Frid’Eh Update #50 | Presented by Gamma Powersports

By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford

20160626 Alex Jeffery

Week #50 belongs to Oshawa, Ontario, rider, Alex Jeffery | Bigwave photo

Hello, and welcome to week #50 of the Direct Motocross Frid’Eh Update Presented by Gamma Powersports. Week #50 goes out to the Redemption Racing KTM rider who calls the city of Oshawa home, Alex Jeffery.

Alex comes from what can only be described as a ‘Motocross Family.’ The Jefferys have been staples at the races for years and have been one of the major backers of Josh Snider‘s Redemption Racing efforts over the past few years. Alex is the youngest of 3 brothers who were usually found lining up at races around Ontario and across Canada. Eric, Lucas, and Alex all thrived in the sport, but now we’ve heard rumours that only eldest brother, Eric, may be left to carry the Pro racing torch, moving forward.

Here’s a look at Alex’s 2016 Rockstar Energy MX Nationals season:

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We grabbed Alex for a quick chat and found out he was actually over in Austria! Here’s what he had to say:

Direct Motocross: Hello, Alex. Let’s talk about your 2016 season to start. You finished 24th in MX2. How did you feel about last summer?
Alex Jeffery: How’s it going?  Ya, so the 2016 season did not go as planned at all. I was looking to be a top 15 rider and struggled to find the groove and speed that was necessary to make that possible. I had 2, 15th-place finishes which I was happy about but was looking for more. Also, at Ulverton I missed that round due to a crash in timed qualifying resulting in a minor concussion which I road out the final rounds with and wasn’t feeling 100%. I always had more mechanical issues than I would have liked resulting in multiple DNFs which really didn’t help my overall finish at the end of the season. Couldn’t be more thankful for all the support this past season. The whole team was just great and definitely a season to learn from and to look past and focus on the future what’s in store for me.
You broke into the top 15 at Gopher Dunes – the toughest track on the circuit. How come you did so well there?
I tend to mesh with the sand well and have always loved racing at Gopher; great track and facility. It is probably my home track on the circuit so I have raced there my whole life. I guess I was just feeling it that day and had a pretty good pep talk that weekend that I will never forget that put some fire in my ass to wake up and twist the throttle. Also, I train at Club MX and they whip us into shape down there and have a great sand track that is similar to Gopher which is great practice for how gnarly Gopher gets, as we all know.
You missed the next round. What happened there?
Ya, like I said, I had a pretty good get off in timed practice which resulted in a fuzzy brain, so unfortunately I missed it. I just had a really inconsistent season with more lows than would have been liked, but learned to push through the struggles that came at me which only made me stronger and will help me hit back harder in the future.
What did you do right after the final round at RJ’s? Did you take a break or keep racing?
After RJ’s I took a break and worked. Then, shortly after the season my middle brother, Lucas, got married and was busy with that so was focusing on family and planning the future school, work, etc.
#50 Alex Jeffery

Alex seems to be in a transitional phase and we’ll have to wait and see what he gets up to for 2017 | Bigwave photo

Now, I’ve heard that you have decided to stop racing. Is this true, and if so, why?
Not too sure yet. I hope not because moto is definitely my passion. I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m going to do in the future, like getting a real job and stop playing around in the sand (although I don’t think I will stop ever). I will probably always ride and it’s just if I am going to keep riding professionally or locally which I have not really decided yet.
And you’re doing this interview from Austria. Can you tell us what you’re doing over there?
Ya, I’m out here in Europe having a great time in Schladming, Austria. I am at a Torchbearers bible school called Tauernhof. I am further growing my relationship with Christ and growing in his word everyday. Also, this is a real eye opening experience on life and just a great perspective of how we should look at things in life. This is a chapter and experience that I will never forget.
Also, when it was warm here our school is right beside Planai ski resort which I have been ripping downhill bikes and now we are shredding the slopes skiing in the Austrian Alps. God’s beautiful creation is magnificent!
So, what’s next for you?
I’m just riding the wave figuring things out day by day, not stressing about nothing because Christ is in the driver’s seat and I’m just sitting in the back kicked back and relaxed. Proverbs 3:5-6
If you’re not at the races, what will you do for thrills and spills? How will you get your daily source of adrenaline?
Well, I am an adrenaline junky so I am open to anything with wheels and an engine. I’m skiing now so that is a great past time slaying the pow. When I get home I will be doing the classic Canadian sport – hockey, of course. Also, I will be snowmobiling when I get home and still will ride during the summer.
So it sounds like you’re making an exit strategy from Pro racing. What will you do as your 9-5?
I don’t think I will be completely exiting racing but like I said not to sure what I am doing for the future with racing.
Alex Jeffery

