Seventeen year-old Weston Wrozyna has had a storied amateur career with numerous wins both in the USA and here in Canada. As many of us saw at the 2013 Parts Canada TransCan, Weston’s week long battle with Dylan Wright was one of the best in history. In almost every Intermediate moto, Weston and Dylan were only bike lengths apart. When it was all said and done, Weston took home the MX2 Championship. Heading into 2014, the young rider from Newtonville, Ontario has found a home with the Honda Canada GDR Team alongside Colton Facciotti. To see just how excited Weston is for this incredible opportunity we caught up with him as he was training in Florida.
Q: Hey Weston, how has the riding been going in Florida?
A: It’s been going good. The weather has been a little cold lately but obviously it’s still warmer here than back home so I’ll take it.
Q: Where are you exactly?
A: Right now I’m at County Line Raceway in Panama City, FL. I like it here. The track is good and there are a lot of people to ride with.
Q: Okay, let’s get into the good stuff. It was just announced that you signed with the Honda Canada GDR Team for 2014. How excited are you right now?
A: Honestly, I’m so excited! To be given this opportunity for my first year in the Pro class is amazing and I hope I can live up to the team’s expectations in the MX2 class this season.
Q: Was this a last minute deal or were you guys working on this for a while?
A: We always knew we were going to do something with Honda this year. I’ve been riding red for so long that I didn’t want to switch it up for my first year as a Pro. Even back when I rode 85s I would always talk to Derek [Schuster] at the track. We’ve always got along really well. About a month or so ago we started talking about 2014, and in the end we were able to work out an amazing deal.
Q: Well, congratulations! So the plan is to race the entire MX2 Nationals. Have you given any thoughts to what your expectations might be?
A: I think it’s only natural to sit and wonder where you’ll fit into a class when it’s your first time racing it. I think my expectations will hopefully change as the summer goes on. What I mean by that is for the first few rounds I might be happy to finish top ten, but if my speed is good and I’m feeling confident, that will change to top five later in the summer. All I know right now is that I have to work harder than I ever have before. The riders I will be racing against are smarter and faster than what I’m used to so I have to be ready for them.
Q: It must be nice knowing that you will have a great team behind you for your rookie year in the Pro class?
A: Definitely, I know the team is going to do everything possible to help me succeed so that is why I want to hold up my end of the bargain and work hard in the next few months so I’m ready for Nanaimo.
Q: Let’s back up a bit and talk about the 2013 TransCan. How did you feel coming into that event last summer?
A: I felt really good, actually. I had a little bad luck at Loretta Lynn’s a few weeks before Walton so coming in I was really motivated to do well and try and win at least one championship.
Q: We all witnessed your battles with Dylan Wright all week. It seemed like you two were together in every moto. How were those races from your perspective?
A: They were awesome battles, that’s for sure; it seemed like if I was leading then he was right behind me and if he was leading then I was right on him. Dylan and I have battled since we were kids so it was nothing new for us. He’s a great rider and I’m glad we could put on a good show. Even though I was only able to win one title that week, I think how I rode and battled all week is what got me my deal for 2014.
Q: I think you’re right, you showed a lot of composure all week at Walton and that is what sponsors look for. I think it’s cool that both you and Dylan have these great rides for your rookie year. That doesn’t always happen.
A: For sure, to be able to go from Intermediate to Pro and straight on to a big team is great for both of us. We’re both hard workers and we’re both really excited about the opportunity we’ve been given. I have a feeling that you’re going to see us battling again this summer. Hopefully we’re battling for wins or podiums.
Q: What would you say is the strongest part of your riding?
A: That’s an interesting question. I would say that I’m a hard worker and that I never give up. I might not always be the fastest or the most stylish but I don’t quit! I think this will serve me well in the Pro class.
Q: So what is your plan for the next few months? Will you be heading over to GPF to ride with your new teammate?
A: Yes, we’re going to hang out here for a while and then we’ll head over and see Colton at GPF. After that I guess it depends on the weather back home. If it’s an early spring then we’ll head home in April and start racing in Ontario. If not, we’ll stay down here and keep training.
Q: Well Weston, good luck with your training and congratulations again on your new deal with the Honda Canada GDR Team. We can’t wait to watch you this summer in the MX2 class.
A: Thanks Chris! I really appreciate you calling and hopefully we can talk again soon.
