Faces at the Races | 2025 MXON | Direct Motocross Canada

I think what a lot of people were looking forward to seeing was Jo Shimoda on a 450 for Team Japan. He did not disappoint! His 2-6 motos in the Open class propelled his team to 11th overall.

Eli Tomac put on his cape and almost got the job done, finishing 2nd to defending champions Team Australia. The crowd cheers followed him around the track each moto.

RJ Hampshire came in injured and it’s the only thing that can explain his 7 falls. Wild.

What an amazing experience for young Luke Dodds from Revelstoke, BC racing the Yamaha bLU cRU World Finale.

Not only did Chandler Powell grab an impressive win in the 65 class, but Adam Powell set me up with some exercises that should have this torn rotator cuff sorted out in no time.

I’m always amazed at how some people can sit down anywhere and crank out a chapter or two. Don’t get me wrong, I like to read, I just can’t do it wherever I am.

It was cool to see the Acerbis gang in the Team Canada pits to drop off some tric goodies for the riders.

There they go now! And are those Preston Petty plates? 😉 I’m old.

I didn’t get the official pit shirts photo, so this one will have to do.

Kourtney getting interviewed after Canada got 8th gate pick.

Knuckles for Godbout. (Great 1980’s band…)

Some called this the ‘shot of the week.’

Cale Foster is a calming influence in the pits and on the wrenches.

And Austin Jones is a bit of a wild man!

Tanner Ward rides for Priority MX. Colton Facciotti does too and is #45 at home. Coincidence or influence?

Quinn Amyotte was helping out wherever he could. He was fresh off another Corduroy Enduro. YOu can watch that video on our YouTube channel. #shamelessplug

I still don’t know the story with this GasGas bike done up in Suzuki graphics.

The best part of any MXON is usually taking a walk through the pits and the stands.

Being in Indiana, Canada was well represented.

The crowd would have been deafening with Haiden Deegan on the team on this track.

Tanner Ward signing some autographs in the pits.

Meanwhile, the team did whatever they could to get his 450 through sound. What pile of rags? I didn’t see anything…

“Billy will take the photo!” Oh, so you’re saying you don’t want me IN this photo? Gotcha.

It was great to see Mr. MXON Antonio Cairoli on the track on the new Ducati.

Jett Lawrence packing the gate for Hunter Lawrence during Friday’s start practice.

Maximillian Spies having some fun.

Kay De Wolf went for a low 5 with Kyle Wolfe. I’ve seen his photo posted all over the place without credit. Man, I hate those lame Facebook pages that do crap like that and then act like they were there. #itoldyouimold

Tanner waiting to rip some starts.

“Hey Sebastien, glasses on or off?”

The answer was “on.”

This was Kyle Thompson’s pose for every shot I took of him, I think.

Team Canada making sure the important stuff gets where it needs to be for the parade.

No wait, it was the flag that needed to be there.

What an experience for these young riders. Remember when you rode an airplane 65, 80, or 125? Can you imagine?

It doesn’t matter that it’s a weird loophole, what an experience for our old friend Chris Blackmer getting the chance to race this event.

One of the local schools is the Royal Mounted. We thought it had to be a good omen…

That’s the mayor of Crawfordsville, ID. This parade brought the entire town out. It was really good!

Jo and…the other guys.

Local pizza guy getting in on the action.

Martin Barr is the “new” Tanel Leok.

Back in the 90’s, I had a good friend who was friends with the driver of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. True story.

This guy had to hold a wheelie for the entire parade (no front wheel), which must have been 1 1/2 hours long. Impressive.

The rival local high school.

One of these kids was the son of a lady who was standing behind me.

Kourtney Lloyd going with the classic Sears catalog pose.

I don’t know who all the Canucks were, but they were in full force.

This guy was acting like he was thrilled to see Team Canada then made me take this photo.

Proud parents. And Sebastien rode very well!

Someone handed Tanner a chainsaw and he went to town.

Jess Pettis took a turn.

We were all pretty skeptical about getting from the track to downtown, but it turned out great.

Disco ball helmet. Nice touch.

Doug Pettis getting in on the action.

Then random people started yelling at me to take their photos. Sure. I don’t care.

What’s in the bottle, sir?

Time out! James needs to take a call. Can we get you to be quiet for a minute?

I see a couple familiar faces in there!

World champ coming through!

Ya, there were no surprises at the top this year.

The crowd went insane for these guys.

And I always go insane for this guy! Did I hear the John Tomac drop bars are coming back into fashion?

Like I said, the downtown parade was a total hit!

Dinner time photo op!

Hey Megan, look, no raindrops.

This little guy’s bike wouldn’t run before his bLU cRU race.

So many stories at these big races.

Atta boy, Ben.

Team Manager in a very managerial stance.

Jeff Ryan is in the Team MVP conversation.

Spotted Canucks!

River Glade connection.

Big T Wizzy supporter.

He bought my most expensive Scott bike from me, so he gets 2 shots.

The highlight of the MXON had to be young Chandler Powell taking the 65cc win infront of a packed house. What a memory for them.

These guys again!

The Irish guys ran out on the track before the races and got taken away. Kicked out, you ask? Heck no. They were taken to the exit and let back it.

Kourtney showing the TV crew around the Team Canada pits.

Jo ready to go.

Some guy had a flag and wanted Ken Roczen to sign it. He walked right past the line that looped around the rig and down into the pits. Ken shut him down pretty quickly.

We didn’t make it straight to the A Races so Sunday morning meant we head to race the B Main where only the winning team made it through.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan.

Alan Brown was on hand keeping the Yamahas ticking away.

Kourtney and Ben heading down to qualifying.

There’s still a part of me that takes offence to the use of the word “Ironman,” but I guess I should get over it.

Booo, Estonia…Booo! Lol

Jess got interviewed by the MXGP crew before the race.

Kyle Thompson getting the shots. Hey, I don’t want to accuse of being a welcher, Kyle, but…

Tanner was pretty bummed after his qualifying race and stayed a while after the rest had headed back to the pits.

You have to take advantage of seeing Tony at this race while you can!

The other half of the first couple of MXGP racing.

Jonathan Bergeron was in the 125 bLU cRU race that was held on Championship Sunday.

#28 was Jayden Lacombe.

And #183 was Chase Nemeth.

Jonathan pulled off an impressive 2nd place.

Canadian shirts were lurking all over the place.

If you look closely, you can see all of Slovenia up there on his shoulders…

Maybe from this angle.

I still laugh at these costumes.

Caleb Vankoughnett ready for the Supermini race.

Luke Dodds.

More or less stressed not racing himself?

Talon Medaglia getting himself in the zome before the Supermini race.

Let’s go!!!

Back in the pits the food was smelling delicious.

West coast connection, Dan Delaplace and Ruben Springman. Good peeps.

Team Canada Assistant Manager, Kyle Springman. Or is it “Assistant to the Manager…”

Just maintaining…

Brown Dog Wilson.

Monster Girls. I took a photo her on the edge and then walked across the start line. It would have been insulting if I didn’t snap a shot of each one.