On the Radar: Blair Nauta
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Blair Nauta
Age: 14
Hometown: Wainfleet, Ontario
School and Grade: EL Crossley in Grade 9
Number: 91
Bike: 2015 Yamaha YZF 250 and I just got a 2016 KTM SXF 250
Race Club: WNYRacing and AMA
Classes: 250 Novice and 450 Open Novice
Let’s get to know Blair Nauta. – Photo supplied with permission by Blair Nauta
How did you get started in racing?
My dad used to race and had me riding a Suzuki JR 50 when I was 2 1/2 years old. When I turned 4 years old I started racing and haven’t looked back since then.
What is your favourite track and why?
Gopher Dunes, Area 51 in Batavia, NY and Pavillion MX in Pavillion, NY. I like these tracks because they form nice ruts and get really rough.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Adam Cianciarulo. I first met Adam at a regional when I was on my Cobra 50 when they parked beside us. He was super-friendly and went down to the line with me for my races giving me tips. When the weekend was over he came over and gave me his custom Monster Energy helmet. When I was training down south the next year he showed up at the track and remembered me. He asked if I wanted to train with him. It was an awesome experience training with Adam. They were very patient and waited for me to finish the drills before they started the next one since I was no way as fast as him. He is a very nice person and I like that he took time out to help me. I also like Ronnie Mac because he has really good style.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Blair’s favourite rider is Adam Cianciarulo, and for good reason. – Photo supplied with permission by Blair Nauta
Cole Thompson, Tyler Medaglia, and Westen Wrozyna. I can’t pick one but I like these guys because they are not afraid to go for it.
Who is your hero?
My dad because he has given up so much for me to be in this sport. (He always calls it ‘mortgage cross’ racing)
What were your goals for this season, and did you reach them?
I wanted to make it to Loretta’s. Unfortunately, the weekend of the regional my dad wasn’t able to get time off of work so I couldn’t go. Hopefully, next year it will come true.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
I won the CanAm race twice. I won the Gold Cup Series twice. I won the Northeast Championship. I am also proud that I just moved up to the 250 class from an 85 and I won 3 out of the 5 races that I raced in the 250 Novice class.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
“My friend Jim Carver hooked us up with his freestyle ramp, so I just started using it.” – Photo supplied with permission by Blair Nauta
You get to ride on some fully prepped tracks and hang out with my racing buddies.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
My friend Jim Carver hooked us up with his freestyle ramp, so I just started using it. I also like working out in the gym with my buddies after school.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank all of my sponsors: Furious Clothing, Just Revive It, Clare’s Cycle and Sports, The Pedal Bicycle Shop, Area 51 MX, Nihilo, WMR, Spy, Twin Air, Dunlop, ODI, and Pro Taper. I would also like to thank my dad for supporting me and helping me train and of course paying for everything.
