Frid’Eh Update #40 Presented by Rekluse

By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford

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Week #40 belongs to Tennessee racer, Mike Brown. – Bigwave photo

Welcome to the 40th week of the DMX Frid’Eh Update Presented by Rekluse. #40 in 2015 belonged to the rider who really needs no introduction…unless he’s running #40! Mike Brown from Tennessee has done his fair share of racing north of the border. He spends most of his time these days in the Geico Endurocross Series, jumping water holes, slipping over wet logs, and traversing corners filled with odd shape rocks – Endurocross is not easy!

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#311 Mike Brown raced the Ottawa National in 2014 on a Husqvarna 450. He placed 6-9 for 8th in the MX1 class. – Bigwave photo

 

It seems like Mike has been career #3 in the USA for as long as you can remember, doesn’t it? Well, he’s still using it in EX. His last race was in Denver, October 3rd where he placed 7th. He is currently siting comfortably in, you guessed it, 3rd place in the championship standings with 3 rounds left.

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We’ll see if we can get in touch with the busy Brown and give you an update on what he’s been up to and when we can expect to see him back in Canada next. – Bigwave photo

 

The next round is up in Everett, Washington, October 17th. You can watch some highlight of the Denver round right here.

 

 

We were unable to get in touch with Mike before going to ‘print’ with this Update, but we’ll talk to his good buddy, Donk, and try to get a short interview up on the site with him.

 

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Distributed in Canada by Mongoose Machine, be sure to check them and get one of these things in your new ride! Jeff has one in his Yamaha and loves it.

Jeff McConkey

Hey, guys. Real quick for me this week. The Sarnia Round off the AX Tour goes off tonight and tomorrow. The first 2 rounds looked to be a success. This series has a lot of things going for it. They definitely have the star power. The top riders have shown up and the racing has been great. I’m really excited to see what the future brings from these guys.

 

Redbull Straight Rhythm goes off this weekend, and that means Monster Cup is just around the corner, and that Monster Energy Supercross isn’t that far away.

 

Well, the Toronto Blue Jays game is about to start, that’s it for me. Be sure to check out this week’s ‘Out of the Blue‘ with Stephanie Proulx. I also caught up with Cade Clason. Cade is a fun-loving guy and it shows in his interview.

In case you missed it, here it is again:

Catching Up with…Cade Clason

By Jeff McConkey

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Let’s find out a little more about the Canadian Nationals’ new friend, Cade Clason. – Bigwave photo

If you attended any of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals this past season, you definitely would have noticed the #761 Redemption Racing Fly Dragon KTM 450 of Cade Clason. Cade was consistently the rider chasing the top 4 in the premiere MX1 class and finished an impressive 6th in the championship. We got to know the friendly Ohio-turned-South-Carolina native pretty well over the summer; he’s an easy guy to talk to. We caught up with him at his home at Club MX to get his thoughts on the season and find out what his future plans are…and learn what his favourite Canadian dish is.

Direct Motocross: Hey, Cade. How’s it going?

Cade Clason: Hey, guys. It’s been going good. Just enjoying my off-season. Being able to relax and not travel has been really nice!

What are you up to today? 

Another day at Club MX. We have gotten a lot of rain lately so I wasn’t able to ride but was able to get in a long run, so it was still productive.

For those who don’t know you, tell us where you are from and a little about yourself.

 

Well, I’m 20 years old, originally from Ohio where I grew up on a horse farm but never really got into it. After a childhood friend got me into riding, it became my life and now I live in South Carolina at Club MX Training Facility. I’ve been racing since I was about 7 years old and have been racing professionally since I was 18. But other than riding, you can usually find me cycling, fishing, and occasionally working on my golf game.

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“…after Glen Helen we went in separate ways and the Redemption Racing team couldn’t have called at a better time.” – Bigwave photo

It looked like you were ready to compete in the AMA Nationals and then you had some issues. Can you tell us about it?

