Out of the Blue

Jan 29 2010 - 8:22am - Angie Parker

Rookie Courtney Stelter to race Nationals

I want you all to check out www.schradermotors.com. Schrader’s Motors is a big supporter of women’s motocross; in return show your support of Schrader’s. You should also become a fan of Schrader’s – click here: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Schraders/94509564581?ref=ts

In the Yorkton, SK area? Stop by and check out Schrader’s awesome selection of moto gear. Schrader’s carries Fox, Thor and Troy Lee and other major brands.

Schrader riders Denaye Giroux and Shawn Maffenbeier have made a deal with Troy Lee Canada and Pace Sports for the 2010 season. They will both be on the Pro Sponsorship with Troy Lee gear and Gaerne boots, thanks to Derek and Lori at Troy Lee Canada.

So as you already know, DMX was at the International Motorcycle Show in Toronto a few weeks ago. Our booth was decked out and showed off a sweet Victoria Hett replica bike, with the number 1 plate, Lime Nine/DMX graphics and all, thanks to KTM Canada!

Tory's replica bike at the International Moto Show. Dan Paris photo

The CEC champ was in Mexico recently spending her days off-roading some renta-scooters. Tory’s been super busy planning her 2010 schedule. First off her 2008 KTM 250 is for sale (send me an email if your interested).

Tory sent me this message last week:

I pick up "Poppy" my trials bike this week. It's been having some work done on it in Vernon. Now it's ready to rip though so I'll be hopping along in no time! I’m going down to the Vancouver Motorcycle show and plan on doing some trials riding while I’m there. Still stoked for the CEC series this year and plan on hitting up all east and west rounds. I think I'll be racing the A class against the guys just to punish myself and prepare myself for the ISDE in mexico later this year.

...Speaking of the ISDE, Tory is putting together a women’s team for 2010. More on that next column. In the meantime, check out her blog: http://victoriahett.blogspot.com/

Women's Nationals Update

At the moto show, CMRC’s Brett Lee was telling me how the 2010 women’s nationals will have shorter motos. Prior to this, I had some Out of the Blue readers send me messages asking if the rumour they heard was true. Well, it is. I know that’s gonna piss a lot of you off, but I know it will make the rest of you really happy, since some of you had asked the CMRC for shorter motos. Brett also mentioned that he’s hoping that the shorter motos will help more ladies come out to race and will work towards full gates. As you noticed last year, the gates were definitely lacking riders.

Brett: "It may also make the racing closer, more exciting and a stronger draw. Motos will still be 15 min long..."

The motos will be 12 minutes + 2 laps.

Getting to Know: Courtney Stelter

At the International Moto Show I met Edmontons Courtney Stelter. She was in Toronto with her brother Dylan and their father Dave. Dylan was one of the riders showcased in the MX Stars of Tomorrow display at the show. Since Courtney is new to the nationals this year, I thought we should get to know her.

Courtney Stelter
Age: 14
Bike: KTM SX 105
Number: 30
Home track: Castrol Raceway Alberta

DMX: Since this will be your first year racing the national series, what club were you racing with prior?

Courtney: I was racing in the Alberta CMRC Provincial Series and the Southern Series.

What made up your mind about racing the nationals?

The chance for better exposure, tougher competition, and to ride the different tracks.

Will you race all rounds?

Kamloops, Calgary, Edmonton…possibly Manitoba and the Quebec and Ontario races. We will definitely be at the Walton Trans Can for 2010.

What rider would be your biggest competition?

I don't really know where I stand in the ranks right now, as I broke my femur in May of 2009, I was in the top 20 at the 2008 Castrol Pro National, but I am shooting for top 10 results this year.

Courtney broke her femur last spring, but the injury hasn't damaged her ambitions. Martin Hansen photo

What are your long term goals?

For racing, I am hoping to become a smarter, stronger and overall a faster racer. I am training hard this winter to ensure that I am in top physical and mental shape for this season. As for school, I am finishing grade nine online and hope to maintain my honours level.

Other racing plans for this year:

For the 2010 season, I am racing Supermini and Junior B in the Alberta Series as well as Ladies A. I hope to place top five in the ladies class, at least top 10 in Supermini and to just ride Junior B for experience.

Sponsors/Supporters:

My top supporters are my mom and dad for sure. My brother Dylan for teaching me everything I know, and all the rest of my family and friends for supporting me the last couple of years. I would also like to thank Cycleworks, Iron Brothers, Horseshoe Diesel Repair, and DDS Welding and Fabrication.

Look for Courtney Stelter at the national rounds this year. Photo by Martin Hansen

Endurance

If you haven't heard of the photo book Endurance, then I doubt that you have been reading DMX lately. So if that's you, here's the low down: New York's Theresa Ortolani followed American pro GNCC rider Nathan Kanney at races for about three years and shot almost every moment encountered.

What I think is fabulous about Miss T's moto photo book is that she wasn't even a fan of dirt bikes when she first arrived at a race, camera in hand. So her photos are presented from an "outsider's" point of view. Her shots are not just race clips, but lifestyles and emotions. She showcased her books at the International Motorcycle Show and will also be at the DMX Toronto Supercross Pre-Race party at the Loose Moose. Her book is a fabulous piece of art and if you missed her at the moto show, she'll have books at the pre-race party. You can also purchase her book at the DMX online store.

You should check out the pics from her artsy-fartsy (and I mean that in the best way!) book party on her Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3844362&id=126295425795#/pages/ENDURANCE-by-Theresa-Ortolani/126295425795

Or find that Facebook link through her website: www.theresaortolani.com and check out all the DMX love she returns…

Posing with T at the International Moto Show. Dan Paris photo

Alexy

Alexy Dube turned three months old the other day and mommy – Quebec racer – Isabel Rouillard loves every moment of mommy-hood. I checked in with Isabel and she mentioned that Marco, Alexy's father has been quite busy maintaining and developing his already successful Forma Boots operation and will be at the Montreal Motorcycle Show this weekend.