year.
T O P C A N A D I A N R I D E R
christophe Pourcel in Prince George Back in 2016, this award was a very difficult one to choose as there were so many great passes. For 2017, there was only one pass that really stood out and that of course was Christophe Pourcel’s final corner pass on Matt Goerke in Prince George. For the entire length of the second MX1 moto in Prince George, Christophe Pourcel parked himself on the rear wheel of Matt Goerke’s’ Yamaha. For 30 minutes plus one lap Pourcel patiently waited for Goerke to either make a mistake or get held up by a lapped rider. When that didn’t happen, Pourcel had to take matters into his own hands and make something happen. With only one corner remaining in the moto, Pourcel used an outside line that he had found while practising at the Blackwater Track the week before. This line allowed him to build speed and slingshot beside Goerke as they headed down the final jumpfilled straight. Using every ounce of talent that he had, Pourcel managed to stay just a fraction lower off the final jump, which allowed him to get the power of his Factory Husqvarna back on the ground and over the finish line just a mere two feet before Goerke. This was not only the pass of the year, it could be the pass of the decade in Canadian motocross. As Christopher Pourcel now slips into retirement, this pass will exemplify his creativity and attention to detail while riding a dirt bike.
P A S S O F T H E Y E A R
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deschambault Qc For most of the spring and summer of 2017, Mother Nature wreaked havoc in Ontario and Quebec with massive amounts of rain. When the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals arrived in Deschambault, QC for Round 9, the rain clouds once again formed over the sandy track. Although the Deschambault circuit is sandy and loamy on the surface, underneath there is a solid layer of hard clay. With so much rain falling, the water wasn’t able to soak in, and when practice began on Sunday morning, the track was a soupy mess. With the track crew hesitant [at first] to scrape the mud off the track, for practice and the first two pro motos, the riders had to deal with sloppy and one lined conditions. Finally, after two messy motos, the track crew cleaned up the track and for the second half of the day, the racing was much better. With sun poking through the clouds, the riders were now faced with an extremely rough race track. On this challenging day, both Ryan Surratt and Colton Facciotti were the dominant riders as they won both their motos in the MX2 and MX1 classes respectively. It was an entertaining day of racing for the fans, but a very difficult one for the riders and teams. Thankfully, everyone made it through in one piece, and they all moved on to the final round in Barrie. With the rough track and the adverse weather conditions, Round 9 in Deschambault was the Toughest National of 2017.
T O U G H E S T N A T I O N A L O F T H E Y E A R
Jake Tricco
T O P A M A T E U R R I D E R O F 2 0 1 7
Currently, we are so very fortunate in Canada as we have many fast amateur riders who are training hard and getting better by the race. With training facilities and riding coaches, our kids now have unlimited access to all the help they need. This award was very hard to determine as there were a lot of great performances by our young riders in 2017. One rider that really stood out, though, was Ontario Yamaha rider Jake Tricco. Racing in the Junior class last year, Tricco was a winning machine almost every time he lined up. Since he is still young and building his strength, Tricco decided to remain on two-strokes in 2017 while most of his competition were racing more powerful four-strokes. Despite his inferior equipment, Tricco knew exactly what he was doing and rode his two-strokes with the precision of a brain surgeon. In Ontario, he was rarely beaten; when he travelled to the ECAN in Quebec, he continued to dominate and ended up winning a free Yamaha with their Factory Rider Program. For 2018, he will move up to the Intermediate class and will most likely switch to a four-stroke motorcycle. With a strong work ethic, endless amounts of talent, and an outgoing personality, the future is very bright for Jake Tricco. I cannot wait to see what he can do in 2018.
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christophe Pourcel
M O S T S T Y L I S H R I D E R
There are many parameters that go into being a stylish rider. First, there is obviously the technique a rider demonstrates when they’re actually on the bike. Second, how a rider goes about riding a challenging track is also very important. Are they able to find smooth lines, despite the roughness of the track? This is actually easier said than done as over the years I have witnessed many a fast rider struggle to find smooth lines during a race. For 2017, the most stylish rider, in my opinion, was Christophe Pourcel. All summer long, watching him ride his Husqvarna was truly remarkable. His vision of the track, his precision, the way he always seemed to keep the RPMs of his 450 very low, almost every part of his riding was perfect. At times, he did lack aggression and that hurt him in some of the races. However, his effortless style, and the cerebral way that he approached each section of our tracks made Pourcel just a joy to watch in 2017. Smooth riders like Pourcel are a dying breed as today’s top guys attack the track with utmost urgency. How they look on a bike doesn’t appear nearly as important as how fast they can get through a section. Riders such as the Pourcels and Windhams are slowly becoming extinct and it’s sad to see. As Christophe Pourcel now heads into retirement, we hope he enjoys this 2017 Golden Elbow Award as the year’s most Stylish Rider.
