Words by Kourtney Lloyd
Photos by James Lissimore
As we head into the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals presented by Motovan, in the MX2 class we have many questions and very few answers. Like we saw last year, this class is full of young and aggressive riders who are all trying to make a name for themselves. While consistency may not always be front and center with these young riders, the MX2 class will most certainly be exciting to watch all summer long.
Beginning at Round 1 in Kamloops, the MX2 riders will get tested right away as they will be sure to find Whispering Pines Raceway extremely challenging. From there they follow the setting sun west to the hard packed soil of Nanaimo, before returning east to Calgary for Round 3 and then the final western round in Regina. All four of these tracks will test these MX2 riders to the fullest and only the smartest rider will take the points lead into Round 5 in Gopher Dunes.
For 2016, the battle for the MX2 Championship may come down to a battle between young and very aggressive riders Cole Thompson, Jacob Hayes and Jeremy Medaglia. All three riders have won titles in Arenacross, but they’re all looking for their first outdoor championship. Right from the first gate drop in Kamloops, the battle for this 2016 MX2 title is going to be an all-out, knock down fight that will go down to the final moto of the series. If you love to watch fast and very aggressive riders go at it on the track for 30 minutes, then you don’t want to miss the racing this summer in the MX2 class. For a different take on which riders might make the top five, we’ve turned to newly appointed MXON Team Manager and Cycle North Motorsports owner Kourtney Lloyd to give us her expert opinion.
With Cole Thompson moving to the MX2 class in 2016, many feel that he is the favourite to this championship.
1st – Cole Thompson- KTM Thor Racing Team
I am really excited to see Cole race the MX2 class this year, and with the Factory KTM team behind him, there is no question that JSR will have a strong program for Cole. He had some bad luck in Supercross earlier this year, however I think with him being on his home turf and on tracks that he is comfortable with, he will excel. Cole has a huge support system and his confidence and talent will help get him to that top spot. The biggest thing I believe Cole will have to battle this summer is the weight of expectations as many think he’s the favourite to win this title. He will also have to battle his AX nemesis from last fall, Jacob Hayes, as well as the highly motivated GDR Honda rider, Jeremy Medaglia. Cole needs a solid start to this series if he hopes to win the 2016 MX2 Championship.
This summer will be Jacob Hayes first in Canada and first outdoor series in sometime. With his speed and talent, the Kawasaki rider will no doubt challenge for wins in 2016.
2nd – Jacob Hayes – Monster Energy Alpinestar Kawasaki Team
I had the pleasure of meeting Jacob this winter and wasn’t sure what to expect based on my Twitter feed. I was very mistaken. Jacob was a very mild mannered and well-spoken rider, and was a total professional. His talent on the track is like nothing I have ever seen. Monster Energy Alpinestar Kawaski has a solid program, and the long standing guys like Jason, Frenchie and Graeme will ensure that Jacob has the equipment and support to keep him on the box. For the past few years, Jacob has been an AX specialist, however with the people that I’ve spoken to, this kid knows how to race outdoors as well. Although Jacob will be racing on tracks that he’s never seen before, with his youth and talent, he will be a very quick learner. This battle is going to be very exciting to watch for sure.
Kourtney feels that 2016 is going to be Jeremy Medaglia’s best season on the national circuit.
3rd – Jeremy Medaglia – Honda Canada Fox GDR Team
Jeremy had strong finishes last year and was impressive in the west with 2-2-3-2 finishes. I think Jeremy is coming into this season stronger and on more of a mission than previous years. If Jeremy can stay focused and not let outside distractions get to him, I believe he will have an impressive showing at the western rounds. The GDR Honda program is stronger than ever and Jeremy feels at home there. I feel this is important because Derek Schuster does a fantastic job of making sure the riders have nothing to worry about except getting on the box. I don’t see that being an issue for Jeremy. There is no doubt that Jeremy will be very fast this summer, however, if he wants to win this championship then he must limit his mistakes and make the most of his bad days.
Shawn Maffenbeier comes into 2016 on a new bike and feeling more confident than ever. Looks for big things this summer from one of Canada’s best riders.
4th – Shawn Maffenbeier – Big Steel Box Redemption Racing KTM Team
Shawn showed us last year that he has what it takes to finish on the podium, and he has the speed and conditioning to continue that trend into 2016. Shawn has switched to Redemption Racing KTM for this season and feels comfortable on the bike and with the team. Shawn doesn’t let much get to him when it comes to other riders. He focuses on his own race, and as long as he can get out of his own way mentally, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Shawn is a fan favourite as he always gives 100% on and off the track. If he wants to reach the top step of the podium this summer, Shawn will have to find a tiny bit more speed to run up front on a consistent basis. I hope he does, I’m sure his team hopes he does, and I know that all of Canada hopes he does.
Dylan Wright has been in California all winter training for what he hopes is a very successful 2016 in the MX2 class.
5th – MX101 FXR Racing Yamaha Team
My 5th pick is going to be split between two riders as I just can’t decide between them:
Dylan Wright – Dylan has had a full winter of training down in California, which is nothing but a good thing for a rider. I have seen videos of him from this past winter and the kid is on fire! I have huge respect for Dylan and the MX101 program. I am sure that Dylan will have podium finishes and come into the season ready to go. Dylan is one to watch for sure.
Jess Pettis – Jess was picked up by Kevin Tyler and the MX101 Team for 2016. This is an exciting move for Jess; I do not think there is a better fit for him than this. The team is a phenomenal group of people and will have nothing but the best for Jess. Jess is as strong this year as I have ever seen him, and his fitness and conditioning are the best I have seen from him. Jess went down to Georgia this past winter to train with Colton Facciotti, which is a fantastic move on his part. Jess normally battles the Northern BC winters and does not get as much seat time, so for him to get to train during the long winter months, I am excited to see him coming into the series prepared as ever.