 

Ya, after the Supercross season ended, I was super-excited because I love racing outdoors. But the team I was signed with was having a lot of money problems. They weren’t able to hold up their end of the deal, so after Glen Helen we went in separate ways and the Redemption Racing team couldn’t have called at a better time.

You filled in for Nathan Bles on the Redemption Racing KTM team. How did that come together?

Well, Nathan, the Jeffery brothers and I became good friends during the winter while they were at Club MX. While they were there, I met Josh Snider, the team manager of Redemption. Eric Jeffery, knowing I was unhappy with my current situation in the states, threw my name in the mix for a fill-in after Nathan got hurt (Thanks again, buddy!) So, that’s really how it all happened.

How much did you know about our series, before Round 1 in Kamloops?

 

Honestly, not much at all. I really only saw a few rounds the past year after watching (Mike) Alessi at a few rounds.

At first it was rumoured that you would be just filling in for the West Coast. What was the deciding factor for you to continue with the team and go East?

 

I think it was a mixture of good results, me fitting in so well with the team, and Nathan’s healing process taking longer than expected.

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Cade finished tied for 6th overall with Bobby Kiniry, but his better moto finish gave him the spot in the standings. – Bigwave photo

You had a fantastic first season here in Canada and finished 6th overall in MX1. Did you expect to do this well?

 

Not at all. I was so happy with my results. I didn’t expect to love the bike as much as I did and it all just worked out so well.

What was the hardest part of our series and our Country for you to adjust to?

It was actually a super-easy transition. Living with the Jeffreys was great. Speaking to some of the people in Quebec was definitely not easy, but besides that, it was really easy!

Can you tell us your favourite track and least favourite track?

Calgary was by far my favourite and Nanaimo, I’m pretty sure, is everyone’s least favourite.

Did you have a favourite item, or maybe favourite food or drink that we have in Canada that you can’t get back home in America?

Poutine. As long as I can eat it I don’t care if I can spell it (Laughs).

As an AMA regular, what do you think our series could do to improve?

Really, the series is great. Maybe just some track prep at certain tracks and some more CMRC guys to help out! My guy, Daryl (Murphy), works hard and could use some more help.

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Will we see Cade back in 2016? “Heck ya! I’m so excited to come back! When they told me they wanted me back, I couldn’t wait to say yes.” – Bigwave photo

Is the plan to come back for 2016 with a big #6 on a Redemption Racing KTM?

Heck ya! I’m so excited to come back! When they told me they wanted me back, I couldn’t wait to say yes.

You have a year of Canadian racing under your belt. What is it going to take to get you on the podium, and eventually fighting for wins?

Really, I came in super-unprepared with only one day on a KTM. With some testing and days on the bike, some better starts and now knowing all the tracks heading into them, I know I can be on the podium.

You are one of the regulars at Club MX in South Carolina. What does a usual day and week look like down at Club?

It kind of depends on what time of year it is. Right now, we are doing what our trainers call “boot camp.” We all wake up and either go cycling or running. Then, after breakfast, we will head out and ride for a few hours, working sections or doing motos. Then, a strength workout in the early afternoon and then another session of cardio, either running or cycling.

What are your plans for the off-season? Will we be cheering for the #761 in any AMA Supercross rounds?

The plan is to race some Supercross. I’m not completely sure who for yet but I will be racing the 450 class. I got cut short this past season from injury and I’m ready to make more mains and show people what I can do.

Thanks for your time, Cade. Who would you like to thank?

I really need to thank my family – they are always helping me to make the right decisions to push me forward. Also, I want to thank the entire Redemption Racing team, including the Snider family and the Jeffery family – they made my time in Canada amazing and I can’t wait to be back. Also, I have to throw in a ‘thank you’ to my guys, “MC” and Bigwave for the interview.

