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All Yamaha News
By Justin Balkos
Senior Marketing Representative
Yamaha Motor Canada
Senior Marketing Representative
Yamaha Motor Canada
Following an abrupt finish to his 2022 campaign, I had the opportunity to sit down with MX101 FXR Yamaha Racing Team’s MX2 rider, Austin Jones, as he sets his sights on the 2023 Triple Crown Series!
Last time we spoke at the YZ Media Day you were coming off an injury and starting to ride again. Can you take us through the injury and how it’s feeling now?
Fast forward five months and everything worked out pretty good, all things considered. July 3rd at Walton I had a crash going into a corner and unfortunately ended up breaking my left femur and separating my AC joint in my right shoulder. Being in the hospital for four days doing physical therapy (until the doctor was happy enough to release me) was the toughest of it all. Once I got home, everything was smooth sailing with little to no pain. Physio once a week helped me get the strength and movement that I needed to ride again. That ended up taking ten weeks. Thankfully, I spent my weeks and weekends at the track helping the team whenever I could.
Fast forward five months and everything worked out pretty good, all things considered. July 3rd at Walton I had a crash going into a corner and unfortunately ended up breaking my left femur and separating my AC joint in my right shoulder. Being in the hospital for four days doing physical therapy (until the doctor was happy enough to release me) was the toughest of it all. Once I got home, everything was smooth sailing with little to no pain. Physio once a week helped me get the strength and movement that I needed to ride again. That ended up taking ten weeks. Thankfully, I spent my weeks and weekends at the track helping the team whenever I could.
I know you just got back from Florida. How did training and Mini-O’s go?
I headed down to Florida end of October to participate in the annual race at the Renzlands facility, Dreamland. This is definitely one of my favourite races of the year – the people and tracks are top-notch at all times. I was on my way back to Canada after this race and ended up breaking down in Pennsylvania. My two MX101 amateur teammates were headed down to Florida at the same time so I hopped in with them. We headed straight to Budds Creek for the state championship. Next stop, Waldo MX in Florida to prepare for the upcoming week at Mini O’s. At Waldo the two boys and I put in four solid days of training. Mini O’s was tough for me. It was my first race back and I was definitely a little nervous, but we made the best of it by riding with very fast kids and learning every lap. My best moto ended up being my last moto, working my way up to 13th after being last around the first corner.
I headed down to Florida end of October to participate in the annual race at the Renzlands facility, Dreamland. This is definitely one of my favourite races of the year – the people and tracks are top-notch at all times. I was on my way back to Canada after this race and ended up breaking down in Pennsylvania. My two MX101 amateur teammates were headed down to Florida at the same time so I hopped in with them. We headed straight to Budds Creek for the state championship. Next stop, Waldo MX in Florida to prepare for the upcoming week at Mini O’s. At Waldo the two boys and I put in four solid days of training. Mini O’s was tough for me. It was my first race back and I was definitely a little nervous, but we made the best of it by riding with very fast kids and learning every lap. My best moto ended up being my last moto, working my way up to 13th after being last around the first corner.
What kind of planning goes into a trip like that?
The first part of this trip is something I put on my schedule at the start of every year and keep in mind throughout the season. Weeks prior, I try and get as much of bike work done around the shop as possible and organize the parts and tools I need to get through my time away. The Mini O’s portion of this trip was not planned so it was a bit of a scramble the last few days. Luckily, I’ve got Kevin Tyler in my corner, and he was able to get everything needed sent to Florida to get me through.
The first part of this trip is something I put on my schedule at the start of every year and keep in mind throughout the season. Weeks prior, I try and get as much of bike work done around the shop as possible and organize the parts and tools I need to get through my time away. The Mini O’s portion of this trip was not planned so it was a bit of a scramble the last few days. Luckily, I’ve got Kevin Tyler in my corner, and he was able to get everything needed sent to Florida to get me through.
Any suggestions for racers who are interested in going south of the border but don’t necessarily know where to start?
This is a question I’m asked quite often. My first step is always a good positive environment with good knowledgeable people. You’re going to be spending weeks to months at one place away from home, so every little thing matters. It all keeps you focused and working your hardest. I think something that gets overlooked easily for many is the accountability you need while training. Find a trainer who keeps you accountable lap after lap and day after day. This is one of the most important things in my opinion to keep you improving and working towards the end goal. Anyone currently looking, I would suggest Kody Renzland at KRMC Moto. He is focused on keeping his riders accountable and working towards their end goal.
This is a question I’m asked quite often. My first step is always a good positive environment with good knowledgeable people. You’re going to be spending weeks to months at one place away from home, so every little thing matters. It all keeps you focused and working your hardest. I think something that gets overlooked easily for many is the accountability you need while training. Find a trainer who keeps you accountable lap after lap and day after day. This is one of the most important things in my opinion to keep you improving and working towards the end goal. Anyone currently looking, I would suggest Kody Renzland at KRMC Moto. He is focused on keeping his riders accountable and working towards their end goal.
How do you stay on top of bike maintenance while you’re there?
Thankfully my first two years at MX101 were spent in the shadow of head mechanic Cale Foster, who taught me a ton. Kevin Tyler has been doing this for a while and knows the maintenance schedule down to the minute on our bikes, which helps big time. I keep a close eye on the time on my motorcycle and do what’s required to avoid major failures that would keep me sidelined for days. We’ve now got Scott Donkersgood on board. He always helps me over the phone with situations that I may need advice.
Thankfully my first two years at MX101 were spent in the shadow of head mechanic Cale Foster, who taught me a ton. Kevin Tyler has been doing this for a while and knows the maintenance schedule down to the minute on our bikes, which helps big time. I keep a close eye on the time on my motorcycle and do what’s required to avoid major failures that would keep me sidelined for days. We’ve now got Scott Donkersgood on board. He always helps me over the phone with situations that I may need advice.
What are your goals for the 2023 season?
My first goal has to be to make it through every moto of the year. It’s very tough watching from the sidelines. I believe I belong inside the top ten and so do the people supporting me. It’s time to get to work and achieve my goals.
My first goal has to be to make it through every moto of the year. It’s very tough watching from the sidelines. I believe I belong inside the top ten and so do the people supporting me. It’s time to get to work and achieve my goals.
For anyone who has followed Jones over the years, it’s obvious that speed has never been an issue for the 22 year old. With another year under his belt in the pro ranks, we look forward to seeing him rocket out of the gate when it drops for the 2023 Triple Crown Series!
Check out some raw footage of him riding down south: