Huron County teen named to Team Canada for ‘Olympics of Motocross’

A local teen has qualified to compete in what’s known as the ‘Olympics of motocross.’ CTV London’s Scott Miller reports.

Caleb Vankoughnett pulls on his Yamaha jersey for practice at Moto86 near Wingham, but in a little over a month from now, that will be a Canadian jersey on his back.

“I’m just so excited. It’s a great opportunity,” said the Bluevale teen.

“I’m not really going there to like to win, but I’m just going to go have some fun. And it’s just a great experience. So, I’m super excited.”

At the ripe old age of 14, Vankoughnett will ride for Team Canada at the upcoming Motocross of Nations taking place this fall in Indiana. He’s one of nine amateurs and three pros selected to pull on the Canadian colours at the world-class event, known as the “Olympics of Motocross”.

“I’m just so grateful to be able to do this. I’m really fortunate to have the financial stability and support of my team MX 101 and Yamaha,” said Vankoughnett.

“They’re super good supporters and I’ve been putting in so much work. So yeah, I’m so happy to be able to do this.”

The young Huron County native has been riding motocross since the age of four. In the sixth grade, he signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Kawasaki, becoming one of the youngest riders to do so in Canada.

He has since moved over to Yamaha, but motocross is not a pastime or hobby for Vankoughnett, it’s his job, as he pushes towards turning pro, which can’t happen until he turns 16.

“I’ve been putting tons of work in. I was down in Texas for like a month and a half by myself, just training and putting in as much work as I can,” he said.

“And then now we’re going to go back, probably after Indiana. We’ll go back down and keep grinding again.”

Last year, 36 nations were represented at the Motocross of Nations, which has been running since 1947. Canada ended up in 15th place last year. Vankoughnett hopes to change that, but mostly plans to soak in his first, but probably not last, time representing Canada on the track.

“It’ll be a great experience. I’ll get to see some new people and represent Yamaha and Canada,” said Vankoughnett.