Throughout Canada, we have many fast young riders who work hard and put everything they have into their racing. We also have many young athletes who excel at sports other than motocross. Cole Pranger is one of these kids who is fast on a dirt bike and a great hockey player. However, after trying to balance high-level hockey with motocross Cole has decided that his main focus is two-wheels, and this winter he’s spending most of his time down south training. We caught up with Cole for this weeks Young and on the Rise Presented by the CCR Yamaha Racing Team.
MXP: Hey Cole, how are things? The first question I want to ask you is where do you call home?
CP: Hi Chris, things are good, thanks. I live about 10 minutes outside the small town of Newbury, Ontario.
Can you tell me something interesting about your hometown?
I really don’t know very much about it because we just moved here about a year and a half ago, but there seems to be more deer than people.
More deer than people. Well, that’s interesting as you can’t say that about too many small towns in Ontario. How long have you been riding a dirt bike, and how did you get started?
My dad used to race, and that’s who got me started. My first dirt bike was a PW50, and I got that when I was two years old. I’ve been riding ever since.
Two years old is young. Do you remember your first race and how it went?
I think my first race was at Gopher Dunes when I was 5. It was freezing cold and it even snowed that morning. I remember the sand was really hard to ride on my PW. I finished okay, and I’m pretty sure I ended up 5th in my class.
That’s not a bad finish on a PW50 in the sand at Gopher Dunes. Do you have a favourite track in Ontario?
I really like all the tracks here, but if I had to pick it would be between the Vision Built track and Gullymor. I really like the elevation changes at these tracks, and if the conditions are right Gullymor gets the sickest ruts.
Yes, I’ve ridden Gullymor in those conditions, and it was really fun. Regarding teaching, do you have anyone who trains you or gives you advice?
I’ve been very fortunate to train with many different trainers at many different tracks. They have all helped me get better and improve my riding. In the last couple of years, I’ve trained quite a bit with HMX and right now I’m training at MTF.
I was just going to asked you about training down south. How has MTF been?
It’s been an awesome experience so far. The people here are nice and although it’s a lot of hard work I’ve been having fun.
Well, I’m sure all this hard work will pay off. Other than motocross, what other sports do you like?
I used to play a lot of hockey, but with going down south this winter, I didn’t think it would be fair to my teammates. So this is the first winter I haven’t played hockey since I was 5. I’ve started to play some golf, and I do a lot of hunting and fishing. I really like just being outdoors.
Okay, let’s talk about 2022. What were some of the results that you were most proud of?
Making the podium in my first Pre-mix race at Walton One was my favourite. I also won the 85 12-16 class at ECAN, which was pretty cool. Overall, 2022 was a solid year, and hopefully, I can build on those results this summer.
Overall, how did the Walton TransCan go for you?
It didn’t go as planned, and I know I could’ve had much better results than I did. I had some really great motos and some not-so-great ones. Some of the mistakes I made on the track and some mechanical issues with my bike kept me from getting the results I wanted. I did end the week on a high note getting my first yellow bib in my final 85cc moto. I’m going to build on that, and I can’t wait to return to TransCan this year.
Heading into this season, what do you feel like you have to work on the most?
I need to work on my consistency throughout the race and minimize my mistakes.
We’re lucky on this side of the country to have a few great events to choose from when we want to go racing. If you could pick one event which one is your favourite to attend?
My favourite is always the Walton TransCan. It’s a whole week with my family and friends at the track, and nothing compares to it. I love every part of the Walton TransCan, especially when we have great weather like we did last year.
Yes, nothing beats the Walton TransCan when the sun is shining and the track is good. Obviously, you’ve had to do a few long drives with your family to get to the races. Can you give us your craziest road trip story?
Yes, in 2018 we were headed to Motopark for an AMO race in May. We had just got a newer 5th-wheel toy hauler, and it was the third or fourth time we were using it. We were driving up Highway 23 when suddenly the wind picked up and lifted our truck and trailer off the road and onto two wheels. Then they both came down, and my dad almost had us stopped. Then another gust of wind hit and ripped the trailer right out of the back of our truck and flipped it on its side into the ditch. It was crazy!
OMG! That is a crazy story, and I’m glad everyone was okay. You just mentioned your family and travelling to the races. Although this sport is individual, you still need a good support system. Do your parents love racing as much as you do?
Yes, they do. I think it’s because of the racing, but also because of all the moto families and friends we’ve made. They love my racing, and we love being at the track together.
Let’s talk about school for a moment. What grade are you currently in and what is your favourite subject?
I’m just about finished Grade 10 and my favourite subject is Math. I don’t know why, but I like it.
Well, here’s a question that involves numbers. Let’s fast forward five years. Where do you see yourself in 2028?
In five years, I would like to be racing in the pro class.
If you asked your parents to best describe you in one word what would it be?
I think it would be hardworking because I try to do the best I can at whatever I do.
Thank you for doing this Cole. Is there anyone or any sponsors you’d like to thank?
Yes, thank you, Chris and MXP Media, for doing this interview with me. I’m very grateful to have such incredible people supporting me. I’d like to thank Scotty VandeBorne, CCR Racing, CCEX, OG’s, MP1 Suspension, 139 Designs, Yamaha Motor Canada, Gus, HTW Shine, Gullymor Moto, Savage Snowbikes, Different Breed, HMX MotoCo. Steve Simms SSR, TLD Moto, My Mom & Dad, and Coverall Ken.