Could we see Nathan Bles on a KTM support ride or back to GDR Racing in 2015?
KTM privateer Nathan Bles finished 10th overall in the MX1 class in the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals this summer, taking a moto best 4th in Ulverton, Quebec. Will he be rewarded?
Words Danny Brault
Photos by James Lissimore
Has anyone called Nathan Bles?
Well, other than me calling to see if any of the Canadian motocross teams have shown interest in hiring this privateer sensation, he has yet to hear from them directly.
The 22 year-old from Bayfield, Ontario is coming off his ‘breakout’ season at the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals. Even though he only rode the six eastern rounds of the series, Bles and his KTM 450 SX-F rode to seven top 10 moto finishes in the MX1 class and recorded a career high 4th place in the first moto at Ulverton, Quebec.
After wrapping up the Canadian Nationals 10th overall in MX1, Bles competed at last weekend’s Baja Brawl, a beautiful track located across Ontario’s western border in Michigan. Bles has been there before but this time around he won!
“I love it there,” he said afterwards. “The track is so much fun; I was there two years ago and wanted to come back.”
The sand specialist shined at Baja, winning the Open A class overall and finishing second place in College Boy 14-24. Following his consistent National results and speed shown this year, has anyone reached out to the privateer?
“Nope, no phone calls yet [laughs],” Bles says. “I did get some high fives and congratulations from people after my fourth place in Ulverton but nothing really has been discussed for next year.”
While his phone isn’t ringing, yet, team managers do have interest in his services. One being his former team, GDR Troy Lee Designs Honda, and the other, his current brand of bike, KTM (or their Euro brand brethren, Husqvarna).
GDR’s owner and operator, Derek Schuster, supported Bles in 2011 and 2013 and says that he must live up to his end of the deal with Bles. “Every other year he rides for me,” states Schuster. “That’s what we’ve been saying, so that means he’s back in 2015 I guess … just kidding!”
Jokes aside, Schuster says he’s working on a few new sponsorship programs, and if they come together he’s not against the idea of having Bles back on his team. “He was a good kid to work with and I think he’s grown up a lot after riding as a privateer in the MX1 class,” adds Schuster. “I’m not sure what our exact plan is, if we’ll have another MX1 rider or stay with Colt (Facciotti ) only, but we have our eyes on Nathan.”
Despite lack of training and preparation, Bles decided to give it a go at the Gopher Dunes National when the eastern rounds began. Good idea – he would finish up in the top 10 in seven out of 12 motos!
Going into the eastern nationals, Bles didn’t have a ton of support but his parents, boss and a few others, like Tim from Tech Care, kept encouraging him. KTM Canada also chipped in with parts support during regional and national racing.
Space is limited on the factory teams but KTM’s race manager Andy White says he wants to keep Bles on a KTM or Husqvarna in 2015, and worst case it’s a dealer-support ride. A talented off-road rider as well, Bles could bring value to KTM or Husky with results in moto and in the woods (he’s signed up for the ISDE on November 3rd-8th in Argentina).
“Nathan rode well this year, and I think once he gets experience riding the western tracks and a full series, he can be a legitimate top guy in the MX1 class,” observes White. “It’s unlikely we can make room on the KTM team, but a Husky deal or support ride on a KTM is possible. Worst case is bike and parts support.”
Racing in the MX1 class, Bles got to bump elbows with names like Medaglia, Kiniry, Facciotti, Alessi, Maier, Hill, and Chisholm. Many times he held his own in the early laps until a lack of pre-season preparation slowed him down. At Ulverton he missed the box by one spot, taking fourth behind Kyle Chisholm.
“I’ve learned so much this year,” he says, “I was able to get good starts and see what those tops guys are doing. I was nervous to ride with Chisholm and Kiniry and those guys, but once I was up there at Gopher Dunes, I saw the lines they were taking and was able to keep the pace.”
Of course, the goal for Bles is to get back to a point where he focuses more on training and less about paying the bills. But what if things don’t work out and the young racer is forced to pay his own way again? “I’ll do it but be more planned with my budget and expenses. It cost me probably around $20,000 for the six Nationals with bikes, parts and travel expenses. I can’t do it forever, but I would try another year.”
Could we see Bles rewarded with a ‘factory’ or support ride in 2015? It’s too early to say, but regardless, he says he’s going to invest in himself for another shot at stardom next summer.
WATCH NATHAN BLES BATTLE WITH THE FACTORY RACERS IN TV COVERAGE FROM ULVERTON, QUEBEC. CLICK PLAY ON THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE TO WATCH NOW!