by Steve Cox
Monday Conversation: Trey Canard
Monday, September 13, 2010 | 5:14 PM
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PrintThe GEICO Powersports Honda team has won regional supercross championships – one of which came at the hands of Trey Canard himself in 2008 – but despite the hype of many of their racers in the past, the team hasn’t had nearly the success of the Pro Circuit juggernaut they race on a week-in, week-out basis. However, as has been discussed in the past few weeks on this very website, momentum can be a tough thing to stop, and the Pro Circuit team has had the momentum in its favor for a very long time. But Trey Canard delivered an AMA National Championship for the team this year in one of the most exciting championship chases the sport has seen in a very long time. We caught up with Canard after the race.
Trey Canard: Well, basically my week went like this: Monday was great at home – I was still on a real big high from the weekend – and then Tuesday, I kind of started going a little bit downhill. I was just starting to feel the pressure, but I think I did pretty well managing it. When I came to the track this morning, I was a different guy than I was all week. I’m thankful that I showed up in the right mindset. You know, I don’t think that I was the best that I’ve been today. I kind of struggled a little bit and over-rode the track a little bit in the first moto. I got a gift, and unfortunately it was from an injury, but it was a great day. The last six races are what made today happen, and I’m stoked.
Is it really hard for you to win it this way, with Pourcel crashing out?
Yeah, but I’m happy for myself at the same time. I mean, it’s unfortunate. I’ve been in that position – getting hurt – for the last two years, and it’s devastating. Not that it was the last round and I got devastated like Chris, but last year was devastating for me and I spent all summer trying to recover from that. It’s unfortunate to see, but those experiences and those tough times made this way sweeter. I’m almost glad that it happened because it made it all the more sweet.
Is it weird for you to hear people say that you’re a National Champion now? I mean, you won the regional title right away [in 2008]...
This championship was a lot different than the East Coast Championship. I think it’s just the 12 races that really do it and all of the competition. Outdoors is gnarly; you have to be on your game, and if you’re not, you’ll be hurt. But yeah, it hadn’t sunk in. I’m still kind of dreaming and kind of wondering what’s going on...
The weird thing about it is this is actually the first outdoor series you’ve ever completed, and you won it...
Yeah, I was stoked on that. One of my goals this year was to just finish [the series] because you can’t ever build momentum when you’re hurt. It takes all the wind out of your sails and you almost have to start from the beginning again. That’s a tough thing to overcome, so finishing was awesome, but to win and to be a part of the Motocross of Nations? It’s just been an unbelievable summer.
You and your mom shared a long hug after the podium ceremony, and you both came up from it pretty teary. Can you explain the dynamic between you and your mother?
She’s pretty much my posse all the time. My mom is kind of like my best friend. I hang out with her more than I hang out with anybody else. I hate to always say this, because I feel like I don’t want to have a big sob story or anything, but the reality is that when I lost my father, I became extremely close to my mother. It’s a bond that I hope never changes because she’s been there every step of the way, and to share that moment with her and to just soak it all in right there was just priceless.
Trey Canard celebrates with his mom (left of him) and his team.
Photo: Steve Cox
And to think that your season started with that horrible moto at Hangtown where you went from a holeshot to seventh place... What kind of lesson did you learn from that?
It’s huge. I mean, in such a short regional championship [in supercross], you have to be pretty much perfect or you’ll lose it. But 12 races [and 24 motos] is a long series and a lot of stuff happens – a lot of unfortunate stuff happens and a lot of good things happen – so just staying motivated and being in it and never giving up is probably the biggest lesson that I’ve learned.
You mentioned before that you want to get your dad’s old racing number and make that your permanent number, but now that you’re a national champ, you could pick a single-digit, too...
Yeah, but I would like to get 41. That was my dad’s number, and that would be huge for me. I can take a single digit, but I’ll take 41 any day.
So, that’s going to be your number from now on?
Yeah. It looks cool.
