Frid’Eh Update #43 | Payton Morningstar | Brought to You by Dirt Care

Frid’Eh Update #43 | Payton Morningstar | Brought to You by Dirt Care

By Billy Rainford

Welcome to Week #43 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update brought to you by Dirt Care. We may be in the “off-season” here in Canada at the moment, but we aren’t far from kicking off some more top notch racing in November.

Right after we get through Halloween, we’ll have the Vancouver Supercross (part of the FIM World Supercross Championship) on November 15th followed by the West Coast Arenacross Series in Chilliwack.

Yes, the West Coast Arenacross series. This one sort of flew by me without getting any attention. Ryan Lockhart and Kyle Beaton have taken the reins from the AMO who took it over from Future West. With the series in western hands again, I hope this means it’s on its way back to the prominence it once held. Did you know that the energy drink-backed big rigs used to show up and take residence in Chilliwack for this series not that long ago? They did.

It’s also the annual Monster Mash Halloween race at my all-time favourite race track this weekend. That’s right, Baja Acres in Millington, MI will host this District 14 “can’t miss” event. Me, I’m planning on doing the final MTB race of the season here in the SWO area at Turkey Point on Sunday, so I’ll check the race schedule to see who’s racing on Saturday and maybe I’ll make the 2-hour drive from London to check out some action.

The weather is hanging on around here and we’re still at the point where you can hit local tracks, so that means there’s still a chance for me to dust off the Yamaha YZ250 2-stroke and roll a few laps before the snow flies. We’ll see…

Payton Morningstar is the rider who earned the #43 for the 2025 Canadian Triple Crown Series Motocross Nationals. I’ve called Payton “Moon Unit” since the day I met him. Long story short, we had a kid in high school with that last name and a witty friend of mine called him Moon Unit because Morningstar sounds like a trippy name and Moon Unit is was Frank Zappa called one of his kids. The other? Dweezle. Makes sense, no?

There aren’t many Canadian riders who’ve spent more time south of the border in their young life-time than Payton – maybe Cole Thompson. He comes from Fort Erie, Ontario, which is right on the Canada/New York State border. He also calls Millsaps Training Facility home in the winters and has hit all the big, American amateur national races over the years. In fact, it’s always been more of a surprise for me to see him at home in Canada than at some race somewhere down south.

He finally did the whole Canadian series in 2025 and finished up 17th in the 450 class with a best finish of 10th at Sand Del Lee. Here’s a look at his series:

We got in touch with him and had a really good interview. Payton had some really good responses to my questions. Check it out:

Direct Motocross: Hey Payton, Last time I saw you was at Unadilla watching the National. What did you get up to after our series ended up here in Canada?

Payton Morningstar: Hey, Billy! After the season I just rode with a few of my buddies and did some of the local races over in New York State! It was good times for sure as that was the series I grew up racing.

You finally headed all the way out west this summer and did the entire Canadian series. Your best was a 10th at Sand Del Lee. Can you sum up your Triple Crown Series for us?

Yep! Made the whole series this summer for the first time and it was a blast for sure! My run in the series was definitely not ideal this summer, as I came into it still recovering from my broken femur and wasn’t riding like myself at all. Happy I made it to all the rounds and got the full experience still, no matter of how my riding was. 

Oh right, I forgot about your femur. You’ve been at this a long time now and taking it very seriously down south. What would you say is the key to getting to the top?

Definitely been at this for a while! Major key part is just to keep going. When it seems like it’s a tough time just keep grinding it out and eventually things will start clicking again. Trying to avoid injuries would definitely help too but I haven’t figured that part out yet. Haha 

You’re from Fort Erie. Did you spend time at Niagara Falls growing up, and does this make you’re a Buffalo fan in hockey and football?

Oh yea! Definitely spent some time in Niagara Falls with family and friends growing up! Definitely a Bills fan but I’d have to go with the Leafs still for hockey. Haha 

Where are you right now?

Right now I’m back down in Cairo, Georgia, at Millsaps Training Facility (MTF).

What is it like down there at this time of year? Who are you riding with?

It’s a busy time of year down here right now. All the amateurs are preparing for Mini O’s and the pros are all coming back and getting back into SX! I’ve been riding with a solid group of guys here and some pro riders as well such as Luca Marsalisi and Anthony Rodriguez but also have been watching top guys like Christian Craig, Shane McElrath and Joey Savatgy who have been out here as well on the Supercross track.