Alex had his best overall at the Gopher Dunes National but then slightly concussed himself in Quebec and tried to fight through the rest of the season | Tyler Spikman photo

If we DO see you at the races next season, what would you hope to achieve?
I would like to be a consistent top 15 rider, while fighting for top 10 finishes.
OK, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. We hope to see you next spring but if not good luck with your next chapter. Who would you like to thank?
Ya, thanks for having me…it’s been a pleasure. I’d like to thank my mom and dad for putting all the effort in they do and giving me these opportunities to come to Austria and to race during the summer, the whole Redemption racing team – special thanks to Squish (Josh Cox) for giving me a hand all summer behind the scenes through the week and Josh as well for everything he does for all the boys under the tent. The whole Snider family – there’s a lot of work behind the scenes that nobody sees. KTM Canada, Dubya, Fly Racing, Dragon goggles and Big Steel Box for the awesome support – couldn’t thank all the people that are behind me enough they all have a key part in our success throughout the season. Also, big shout out to Brandon, Mike and Sarah for putting up with a crazy Canadian down south at ClubMX. They have been a key part in my career and always welcome me back with open arms every year which is awesome. Thanks again Mr. Wave for taking time out of your day for this interview and helping this sport grow. Cheers!
It sounds like Alex has some serious life decisions ahead of him. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today, Alex. Enjoy your time over there in the Alps and we’ll look for you out in Kamloops next spring.

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This week, the Update is presented by Gamma Powersports. Give them a ‘click.’


JEFF McCONKEY


Hi, guys. Happy Friday, and Happy Holidays. Although the weather is getting colder and colder, at least we have Christmas right around the corner. And that means that the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season is getting close.

Jess Pettis Wins 2016 Future West Canadian Arenacross Championships

But before SX, comes AX. This is where I’d like to throw out a huge congratulations to Jess Pettis and his MX101 FXR Yamaha team on their domination of this season’s Future West Arenacross series. Right from the beginning, Jess was the guy to beat. He put his MX101 Yamaha and FXR gear on the box every weekend and brings home not only his first professional title, but also the team’s first.

Jess Pettis

#20 Jess Pettis wins first Pro title at Future West Canadian AX Championships | Tyler Spikman photo


Canadians Racing Supercross?

So, what is it going to take to get young riders like Jess racing AMA SX? Well, there are a lot of shit talkers and keyboard warriors out there that are going to talk crap about Canadian riders being afraid to race the best. That is definitely not the issue for 99% of the racers. Yes, there are a few racers that would rather be the big fish in a small puddle, but that is not the case for everyone. Money is the biggest factor, followed by experience. You can’t go race SX with regular suspension and a slow bike. Most racers start in the 250 class, and if you don’t spend the money on your motor, you’re just plain old wasting your time.

Next, you need some serious seat time on a real SX track. There aren’t too many of those in Canada at all. I, for one, would love to have many Canadians to cheer for in SX, but only if they have the proper equipment and skills to be out there. Let’s hope Jess Pettis is one of those young Canadians making us proud.

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Brock Leitner will be another Canadian to cheer for when Supercross starts in January | Bigwave photo


McRANT

When did motocross become the sport of excuses? It gets pretty tiring going on social media and reading excuse after excuse. The classic “I was sick,” “I had bike problems,” and my favourite…”another rider took me out.” Why can’t we just be honest with ourselves and realize that maybe we just aren’t that good. Yes, we all have off days, and yes we all have bike issues from time to time, but why must there be an excuse every time some riders come off the track. And how about the very popular statement, “I now know what I need to work on?” Yeah, it’s called going faster. Some of us just don’t have it, and very few of the lucky ones do.

It’s a fantastic sport, that pushes your body to the limit, challenges your mind and your toughness, but unfortunately costs a lot of money, and beats down your body over time. I love the sport of motocross, but I could do without all of the excuses. I wish more people would remember why they started riding in the first place – for fun! Not more money, not for fame, and not for sponsors. The majority of us started riding because it was fun! Rant over.

