Frid’Eh Update #7 | Colton Facciotti | Brought to You by Dirt Care
This week, we grabbed 6-time Canadian Motocross Champion Colton Facciotti for an interview for Frid’Eh Update #7 brought to you by Dirt Care
By Billy Rainford
Welcome to Week #7 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update brought to you by Dirt Care. Things are finally warming up here in London, Ontario. After dropping to -20C overnight, we’re actually heading up to -1 before the next 10 days see us above the freezing mark. I live on a crescent pretty close to the downtown core. We’re just about the last to get plowed, but they did manage to come by twice yesterday and throw up chunks of ice at the ends of our driveways.
As always, I ended up struggling through 3 piles before putting the snowblower back in the garage. It was the kind of piles that make you wonder if your just going to have to throw the machine into the garbage when you’re done. The other side of the street got the worst of it and it was piled up a couple feet high. Our neighbour drove me to drop the #DMXVan off to get wrapped a couple days ago, so I headed over to force the blower through the chunks. It wasn’t pretty but we got it done.
Have you been watching any of the Winter Olympics? I have a few sports that I enjoy every year. I grew up as a Motocrosser in the summer and a Downhill Skier in the winter, so we always paid close attention to all the skiing events, especially the downhill. I even did a speech on Franz Klammer!
My favourite type of skiing was always the moguls. I was a bit of a showboat when I was younger so this lent itself perfectly to showing off.
I remember when a “twister, twister, spread” was a highlight reel move for the top skiers. I’m not kidding. Nowadays, they’re doing multiple flips with multiple twists in the middle of their runs! It’s very impressive.
Today, Canadian Mikael Kingsbury (the legend) tied Australia’s Cooper Woods right down to the hundredth point! They had to use the final run to break the tie, giving it to the Aussie.
What was my go-to move, you ask? I made up a combination that I did all the time that started with a “butterfly” and moved into a “daffy.” Man, I thought that was something. Oh, and when was the last time you said “daffy”?
I just went looking for some old ski photos, came up empty, and got so side-tracked!
Now begins the thaw that will have everyone getting trigger happy to get out to the local tracks. No, it won’t happen overnight, but usually anywhere outside our city limits gets less snow than we do, so they’ll be ahead of us in the “Look, the grass is showing!” celebrations.
I’ve still got the same 2016 Yamaha YZ250 in the garage with Jeff McConkey‘s graphics and #739 on it. I don’t plan on changing that. I did make sure I mouse-proofed it this winter though. Last spring was a bit of a shock when I saw just how much the little critters had made themselves at home in the airbox of the trusty steed.
Since we don’t have a #7 in Canada this year (it’s actually Dylan Wright but he’ll be up for Week #9), we looked at who we could get in touch with for an interview. We may not have a 7-time champion, but we do have someone who is a 6-time winner!
Colton Facciotti won his 6th championship in 2019. He’s an interesting story in our sport’s history because he turned Pro at 14. He’s travelled all over the world racing dirt bikes. The only thing he hasn’t done is qualify for a 450 Supercross Main. It’s something he mentioned as a regret when we interviewed him for a trip down memory lane back in 2020.
You can read that interview HERE.
Colton is now a suspension guy and runs his own SSS shop at his place in Aylmer, Ontario. He does the suspension for the Priority MX GasGas Team and even lined up in some races in the Vet classes throughout the summer.
He lined up to qualify for the final Canadian Triple Crown Series MX National at Walton Raceway but didn’t head to the gate for the races. Don’t worry, I asked him about it.
Here’s what Colton had to say this week.
Direct Motocross: We’ve asked you a few times to go through your racing career in interviews over the years, so we won’t do that again here (I’ll link our other interviews). So let’s try to touch on some other things and talk about life since your 6th championship. No wait, let’s talk about how your day went at Walton Raceway back in 2009 when you knew you were going to ask Jocelyn to marry you on the stage. Could you focus on racing? How did you come up with that proposal idea and did she like it?
Colton Facciotti: I was fairly confident I was going to win that day, but it definitely added a little extra pressure knowing what I had planned. If I hadn’t won, I probably wouldn’t have proposed right then and there because it just would not have felt the same. As for how I came up with the idea, I am not really sure. It just felt right. We met at a racetrack, so proposing at one seemed fitting and meaningful. It has been such a huge part of our lives, so doing it on the stage at Walton felt like the perfect full circle moment. Thankfully, she loved it and it all worked out the way I hoped.
What hurts these days? Any previous injuries causing you any grief yet?