Shawn maFFenbeier Picking Shawn Maffenbeier for this award was definitely an easy decision. All summer long, Maffenbeier was at the front of the pack in the MX2 class, showing the determination of a champion throughout the ten-round series. From the opening round in Kamloops until the final round in Barrie, Maffenbeier left no doubt that he deserved to win his first ever CMRC National Championship. Despite some early series battles with Cole Thompson, as well as a couple of DNFs, Maffenbeier persevered in the highly competitive MX2 class. Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed Maffenbeier come very close to winning a title but for whatever reason he wasn’t able to get it done. Thankfully for Shawn, his team, as well as his family, he was able to fulfill his dreams in 2017. Other than his refusal to give up after his very unfortunate DNFs, I think one of Shawn’s best moments of the season came at Gopher Dunes when he was able to win the overall. Not always known as a great sand rider, that day at Gopher Dunes, Shawn rode incredibly on the way to a big win on Canada’s roughest track. It was a magical summer for Shawn Maffenbeier and we congratulate him on his 2017 MX2 Championship, as well as receiving the Golden Elbow Award for Rider of the Year.
R I D E R O F T H E Y E A R
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Kaven Benoit didn’t have the season he was hoping for, but at least he managed to look good while getting sideways at his home track in Bon Conseil.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
One of the next generation of Canadian rippers, Marco Cannella made his National debut at RJ’s.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Arenacross is challenging to shoot but it opens up some really cool lighting opportunities. Davey Fraser charges through the whoops in Chilliwack.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Ken Roczen started off the 2017 season with a bang, taking an emphatic win at the season opener at Anaheim.
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PALMS
DREAMS
BIG XXX
LOCATED JUST UP THE STREET FROM KTM’S HQ IN MENIFEE, THEIR NEW SX TEST TRACK IS A THING OF BEAUTY.
IN X X X
WEARING SOME BRAND NEW, INCREDIBLE LOOKING FOX RACING GEAR, I TOOK TO THE CAHUILLA CREEK TRACK ON THE TUESDAY.
TEAM CAPTAIN MARVIN MUSQUIN LANDED FROM EUROPE THE NIGHT BEFORE SO HE DIDN’T RIDE THAT MANY LAPS.
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BY CHRIS POMEROY
/
PHOTOS BY JAMES LISSIMORE
FOR EACH AND EVERY MOTO JOURNALIST, ANY TIME A MEDIA LAUNCH COMES UP, WE ALL GET EXCITED. WHEN THE INVITATION TO THE 2018 FACTORY EDITION 450SX-F, AS WELL AS THE HUSQVARNA ROCKSTAR EDITION FC450, ARRIVED, I QUICKLY PACKED MY GEAR BAG, GRABBED MY PASSPORT AND HEADED TO THE AIRPORT FOR ANOTHER VERY COOL ADVENTURE. sually these media launches take place just one at a time, but with this one, involving both KTM and Husqvarna, it meant even more time in sunny California in December. From the moment my plane touched down in San Diego, the sun was shining and the palm trees were looking good. After grabbing my bag and meeting up with my shuttle driver, I made it up I-15 to the centre of the motocross world in California, Menifee. Both the KTM and Husqvarna North American HQ are located in Menifee, where all of the invited journalists would spend their first few nights. With KTM Canada’s Marketing Manager, Claudie Lapointe, and James Lissimore, and Billy Rainford also in attendance, there was plenty of Canadian content hanging out in California. After heading out for dinner to celebrate James Lissimore’s birthday, we all retired to our hotel as first thing Monday morning, our busy schedule would begin.
U
KTM CANADA’S MARKETING MANAGER CLAUDIE LAPOINTE AND I POSED IN THE STRONG WIND HIGH ABOVE LAKE ELSINORE.
