"I can't get away with it much longer!" - AJ Catanzaro explains the gap between himself & the top

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[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

AJ shows up to any local track and he would wreck everyone. Just making the night show means your skill level is way, way up there.

[@DeathProof132]

I'm from a low population state so the local MX scene has always been relatively small but we have had a few guys go off and make a run at the professional level and the fastest of them made it to basically Chisholm level, making SX mains and placing in the teens pretty consistently. He would come back home once in a while and enter a round or two of the local series and to see him smoke all the local fast guys is pretty humbling. As a rider who peaked at an "OK" level, at my fastest I could run most of a moto before finally getting lapped by our local expert class riders so to know first hand how that speed difference felt on track just made it that much more impressive to see the hometown hero come back and smoke all these guys. Then to imagine that in Supercross he's just another guy in the pack, making mains, placing in the teens on a good night and always getting lapped by the top few every night. Crazy!

[@jhamelin119]

Puts it into perspective how fast james stewart was.

[@DonGH97]

For sure! Many people tend to forget that or simply don’t realise how high the level is

[@The_Life_Of_Ty]

This podcast was the best thing AJ could have done, gained so much insight and respect for him!

[@hondaforever338]

His KZbin channel is pretty good content as well, broad range of things on there.

[@ckahmann]

Agreed, check out his youtube channel. He's so informative, it's great.

[@fernandofernandez5719]

This guy is just amazing

[@jhamelin119]

I MADE A JIFFY

[@jcobra09]

😂

[@Lowbrass64]

I’m just one dude, but as a lifelong rider and moto fan, I never gave much thought about AJ. He wasn’t really a top rider (at least in terms of winning races and podiums). Then I discovered his KZbin channel and now I have mad respect for him and what he’s doing for the sport. I think he’s way on the ball about the realities of pro moto and at the end of the day he’s doing so much better for himself, his family and the sport than if he spent the effort to be an 18th place rider. Once again, Gypsy kills the interview!

[@tylerpifer5966]

He's not a top rider because he NEVER rides. He trains for a couple weeks before supercross and that's really it in terms of offseason riding.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thank you! And that’s not taking away from the guys finishing in 18th. Because that’s awesome! I’ve just tried to be creative to make sure my family is set financially

[@124snakes]

I love Aj man he’s so humble and realizes what’s up that’s the simplest way to put it

[@TopshelfJunior]

This is totally not related but, this interview made me have WAY more respect + appreciation for somebody like...Malcom Stewart. He is SO consistent, in terms of finishing 4th -6th, sometimes he'll get 3rd but...just the ability to even get Top5 is amazing. This interview really let me know how hard these races are. I mean, AJ had a huge appreciation for somebody that finishes 11th -16th consistently.

[@yamahakid450f]

He's never gotten a 450 podium, yet. He's on the cusp but the top 3 guys are a level above. I'm just an A-class rider but I can see the little things the average rider and fan doesn't or doesn't understand the difference between certain guys. So as good as Malcolm is, he's a tick off and that difference on the outside seems small, but it's huge. Just like a guy that's a 10th of a second a lap difference, that's huge to make up.. he'll get there, this is first year on a team like this surrounded by other top guys like AP, Dylan, and the lites guys who are dominating. I expect big things next year, top 3 for sure and probably a win. I wish he'd go outdoors, I feel like he's better outdoors but is what it is... the money is in supsecross and moto is such a grind I don't blame him for just wanting to stick to supercross, have an off season to recover and keep developing a bike solely for supercross, That's a huge advantage...BUT riding outdoors can make you charge harder while supercross only you fan lose that edge.. it's like going down from a 450 back to a 250, 250's you have to charge and be aggressive and use the clutch to get every drop of power out of it, 450's you tide them so differently, they make guys lazy. That's why guys like Bayle back in the day would ride 125's while racing a Cr500 outdoors, it kept his aggression high and didn't allow him to become lazier on the bike and just depending on all that grunt from the engine to pull you out of corners. 125's make you work for it and he was insane on a 500.