There isn’t a whole lot going on in the Greater Cairo, Georgia, area. What do you do for fun while you’re down there?

Yep, there definitely isn’t a whole lot to do around here besides train! Definitely easy to stay focused here. Haha. For fun around here I go golf with a few of the guys and we will go down to Tallahassee, Florida, on some weekends to get out and have some fun! My girlfriend also lives nearby so that helps keep me inline as well. Haha

OK, are we going to get you on a Supercross track this year? It seems like a lot of our guys are going to heading indoors in 2026. What’s your plan?

Yep! I’ll actually be getting my first set of SX suspension next week and I will be testing it out! The plan is now to start riding the Supercross track and I’m going to hit a few Arenacross rounds to see where I fit in on the tighter tracks. 

Is the Mini O’s still something you’re going to race? 

We had talked about racing it this year but I’m just going to sit out and stay back and take the time to learn Supercross. 

How old are you now? And I have to ask for all your numbers. What’s your height and weight? 

I’m 21 years old now! 6’3 and 194lbs! Definitely a 450 guy. Haha 

What are you doing for bikes and gear? Do you have a longtime sponsor that helps you out that way?

For bikes, as of now I’ll still be on my KTM’s! KTM Canada helped me a lot this summer when I had some issues and I just really seem to be comfortable on them! For gear, I’m all set with Fox Racing Canada again for next season and planning on staying with them as long as I can! 

What’s the plan for next summer? Will we see you back up here in Canada or will you take a shot down there?

Plan for next summer is to run the series again! Also planning on doing some American nationals at the end, such as Unadilla and Budds Creek!

Do you have job during the off-season?

Yep! After the season I go work for my dad as he runs a construction company. After doing a few months of work with him it definitely makes me appreciate waking up and being able to ride my dirt bike.

That’s what everyone says. OK, I bet I see you in Florida next month. Good luck with everything and who would you like to thank?

I’ll see you there. I’ll be down at Mini O’s to support the MTF kids! I’d like to thank my mom and dad, Millsaps Training Facility, Fox Racing Canada, Hall Race Fuel, Horsepower Solutions, SSS suspension and KTM Canada.

Great job, Payton. See you next month.

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2025 Chilliwack West Coast Arenacross | All You Need to Know

2025 GA Checkpoint Yamaha Motor Canada West Coast AX

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Rounds & Dates
 RD1: Friday, Nov 21
 RD2: Saturday, Nov 22
 RD3: Friday, Nov 28
 RD4: Saturday, Nov 29
�� Show Office Hours: Open 8 AM (Thursday/Friday/Saturday)

Registration
 Registration for each round closes Thursday at 12 PM (noon) before the event.
 Late Fee: $10 per class if deadline is missed.
 All racers are required to check in at the show office to pick up wristband

Links :
 RD1 – Friday, Nov 21 – closes Nov 20 –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=3c43bec888694d8284a7ca10
6110ef6f
 RD2 – Saturday, Nov 22 – closes Nov 20 –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=54ee628aae32432cb3a92d71
74260de8
 RD3 – Friday, Nov 28 – closes Nov 27 –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=54f72e111e614056ba5006d3
2a21d9db
 RD4 – Saturday, Nov 29 – closes Nov 27 –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=38bd589259f94d56846f00e0d
94cb9b5
⚠️ Important: If racing multiple events, you must register for each separately.

Wristbands & Admission
 Required: Everyone must wear a wristband to be in the building.
 Rider wristband included in signup
 Onsite registration required for racers, mechanics, spectators, and families.
 Night show tickets available cash only (ATM onsite).

Prices:
 Weekend Pass – $30
 Per Night – $20
 Ages 6 & under – Free
Night Show Doors: Open 5:30 PM Friday & Saturday

Race Fees:
 $60 – First class (includes racer wristband)
 $40 – Second class
 $30 – Third class
 $20 – Tyke
 Pro Am – $70 (2 Main events)

PRO-AM Purse:
 1st – $1000
 2nd – $750
 3rd – $500
 4th – $350
 5th – $275
 6th – $200
 7th – $150
 8th – $140

