By Nicolás Rey Gracia
Marketing Events Co-op, BLU CRU
Yamaha Motor Canada

I had already experienced dirt bikes at a beginner level, but watching professionals ride at race speed was an entirely different experience. I had only seen one part of the sport; the TransCan Series Finals at Walton showed me how there are different levels of the sport.

Road to Walton

The day began early. My best friend Jose joined me for this adventure. We meet up with other Yamaha employees to take the bus that will take us to our final destination. With nearly three hours of travel ahead of us, most of us used the ride to sleep or have quiet conversations. José and I took the time to see how different the race would be from other race systems, with a good coffee and a small bit. As Formula 1 fans, we wondered how different watching a dirt-bike race would be from attending an F1 race. Gradually, the city skyline disappeared and was replaced by the countryside.

We arrived around 10:30 a.m. and were welcomed with badges and event programs. Even before reaching the entrance, we could hear the motorcycles and catch glimpses of riders in the distance. We soon learned that qualifying was still taking place. Justin, a Yamaha BLU CRU member, guided us toward the Yamaha BLU CRU tent. Along the way, we saw curves, jumps, and riders already putting their skill on display. We even passed through the tunnels as motorcycles raced overhead. The sound echoed around us with a power that was impossible to ignore.

Justin then introduced us to Kevin Tyler, Head of the MX101 BLU CRU Team. The riders had finished qualifying, and the team was preparing motorcycles for the first races. Kevin explained that each class has two races, or motos: Moto 1 in the morning and Moto 2 in the afternoon. He also explained that teams can use two frames during the event, with interchangeable components between them. Coming from an F1 background, José and I naturally had questions about the regulations and how much teams could modify their motorcycles. Funny enough, though, that we also had the opportunity to watch the team replace an entire dirt-bike engine—a reminder that racing involves much more preparation and mechanical work than spectators usually see.

Justin pointed out the Yamaha riders to watch: Ryder Malinoski, number 31 in the 250 Pro class; Preston Kilroy, number 2 in the 450 Pro class; and Kaylie Kayer, number 2 in the WMX class. Ryder, in the 250 Pro class, was the one to watch as he was a championship contender. Especially because the top two riders in his group were so close in the standings. The upcoming races could dictate the championship.

The gate drops but at what cost

After José and I explored the paddock before finding a spot near the starting area for the 250 Pro Moto 1 race. We saw teams from Yamaha, KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, and other manufacturers preparing their motorcycles. The paddock felt like a small community built around racing. We then went to find a perfect spot, one that allows us to watch the start of the race and the first part of the track where all the chaos will be. After getting what it was the best spot and as the riders lined up, we started asking questions. How did qualifying work? Did the fastest qualifiers get first choice of position? Which spot offered the biggest advantage?

The engines started, and the riders moved off in sections. After the first lap, however, everyone lined up again. Jose and I looked at each other, confused and wondering why, until we realized that we had just watched the hot lap—a practice lap where riders have the opportunity to check the track before the actual race.

Then we realized that we have just lost our perfect viewing spot. We could only laugh as the engines started again, louder than before.

This time, it was serious.

When the gate dropped, the riders launched toward the first corner, all fighting for the same position. They were so close together that we expected one small mistake to cause a crash, but they moved through the corner without colliding. As we moved around the track, we began noticing the smaller details: riders removing muddy visor tear-offs while airborne, tilting their motorcycles through the jumps, and extending their inside legs through corners for balance and control. Every movement had a purpose. We kept looking for Ryder. He started strongly, but later we saw him in fifth position. Our first thought was that he had fallen. Even after losing positions, Ryder kept pushing, showing how quickly the story of a race can change. He eventually finished second, almost reaching the leader.

A controlled chaos

For the 450 Pro race, we watched from the grandstands. The difference between the 250 Pro and 450 Pro classes was immediately noticeable. The 450s brought an even faster and more aggressive form of controlled chaos, with intense battles through the corners. We also kept our eyes on Yamaha rider number 2, Preston Kilroy, who had put together an impressive second-place finish in the opening race.

After grabbing lunch, we watched the WMX race and followed Yamaha rider number 2, Kaylie Kayer. She also delivered an impressive performance, finishing second. By then, the venue had grown busier, and we continued running into Yamaha employees throughout the day. Each quick conversation made the event feel more familiar, and the BLU CRU community became one of the highlights of the experience.

One of my favourite viewing spots was near the tent, where we could watch riders land from a large jump before entering a sharp right-hand turn. It was fascinating to see each rider approach the same section differently. Some carried more speed, while others focused on a smoother line.

For the 250 pro final race Ryder Malinoski started strongly and took the lead. Although his efforts were not enough to secure the overall championship, Ryder delivered an impressive performance and continued to fight until the end. After the races, we made our way to the podium for the awards. The overall prize was a sword representing the “King of Walton,” giving the event a memorable ending and showing how much tradition and personality the sport has.

The Ride Home

On the bus ride home, José, some Yamaha employees, and I discussed our favourite races and viewing areas. My favourite spots were near the middle of the track, where I could see the large jumps and part of the forest section, and near the BLU CRU tent, where I could feel everyone’s energy as they supported the same riders. Eventually, the bus slowly became quiet. The excitement of the day gave way to exhaustion. I arrived at Walton with a basic understanding of dirt bikes. I left excited to gain more experience and discover everything the sport has to offer.

Even after riding off-road at a beginner level, seeing professionals do it at race speed was an entirely different experience. The day showed me that dirt biking can be much more than riding trails—it can also be racing, preparation, strategy, community, and the constant pursuit of improvement.