[@fernandofernandez5719]

Who cares if he wins or lose this guy is helping a lot of people out there

[@japslapr]

@@yamahakid450f oh how times have changed. ;-)

[@maknstormmoney2343]

My man A.J he is to me one of the most technical rider out there. He is always straight up n always 100% truthful to a fan or in interviews. That's what's makes true fans.

[@02Clint]

The reality of it is the guy running in last place in the LCQ is most likely faster than the local pro at your home track who can smoke everyone, those guys are on a completely different level that most cannot comprehend. Go AJ, you and A Ray are always on my radar

[@Floboyzlad17]

this podcast has been super cool, ive seen AJ's youtube and some stuff on instagram but being able to hear him talk about his life and his future makes you love the guy

[@doug_errickson]

Really really enjoying this AJ content. I've been following him for a good while now and your discussions w him have been awesome dialog. 👌

[@kylelangworthy9641]

I love the honesty AJ honestly I was kind of ticked off and wasn't watching you for a while after the whole buttery incident but after the explanation and after hear you hearing talk about yourself in this manner on this video you seem to be a very humble honest person man my respect goes out to you brother

[@07Leebo]

Love the honesty of heat race... the speed, intensity & skill. Serious commitment as a rider when your arms blow out!

[@TheDmyze]

I love AJ's Honesty...i guy i could hang out with for sure a real good bloke.

[@fernandofernandez5719]

I really got a lot of respect for this guy I've been learning a lot from his videos

[@Rimraz]

Always been a big fan of AJ!! Keep doing your thing man!!

[@GreyeTate]

I can relate to AJ 100% never will forget when he trained a lot more and the difference it made for him.

[@benbawden3348]

Such an inspirational guy, love Albert's dedication and drive, love his Moto academy KZbin and deffo looking forward to his next UK visit so I can gain some knowledge from him. Gotta respect what he does for others during his pursuit of personal goals.

[@LarryLinton]

This AJ interview was awesome ...love the way he explains things. Really makes you appreciate the most amazing motorsport in the world even more.

[@dbikekid2169]

Can you guys just do one of these a month or something. Sickest podcast duo

[@ronniep4278]

Aj much respect bro!! Your out there living the life, u get to race your dirtbike, u got an awesome youtube channel, and on top of that you have the academy, and anyone that gives you shit about not making a main!! There just jealous because wish they could be doing what you are doing right now, just take a deep breath, and look at your life, and realize, wow im living a pretty good life.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks Ronnie!

[@PinkuStyle]

AJ is solid and the guy I've been learning from since day one of my moto training. Just as when I started jiu Jitsu 10-11 years ago. So much information out there.

[@kainehaley819]

Keep up the great videos mate

[@saucyj2809]

Hope you fulfill your dreams AJ. Sick vibes regardless🤘🏽

[@yoitsmikey6025]

I think we all want to see you train hard man and really make at go at some of these mains. It would be awesome to see you battling for those positions.

[@donaldwarren3071]

Much respect to all riders

[@johnprice4796]

AJ is awesome! I remember watching him whip his kx 60 around haha! He's grown so much and is doing such awesome things with the Academy! Big ups to Gypsy Tales too!

[@MotoMarvmtb]

AGREED! The self sustaining business will go further and help you family grow more then being a 17/18th place supercross racer. Plus your decreasing your risks of serious injuries. In addition the satisfaction of giving all those riders the tools to being a better rider is priceless.

[@paulbarnett2083]

Totally get it mad respect for AJ super cool down to earth guy God bless that guy🙏🤘

[@dingocapo2087]

never really raced. just whiskey throttle on the weekends . i love this shit, keep it up!!!

[@darioleonetti5499]

Nice honestly AJ!🤘🏻👍🏻

[@Jollygreengiant408]

We're proud of you guy. Super smooth at Daytona! Made those whoops look like flat ground. MN guys were out there for you.

[@NvSrAgE679]

These AJ vids are great.

[@philenriquez6724]

AJ ,,, I love your training shows, I'm a 65 yr old Super Senior A rider and I watch everything you put out there, it would be awesome if you put your 6 mo. training that this show talks about in your utubes... Keep up all you do and I hope to attend one of your classes soon...

[@Todd-rk2lb]

bottom line, you cannot serve two masters at the same time... champion racer or mx teacher/vlogger same thing with me professional mxer or college degree. i chose college degree and became slower rider. Full respect to AJ very humble person as what a teacher must be

[@artvarnson8009]

Great podcast.....Love AJ's candidness. The effort and work it takes to ride at an elite level in motocross is simply unbelievable and unfathomable to 99.99% of the population.... I'm quite content to be riding and racing for fun and exercise... I don't care who or what you are, If you ain't having fun at what you do you shouldn't be doing it.. So the real question is, are the top pro's still having fun ???? I don't know.

[@eminornine]

He's one of if not the best instructors out there and that could be enough. Chad and AJ would be a heck of a combo

[@BrianLatimerFishing]

AJ is the perfect ambassador for our sport. Kids need to know that there’s more to motocross than racing. There’s trainers, designers, track owners content creators dealership owners and so much more that make the machine work.

[@Lowbrass64]

Shall we take a moment to ponder the enigma that is Friese? Say what you may, the dude makes the mains and runs up front, albeit in an Alessi-esque fade kinda way.

[@yamahakid450f]

That's why he still gets rides... he's dependable for sponsors and teams and he's never out with injury. And that's what teams want, exposure for sponsors (that's how you get money) and always in the main and never hurt. It's awesome to have a guy that's challenging for race wins but when he's hurt more than he's racing, what are you gaining? Nothing, you're paying a guy to sit on the couch and not get exposure. You know? Of course teams want to win, but realistically only a couple teams can because there's only 3 to 4 guys that are capable of winning. Kawi (eli and Ac, KTM, and Honda). The semi factory teams are just wanting great exposure and fast capable guys who will always be there and not hurt.

[@seaeff6428]

@@yamahakid450f don’t forget takes out 5-6 riders a season at the same time.

[@brianq103]

@@seaeff6428 😂

[@motoxguy7]

@@yamahakid450f you’re 1000% correct! EXPOSURE = sponsorship $$$. Think about it; who gets the “TV time”?? The top group (if the leader gaps out, he gets LESS tv time), any battles, and ALL crashes. The name “Friese” is constantly coming out of everyone’s mouth, maybe not for the best reasons, but it’s constant. If I am sponsoring someone and they aren’t a top 5 dude, I want the guy that is going to get the most amount of EXPOSURE possible. Most bang for my buck, trying to push my product! I would even want him to “slide 1 position” just to hit the RMATV Fantasy “Wildcard” position. Just doing that, puts his name in the mouths of 70K+ people that play it. 🤷‍♂️

[@jhamelin119]

He is one of the best riders on the planet, key board warriors dont get that

[@jakesingles8327]

Really like this guys attitude 🤟🏽

[@michaelfrietsch8246]

rocky hill and winchester bro! Aj is a beast so fast

[@dougstafford9499]

AJ is such a good dude

[@djp3819]

Let’s not forget there are a whole bunch of talented riders that don’t make it to the night show, so just to get that far is an accomplishment. Most people just see the night show and think that’s all there is. If you watch qualifying you’ll see how tough it really is. Also this is the worlds toughest supercross series after all and these tracks are no joke.

[@traxxasrc10]

All i gotta say to AJ is if Ryan Sipes "THE GENERAL" can do mulitple disciplines of moto and do them good enough to win.. you can be the fastest trainer still racing!

[@UncleSarkis]

Awesome interview. Gypsy's click baits always work.

[@jessestewart5212]

Flooded with aj drama clips whhhyyyyyy

[@raymondsuarez4036]

Who knows he could be up there with a baker factory level I'm a fan but he's a better coach than a rider my opinion the sport needs more guys like him involved in helping the sport get better and alot more competitive

[@danehauser8675]

I've run 100s of laps with Chiz and it's humbling and insane that a dude that fast and who laps my ass gets lapped by guys going at a whole other level. Even qualifying for a 450 Main is quite the feat even though so many of us get frustrated by these lowly lappers.

[@mixalis6168]

He obviously doesnt want it as much as those who beat him, skill wise he has it ! Also, please stop making excuses, its your own choice !

[@chasincreationz9364]

I’d say this is a bit over your head LOL it’s not that simple

[@lwadeallen]

When did he make an excuse. He said he made a choice to put his school and other businesses above making main events. He uses SX to get more people to his schools.

[@RVmotoTravel]

@@lwadeallen because he knows he can't make a Main for his Life bro!!

[@adamshears3198]

Any top 40 guy in AMA SX Is top 40 dirtbike rider on planet . I like AJ such a good dude

[@enacku]

You can definitely tell its rapidly approaching. I remember the last few years of AJ racing supercross and he actually had a chance to make the main event maybe 25% of the season. The last season, he's lucky to be in the last few spots in the top 40 to make the night show. If its just his endurance, why not work on it and why only ride 15 times a year? AJ got one foot out the door, good for him being able to step in to his own business. Ray has really carried that team and maybe this is AJ's last supercross season I'm guessing, unless that team's sponsor are happy enough to pay just for making the night show and not main event.

[@nickkaika5012]

The value of a rider is far beyond there finishes. And when you look back to when he was training he was making every main, with a 4th place finish as his best main.

[@enacku]

@@nickkaika5012 he been racing for too long to constantly lose in LCQ, zero improvements only getting worse it seems. Not hating either.

[@enacku]

@@nickkaika5012 you see AJ today? like 3rd to last in the LCQ, he is just too consistently bad

[@MarkyD94]

Making the main 17 weeks in a row still pays significantly more than lcq pay, yeah its minute compared to the effort, but it would at least help cover the cost of travel and other expenses while leaning on sponsors for profit. 22nd place gets $2000 from the purse verses 1400 for a 5th in the lcq.

[@jaredb2268]

Making mains would help your business grow as well!! The better you do the more clients you’ll get for your motocross school! So the better you do the more qualified you are to charge more and get more students.

[@Lowbrass64]

Maybe. But I think he’s killing it by doing collaborations with top riders like Jettson and AP. Those probably boost his client numbers more than if he was making mains.

[@PinkuStyle]

As many has said here every single guy in the event has the skills some more than others, All more so than anyone else watching . However there are probably 1 or 2 other guys that has the skills and can articulate that to students.

[@snowpirate1619]

AJ skims the whoops, that's the difference lol

[@jimbo4203]

No dought , so funny

[@krrrruptidsoless]

I don't think you could be in competition and give out all your secrets at the same time. You're more likely to give more info after you're done

[@leonibs5034]

I admire his drive for teaching but the greatest Mx teacher of all time is and will always be Gary bailey

[@fernandofernandez5719]

Totally agree

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

No way you are going to make the SX main consistently, every single week, if training and riding isn’t your life. No shame in taking your riding down a different path. Having riding schools from someone as talented as AJ is very much needed. Guys like AJ are going to make the talent pool of racers that much better.

[@williswombat6995]

Cooper webb also has Aldon baker who teaches the best nutrition for fast muscle recovery, endurance and mindset. But no one but the true champions wants to change their food cravings and habits. Aldon baker would turn Aj into a machine!

[@cvdavis]

There’s no secret to nutrition.

[@williswombat6995]

@@cvdavis i never said it was a secret im just sayin its the advantage in health that takes them further.