[The interview is then interrupted by one of the GEICO team mechanics, who mentions that Chris Pourcel is outside and wants to talk to Canard. For the story on this, click here to read the race report from Pala. After that’s over, the interview continues:]
Man, that’s huge. I can’t say that many people in championships have had that mutual respect; especially someone not from the U.S. I don’t want to call him an outcast, I don’t know what the word is, but he’s not part of the U.S. and people have rejected him. I feel like, to have that camaraderie and to have that little bit of a friendship, I would say it’s really cool for me because I really respect the guy and I’m really bummed that he got hurt. Right after High Point, when I got hurt [in 2009, when Canard crashed while leading Pourcel for the moto and overall win], he [Pourcel] came over and told me he was sorry that I got hurt. I think that we’ll always have a little bit of a different relationship; at least I hope so. I think he’s a great guy and I was honored to race with him this year.
Does this mean you’re going to take it easier on him out on the track?
No!
I bet you don’t expect him to do that, either, with you, do you?
No, I don’t. I mean, once we’re on the track, everyone knows it’s different. The best thing about our championship fight was it was clean all year, so it was awesome.
Congratulations, Trey.
Thanks a lot!
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Canard is a class act! Congratulations on your championship! Some of these other clowns should take lessons from Canard and Pourcel on how to race a clean championship. I did not want Pourcel to win the championship however, I have a ton a respect for him on how he carries himself on and off the track. Congrats again Canard and Pourcel get healed up and give em hell at A1.
Congrats Trey!!! You deserve it!!
Congratulations Trey Canard! Unfortunate the title was decided as it was but, there's no "asterisk" to this season / title. #1 plate won the old fashioned way. great puncuation to your "small bore" career & look forward to seeing you mix it up w/ the rest of the "new breed" @ A1 & forward.
His Dad's number.....nothing tops that!
I have always been a Kawi guy, so I was pulling for Pourcel to win it, but it really is hard to not root for Canard. Can't wait til next years outdoor series.
Tray will not run the #1 next season b/c he is going to race the 450 class next season and all the #1's in that class belong to Mr. Dungey.
I can't believe frenchy congratulated Trey. Man, next year is gonna be one for the books!
Congratulations to TC41 !! awesome season !! ya can't beat a season that comes down to the final event(for the fans anyway) ....bummer about CP's shoulder but next year is gonna be huge for sure !! and good job Cox for adding some behind the scenes info and depth to the story. Congrats again to TC !!...hey Cox, about that Monte Python laugh track for yur next interview...
Way to go Trey. National Champion has a nice ring to it. I'm very happy for you, but next year don't make it so close.
That shows a lot of character wanting to run the old mans #41 on his cycle. Cograts again TC and crew!!! Any word on CP377's condition???? will his injury require surgery????? C'mon Racer X, spill it!
Class acts all the way around this year Congratulations Trey, Ryan and Jessica
Couldnt have happened to a nicer guy. Every moto DOES count. And for CP to come over like that, well, that shows a LOT of class on his part. Pourcel just earned my respect (not that he was worried about that, lol). Trey's stock from his 450 SX performances and now this should have really risen.
Trey Canard is truly a righteous man who represents all that is good in pro-moto. An inspiration, to be sure!
Hey DPR57, nice chatting with you up on the straw bales there at the start of the first 250 moto. "This parrot is no more! It has ceased to be! It has expired and gone to meet its maker! This is a late parrot! It's a stiff! Bereft of life, it rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed it to the perch it would be pushing up the daisies!" Ha. See you at the races!
Congrats to Canard, to his family and Team Geico for bringing home the championship.
bhfox39... Have you been living in hole or hiding under a rock somewhere?... CP did the same thing last year with Dungey... And if have read any of the the websites, magazines, or seen videos on Pourcel... Everyone says he is straight up nice and friendly person... Just because he is from France don't make him a bad person. When he crashed on Saturday and got hurt... My heart went out to him, he was fighting for the championships just as hard as Trey was.
Trey Cannard for President.
I doubt Trey or Cristophe waste time reading these worthless postings, but for some reason they do- Thanks to both. It was awesome to watch you battle and shake hands afterward. That's how it should be. My Leatt and Shoei off to both of you!
