Fourteen-year-old Wyatt Waddell from Ladner, B.C., has been competing on dirt bike racing circuits in B.C. and Alberta since he was five years old. For this season, Waddell, who was a former superstar in the 85-cc class, moved up to a bigger, 125-cc bike.
Racing a Yamaha 125, Waddell is proving to a be strong contender in the 250 Junior and Junior Open classes.
Waddell said making the transition was a little tough at first but after a few races, he got into the groove. Early on in 2012, Waddell won the championship in the 250 Junior Class at the Future West Arenacross series in Chilliwack, B.C. Then, he won the Open Class and the MX-2 Junior Class on Amateur Day at the 2012 Monster Energy Canadian Motorsports Racing Corporation (CMRC) Pro Nationals in Kamloops, B.C., on June 10. Waddell also took home first place in all four Junior motos at Round 7 of the Vancouver Island Motocross Association Championship Series on June 17 in Campbell River, B.C.
RidersWest caught up with Waddell to see what makes him tick.
Was it hard to switch from an 85-cc to a 125? It wasn’t too difficult. I think the bike suited me a lot better as soon as I got into it. The competition was definitely a bit tougher for the first few races but once I got used to the bigger class—because there is a lot more riders in the Junior Class—and got a few races under, it was pretty good.
What gives you your competitive edge? I’ve just been riding for so many years. I had a PW50 when I was four. I got the bike when I was 18 months old . . . I started riding it at four and started racing at five.
Who is your role model when it comes to racing? Dean Wilson and Justin Barcia. When I was on 50s, we used to see Dean Wilson; he used to race in Kamloops when he was on his mini bikes . . . I like both of their styles. I like Justin Barcia—he’s really aggressive.
What is one of your highlights? I got to race in the 50-cc class in the Vancouver Supercross one year at BC Place. I got to meet a lot of the pros. I got to talk to Roger DeCoster and see those guys—it was pretty cool.
What are your plans for the rest of the season? We are going to do some fall series races and arenacross during the winter. (I am) definitely looking forward to the arenacross. I really like the tightness of the tracks. The arenacross is really fun for all the tight and big jumps. It’s more technical (than motocross).
What is your favourite track to ride? Kamloops (Whispering Pines) or Campbell River. I like the sand tracks.
What other hobbies do you have? I ride my BMX, I play soccer and wakeboarding, snowboarding, mountain biking.
Do you like music? Yes, I listen to a lot of music.
What is your favourite song? Led Zeppelin, Ramble On.
Do you have any advice for younger racers? Keep practising hard. Never give up. Race right to the finish line. Keep working hard.
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