Let's wrap up 2015 with Mark Stallybrass / CRMC President!
YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE 2015 NATIONALS:
The 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals was the most successful series ever! The racing was incredible, the weather was in our favour, there were no major injuries to the riders, the television coverage is amazing, and my national series staff was the best ever. I'm really looking forward to next year.
WHAT ABOUT THE 2015 AMATEUR SIDE:
The amateur national was a success. A strong number of entries, competitive racing in most classes, good weather, and track conditions were very good. Most people seemed to be happy.
LET'S GO BACK TO DESCHAMBAULT THIS MONTH OF AUGUST WITH ECAN:
I was very happy with the attendance of the ECAN. This event seems to be growing each year. I will be working with the promoter to publicize this event more because people don't know what theyre missing.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR RECENT TV DEAL WITH FOX SPORTS RACING AND SHARE WITH US THE EXCELLENT SCOOP FOR THE QUEBEC MARKET:
The TV deal I have is with Fox Sports Racing, which broadcasts in Canada and the Caribbean (Fox Sports 1 is the US). The arrangement with Fox Sports Racing is very good for the series. Once FSR is available on all cable companies it will turn out to be the best deal we've ever had. FSR considers our series to be their number one priority because it is the only Canadian series they broadcast. What you don't know is I have finalized an arrangement to have the entire series broadcast on RDS2 starting in October. Each of the 20 shows will be voiced over in French. This is excellent for the Quebec market.
SX BACK IN TORONTO:
Happy to see it come back; it's great exposure for the sport. Plus it's a great opportunity for Canadian motocross fans to see the best supercross riders in the world.
FEMININE MOTOCROSS IN EXPANSION:
The Women's National series is in good shape right now. The split between the east and west is best as it allows the majority of girls to follow the series. I was very happy to see the large turnout in Ulverton.
THE FUTURE OF CMRC IN CANADA FOR 2016:
Despite the economic downturn in the economy in 2008, motocross racing has remained healthy. There was a decline but it seems that the sport is growing again. There have been positive changes in a number of regions that will allow for a larger number of entries at each race, which is good for everyone involved. I have been operating CMRC for 26 years and I am still very motivated to continue for the next 10-15 years. My goal is to keep all regions of Canada united under one sanctioning organization, because that is the only way the sport will continue to grow.
THE FUTURE OF CRMC IN QUEBEC FOR 2016:
CMRC will be working with Challenge Quebec in 2016. I believe this to be very positive for Quebec riders and promoters because there won't be a separation of riders as there has been in the past. I think the most amount of growth across the country next year will be in Quebec.
RIDERS WHO GAVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS IN 2015:
The top four riders at the national series in MX1 (Goerke, Facciotti, Metcalfe and Thompson). The racing throughout the series was the best I have ever seen in Canada.
YOUR MESSAGE TO ALL RIDERS, FAMILIES, PROMOTORS, STAFF AND SPONSORS:
To riders and families, remember why you're racing motocross – because you love it and you want to have fun. Don't get caught up in the politics because that just takes the fun out of it. Promoters – thank you for not losing faith in the sport. Your patience and dedication is going to start paying off next year. Sponsors – we appreciate your support. With the anticipated growth in the coming years your support will pay off.
HOW HARD IS THIS SPORT ON YOUR BODY AND MIND:
I haven't raced for ten years so it's not hard on my body anymore, but it sure used to be. Now I just have to endure all of the travelling we do across the country. For my mind, I have a renewed amount of energy and I'm looking forward to helping the sport reach new heights at both the amateur and pro levels.
YOUR PROJECTS FOR 2016:
There will be changes taking place to elevate racing to another level. My goal is always to make motocross racing in Canada bigger and better than the year before so I have a lot of work ahead of me.
NO CANADIAN TEAM ARE GOING TO THE MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS THIS YEAR:
CMRC is not the FIM affiliate for Canada so unfortunately we have no control over a Canadian team going to the Motocross des Nations. If we were, I can assure you there would be a team representing Canada each and every year. The Canadian Motorcycle Association decided not to send a team with the same manager as last year and haven't found a replacement. I thought Ryan Gauld did an excellent job last year but obviously CMA didn't think the same. It's too bad. I'm going this year but I won't have anyone to cheer for.