 9th – $130
 10th – $120
 11th – $100
 12th – $80

Class List:
 Tyke
 50cc (4–6, 7–8, GP/Open)
 New Kid Beginner (6-9): 50cc-65cc (First Year Racing)
 Girls 9-16 (65cc, 150cc 4 stroke and supermini bikes allowed)
 65cc (7–9, 10–11, GP)
 85cc (7–11, 12–16)
 Supermini (9–16)
 Ladies (12+)
 Open Beginner
 250 Junior
 Open Junior
 Schoolboy 1
 Open Intermediate – 100% Payback Per Round
 Under 30
 Vet 30 Open – 100% Payback Per Round
 Pro-Am – Purse Per Round

Camping:
 Pay by cash onsite.
 Reservations for hookup spots email [email protected]

 Check in at Show Office for camping tag (no tag = no camping).
 $20/night – No hookup
 $40/night – 30AMP hookup (reservation only)
 $50/night – 50AMP hookup (reservation only)
⚠️ Notes:
 No water fill station onsite – plan ahead.
 No charge for trailer/motorhome storage between rounds (fees apply when
plugged in or camping onsite).

Indoor Pits:
 Open to all – Free.
 Requirement: Use bike mat/cardboard for drips.
 No riding Dirt bikes, scooters or bicycles in the pits at any time
 Bikes may stay in building between rounds.
 Fuel cans must remain outside at all times.

Rider Check-In:
 Opens 8 AM Thursday at Show Office.

Open Practice:
 Dates: Thursday, Nov 20 & Thursday, Nov 27
 $50 per session
 Times:
o 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
o 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
o Pro Practice: 6:30–7:00 PM (no charge)

⚠️ Limit: 1 practice per bike. Additional sessions available cash onsite.

GA Checkpoint, Yamaha Motor Canada West Coast AX
Riding School:
 Instructor: Tyler Gibbs plus guest instructor
 $70 per rider
 20 spots per school
 Register Online
 Schedule:
 Friday, Nov 21 – closes Nov 20, 12 PM –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=c8c8ba7354a76c0cca430328
324424a4
 Saturday, Nov 22 – closes Nov 21, 12 PM –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=3018227468af95647b4c2b7f4
e7c328e
 Friday, Nov 28 – closes Nov 27, 12 PM –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=c8cc849ca7f547d76ce1de93e
d7a378e
 Saturday, Nov 29 – closes Nov 28, 12 PM –
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/futurewest/?event=58f97c9edf6b730de6e3140f2
8f37043
Groups:
 8:00–9:00 AM – Advanced 85cc & Big Bike
 9:10–10:10 AM – Advanced 50/65cc & Beginner/Junior 85cc
 10:20–11:20 AM – Beginner/Junior 50/65cc

Event Schedule:
Friday & Saturday
 11:45 AM – Mandatory Riders Meeting
 Practice → Qualifiers → Racing
 4:00 PM – Pro Am Riders Meeting → Pro Am Practice

 6:30 PM – Night Show Mains
 Note: B Main events will be run in 50cc, 65cc and 85cc classes if required

Transponders:
 Reserve with race sign-up.
 Pick-up times:
o Thursday (Nov 20 & 27) – 4–7 PM
o Friday (Nov 21 & 28) – 9–11 AM

Track Rental:
 $450 per hour (max 15 riders on track at once; costs can be shared).
 Contact: [email protected]

Available Times:
 Wed, Nov 19 – 10 AM–9 PM (10 hrs)
 Tue, Nov 25 – 10 AM–9 PM (10 hrs)
 Wed, Nov 26 – 10 AM–9 PM (10 hrs)

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WSX Vancouver

November 15th at BC Place! Main gates: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

TICKETS

From WSX:

Vancouver Vanquisher? Cole Thompson Sets His Sights

The global reach of the World Supercross Championship means few riders can deliver home-race heroics, but for Canadian fans, Cole Thompson gives them a reason to gather at BC Place Stadium on November 15.

Now entering his 13th professional season, Thompson has built a steady résumé across AMA Supercross, Canadian motocross, and the emerging World Supercross scene.

Vancouver 2024 was a defining moment when he rode to third overall in SX2, giving local fans a podium celebration to remember. With Kawasaki now added to a career that’s included stints on Honda, KTM, and Yamaha, he’s confident the green machine can carry him higher still.

The 32-year-old Ontario native has been putting in hours aboard his Bud Racing Kawasaki KX250F, preparing for what he calls a focused run at the SX2 title in this season’s championship.

