Catching Up with...Billy Whitley

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Photos by James Lissimore

Success in racing is hard to come by, every team wants it, few teams get it. Billy Whitley comes to Canada every summer all the way from Texas searching for success. His Cernics Kawasaki is one of the most successful teams to ever compete in Canada. With tough economic times affecting everyone these days, there has been talk that the Cernics team wouldn’t be coming to Canada in 2010. DMX gave Billy a quick call to clear things up. 

DMX: Hey Billy, good to talk to you. What have you been up to since Walton? How are things in Texas?

Billy Whitley: Hey Chris, things have been great down here. Since Walton I have just been doing a little hunting and fishing. Unfortunately, the Cernics Team is not doing Supercross this year, so all of our focus has been on getting ready for the 2010 season in Canada.

So you will be back at the 2010 CMRC Nationals? This is the question that everybody wants to know the answer to.

Yes, I will be racing in 2010 in some capacity. The program will consist of CMRC racing only. We are in the process of trying to fill our title sponsorship spot. There will be changes in our program with all the budget cuts. But we will be racing!

That is great news Billy. Have you spoken to any riders?

We have a few riders in mind who will fit our program, but I can’t say who right now. 

You have been a fixture in Canada for awhile now. It’s been like your second home. Do you like the time you spend you have spent up here?

I enjoy everything about racing in Canada, except the rain!. As for as it being my second home nothing compares to Texas. It is just too damn cold in the winter months in Canada. But I love it in the summer.

You have had a lot of success in Canada over the years. What moments stand out to you?

Well, there has been a few for sure. I would start with Evan Laughridge (2003 West 125cc champion), Donnie McGourty (2004 125cc east Champion), Kyle Chisholm (2006 mx2 east champion), Paul Carpenter (2007 mx1 Champion) and Heidi Cooke (2009 Women’s champion). Each one of these championships represents a lot of hard work by the riders and the team. I’m very proud of all of them.

You have been around this sport for a long time and in many different capacities. You have been involved with a lot of series, how do you compare the Canadian Series to others?

I think all the guys at the CMRC do a great job. The people, the tracks, the atmosphere, everything is great in Canada.

Paul Carpenter and Billy won a championship in '07.

Being a Canadian I guess I should say thanks Billy. Before you were a team owner you were a pretty successful racer. What racing results stand out for you?

That’s a tough one. Well, I was the Latin American National Champion at one time. Does that count?

Of course, a National Champion is a National Champion. Where do you see yourself in 10 years Billy?

Fat with a beer gut! No, I am not sure. Right now I am in the middle of trying to buy a restaurant, I guess Heidi Cooke has inspired me. I hope to still be enjoying my summers in Canada and winning races.

We hope so too. Your son had a very serious injury a few years ago that touched all of us. How is he doing?

Hunter is doing great. He is racing a Kawasaki Teryx and is in his second year of college. He is studying to be an architectural engineer. He got dealt a tough deal, but I am so very proud of him.

That is great news. It always amazes me how people rise to the occasion in tough situations like Hunter faced. Billy, it was great talking to you. All the best.

Thank you guys and as soon as we get our riders in place, I will let you know.