We need to send well wishes to Ontario rider Christian Sparks. Christian broke both ankles and a wrist in a nasty but avoidable crash. Get well soon, buddy. Have a great weekend and don’t eat too much turkey. I’m off to Motopark to spin some laps Saturday and put some new FXR gear through its paces. See you next week, and don’t forget to #smileforBC!

Billy Rainford

Thanks for mailing it in this week, Jeff! I’m in a huge rush to get west on the 402 to the Sarnia rounds of the Canadian National AX Tour Presented by Royal Distributing and was really hoping to cut it short, myself, this week! Hey, Justin Thompson, tell the riders to wait for me, will ya?! (Actually, I’ve just heard they haven’t really gotten things going yet as they wait for the track to dry from the rain…)

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Yes, it’s on to the 3rd and 4th rounds of the AX Tour. The first two rounds in London were really good! The racing up at the front was spectacular and I think a lot of the Pro riders who were giving arenacross a go for the first time realized just how fast those top guys go! In fact, many didn’t return for Saturday’s racing. Arenacross racing takes some time to get used to if all you’ve done is wide-open racing outdoors. Things go wrong very quickly if you force moves and rhythm sections. Of course, it’s a tightrope walk because you have to be agressive but you need to stay in command of the bike or you end up in the stands, on your head, or on someone else’s head! It happens in the blink of an eye.

Speaking of outdoors, the Hiawatha Park rounds in Sarnia are actually outside. I wasn’t able to get over to Press Day Thursday but the track should make for some fast-paced action. It rained here overnight but the forecast s for a clearing trend and warm temperatures. We’ve got a 30% chance of rain at 2pm and then it’s down to 1% for the rest of the night and 15 degrees C. Saturday is supposed to be sunny and 17. Not bad. Get over to Sarnia and check this racing out!

Point Standings

Unofficial Point Standings after 2 Rounds

AX Lites Pro

1. 7 Bobby Kiniry YAM 47

2. 100 Jacob Hayes KAW 47

3. 101 Chris Blose KAW 40

4. 20 Dylan Wright YAM 33

5. 373 Jacob Williamson KAW 31

6. 727 Dave Blanchet KAW 29

7. 65 Scott Champion KAW 28

8. 204 Justin Roney HON 26

9. 10 Nathan Bles KTM 25

10. 34 Westen Wrozyna HON 25

 

AX Pro

1. 7 Bobby Kiniry YAM 47

2. 148 Cole Thompson KTM 45

3. 101 Chris Blose KAW 42

4. 373 Jacob Williamson KAW 34

5. 100 Jacob Hayes KAW 30

6. 20 Dylan Wright YAM 29

7. 10 Nathan Bles KTM 28

8. 65 Scott Champion 26

9. 34 Westen Wrozyna HON 25

10. 727 Dave Blanchet 14

 

Clash for Cash

1. 100 Jacob Hayes KAW 47

2. 148 Cole Thompson KTM 45

3. 373 Jacob Williamson KAW 33

4. 101 Chris Blose KAW 30

5. 727 Dave Blanchet KAW 30

6. 7 Bobby Kiniry YAM 29

7. 34 Westen Wrozyna HON 29

8. 20 Dylan Wright YAM 27

9. 10 Nathan Bles KTM 25

10. 204 Justin Roney HON 13

New riders to watch here in Sarnia! Wasn’t sure who the rider with the big #3 that wasn’t named Medaglia and it turns out Karl Normand made the trip from Quebec. This arenacross journeyman actually just finished 2nd to Bobby Kiniry last weekend in Albany, New York, and won the Quebec Arenacross Series. He’s big and has never been known to fear throwing his weight around. Fast AND aggressive. This should make for some added excitement here tonight!

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Quebec SX Champion, Karl Normand, has made the trek to Sarnia. He took 2nd to Bobby Kiniry last week in Albany, NY. – Bigwave photo

 

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Watch all the action live tomorrow (Saturday) from Pomona, California, starting at 3:30pm Eastern Time. You can watch it on Red Bull TV or on Apple TV. This event was a huge hit last year, so let’s see how it goes this year.

