Frid’Eh Update #29 | Austin Jones | Brought to You by Dirt Care

Frid’Eh Update #29 | Austin Jones | Brought to You by Dirt Care

Week #29 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update belongs to Austin Jones from Perth, Ontario, and is brought to you by Dirt Care Cleaners and Lubricants

By Billy Rainford

Welcome to Week #29 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update brought to you by Dirt Care. I’m currently just over 2 hours from Riverglade at a McDonalds in Woodstock, NB. I passed on the chance to park by the World’s Longest Covered Bridge in Hartland simply because I’ve seen it before. In hindsight, anything would have been better than where I’m sitting right now…

The trip in a brand new van has been much less stressful than wondering if and when the OG #DMXVan was going to leave me stranded. I will say this: although the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan was pretty low on the luxury list, this new model has been made in a much cheaper way, I’d say. I’m guessing there’ just no way this one is going to last 10 years, but we’ll see. Maybe it’ll surprise me.

Austin Jones is the rider who earned #29 for the 2025 Canadian Triple Crown Series MX Nationals season. However, he has put the racing side of his career behind him and is keeping busy on the sidelines.

He’s started his own racing company called 223 Motorsports and that’s where you can find him working on bikes these days. You’ll also see him beside the points leader in the 250 Pro Am class this summer, #80 Preston Kilroy who now calls St. George, Utah, home.

Austin is coming off his best-ever result, 5th, last year in Pilot Mound, MB. It was an up-and-down season that closed the book on his pro level racing.

Here’s a look at his 2024 seaosn:

We got in touch with him to talk about his racing and all these new changes. Check it out:

Direct Motocross: Hey, Austin. Since you’re not on the gate this season, we’d better do a little look-back to start off here. In 2024 you finished 12th in the 250 class. Your results had a pretty big swing from 19th to 5th! Can you tell us about last summer.

Austin Jones: The summer started off rough in Calgary, honestly. I came into round 1 very sick and just did what I could. Come round 2 and 3 I was healthy and ready to show what I was capable of, getting my personal best 5th in a moto and 5th overall. After that it was just downhill and I’m not sure why that was.

And then you weren’t on the line this spring. Can you take us through that decision? When and why did it come about?

My passion for racing has been slowly fading for a few years, but my passion for the mechanical side has been growing for years. I told myself at the start of 2024 that it was all in for one more year and I did just that. At the end of the year I told KT (Kevin Tyler) I’m going to the mechanic side full time and him and I came up with a deal that let me also start my own business on the mechanical/modification side of it. I can confidently say I’ve made the right decisions and I’m happy I’ve done everything the way I’ve done it. 

That’s great to hear! Now we need to ask you what your racing highlight is?

I’ve been thinking about this one for a few days trying to figure it out. I think the highlight of all my racing days is the people I’ve met and the memories made. Looking back on all my days racing the biggest stand out isn’t a result but the memories made with good people.

We did a little preview video before Calgary this year and you talked about your new gig. Can you tell everyone what it is you’re doing for work away from the races?

223Motorsports is the business. I’ve had this idea for a few years but didn’t want to start a business until I could be full time with it. I’m heavy into the engine and bike modification as well as repairs. My goal with the business is to help the average customer get top level factory service. Myself and Alex Burke have been delivering just that and we look to keep building day by day! 

You’re still with the MX101 Yamaha gang. What is your role this summer?

I’m full time with the team now kind of just doing everything I can where and when it’s needed. Week to week is keeping the practice bikes rolling for all 3 guys and managing the bikes and parts’ side of things. During the summer when it’s race time, my main focus is Preston’s (Kilroy) race and practice bike. We’ve been working weekly to make his bike the best we can and inch closer to this title.

Are you still getting out on a bike?

I haven’t had time to ride at all. I did some stuff with Dirt Rider California back in December and that’d be the last time I’ve been out. Once the season is over I’d like to get out on PK’s race bike and spin a few laps. Other than that I don’t have much desire to ride these days.

What’s something you miss and something you don’t miss about racing the pro circuit?

About the only thing I miss is getting all the new gear! What I don’t miss would be the suffering on days like last weekend in the 40° heat. 

Ya, and that was the wildest day of racing we’ve ever seen last week at Sand Del Lee. What was it like from your perspective as a member of the MX101 crew?

Definitely a roller coaster of a day for sure. It was a few minutes of anger for sure, but at the end of the day we still have a title on the line for Preston, so it was a quick move on back into the right headspace so we can do what we need to win. 

I know there are some things going on behind the scenes right now with regards to rules, rulings, and general conduct. Have things been handled correctly so far this season?

I do not think things have been handled correctly.

Your rider, #80 Preston Kilroy, is looking pretty good right now with a 21-point lead in the 250 class. With just 3 rounds left, what do you tell him to focus on or is he the type of rider you just leave to his own thoughts?

Not so much of a telling him to focus on stuff but just reminding him of what got him to this point. Focus on the simple fundamentals and just keep repeating what is done week in and week out. The team is still helping him get the bike better as well to make his job easier. We still haven’t seen the best of him, Moncton and Walton will be where he really shines.