No Excuses


Scott Hoare Injured in Australia

Now, this next bit of news is pretty sad. I’m still in a little bit of shock. A friend of mine, and former Off-road Ontario and OCMC member, Scott Hoare, was involved in a freak accident in Sydney, Australia. Scott is the probably one of the craziest guys I have ever met, and has a very long road ahead of him. Luckily for Scott, he’s as stubborn as a mule and as fit as a race horse, and I see this as just a small bump in the road. Please take the time to read Scott’s story, and help out if you can.

https://www.generosity.com/medical-fundraising/liftwithscott-help-a-coach-move-again

Support ‘#liftwithscott Help A Coach Move Again’ by donating or sharing today!

That is it for me this week. Keep your eyes peeled for this year’s 5 Lap Sprints, Holiday Editions. I enjoy reading the answers so much I couldn’t just do one, so there will be a few of them. If you haven’t already, check out this week’s Shrader’s ‘Out of the Blue‘ featuring Kristin Tse, and ‘On the Radar‘ with young Hunter Tse. If you haven’t noticed yet, the Tse family had taken over the amateur interviews on DMX over the last two weeks. I’m pretty sure I got them all, but don’t be surprised if you see their father, Carson, featured next week. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to #smileforBC and #liftwithscott!

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Check out this week’s ‘On the Radar‘ with the 4th and final member of the Tse Family from Kelowna, BC, Hunter Tse | Tse photo


BILLY RAINFORD


Wow, Jeff, were you just singing along to the latest Japandroids lyrics, “And it got me all fired up…?” I have to admit, I enjoy it when he gets all revved up about something. He’s usually got a good point hidden in the middle of all his rants…you just have to look for it. lol

I’ve been a fan of downhill ski racing since I was a little kid. My parents and I would always gather in front of the TV to watch the weekly competition from exotic, mountainous regions of Europe and just dream of one day hitting those particular slopes for myself. Alex Jeffery is over in Schladming, Austria, enjoying one of the places I used to fantasize over.

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Schladming, Austria, is one of those ski resort towns in the Alps I’ve always dreamed of. | Planetsnow.de image

I remember back in grade 4 doing my school speech on Franz Klammer. He may have been my first hero, actually. Check out this little video bio on him:

Anyway, Alex is enjoying Austria at one of these amazing places that will form memories he will have for the rest of his life. Enjoy yourself, Alex.


As I sit here typing on my laptop, the weather here in London, Ontario, has been threatening to sock us with the first snow storm of the early season. So far, we haven’t seen anything more than a few flakes floating down to the grass, but they’re still saying 15cms are possible later today and tonight. Basically, this will put the final nail in the 2016 outdoor riding coffin. Go spin some laps this afternoon if you can!


Timbersled Announces Snowbike Race Team

Click below to be taken to the www.sleddermag.com article.


2017 AMO/MMRS Membership and Race Schedule Announced

PDF Version – 2017 AMO-MMRS News Letter #1

2017 AMO/MMRS Membership and Race Schedule Announced

Where there is unity there is always victory!

Friday, December 9th, 2016 – What a Christmas gift from AMO and MMRS! The 2017 AMO/MMRS Membership and Atlas Brace Provincial Super Series are ready to go for 2017. It’s been a warm fall season heading into winter with the excitement of the partnership between the two clubs, as well the anticipation of the 2017 plan.

“Between John and I we believe we have built the best schedule for Ontario,” shared AMO President Ryan Gauld. “Our first initiative was to make it attractive to our customers. The Atlas Brace Provincial Super Series will be the series to chase with well over $50,000 in prizes and cash for the year end celebration. Our secondary series will be the Orange Motorsports Race Series (more info to come on this). Over the coming weeks, rolling into the New Year, we will have our classes, rules, national qualifiers, new points structure for provincials and much-much more. For now, you know what AMO/MMRS have in store for you so be sure to get your membership and support the club that supports you!”

Orange Motorsports to Support AMO/MMRS in 2017 (Lots of info concerning this series to come)

2017 AMO/MMRS Membership Info:

Individual Racer: $100/per

Family Membership: $160

* This covers all family members living under the same roof 18 years and younger.

* This also covers any family member who is a student, up to 21 years of age.

Please visit ONLINE right HERE to purchase: 2017 AMO/MMRS Membership

 

You can see this ONLINE right HERE: 2017 AMO/MMRS Schedule

Whether you’re a new racer, old racer, serious racer, or just a fun racer, we’re your one-stop race series for a safe, family, fun-filled summer. We hope to see you on the gates in 2017 chasing your dream with AMO/MMRS!

www.amoracing.comwww.mmrs.ca


Austin Watling Signs Amateur Support Deal with Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing for 2017

Austin Watling

Corunna, Ontario, rider, #424 Austin Watling signs with the team for 2017 | James Lissimore photo from GDR Instagram release

In what will hopefully be another amateur support move in a long line of support deals, another member of the ‘Fab 3’ has signed onto a major Pro race team for the 2017 season.