[@cvdavis]

@@williswombat6995 I really don't think a rider needs to be connected with someone like AB to have a great diet. I'm saying that with a background in competitive cycling.

[@williswombat6995]

@@cvdavis good for you

[@artvarnson8009]

No one but the true champions want to change their food cravings.... Gold! Love that, So fucking true! I know I don't.

[@JP-xd6vs]

saying there is not really a difference if you make the main or not. Is something i dont get the point of racing a whole sx season then

[@jairgiansante6686]

U Can!

[@Hardfacts1]

AJ just doesn’t have the talent to be a top rider. Simple just say that. I don’t believe years on years make a huge difference. Malcolm hardly raced amateurs & had a rocky start of a pro career. But he has talent! That’s why he’s top 10 every weekend possible podium.

[@jordangamble3515]

Exactly. Mookie has such a great positive personality as well.

[@furyss1tv184]

You'll never know unless you try.

[@joslinnick]

I don't feel like it's possible to do both of those things. I think AJ would find more success in his life if he were to pursue coaching/training. He may want to keep racing as a means of promoting himself as a skillful rider and capable coach, but I think that reaching the top ranks in supercross would require incredible sacrifice and total dedication. He has to choose one.

[@toddolsen5421]

he didn't make any main events this year did he?

[@GYPSYTALES]

Nah but neither did I. Or you...

[@PinkuStyle]

@@GYPSYTALES haha right on!!

[@garwri92]

The better AJ supercross Career goes The better his business will grow

[@PinkuStyle]

Nah doesn't work that way.

[@fetusbelt6851]

MX needs to change its attitude towards who is really the best. Logically, sucess on a bike, is relative to seat time and effort; a dude like AJ who can even remotely hang with cooper with a lifetime less of seat time is actually MORE SUCESFULL. Dudes with insane time dedicated to being the best are not actually as sucessfull as it seems. Time and effort is the expense of how good someone is. If you had to put EVERYTHING in it and still arent lightyears ahead of a guy like AJ are you really THAT sucessfull? Dudes like this are the true legends, they can do so much with less AND manage a real world LIFE.

[@kylegreen378]

I think he should just start riding twice a week and keep that business going strong. A successful business means more than being a guy in the mains.

[@raymondsuarez4036]

Retire then I mean if your not where you wanna be and have no interest in progressing for 6 years I'd say it's time to focus on your school all due respect

[@jhamelin119]

I MADE A JIFFY

[@underthegun5799]

Love AJ but he needs to ride enough to make it through a heat race. His team has to be getting upset seeing him fade after 3 laps. I love the kid and I'm from New England but its frustrating watching him struggle knowing he has more in the tank.

[@jacklavalley8245]

He's said it before but he has massive issues with arm pump which makes it difficult to go for a while

[@jordangamble3515]

If you watch him ride he rides really tense and holds the bike really tight with his hands. Arm pump is something that you can definitely get rid of.

[@Pereke69]

Think reverse, being the fastest guy and smoke everyone in your way until you get there and cant make top 10, your mind cant absorb that shet

[@markcortis2348]

Seem,s very humble man, 👍

[@douglasclutter4486]

Don’t you want to win?

[@jamesreynolds5721]

Fuckin love Albert and his insight into the sport.

[@goldsbym]

The difference between AJ and main event riders.. MENTAL. AJ has the riding knowledge and technique.... just needs to want and believe he can do it. His Mind doesn't believe and he lacks confidence. My opinion.

[@RVmotoTravel]

And then the whole lack of skill thing...

[@stevematthes4325]

Catanzaro is kidding himself if he thinks that he will improve and make Mains in 2022.

[@kylehatch9957]

Brooo I would totally beat chiz if I rode as much as him brooo

[@outlawten5750]

Ajay

[@outlawten5750]

Im 54 years old. I watch you videos every day. And I lost a leg a few years ago

[@skippyf.t.pfilmthepolice2358]

🤙🇦🇺

[@mrg6822]

Getting trained by this guy would be like going to quarterback camp and the best quarterback there was Jimmy Garoppolo. If somebody gets a D+ in Calculus, should they really be out there charging other students as a paid tutor? You tell me?