Great job this year Trey! Looking forward to you out on the 450 next year. Wow, it's gonna be something 2011. Also enjoyed seeing a drag down battle without any contact. That was racing, and there weren't no rubbin'! Kick some butt in Colorado too. Jake511, Trey has popped on here before and his Mom is on VitalMX.com. so they just might see it!
Thanks Trey you cost me $200 on a bet I lost. I guess you never know. Every moto counts for sure. I really thought Pourcel had it in the bag. Either way I feel sorry for CP. He had it so close he could taste it and just like that, another title slid away. Thats a tough pill to swallow especially when everyone else is waiting for Pourcel's deal for 2011 to be complete b4 they can move on.
Great job Trey, It is so nice to have guys like you and Dungey winning titles because you're such great role models. Thanks for making this outdoor season 10 times as exciting. MXsports should be paying you a salary. I can't wait to see you on the 450 in 2011. Good luck and enjoy your off season.
To comment on CP alot of guys hate him bcoz he is French. I hate to say it but isnt that a form of racism. Respect the guy for his ride. It was worse at steel city after the 1st moto. Its hard to know what guys like Pourcel or Stewart really go through on some days and I bet thats one of the reason JS doesnt care about what anyone says. He mentioned on some of that stuff on Mathes interview. Its hard on Pourcel when he gets booed for winning a race, If only he carried the American Flag then we'd all shout his name for glory. I have to admit, at Red Bud I really wanted an American to win just bcoz it was independence day wkd. Other thatn that I've always been open to the best guy winning. If anyone hates on an outsider its only gonna get worse, Musquin is coming 2011 and Roczen 2012. The funny part is that we are all outsiders if you look at your family tree. I have ridden in Europe and Africa and I know it would hurt if someone would hate on me because im from USA
dgizzy, dont throw the Stewie racism crap on here. Stewie has thousands of fans at every race and 99% of those fans are white. I have seen tons of black fans at the supercross races. And every one of them are wearing Stewart gear, does that make them racist?? Would they even be a fan if Stewie wasnt there?? Pourcel got booed at Steel City for not acknowledging Canard after the race, bad sportsmanship. Not because of where he is from. And it is normal for fans to cheer for thier countryman. Just like Langston_Fan comes on here and praises anyone racing who is from Europe. Its just peoples nature. NO, I am not condoning hate at all. None of that belongs at any races. But dont come on here saying if a white person doesnt cheer for Stewie, that its a race or hate thing. That is not the case. Its definately not for me. My son had his poster on his wall , until a few years ago when his ego started growing out of control. Then it came down. Stewie did alot of it himself, turning fans away, So did Pourcel at Steel City, but he made up for it.
What is it about these French riders that we dislike so much even though they are world class talents? I dont see (or feel) this type of bias toward riders from any other countries. Im just as guilty as anyone, but I hope as fans of this great sport we can get past this, like or hate france....Congrats to Trey, his team and family!
WAY TO GO CANARD!!! YOU EARNED IT. KEEP REPPIN THE OK
Sounds like CP will be fine. His attitude sounds good. Hope he can make the MXDN's!
One more thing on the subject. DGIZZY, you say we are all outsiders. I disagree. It doesnt matter what my heritage is. I was born in these United States. How am I an outsider?? I am an American, period. NOT German-American, or Irish-American, just an American, thats it.
Hey I dont want this to sound racist but if Langston or Ratray are or become American citizens does that make them African American?
LOL smokin...most white south africans are of either british or dutch ancestry. I myself am Scottish if I go back about 200 odd years. So Im affraid Euros might have a prob with tham american claim, especially since we use correct English spelling, the way it was always intended to be used ;-). None of this re-inventing words like aluminum..outrageoUs! Bd200, yeah, now that I live in europe, there is definitely a strong favouritism towards GP riders. Im no fan of the French by any means, but I do enjoy seeing them fly over the pond into your backyard, and open a can of whoopa** at a discipline that Americans are supposedly better at. I enjoy it because despite the results speaking for themselves (i.e. top foreigners are beating the best America has to offer) many within the industry on that side of the pond still seem to think the GP scene is second class. Now that they are consistently winning in the US, comparisons, such as who is the fastest rider in the world, are now becoming legitimate. I totally believe Cairolli is the fastest guy on the planet. And Im pretty sure he's gonna put it to Dungey in Colorado. I only hope he is ready for a 10 minute shorter race.