From Red Bull.com:

The list of invited riders now includes James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Cole Seely, Blake Baggett, Jason Anderson, Broc Tickle, Andrew Short, Weston Peick, Ken Roczen, Davi Millsaps, Kyle Chisholm, Justin Barcia, Nick Wey, Jake Weimer, Justin Brayton, Phil Nicoletti, and Malcolm Stewart.

Tyler Medaglia Injury Update

If you read the site earlier this week, you would have seen that Parts Canada Thor Husqvarna rider Tyler Medaglia crashed out of the Amsoil GNCC race in Pennsylvania last weekend. The crash will likely keep him out of action until the final GNCC at Ironman MX in November. Here is the Update from Monday:

Tyler Medaglia Injury Update

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Parts Canada Thor Husqvarna’s roving racer, #3 Tyler Medaglia, headed to Pennsylvania to race round 11 of the Amsoil GNCC series last weekend. If you looked at the results, you would have seen that his day ended after just 3 laps. His Twitter post said he fell and banged his head so we got in touch with him to get a few more details and get an update on his condition.

Tyler said “…it was cold and rainy. I fell and hit my head on a rock and tried to keep riding but was dizzy and I threw up when I came back into the pits.”

Wisely, that was the end of round 11 for the Nova Scotia rider who added that it’s “just frustrating to put a lot of work in and to have driven all that way.”

When asked if he’d try to race the next round October 18th in Ohio, he said he would “like to see what the deal is but I might have to wait until Ironman (the final round in Indiana, November 1st).”

Good luck getting back at it, Tyler.

Nitro Circus

The Nitro Circus makes a stop in Toronto this coming Wednesday. We’ll be there to check out all the craziness that is a Nitro event. Unfortunately, Canadian superstar, Jolene Van Vugt, is still out of commission after hurting herself a while ago. We attended the last time it was in Hamilton last year and it was a jaw-dropping experience. Truthfully, I don’t know how they can do what they do on such an extensive tour schedule – there will be nobody left in the end! Seriously, it’s that crazy. Get out and check one of these things out for yourselves. Here is the entire North American schedule. Grueling? Uh, yes.

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The Future West Canadian Arenacross Championships takes a little break out west until the Cloverdale, BC rounds, November 6-7. Last weekend, rounds 1 and 2 took place in Armstrong, BC.

Future West Canadian Arenacross Championships Round 1-2 Pro Results

October 3-4, 2015

Armstrong, BC

Round 1 – Friday

Pro Am Lites

1. 1 Ross Johnson HON

2. 18 Brad Nauditt YAM

3. 153 Riley Gallup KTM

4. 474 Jake Anstett KTM

5. 24 Kyle Swanson SUZ

6. 101 Ryan Lockhart KAW

7. 51 Brock Leitner KAW

8. 39 Jess Pettis YAM

Open Pro

1. 1 Ross Johnson HON

2. 101 Ryan Lockhart KAW

3. 18 Brad Nauditt YAM

4. 153 Riley Gallup KTM

5. 24 Kyle Swanson SUZ

6. 39 Jess Pettis YAM

7. 474 Jake Anstett KTM

8. 51 Brock Leitner KAW

9. 176 Colby Wellings HSK

10 692 TJ Dillman

Round 2 – Saturday

Pro Am Lites

1. 1 Ross Johnson HON

2. 474 Jake Anstett KTM

3. 101 Ryan Lockhart KAW

4. 18 Brad Nauditt YAM

5. 24 Kyle Swanson SUZ

6. 39 Jess Pettis YAM

7. 51 Brock Leitner KAW

Open Pro

1. 18 Brad Nauditt YAM

2. 1 Ross Johnson HON

3. 39 Jess Pettis YAM

4. 101 Ryan Lockhart KAW

5. 474 Jake Anstett KTM

6. 51 Brock Leitner KAW

7. 24 Kyle Swanson SUZ

8. 176 Colby Wellings HSK

DNF 692 TJ Dillman SUZ

© Clayton Racicot Photography (CRP)