What’s the buzz of supercross for you—and how would you describe the appeal?

Cole Thompson: “I always tell people who haven’t seen supercross before that it’s more of a sporting event than just a race,” Thompson explains. “It’s a show. Fans sit in stadium seats under bright lights, the track is perfect, and everything happens fast.

Motocross is a long, outdoor grind. Supercross is tight, loud, and intense. You’ve got whoops, triples, rhythm sections, everything flying at you. We’re performing in front of 30,000 or 40,000 people, and you have to react instantly. It’s almost like playing a video game, you’ve got to be quick and precise.”

World Supercross travels across continents, but what’s it like racing again in Canada?

“I grew up as one of the few Canadians chasing supercross,” he says. “Back when Toronto was on the AMA calendar, that was my big home event. When it disappeared, I didn’t think I’d race supercross at home again.

Then World Supercross Championship picked Vancouver, and that was huge for me. Racing there last year and making the podium was something special. It’s not my hometown, but it’s my country, and that means a lot.

You notice the different vibes in every city, even within the U.S. crowds, atmosphere, culture. With supercross, people can just show up, stay clean, grab dinner, and watch a full show. It’s entertainment as much as sport. Vancouver’s great because you can make a weekend of it, bring the family or your buddies, enjoy the city, then hit the race.”

How’s the Bud Kawasaki treating you? The brand has had mixed results lately.

“Last year I was on a Honda and had a really good season,” Thompson says. “The Kawi feels similar in some ways. I feel comfortable, but we haven’t raced yet—that’s the real test.

I’ll do a few Australian Supercross races first to get some gate drops and gather data. Practice is one thing; the race environment is another.

It’s true that Kawasaki hasn’t dominated lately, but bike preference is personal. Some riders click, others don’t. Bud Racing has given me a great opportunity, and I believe in the team. We’re working toward that championship. Once the lights go green in World Supercross, it’s all in.”

Last year you came close to the top three in the championship. What’s the goal for 2025?

“Last season I had a crash just before the Australian round, which was a tough break,” he recalls. “After that, I focused on getting through it and building toward Abu Dhabi, where I felt more at home.

This year, I’m aiming for nothing less than a podium in Vancouver—and to stay in the fight for the title through the season. The SX2 class is deep, but if I ride consistently and stay in that lead group, the results will come.”

For Canadian fans, World Supercross Vancouver offers more than just world-class racing, it’s a chance to cheer for one of their own. With Thompson’s combination of experience, confidence, and home-crowd momentum, a repeat podium – and perhaps more – feels within reach.

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Mini O’s at Gatorback November 22nd – 29th

If you’ve never raced the Mini O’s at Gatorback Cycle Park in Newberry, Florida, you’re missing out on the biggest Motocross festival in the world. It’s insane and keeps getting…insane-er.

I raced what I think they were calling something else back in the 1900’s in March of 1985. The track was so much different from what it is now it’s like night and day. The layout isn’t what’s changed so noticibly but the dirt has gone from blue groove back in my day to good and rough soil that’s been brought in over the years. I have photos from my time there in 1985 and I can tell you the track wasn’t even all that much fun. Oh wait, that was the year I was on a 1984 Can Am 125. You heard me.

For everything you need to know about this year’s event click HERE.

I hope to see a large contingent of Canadians on the line again this year.

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Guillaume St Cyr Supercross Tour

Guillaume St Cyr has big plans for this winter of indoor racing. It will see him in Europe this November and January. Here’s a look at his schedule:

GERMANY 🇩🇪 STUTTGART
@adacsupercrossstuttgart
November 7–8, 2025

ESTONIA 🇪🇪 TALLINN
@supercrosstallin
November 14–15, 2025

GERMANY 🇩🇪 DORTMUND
@sxdortmund
January 9–10–11, 2026

Here’s what he said on his Instagram page:

“Here are the official dates for my upcoming European winter season. I’ll be competing the ADAC Supercross Championship in the Pro 250 class, and depending on my budget and feel on the bike, I’ll also participate in 1–2 AMA Supercross races on the East Coast of the U.S. to finish off my 2026 Supercross season.

“However, this requires a solid budget — I’ll need to go train in Florida starting in October to be ready to fly out to Europe in November. All of this is self-funded!
I’m therefore looking for sponsors who would be interested in collaborating with me.
All my main sponsors will have their logo featured on my racing jerseys in Germany.
For Estonia, which is a one-off event, I have the opportunity to put sponsor logos on the KTM SXF-350 bike and on my jerseys.
Then for the USA and Canada, my main sponsors will have their logos on my bikes, jerseys, tent, banners, etc., just like previous years.”