OK, thanks for talking with us this week. I’m glad to hear your post-racing life is going so well. Good luck with 223 Motorsports and the rest of the season. Who do you want to thank?

Thank you to everyone who supported my racing career and got me to this point. It wouldn’t have been possible without all the supporters and sponsors.

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We’re now heading to Round 6 at Riverglade MX just outside Moncton, New Brunswick. If Round 5 at Sand Del Lee was any preview, we’re in for another barn-burner of a weekend!

450 PRO POINTS

Place – Name Number – Hometown 5/31/2025 Finish 6/8/2025 Finish 6/28/2025 Finish 7/5/2025 Finish 7/12/2025 Finish Total Points 1st – TANNER WARD #84 – Woodstock, ON 6th 3rd 6th 1st 1st 193 2nd – PHIL NICOLETTI #29 – COCHECTON, NY 3rd 2nd 3rd 6th 4th 185 (-8) 3rd – QUINN AMYOTTE #14 – Blackstock, ON 4th 4th 5th 2nd 2nd 178 (-15) 4th – LARS VANBERKEL #107 – Hanover, ON 9th 7th 7th 3rd 6th 152 (-41) 5th – JESS PETTIS #1 – Saint-Alphonse-de-gr, QC 2nd 1st 1st     147 (-46) 6th – DANIEL ELMORE #377 – Telkwa, BC 13th 6th 4th 4th 5th 145 (-48) 7th – DYLAN WRIGHT #9 – Drummondville, QC 1st 9th 2nd 8th 16th 138 (-55) 8th – TANNER SCOTT #27 – Oro Medonte, ON 11th 11th 9th 11th 9th 103 (-90) 9th – PRESTON MASCIANGELO #71 – Waterford, ON     10th 5th 3rd 89 (-104) 10th – GAVIN BROUGH #31 – Mesquite, NV 7th 5th 13th 15th   87 (-106) 11th – SAM GAYNOR #28 – Flesherton, ON 10th 17th 17th 10th 7th 86 (-107) 12th – EVAN STICE #25 – Carmen, ID 5th 16th 8th 9th   84 (-109) 13th – PARKER EALES #18 – Maple Ridge, BC 8th 8th 14th 16th   78 (-115) 13th – NOAH PORTER #44 – Williams Lake, BC 12th 12th 22nd 12th 8th 78 (-115) 15th – TYLER SHEWCHYK #777 – St Thomas, ON 17th 13th 20th 13th 14th 54 (-139) 16th – JOSH BOAZ #233 – Eagan, MN     12th 7th   47 (-146) 17th – TREVOR SCHMIDT #69 – Rochester, NE     11th 14th   35 (-158) 18th – TEREN GERBER #482 – Calgary, AB 14th 10th       34 (-159) 19th – PAYTON MORNINGSTAR #292 – Fort Erie, ON 16th 19th 19th 17th   30 (-163) 20th – IZACK GUADAGNO #90 – Lac-Brome, QC     18th   10th 22 (-171)

I’m not sure what to think about the 450 class right now. The two pre-season favourites have been taken out of the equation. Failing another crazy day, Jess Pettis and Dylan Wright can really do anything other than try to win and see where points leader Tanner Ward and a Phil Nicoletti end up. Not to mention Quinn Amyotte with a 26-point lead over 4th place rider Lars Van Berkel!

In the 250 class, Preston Kilroy is looking very solid. Yes, he had a difficult second moto last week, but he’s still in solid control of this series. And if Austin’s prediction is correct, he’ll be even more difficult to beat in the clay of Riverglade and Walton.

Poor Ryder McNabb is dealing with another illness that is really messing with him and his results. After going to the hospital before the motos last week, he wasn’t able to finish the day. I don’t see a lot of heat and humidity in the forecast this week, and the clay-based track will allow him to go whatever speed he’s capable of. We’ll see just what that means.

Dylan Rempel has been great this summer. He’s now sitting comfortably in 2nd place, 21 down on Kilroy but 34 up on McNabb in 3rd. If Ryder flinches again this week, Sebastien Racine will leapfrog him and take over 3rd position.