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As they seem to do every two years, KTM North America gathered the media together yesterday for the launch of the next generation Factory Edition 450SX-F. With their brand new Supercross test track as the backdrop, the KTM crew introduced this brand new motorcycle, as well as their team riders. Once the intro’s were complete, all of the KTM supported riders hit the track for a 45 minute practice session. It was a pretty incredible way to kick off the upcoming new season, and this new bike. To begin the festivities properly, KTM’s head boss, John Heinz, brought
out newly retired legend, Ryan Dungey, to speak about the new 2018 Factory Edition model. Since Dungey began his tenure with KTM, he has been instrumental in the development of the Factory Edition 450 models, and it was no different this time around. Dungey even related a story that the following day, after his retirement press conference, he was out testing this new bike. For the record, Dungey looked good and appeared completely content with his decision to retire. It’s still hard to believe that Dungey won’t be on the starting line at Anaheim 1 next month; his absence will be noteable for some
time. Once Dungey was finished speaking, the Red Bull KTM, the Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC-WPS KTM Team, and the Red Bull TLD KTM Team were all introduced. It was cool to hear from all of the KTM mounted riders as they’re now in their final month of preparation for the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Series. With all of the introductions completed, the riders got dressed and hit the track. This new KTM SX test track has been in the works for two years, and unlike the old one that was 30 minutes from the KTM HQ, this new one is literally a stone’s throw away. Since
this new test track was just recently completed, none of the riders had been on it prior to the day before. Also, the degree of difficulty of this track was very high, especially the whoop section, challenge which gave every rider, except Blake Baggett, troubles. During Baggett’s interview, he mentioned that he is now fully recovered from his late season thumb surgery and has been testing SX for a month now. His rigorous practice showed, as BB4 looked really confident on the tough track. His speed and commitment through the whoop section were unmatched all day long.
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE A CALIFORNIA SUNSET.
IT WAS GREAT TO SEE RECENTLY RETIRED RYAN DUNGEY ON HAND TO INTRODUCE THE TEAM AND KTM’S NEWEST CREATION.
KTM’S BOSS JOHN HEINZ WAS THE FIRST TO SPEAK TO ALL OF THE MEDIA.
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RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S NEWEST RIDER BROC TICKLE WAS THE FIRST TO TAKE TO THE TRACK.
OF ALL OF THE RIDERS WHO RODE ON KTM’S NEW SX TEST TRACK, BLAKE BAGGETT LOOKED THE MOST COMFORTABLE.
PALMS
DREAMS
BIG XXX
IN X X X
“Dungey even related a story that the following day, after his retirement press conference, he was out testing this new bike. MOTOCROSS PERFORMANCE · MXPMAG.COM // 77
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PALMS
THANKFULLY, KTM SENT A MECHANIC OUT TO MAKE SURE THE BIKES WERE KEPT IN GREAT WORKING ORDER.
DREAMS
BIG XXX
ALTHOUGH IT WAS VERY WINDY, RIDING WAS STILL SO MUCH FUN.
IN X X X
THANKFULLY, KTM SENT A MECHANIC OUT TO MAKE SURE THE BIKES WERE KEPT IN GREAT WORKING ORDER.
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With the city of surrounding mountains as the backdrop, Husqvarna USA introduced their 2018 race team, as well as their exciting new Rockstar Edition, FC450.