Austin Watling is a longtime Honda rider and had already formed a relationship with Derek Schuster and the gang over at GDR. The deal will see Austin riding Hondas again in 2017 while switching over to wear Fox gear. Austin will head south to train and get ready to compete in the upcoming American Amateur Nationals at Oak Hill, Freestone, and more. His main goals for his final amateur season will be the Parts Canada TransCan at Walton Raceway, Loretta Lynn’s, and select rounds of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals. It’s going to be a big year for him as he hopes to land a job on one of the Pro teams in 2018.
We spoke with Austin and Derek about what it all means, so watch for that article coming up soon here on the site. Derek also explained the Drew Bezanson situation that had us all wondering what they had up their sleeves when they posted photos of the Red Bull BMX phenom riding with Colton Facciotti and Dylan Wright at the team photo shoot.

Most Influential Person in Canadian Motocross?

2016

20

MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

IN

CANADIAN MX

I was talking with someone the other day, and I didn’t even know they knew anything about motocross. They actually asked me what JSR was up to because they remembered seeing him win all the time on Sportsnet a bunch of years ago. When I told him he’d been retired from Pro racing for several years now, he asked what he was up to. I explained his position over at KTM Canada and he left me with the question, “So, he’s still one of the most influential people in the sport then?
That got me thinking, “Hmm, I wonder what other people would answer to this question is we put it out there?” So, that’s what we’re going to do. Let’s see who you would put at the top of the ‘Most Influential‘ list here in Canada.
So, we’re asking you:

Who is the most influential person in Canadian Motocross right now?


1. You can only choose one person.
2. You can choose whoever you want.
3. We will keep track of the votes and tabulate a TOP 20 list and post it up.
4. Email your choice to billy@directmotocross.com OR post your answer publicly on our Facebook/Instagram/or Twitter pages.
5. If emailed, we will not make your name public.
6. We will accept names until MIDNIGHT EST DECEMBER 31st
7. The list will be published New Year’s Day.
8. You can only vote once, and for only one person.
9. Every vote counts, so start thinking!
10. Nominations will be accepted, starting….NOW!
This could be both fun and educational. Who do you think the winner will be? Let’s hear from you!

2016 Mini O’s Videos

I’ve been home for a while now, but finding time to put videos together can be time consuming, so they’ve been trickling out here on the site slowly over the past few days. Here’s what we have, so far:
FXR logo
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motopark-at-county-line MP

2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Schedule

Week #8 is brought to you by The Toronto Supercross.

2017 Monster Energy Supercross Schedule.

 

Date Venue City
Jan. 7 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA
Jan. 14 Petco Park San Diego, CA
Jan. 21 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA
Jan. 28 U. of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, AZ
Feb. 4 O.Co Coliseum Oakland, CA
Feb. 11 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX
Feb. 18 U.S. Bank Stadium Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 25 Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
Mar. 4 Rogers Centre Toronto, ON
Mar. 11 Daytona Speedway Daytona, FL
Mar. 18 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianpolis, IN
Mar. 25 Ford Field Detroit, MI
Apr. 1 The Dome at America’s Center St. Louis, MO
Apr. 8 CenturyLink Field Seattle, WA
Apr 22. Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT
Apr. 28 MetLife Stadium Eas Rutherford, NJ
May. 6 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, NV
As you can see, we’ll be in Toronto at Rogers Centre Saturday, March 4th which means the 4th Annual DMX Toronto SX Party at the Houston will be happening Friday, March 3rd and Saturday the 4th after the races. Plans have already begun to make these parties bigger and better than ever. Book your hotel rooms now so you can join us for fun and games both nights in downtown Toronto. See you there!
houston-restaurants

Matthew Davenport

Happy Birthday to Matthew Davenport | Bigwave photo


Blake Savage

Happy Birthday to Blake Savage. He didn’t save it…


billy-and-kyle-carruthers-2011

This popped up on Dawn McClintock’s Facebook memories today. It’s from the Canadian Motocross Weekly Show back in 2011 with Kyle Carruthers. Good times. Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you at the races. You stay classy, Swift Current!