Honestly, my body is probably in the best shape it has been in years, maybe a little rounder these days though. I still deal with the usual aches and pains that come with racing for as long as I did. My neck is not in the greatest shape, but considering everything I have put it through over the years, I cannot really complain. Overall, I feel pretty fortunate.
My old friend Al Strickert (we started racing each other in 1982!) is down in Florida for a few months right now. He said you refreshed his suspension for him before he left. He also said that you were super down-to-earth and great to deal with and really helped him out. Would you say you were always like that or have you changed as you age?
Yeah, Al is a cool dude. We had a good chat when he came to pick up his suspension. I would say I am still the same person I have always been. It is funny how people perceive you. Sometimes what is in your own head can be way different from how others see you. In racing, you kind of have to carry a certain mindset and edge, and I learned a lot from that part of my career. Running a business is different though, so maybe I have adapted a bit in that sense. I have really been enjoying the suspension side of things and working with riders one on one.
We golfed together way back in 2009. Do you remember who won? I don’t. I also remember the long drive competition at the Walton National Monster Energy Golf Fundraiser was a battle between the two of us. I’m taking that one.
Well, I do not remember the long drive competition, so I think we can call it even. Sounds like we need a grudge match to settle it once and for all. Let me know when and where.
Ooh boy, that may have been the last time I golfed, but I’m in! Many probably don’t know this, or wouldn’t expect this, about you but you were a little “off the chain” as the kids are saying when the racing was finished back in your early days. Is there a story that stands out that you can tell here? Pretty big question, I know. I know one that I definitely can’t tell here…
I dont know where you got your info from but I was a perfect angel! Just a kid having a little bit too much fun maybe.
[Does anyone believe that?] Who from your racing days do you still keep in close contact with?
Blair (Morgan) is probably the one I keep in contact with most. He’s big into gaming so we usually play online a couple times a week.
You’re the 6-time champion, one more than JSR. However, Ross Pederson is up over 33 titles. Does someone your age think about his legacy or do you have to be even older to consider everything Rollerball accomplished? The guy was a machine.
He really was a machine. They had more classes back then, so there were more opportunities to win titles each year, but there is no taking away from what he accomplished. If I had raced in his era, he probably would have handed it to me more than a few times. Some of his international results are just as impressive as the championship numbers. When you step back and look at it all, his legacy is pretty incredible.
You went on to start up your own SSS shop. You were with the Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing team, and even had your shop in Derek Schuster’s attic. You moved your shop fairly recently and are no longer the guy doing the suspension for that team. Rumours have circulated but can you tell us how it happened that you parted ways?
I had a long history with GDR and we shared a lot of success during my racing career and after. I’m grateful they let me start my business there. Sometimes change is needed and I look forward to working closely with the other teams we support this year. I wish GDR nothing but the best.
And you have to tell us if you’re having fun riding again. You rode the Vet class for the Priority MX team last year. Did you train or just show up and race a couple times?
I had good intentions of riding a lot and getting back into shape, but that did not exactly happen. There was not a whole lot of working out, and I did not put as much time on the bike as I would have liked. That said, it was still a lot of fun being back at the races and especially riding alongside my kid. I am planning to ride a bit more this year and get him out practicing more too, but we will see how it all plays out.
And then you faked us all out like you were going to race the final round at Walton Raceway last summer, but pulled out. What’s that story? Any chance you’ll race another one?
It seemed like a great idea at the time, until it was 40 degrees, the track was rough, and I was already exhausted after practice. At that point, I decided it would be a lot more enjoyable to sit back and watch rather than line up and suffer through it. Never say never, but I am not making any promises.
How are the kids doing? Are you guys going to continue the MX racing? Are there other sports going on too?
Both kids are playing hockey, so we have spent most of the winter in arenas. Kamryn does not seem too interested in racing at this point, but Keagan is fully into it, and I am really looking forward to this summer with him riding.
Let’s leave it with this last question: who was your hero growing up?
It was always moto for me. The first guy I really looked up to was (Jeremy) McGrath. I still have a signed pair of goggles from him when I was younger. After that, it was Ricky (Carmichael) and JSR and a few other local guys.
OK, that was fun. Thanks, Colt. I hope you didn’t mind talking about all that stuff.
Thanks, Billy. I appreciate it.
Supercross Heads to Seattle for Round 6
Supercross heads to Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, for Round 6.