Good luck with everything, Guac!

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Daniel Elmore Heading to Costa Rica to Race

It looks like Daniel Elmore is getting the opportunity to do some racing abroad. He’ll head down to Costa Rica to race the 8th round of their Motocross Nationals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Motocross Costa Rica (@motocrosscnmx)

From what I can find on the internet, it looks like Johnny Hernandez is the rider to beat in the pro class down there. However, Speedhive is definitely not the easiest results provider to follow.

Round 7 results:

1. 265 JOHNNY HERNANDEZ 1-1
2. 63 JASON BONILLA 3-2
3. 55 JUAN CARLOS VENEGAS 2-3
4. 319 VINICIO MORALES 4-4
5. 789 PEDRO RODRIGUEZ 5-6

Good luck, Daniel.

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Tyler Gibbs Podcast Interview

I had a good, long chat with Tyler Gibbs from Mission, BC this week. His plan is to head to Kevin Urqhart‘s place in Menifee, California, and race the 250 West Supercross series. Tyler is always a podium threat when he lines up here in Canada, but, as he points out in our conversation, it’s tough to make the series happen, financially, when you’re a privateer rider from the west coast.

Here’s what he had to say about it all:

APPLE PODCASTS

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Australian Supercross Series Heads to Sydney this Weekend

The Boost Mobile AUSX Sydney Supercross storms into Sydney for a one-night-only spectacle at Sharks Stadium, Cronulla. Experience the thrill as Australia’s elite riders and international superstars battle it out in an electrifying outdoor arena setting. Expect high-octane racing, jaw-dropping FMX stunts, and non-stop entertainment. 

250 Points after 2 rounds:

Pos	No	Name	Machine	Round 1	Rnd 2 Race 1	Rnd 2 Race 2	Total

1	9	Lux TURNER	Yamaha	43	25	22	90
2	5	Alex LARWOOD	Honda	42	11	25	78
3	21	Ryder KINGSFORD	Yamaha	32	22	10	64
4	16	Kaleb BARHAM	Kawasaki	29	20	15	64
5	1	Shane McELRATH	Honda	29	16	18	63
6	2	Wilson TODD	Honda	35	18	5	58
7	7	Jayce COSFORD	Yamaha	26	12	16	54
8	4	Thomas WOOD	Honda	35	7	12	54
9	22	Rhys BUDD	Kawasaki	25	13	13	51
10	3	Jake CANNON	Kawasaki	14	15	20	49

450 points after 2 rounds:

Pos	No	Name	Machine	Round 1	Rnd 2 Race 1	Rnd 2 Race 2	Total

1	15	Dean WILSON	Honda	50	25	25	100
2	2	Cedric SOUBEYRAS	Honda	40	22	22	84
3	45	Hayden MELLROSS	KTM	31	20	18	69
4	9	Aaron TANTI	Yamaha	33	8	20	61
5	86	Mitchell HARRISON	Yamaha	28	18	14	60
6	16	Luke ZIELINSKI	Yamaha	28	16	15	59
7	53	Dylan WALSH	KTM	29	14	16	59
8	29	Phillip NICOLETTI	Yamaha	28	13	13	54
9	4	Luke CLOUT	Kawasaki	42		10	52
10	24	Brad WEST	Kawasaki	18	11	11	40

Cole Thompson will join the action this weekend on his Budd Racing Kawasaki.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cole Thompson (@colethompson16)

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OK, I’m off for a cycle to see if all this time off the bike the past couple weeks will make it ridiculous for me to sign up for this 60K MTB marathon race Sunday. It’s supposed to be sunny and 10C, but that’s not what’s giving me second thoughts. I’m either well rested or out of race shape. Maybe we’ll find out, maybe we won’t…

Emily and I have finally decided on taking a Virgin Caribbean Cruise the first of November for 8 days. Neither of us are big on resort life and neither of us thought we’d ever go on a cruise, but here we find ourselves. Any cruise tips? I think we’ll have a great time people watching if nothing else. We stop in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Bimini.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

I’ve been having a blast uploading all kinds of old photos from DVDs to my SmugMug hosting page.