On the Radar: Davin Grose
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Davin Grose
Age: 21
Hometown: Alma, Ontario
Occupation: Level one Motorcycle tech and Motopark’s Mechanic
Number: 818
Bike: 2015 YZ250f and YZ450f
Race Club: AMO, AMA, CMRC
Classes: MX 1,2,3 Intermediate
This week, #818 Davin Grose is ‘On the Radar.’ – Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
Well, I wanted a bike for as long as I can remember. When I was 13, I had finally mowed enough grass to go halves on a bike with my parents and built a little backyard track. I was always riding around the family farm with friends. When I was 17 and had my driver’s license, it was off to the races with no idea what I was getting into. After that I was hooked and moto. It seems to be a big part of my life now.
What is your favourite track and why?
I’d have to say my favourite track, hands down, is Motopark. I like it so much that I’ve lived/worked there for the last 3 summers. The track itself has great flow and lots of jumps with a solid crew working hard to keep it sweet. Not only is the track unreal but the whole facility and everyone that comes with it is amazing. I’m proud to be part of the MPA crew with such a great things going on.
“Anyone who is at the track every weekend knows what I mean when I say the “moto family” is the best part.” In this shot, Davin is doing a frame-up job on Marco Cannella’s bike at GPF. – Bigwave photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
That’s a tough choice. I have a lot of favourites but right now I’d say Kraig Reinhart is pretty all right. He is always smiling and helping people out at the track. His style on the bike is fun to watch because you can tell he is having fun riding the bike. It will be cool to see this kid work his way to Pro this year.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Shawn Maffenbeier is a Canadian Pro I look up to because he is such a hard worker but has a great sense of humour – always making everyone laugh at the track. His style is aggressive allowing him to make those passes and do what it takes to get positions.
“The accomplishment that I’m most proud of is making it to where I am in the sport. I’m so happy to be part of the moto community and never dreamed of racing at this level with the people backing me that I have.” – Bigwave photo
Who is your hero?
My hero would have to be my dad. He taught me how to work hard and is always there when I need a helping hand with anything. My dad isn’t into racing the like some other fathers but he sure is proud of me and I can’t thank him enough for being a great role model.
What are your goals for the season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
My main goals this season are to be consistently on the podium, attend as many races as I can, and have an all-around safe and fun season. This year I will be focusing on Canadian races and want to qualify for Canadian Amateur Nationals. I plan on racing most of the ANQ’s. I will be racing the New Era Motopark Cup and have a goal to win one of the MP Cups. Outside of Canada, I am trying to qualifier for Loretta Lynn’s. It has been a goal to go for a while and I think I can make it this year.
This year I am racing 250 and 450 which has really helped smooth out my style and get better results. I have the best support an amateur could hope to receive this year. I am part of a program by Motovan called ‘Black Rider’ where I get factory style backing to run some fantastic brands by Motovan I wouldn’t normally get to use, so I can really focus on the riding side of things this year. I’m living at Motopark again this season and training with the whole MPA crew to help achieve my racing goals.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
The accomplishment that I’m most proud of is making it to where I am in the sport. I’m so happy to be part of the moto community and never dreamed of racing at this level with the people backing me that I have. I am also proud of qualifying for the Gopher [Dunes] Pro National last summer and finishing both 30-minute motos.
This summer, Davin is shooting for the Parts Canada TransCan, New Era Motopark Cup, and Loretta Lynn’s. – Bigwave photo
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
The best part about going to the races is the people at them. I love the support from everyone and all the excitement; the track is always buzzing on race day. Anyone who is at the track every weekend knows what I mean when I say the “moto family” is the best part.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
When I’m not racing I’m usually wrenching on something but I enjoy surfing, bmx, snowboarding, and traveling.
Who would you like to thank?
This year I’m proud to thank Motovan and to be a part of the Black Rider team, Motopark training facility and Iain Hayden, Tigwell Motorsports, Canadian Tire, Derek from Flybyu Motorsports for the Fox suspension, Husky Farm Equipment and New Era. I couldn’t do it without all their support on and off the track.
