Saturday’s Notes From Nanaimo

Since the Saturday schedule changed at the Monster Energy MX Nationals a few years back, the day before the big race is now about setting up, getting the bikes through tech and of course, lots of bench racing. Today at Nanaimo was no different as everyone spent most of the day just catching up after the very long Canadian off-season.

For the riders, Saturday gives them a chance to check out the track, talk to their competition and basically relax before they have to go into battle tomorrow. This gives us media types a perfect chance to talk to them and ask them how they’re feeling heading into round one. Here is what some of the riders had to say about their chances tomorrow.

Brett Metcalfe: MX1 Class

I feel good heading into tomorrow, it should be a good day. The track looks like it’s going to be good and I know the team is ready to go. I flew in yesterday and I was just so pumped to get this thing going, but today I’m a little more mellow and relaxed. I know it’s going to be a tough, long series so we’ll just take it easy on Sunday and see where we finish.

The track is pretty much what I expected, I heard a lot about it, it’s good to finally see it in person. If the weather holds up than I think the fans are going to see some good racing. Man, I just can’t wait to get racing again, its been almost eleven months.

Shawn Maffenbeier: MX2 Class

I am really looking forward to tomorrow, I think if the track stays like it is right now than the racing should be good. I feel like I am bringing some good experience with me into the MX2 class after spending the last few years in the MX1, and I think this will help me a lot. I’m not sure if the two-stroke will be an advantage or not on this track but we have the bike working so well that I think we’ll be good.

It actually took me awhile in the off-season to get comfortable on the two stroke. I rode the bike in California for almost two months before I felt fast on it. Now, I have everything sorted out and I can’t wait to get racing tomorrow.

Bobby Kiniry: MX1 Class

I can’t believe that here we’re here already, round one in Nanaimo. I am feeling really good right now. I raced in Colorado last weekend and out of all the guys in the MX1 class tomorrow, I certainly have been racing the most. I had a decent Supercross season and I am trying to carry that success into the outdoors.

My bike is also great, other than a few small changes it’s basically the same bike I raced last year. I feel like this also gives me a bit of an advantage, I know the bike really well. But, you know, all the guys are ready to go and when the gate drops we’ll be ready. I can’t wait to get going, it should be a great series this year.

Dylan Kaelin: MX1 Class

I feel pretty good heading into Sunday, even with the changes that I’ve been through the last few weeks. I really like my YZF450 and I can’t wait to race against the big boys tomorrow. I obviously haven’t been on the 450 for long but I felt comfortable on it the moment I threw my leg over it. I just want to get this first round over and try and build on stuff for the rest of the summer. It’s a long series and I think I will get stronger as the summer goes on.

Tyler Medaglia: MX1 Class

I feel great heading into tomorrow, probably better than I have in a few years. We have worked really hard on my bike and I love how it’s working. I think the MX1 class is as stacked as it has been for a few years so the racing should be great tomorrow. My plan for tomorrow is to just go out and ride my race and do my thing and not worry about what the other riders are doing. It’s going to be a long series and I think I just need to remain consistent in the West and then make a charge in the East. I have been racing a lot back home so I’m anxious to see how my speed is against these guys on Sunday.

Tyler Villopoto: MX2 Class

I feel a lot better heading into the series this year compared to last year, I think riding the MX2 class will be better for me and I’m looking forward to getting out on the track. My team has worked hard and the bikes are just awesome this year, we should be in the hunt for wins every weekend. I am also excited that I now know the tracks, last year I didn’t know any so it was tough to learn them each weekend. I just hope the weather holds up, the track looks great right now. I like this track and I can’t wait to get racing.

Gavin Gracyk: MX1 Class

Honestly I feel a lot better than I did last year, I got a really late start on things last year. I haven’t really been riding much this year but I do feel in great shape. I hope I can get some consistent finishes early in the series and build on them as the series goes on. I am really happy with my KTM so far, it took a bit of work to get it set up for me but now we have them working really good. I really excited to be back in Canada, this Country is like a second home to me. It should be a fun summer.