As you can imagine, it was very cool to sit track side (and I mean track side,) and watch a few of the sports top riders pound laps on a real SX test track. Red Bull KTM Team leader, Marvin Musquin, had just landed the night before from the Geneva SX, so he was understandably tired and rode only at about 75%. However, near the end of the session, Musquin did turn up the throttle for a few laps: His speed was amazing! With Dungey retired, many feel that 2018 could be Musquin’s year in both SX and the outdoor series. However, I’m sure that Eli Tomac, Dean Wilson, Ken Roczen, and even Blake Baggett will have something to say about that, but I can say that Musquin looks to be in top form. Once the riding was done, all in attendance gathered under the KTM tent for a homemade Mexican lunch. It was an awesome day, one that we won’t soon forget. Once again, KTM must be applauded for their innovation and their constant need to improve. This new bike is the perfect example of KTM’s innovative thinking and their long term goal of winning more championships worldwide. With their top rider, Ryan Dungey, now on the sidelines, KTM knows that this is an important time and they must be proactive. Dungey has left behind some pretty big shoes to fill with his departure from the top of the sport. However, with this new 2018 Factory Edition KTM450SX-F, and a host of motivated riders who want to win just as fervently as Dungey did, we think the orange team is in pretty good shape heading into next year and beyond. With Day 1 in the books, Tuesday was set aside for two things: riding and driving. For the first half of the day, we drove out to Cahuilla Creek Raceway to do some riding with all of the other journalists. The track itself was in excellent condition and we all had fun putting in some laps. Unfortunately, the temperature was on the cool side and there was a very strong wind blowing. As you may remember, this was when multiple fires were burning throughout Southern California as the unpredictable Santa Ana winds were blowing across the State. We left the track and began the long drive to downtown Los Angeles where I would be meeting with the people from Husqvarna, USA. After a quick stop at Manhattan Beach to eat dinner and watch one of the famous California sunsets, I arrived at the eccentric, upscale Ace Hotel in downtown LA. This hotel is so cool that it really has to be seen to believe. A rooftop pool and vinyl record player in each room contributed to our great time over two definitely interesting nights.
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PALMS
AT THE HUSQVARNA PARTY HIGH ABOVE DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES, I WAS ABLE TO SIT DOWN AND CHAT WITH DEAN WILSON.
DREAMS
BIG
THIS IS YOUR 2018 ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM.
XXX
IN X X X
ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS AT THE TOP OF THE US BANK BUILDING WAS THE OUE SKYSPACE SLIDE THAT TOOK YOU OUT OVER THE SIDE OF THE 1,000 FOOT SKYSCRAPER.
The purpose of our stay in Los Angeles was to attend the official media launch of both the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, as well as the all-new Rockstar Edition FC450. This media party wasn’t just anywhere; it was 1,078 feet above the Los Angeles skyline at the top of the US Bank building. The OUE Skyspace is located in a 360 degree observation deck at the very top floor of the tallest building in California. With the city of surrounding mountains as the backdrop, Husqvarna USA introduced their 2018 race team, as well as their exciting new Rockstar Edition, FC450. After the presentation of both, journalists were allowed to hang out and talk with all of the team riders. It was an incredible evening, and it was very cool being in a place where normally I probably would never go. With the completion of the introductions to both the 2018 KTM and Husqvarna factory race teams, as well as their newest 450 motorcycles, it was time to head home and reflect on just what an awesome trip this was. As I mentioned earlier, going to California during the winter months is never a bad idea, but when you’re able to make this trip and do some riding and exciting things at the same time, the journey turns into an unforgettable adventure. I would like to say thank you to both KTM Canada and Husqvarna Canada for sending me on this incredible trip. These two companies have been dominating the industry with their exciting new products, as well as their innovative approach to our sport. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next, and what’s ahead in 2018.
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www.dragonalliance.com
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
I love the morning light and the aggression of this photo of Dillan Epstein, taken during practice at Pleasant Valley.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Dylan Wright drifts off a lip at Pleasant Valley.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Practice is always a good time to get shots, as the riders are feeling loose while figuring out the track. Jess Pettis goes for the one-legged whip at RJ’s.
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#FORMA BOOTS
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
The only time of the day the Gopher Dunes track is smooth.
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Distributed in Canada by:
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Ryan Villopoto is enjoying the retired life. Shot at his home in Poulsbo, Washington.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
One of the highest honours is to get to ride for your country. Shawn Maffenbeier represents the Maple Leaf in England at this year’s MX of Nations.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Mike Alessi (5) and Colton Facciotti (10) grab the early lead at Gopher Dunes.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
We were treated to some great racing in the MX1 class this year. Christophe Pourcel leads Dillan Epstein (108) and Colton Facciotti (10) at Pleasant Valley.
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T WO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN T H R O W B AC K P H O T O // J A M E S L I S S I M O R E
Mike Alessi darts through the shadows at Moncton.
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THE NEW WOLF RIDGE BY MARIN BIKES
WINNER OF THE PRESTIGIOUS 2018 DESIGN AND INNOVATION AWARD GET YOUR MARIN BIKE AT
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