For this week’s MXP Rankings, we head down the list to number 18 of the current top 20 Canadians in Motocross. Outside of the Ontario borders not a lot is known of our next rider or his career. Like many racers, he has raced with a borrowed and sewn together program supported by family and friends. In 2012, a unique opportunity presented itself from Yamaha/Red-Line/DMX/Leo-Vince/MXF; an opening to fill the injured Kyle McGlynn became available. When the gate dropped and the bike under him was capable, he was as fast as anyone in the country. Say hello to this week’s rider, Zeb Dennis.
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Zeb is what makes the MXP Ranking so interesting and why it sparks so much conversation. As we said, not a lot is known about Zeb Dennis among Motocross fans across Canada.
A young phenom, Dennis, with the help of his parents, won a lot of races while competing in the Ontario motocross scene. Trying to make ends meet, Dennis found a way to show up on the line and race motocross for a lot of years. From a hot shot 50cc rider, he experienced a lot of success at the Ontario Provincial Championships and the Walton TransCan where he earned the Bronze Boot Award. As he advanced through the ranks, Dennis bounced around and hustled to find support to get him to the races and to keep doing what he loved. In his early Pro years, distractions away from the track diverted his focus and perhaps prevented him from hitting his stride until recent years. Like all of us, Zeb has grown up, now a site Manager at Motopark where he grew up riding and hanging out, he has matured into a hard working man, both on and off the track.
Zeb is an all around good dude and its comes out when riding a BMX, a dirt bike, or just hanging with friends.
Being a good guy doesn’t land you on this list, unfortunately, but speed and the ability to go fast does. Edmonton, Alberta was where many saw how fast Zeb Dennis could go.
“I’ve been a fan of Zeb`s for a long time, as far back as when he was doing FMX half time shows at the RJ National,” said the national series TV Producer/Director Marc Travers. “You always knew the kid could ride. When he ran up front in Edmonton last year, I wasn’t surprised. What was a surprise was that he finished seventh in Moto 2. That was the accomplishment. I think the contact between Facciotti and Dennis over the finish line to end lap one was one of the best moments of racing we saw all last year.” Many agreed. Early in moto one, it was fun to watch Dennis pass Facciotti for the lead.
This day in Edmonton at Castrol Raceway was a good one for Zeb. He showed us all what he’s capable of.
However, within the Southwestern Ontario racing scene, many knew his capabilities. He was the Pro Provincial Champion in 2011, and at Motopark Zeb is known to beat anyone who ventures out on the track. He is an elite BMX freestyle jumper, and when someone is describing Zeb the words “Naturally talented” are often used. His style is fluid and jumping looks effortless. Seeing him at work drop a water hose then toss a leg over a bike makes it easy to forget how hard it is to race a motorcycle at Pro speed.
Dennis will once again be working the Motopark soil in 2013, riding and training each week. Where he will appear is hard to tell, but you can bet, when he rolls up to the line in 2013, he will leave many wondering where he came from. Zeb Dennis is this week’s number 18.