MXA MINI-VIEW: COLE SEELY

Cole Seely with HRC Honda team manager Dan Bentley.

Cole Seely is in his second year racing in the 450 class. Hailing from West Lake Village, California, Seely grew up racing BMX in SoCal. The skills he learned on a bicycle played a big role in his success on a dirt bike. Turning Pro in 2009 and raced for the Fun Center Suzuki privateer team, Seely scored points in four 250 West Supercross races and four Nationals. At Budds Creek, Roger DeCoster plucked Seely from the privateer ranks for a one-race factory ride. Cole went 22-27 for 30th overall. While his results weren’t outstanding in his rookie year, he showed great promise in Supercross.

Team Troy Lee Designs Honda took notice and signed him for 2010. The pairing proved fruitful, as Seely scored a second in San Diego. The following year he won the Los Angeles Supercross at Dodger Stadium. Seely’s smooth riding style worked well in Supercross, but he was behind outdoors. That slowly changed, as proven by Cole’s third overall at Glen Helen in 2014.  After moving up to the 450 class in 2015, Seely won the Houston Supercross and finished the series third in points. While a right shoulder injury kept the HRC Honda rider from completing the 2015 season, he has shown more strength in the 2016 outdoor season. Currently Seely sits fourth in the 450 Nationals. We caught up with Cole to discuss the Nationals, living in California, and eating donuts.

What are your thoughts on the Nationals? They are pretty good. Hangtown was alright. Glen Helen was a little scary for most of us. The track was a little too technical in some areas. Colorado was really good. Colorado has deep ruts, a pretty fun layout and a good flow.

You got your first podium of the season in Colorado. What are your thoughts? I definitely want to back that up. I am just trying to put in the work during the week and do the best that I can. I am trying to build on my stamina and strength during the week. I am working on getting faster and faster.

Cole Seely practicing at Glen Helen.

Being a California kid, do you like it here, or would you like to go back East? The tracks are better on the East coast, but that is pretty much it. I don’t like being on the East coast at all otherwise. I’m a California kid. I was born and raised here, so this is home for me. I am kind of used to the crowded tracks. It is hit or miss. Some days are bad and some are good, but more better than not.

Ken Roczen says he isn’t afraid to have a coffee and donut every once in a while. Do you have relaxation in your lifestyle? I work hard, but I do drink a lot of coffee and have my fair share of donuts. I try to live by the 80/20 rule. I eat 80% stuff that is great for me, and 20% is food that I enjoy.