Ross Johnson holds a commanding points lead after two rounds but won’t be competing the entire series (Now hang on a minute. We’re hearing Ross’ trip to Europe may be canceled. Will we see him do the whole series? Stay tuned…). Who will step up to take the #1 plate? © Clayton Racicot Photography (CRP)

Monster Energy Cup

Yes, it’s almost that time again! Saturday, October 17th is the date. Canadian Casey Keast will battle the top Supermini Supercross riders again this year. He’s already down south putting in laps on the tracks and it looks like he’s getting pretty comfortable:

Casey Keast Triple

This is from Dean Keast’s Facebook page: “Nailed the big triple at the Yamaha test track.”

Super Mini Riders – 2015 Monster Energy Cup

Austin Black 55 KTM
Blake Hoag 19 Kawasaki
Casey Keast 21 Yamaha
Chase Fasnacht 30 Kawasaki
Clayton Clary 431 Kawasaki
Connor Mullennix 288 KTM
Devin Xindaris 77 Kawasaki
Dilan Schwartz 74 KTM
Hannah Hodges 172 Kawasaki
Haruki Yokoyama 86 Honda
Jesse Flock 926 KTM
Jo Shimoda 47 KTM
Joshua Varize 24 KTM
Justin Rodbell 58 KTM
Kaed Kniffing 85 KTM
Lance Kobusch 99 Kawasaki
Marcus Phelps 135 KTM
Max Miller 604 KTM
Pierce Brown 63 KTM
Seth Hammaker 510 ?
Stilez Roberson 325 Kawasaki
Vincent Luhovey Jr 4 Honda
Gavin Leachman 109 Yamaha
Zack Darnley 156 Kawasaki

Good luck, Casey!

2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Schedule

2016 AMA National Schedule

Monster Energy SX Schedule

While we’re at it…

Direct Motocross Poll Results – Who is Canada’s ‘Rider of the Year?‘

OK, it’s time to reveal the post the results. After a late Facebook campaign by a few friends of several riders, the result are final and official. Canada’s 2015 Very Unofficial ‘Rider of the Year‘ is…

Microsoft Word - Impressive rider 2015.docxWith these Facebook campaigns, poor Colton Facciotti didn’t stand a chance, so I left him off the chart.

Thank you for playing along in this poll. We’ll get a new one up soon.

OK, I’ have to hop in the van and go check out Pro practice and some of the amateur racing in Sarnia. Thanks for reading and have a great Thanksgiving Weekend. Are you a turkey or a ham family? We’ve always gone with turkey.

Check back later for a little video and some photos from today. There’s a strong wind and the sky is clearing up, so the racing should be great!

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Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! – wblk.com image

PS OK, I’ve made it to Sarnia. They are running a little behind schedule but the track is bone dry. The spectators all get to sit indoors and won’t miss a single second of the bar-banging action under the lights tonight. Get over here while you still can!

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It’s only around 13 degrees C (58F) but the stands are all indoors and the track is tight should make for some exciting action. Get over here! – Bigwave photo

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The start sweeps to the left and into a rhythm section. It could get interesting when it’s for money! – Bigwave photo

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Only 2 65cc riders that I saw were doing the finish line catapult jump. – Bigwave photo

We will be perched way up in the sky for tonight’s live broadcast that you can tune in to HERE at 7:10pm. It will be live video with me, Chris Pomeroy, and Ryan Gauld on the microphones.

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Click HERE to be taken to the live broadcast at 7:10pm Friday and Saturday.

NOW, go have a great weekend. I’m going to leave this @TimHortons and head back across the street to catch Pro practice. Check back later for a few photos and maybe a lap or two of video.