Schedule:
(Times are local/Pacific)
9:30am – 9:42am 250 Group C Qualifying (First 2 Minutes Free)
9:47am – 9:59am 250 Group B Qualifying (First 2 Minutes Free)
10:04am – 10:16am 250 Group A Qualifying (First 2 Minutes Free)
10:21am – 10:33am 450 Group A Qualifying (First 2 Minutes Free)
10:38am – 10:50am 450 Group B Qualifying (First 2 Minutes Free)
10:55am – 11:07am 450 Group C Qualifying (First 2 Minutes Free)
11:55am – 12:07pm 250 Group C Qualifying
12:12pm – 12:24pm 250 Group B Qualifying
12:29pm – 12:41pm 250 Group A Qualifying
12:46pm – 12:58pm 450 Group A Qualifying
1:03pm – 1:15pm 450 Group B Qualifying
1:20pm – 1:32pm 450 Group C Qualifying
3:30pm – 4:06pm Opening Ceremonies
4:06pm – 4:14pm 250 Heat #1 – 6 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 20 riders (1 – 9 to Main)
4:20pm – 4:28pm 250 Heat #2 – 6 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 20 riders (1 – 9 to Main)
4:34pm – 4:42pm 450 Heat #1 – 6 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 20 riders (1 – 9 to Main)
4:48pm – 4:56pm 450 Heat #2 – 6 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 20 riders (1 – 9 to Main)
5:21pm – 5:28pm 250 Last Chance Qualifier – 5 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 22 riders (1 – 4 to Main)
5:33pm – 5:40pm 450 Last Chance Qualifier – 5 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 22 riders (1 – 4 to Main)
5:56pm – 6:13pm 250 Main Event – 15 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 22 riders
6:29pm – 6:51pm 450 Main Event – 20 Minutes/Plus 1 lap – 22 riders
Broadcast:
Race Day Live starts at 1:00pm EASTERN.
Racing starts at 7:00pm EASTERN
Iron Horse Arenacross Series Starts Today in Rimbey, Alberta
****WHEN YOU ARRIVE****
When you arrive Thursday for Practice Day, or Friday morning early, you will first head to the Main front entrance of the Ag Centre. DO NOT start unloading bikes and gear! Entering the front doors you will find the line for Rider check in. There, the girls will ask you for proof of Waiver so have it ready. They will then check you in to your classes, give you practice sticker, wristbands and transponders if you purchased one. At the barn, it is cash only, so if you are purchasing practice stickers, wristbands or transponders, you will need cash! Doors open at 7:30 am.
Once you are all checked in, you will head back to your vehicle and drive to the west corner of the front of the building. You can then start unloading your bikes and gear and enter through the side door entrance door to the left of the roll up door and grab a spot in the general pit area. Pits are first come, first serve, NO Reserving spots!! If you want to Pit together, arrive together!! There are NO pit tents allowed unless you pay the $1500 Sponsor Fee. There will be limited space so please keep your set up small! No need to bring your garage inside. Once your stuff is unloaded, please park on the rear of the building to the south. Do not park near the big back door.
*** Absolutely No Starting Bikes Inside***
Fuel cans MUST stay outside. Once you get your bike and gear in the pits, you can then walk your fuel jug around to the west side of the building where the warm up area will be.
Please do not crowd the back door and be respectful and quickly get your stuff in and get your vehicle out of the way and parked. Everyone will be eager to get in.
There will be people in orange vests to help guide you through the process.
Once pitted, listen for announcements and check the Practice and Race Schedule boards for your Class order.
****Riders Meeting Mandatory for Rider and Mechanic****
See you Soon!!
FIM North American Arenacross Heads to Reno, Nevada
I drove across Highway 50 to Reno, NV one time. It’s something I can say that I did but will never do again. After the 9-hour drive across…NOTHINGNESS, I hit a sign that congratulated me for crossing the Loneliest Highway in North America. It wasn’t lying.
All I wanted was a Truckee hat or tee shirt but I couldn’t find one! Brad Nemeth, if you see this, grab me something from Truckee!
DOORS OPEN: 6:00PM
VIP EXPERIENCE: 6:00PM-7:00PM
LIVE TELEVISED SHOW: 7:30PM
Watch live on RYDETV.
Live Timing link HERE.
Toronto Motorcycle Show Next Weekend
The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersportd Show heads to Toronto February 20-22 at the Enercare Centre. See you there on Saturday.
Seth Enslow of Crusty Demons fame will be there all day Saturday and they’re even giving away his iconic Honda 250 from the video.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers out there! I put as many photos of Colton as I could in there, and those long video from Pala and in his truck, so I hope you enjoyed that little walk down memory lane. Enjoy all the racing this weekend.
“See you at the races...” | July 2010 video interview with Colton Facciotti
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