BACK IN SADDLE:
BRAYDAN COMERFORD
Braydan Comerford had a challenging year back in 2019 after coming off of a broken femur, taking some time to gradually build his confidence and speed back up over the course of the season. The Orange Brigade backed KTM put himself in the top five overall at the 51cc (7-8) Limited class at the FMF California Classic in April and earned a top ten at Mammoth in a highly competitive 50cc (6-8) class. Following Loretta’s, Comerford closed his campaign on the KTM50 and began to put all of his focus into the 65ccclasses and the extra attention has undoubtedly paid off. He showcased his increased comfortability on the KTM65 at Supercross Futures in the beginning of the 2020 season, securing a podium finish in the (7-9) Main Event at the Oakland Coliseum. Comerfordwent on to win the Main Event a couple of weeks later in Tampa in his home state, earning what he considered a special victory in front of his close family. He didn’t ride during the initial lockdown period but he proved that the time off the bike didn’t have much of an effect on him as he came back to the races in fine form. Comerford went to Baja Acres for the Loretta Lynn’s Mid-East Youth Regional and picked up right where he left off, finishing both of his classes in 2nd position overall in order to snag his tickets to the Ranch. We caught up with Braydan to talk about what he likes to do away from the sport of motocross, winning at Supercross Futures this year, and what his goals are for Loretta’s this season.
What did you do during the few months that there was no racing happening with the coronavirus lockdown?
Dad made me get tutoring for school, hung out with our mom, and got to meet some of our KTM teammates and enjoyed the break!
Did you take some time off of riding when racing was initially canceled and postponed?
My dad didn’t want us riding until he felt it was okay so we just started riding right before the Silver Dollar race with Matt Walker.
What do you like to do for fun and entertainment outside of motocross?
I like school, so I got to get ahead - play some video games, hang out with my big brother and swim!
What was it like for you to make the transition to the 65cc classes in recent years?
My debut on the 65cc was at Ponca City in 2018 when I was AMA 6 years old. Mini Os 2018 was my second Major on 65s and I was able to make the Mains so that was a great feeling. In 2019, I had some challenges to overcome and I wasn’t able to do my 8-year-old year on the 50s so now I had to focus on the 65 class and I’ve also been riding the 85 a little.
What was the Supercross Futures experience like for you at the beginning of the season?
Well, I love Supercross and it was such a great experience to participate in Arizona, Oakland but Tampa was a positive step forward for me.
What was it like to win the 65cc (7-9) class at Tampa?
I was so happy that day! My mom was there to see that win so it was extra special for me.
How did the Daytona RCSX Go for you at the beginning of the season?
Well, Daytona is always a special event for me since it's only two hours from my home. I struggled, but I got a top-five in the 65 (7-9) class.
What was your weekend of racing like at Spring A Ding Ding?
Motoplayground races are always fun and the competition is always second to none. I didn't get the results I wanted but I had fun with my buddies!
How has it been to finally be back at the races in the past month or so?
I’m so happy to be back in the saddle again doing what I love and seeing all my friends again!
How did the Loretta’s Regional at Baja Acres go for you this past weekend?
It was great to get my tickets in the first round and at Baja - definitely made it a blast and I had some great battles with Wyatt Duff and Maverick Gish. Congrats to Gage Dunham for his win, we have raced the Baja Brawl here a couple of years and Baja never disappoints!
Do you have any goals and expectations set for yourself going to Loretta Lynn’s this year?
Well, my goal is to win and my expectations are to give one hundred percent effort and represent Orange Brigade KTM to the best of my abilities at Loretta Lynn’s!
Have you thought about what you’ll do after Loretta’s heading into 2021 in terms of what classes you’ll be racing?
I’ll be doing both the 65cc and 85cc classes.