[@TheCarelessAquarius]

So you really feel like this guy has nothing to offer younger riders ? You are talking about a sport that eats its young, not to mention there’s only room for one champion in any given championship. That doesn’t leave much of that spotlight for the rest of the riders that are dedicated and suffer for this sport. Honestly you sound more like a ball sport kinda guy. Should probably piss off and go watch grown men play with balls all day

[@coreyploof217]

He is still faster than ANY local guy in your area and has better bike skills than 95% of guys who will ever touch a dirt bike. So yes I would LOVE to learn from AJ. You see him at the bottom at super cross but remember that’s the best in the country. Anyone who makes it that far can absolutely smoke any local level races.

[@lwadeallen]

You are never going to get top 10-15 riders to train people until they retire. AJ is a great teacher, he might not be the best rider. Similar to football coaches, most of them played but weren't the best players, but there are great coaches that only played low level college ball.

[@villopto634]

Cap

[@illwil1005]

One day I'll be first on here lol

[@peteh8077]

Youre years behind in so many ways AJ. Get a clue dude.

[@mxwells216]

The last thing I thought he would say is an excuse because he doesn’t ride as much as they do. That’s not a guy I would like to be trained by, instead of owning it that he just isn’t as good as them, he makes an excuse.

[@RLRaudio]

Why does making a main event even matter?? Was that really a question?? And he agrees with the “it doesn’t matter” answer?! The next F-ing question should have been, “Why do you even try to qualify?” How about this answer for making the main.... Your team benefits huge, AJ fans want nothing more. ( if not for fans there would be no SX) Sponsorships are looking for the main, not just the night show. Racers are the promotion vehicle for a company.. if you’re in the main and place well.. people buy what you’re riding, thinking they’ll be just as good. Weird answer to that question. Sorry for my comment but I’ve never heard a racer in any sport say, “it doesn’t matter if I make the main”

[@lwadeallen]

He gives more air time to Black Rifle, O'Neal, EVS and other brands than most of the top riders. Yeah I might go buy a new Yamaha/Honda because of the top riders but I don't even know who their other sponsors are, besides Red Bull or Monster.

[@RLRaudio]

@@lwadeallen because of a KZbin channel. If he makes a main (which I know he can, if he would believe in himself) then I would be willing to bet a “new bike” for you.. that Carmichael as the announcer, would shine a HUGE light on him. The point is... Main events matter to a racer that does it for a living.

[@RLRaudio]

@@lwadeallen also Roczen, Webb, Tomac all have 2 or maybe 3 sponsors Factory teams are the sponsor.. AJ has like 27 different sponsors

[@lwadeallen]

@@RLRaudio right, because KZbin and schools are his jobs. He races for fun, as he said in the podcast. Racing is not his job, it helps promote and generate video content.

[@Yungxani]

Lmfao bro... 2013 2014 2015 he still didn’t even break top 10 in points

[@lildoeflamingo984]

Sounds like a bunch of Excuses as to Why he can't average in the Top 20 Riders 😅 You can do anything you put your Mind to, Brotha🧠💯... it doesn't matter if you think you're Years behind.

[@lwadeallen]

Didn't hear 1 excuse. He explained his choices and even said if he rode more he could be further up, but made the choice to grow his actual business. You need to listen to the whole podcast.

[@lildoeflamingo984]

@@lwadeallen That's called an Excuse, buddy... if it's so easy to get in Shape like he said he would do it, im Busy AS FUCC and still got in the Best shape I've been in for YEARS in just a few Weeks. It's called time Management, Jocko Willink would say the EXACT same thing to him and you.

[@kungfu2toe]

I'd rather be a poor winner than a rich loser🙋