Where are the top foreigners beating the best we have?? Canard is the 250 champ, and Dungey is the 450 champ. Who is beating the Americans?? Pourcel didnt win the title last year either. I havent seen any GP rider constantly winning here. And Langston_Fan, even though you never admit it, you have a little hatred towards the US. Its obvious by your comments. So why visit a website by an American magazine, following the American race scene. Oh yea, because its the best. With the best racing. That was even said by Tyla Rattrey himself in the last issue of Transworld Motocross.
Funny thing is, your race or ethnicity doesn't make you a good rider. So, whether these guys are white, black, french, scottish, etc...it doesn't matter, they aren't riding any better because of it. Some countries have opportunities at a young age that other countries do not have, which makes it all the more impressive when a rider enters one of the most competative MX series and wins. Advantages come from your unbringing, training, and the opportunities you were exposed to at a young age. People being down on a french rider, american rider, black, japanese, italian, etc..just because of race or ethinicity are bigots, not motocross fans, period.
U know I put money on you makin gigantic generalisations such as uve done. Bd200 uve consistently shown yourself to be one of the smallest minded people on this forum, always quick to poke and way too easily provoked. Why dont you chill for a sec wont ya? Obviously I like the american scene, the tracks are awesome. I am a fan of both championships because together they show the best riders in the world (notice im talking about the sport here..dont try and get political on me). Its not in one or the other. And honestly where are the foreigners? man if you cant see it...you never will. p.s. money tends to attract the best, thats why Tyla says that. He was consistently beatin by Pourcel and Cairolli (who in turn beat Pourcel) when all 3 were in the GPs. So does money define who is the best? Obviously riders get paid more in the states, but does that mean they are the best? I think Cairolli or Everts would have a thing or two to say about that. Basically ure beating a dead horse when you make the claim that the best in the world are in the US. Why? Cause the GPs keep sending championship winning material to the US year in year out. Unless of course u think Pourcel is not...in which case..man i give up.
My earlier post was an attempt to be funny but also provoke a little thought in bd200's statement; "I am an American, period. NOT German-American, or Irish-American, just an American, thats it". So are black people born in the US not African American.
Congratulations to Trey for a well deserved #1. Thie first Okie national champ!! Condolences to Christoph who showed a lot of class and won the respect of many new fans. Can't wait to see them on 450's they will make it more exciting.
smokin - No they're just black Americans like you are probably a white american. Unless you feel like it's more appropriate to be refered to as a European American, but like bd200 basically said, when you're born in the US and your family is from the US, you are simply american. African American is a term racist people use to feel better about their guilty conscience. Completely off topic, so ya... Great season this year and congrats to Canard. I was rooting for Pourcel just like I was last year, but once again it eluded him, but he took it with class. Great job by both of them
"DBerg649", I dont think African American is a racist term because most black people refer to themselves as African American. I am a caucasian but I dont consider myself a white American. I am the farthest thing from being a racist. My whole point was to bring up how in todays world it's hard for everyone to be politically correct. If you're Irish do you root for Notre dame or if you're French do you root for Pourcel. OK enough of this and back to motocross.
I never said those riders you mentioned were not great riders. You said that the GP riders where consistantly beating our best. I dont see it happening. None of those guys who came here has won a title?? Unless you count a supercross regional title. You say you like the foreigners flying to the US and opening a can of whoop as# on us. Because we think we are the best. It looks like we are. The Americans are winning all the titles. Even over the former GP champs. And you hate it Langston_Fan. Because you are a hater. Admit it. I have seen it ever since you got onto this site. I do root for Notre Dame thoughj. I always have. Just sayin'.