250 PRO / AM POINTS

Place – Name Number – Hometown 5/31/2025 Finish 6/8/2025 Finish 6/28/2025 Finish 7/5/2025 Finish 7/12/2025 Finish Total Points 1st – PRESTON KILROY #80 – St George, UT 1st 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 229 2nd – DYLAN REMPEL #24 – Aylmer, ON 4th 4th 2nd 1st 2nd 208 (-21) 3rd – RYDER MCNABB #6 – MINNEDOSA, MB 2nd 1st 3rd 2nd   174 (-55) 4th – SEBASTIEN RACINE #12 – Casselman, ON 5th 14th 4th 3rd 1st 172 (-57) 5th – BLAKE DAVIES #34 – Mission, BC 6th 5th 6th 12th 6th 143 (-86) 6th – CLAYTON SCHMUCKI #35 – Red Deer County, AB 9th 9th 10th 14th 8th 117 (-112) 7th – NOAH VINEY #73 – Murrieta, CA 13th 7th 5th 10th 14th 115 (-114) 8th – COLE PRANGER #93 – Newbury, ON 11th 6th 8th 19th 16th 96 (-133) 9th – DYLAN WALSH #54 – CHRISTCHURCH, NZ 3rd 3rd   13th   93 (-136) 10th – WYATT KERR #64 – , ON     7th 6th 12th 82 (-147) 11th – LIAM DODDS #58 – Revelstoke, BC 14th 13th 14th 15th 20th 72 (-157) 12th – KYLE MURDOCH #37 – Winchendon, MA       7th 5th 63 (-166) 13th – ZACH UFIMZEFF #40 – Lake Country, BC 10th 11th 12th 21st   62 (-167) 14th – JOE TAIT #85 – Wilton, CT       8th 4th 61 (-168) 15th – JARED ALLISON #102 – Red Deer County, AB 12th 8th 11th     59 (-170) 16th – NATHAN GERMAIN #46 – Stoneham, QC     9th 9th 21st 56 (-173) 17th – RYDER MALINOSKI #981 – Wyoming, MN       5th 13th 53 (-176) 18th – TYLER GIBBS #22 – Abbotsford, BC 7th 10th       51 (-178) 19th – BOBBY GRAVEL #700 – FAUQUIER , ON 16th 12th 15th 18th   46 (-183) 20th – CORENTIN DIETZ #975 – Hudson, QC   15th 18th   11th 45 (-184)

WLTN Kawasaki Injury Update: Bobby Gravel

WLTN Kawasaki’s Bobby Gravel suffered a hard crash in Moto 1 this past weekend, resulting in a slight concussion. This incident follows another crash he experienced the previous week at Gopher Dunes

After evaluation at the end of the day, the team, in consultation with Bobby and his family, has decided that he will sit out at least one national round to prioritize recovery and reassess his health before returning to racing.

“Bobby is a young talent with a bright future in this sport,” said Melody Hodgson of WLTN Kawasaki. “We’ve noticed he hasn’t quite been himself recently, and we’re not willing to take any risks when it comes to his long-term health. He has full support from the team to take the time he needs to rest and return when he feels 100%.”

The entire WLTN Kawasaki team is behind Bobby and looks forward to his healthy return to the gate.

Videos from Sand Del Lee

I haven’t had a chance to get Faces at the Races up from last week, but will make sure to do that as soon as I get a chance. Fortunately, those columns aren’t as time sensitive as the racing stuff.

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Washougal!

(Times are Pacific.)

250 Class Points Standings

	Rider	Hometown	Points
1	Haiden Deegan	Temecula, CA	321
2	Jo Shimoda	Suzuka City, Japan	276
3	Levi Kitchen	Washougal, WA	214
4	Garrett Marchbanks	Coalville, UT	214
5	Tom Vialle	Avignon, France	202
6	Mikkel Haarup	Silkeborg, Denmark	182
7	Michael Mosiman	Sebastopol, CA	169
8	Maximus Vohland	Sacramento, CA	141
9	Chance Hymas	Pocatello, ID	132
10	Jordon Smith	Belmont, NC	128
11	Seth Hammaker	Bainbridge, PA	122
12	Ty Masterpool	Fallon, NV	114
13	Dilan Schwartz	Alpine, CA	113
14	Julien Beaumer	Lake Havasu City, AZ	106
15	Jalek Swoll	Belleview, FL	103
16	Ryder DiFrancesco	Bakersfield, CA	103
17	Parker Ross	Herald, CA	93
18	Casey Cochran	Portsmouth, VA	88
19	Drew Adams	Chattanooga, TN	87
20	Nate Thrasher	Livingston, TN	85

450 Class Points Standings

	Rider	Hometown	Points
1	Jett Lawrence	Landsborough, Australia	337
2	Hunter Lawrence	Landsborough, Australia	286
3	Justin Cooper	Cold Spring Harbor, NY	247
4	Eli Tomac	Cortez, CO	246
5	R.J. Hampshire	Hudson, FL	221
6	Aaron Plessinger	Hamilton, OH	204
7	Jorge Prado	Lugo, Galicia, Spain	174
8	Cooper Webb	Newport, NC	151
9	Malcolm Stewart	Haines City, FL	134
10	Joey Savatgy	Thomasville, GA	124
11	Coty Schock	Dover, DE	113
12	Valentin Guillod	Switzerland	112
13	Jason Anderson	Edgewood, NM	111
14	Benoit Paturel	France	104
15	Harri Kullas	Estonia	97
16	Justin Barcia	Monroe, NY	81
17	Chase Sexton	La Moille, IL	75
18	Colt Nichols	Muskogee, OK	67
19	Lorenzo Locurcio	Venezuela	59
20	Mitchell Harrison	Lansing, MI	59

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Short and sweet this week. We’ve got a time change I’m dealing with and a few more miles before I make it to Riverglade. Have a great weekend.