Troy Dog
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Let’s all pour one out for one of the greatest heroes that this sport has ever seen, my great friend Kyle Chisholm!
The 2025 season marks his 20th season on the circuit, which is an incredible feat. I for one cannot believe where the last 20 years have gone and I know Chiz feels the same way. He’s been professional just about two years longer than Haiden Deegan has been alive!
Now I know what you’re thinking, Troy Dog, these riders aren’t your friends. You’re a media guy and the riders aren’t here to bro down with you. I totally agree with you, however in this case, Chiz is a real one. (Trust me, after years of doing my silly Squad, I know the difference between who is doing it for the right reasons and who is using me).
The first time I remember hearing about Chiz was in 2004. I watched the 2004 Pro Motocross Championship religiously over and over that season. I remember seeing Chiz pull off of his first ever Moto at Steel City. Robbie Floyd was announcing the TV broadcast and I remember him saying that Chiz was an “FOB”, which meant friend of Bubba. I was (am) the biggest Stew fan and so I immediately kept tabs on Chiz and his results since.
Chisholm has been serving up hot plates of Chiz for the competition ever since. From his days with MotoSport Kawasaki, his career best year in 2010 with MotoConcepts, creating Team Chiz, to filling in with Star Racing and almost getting a podium, to his current home with HEP. I’ve covered just about all of it.
Chiz has only turned down an interview when he literally can’t do it. If he does do that he feels bad and offers another day and time. A professional through and through.
My friendship began with Chiz in 2015. I was in college and I was writing my first story for PulpMX.com. It was a feature on Team Chiz. As we all know, riders have been doing things on their own for centuries, but Chiz was kind of the trailblazer of the current single rider team business model. We’ve seen other riders like Kevin Moranz, Justin Starling, and Logan Karnow build their own programs like Chiz did those years. Chiz chizzed, so that these riders could try to Chiz as well.
Kyle is such a legend in this sport for his longevity. He’s consistent and knows how to finish strong. He’s built his brand off of…well Chizzing on others. It sounds interesting, but if you dive a little deeper, it’s quite miraculous. He’s going to make the main and he’s going to finish in the 10-15 range if he doesn’t have an issue in the race. He doesn’t care who lines up, how old you are, or what you accomplished in life up to that point. Chiz is going to get his. If you were to quiz the riders in the 10-15 range of who they wouldn’t want to race they’d pick Vince Friese and Chiz. Both for very different reasons. Friese tries to make sure you can’t race the following weekend, while Chiz is unbeatable.
I realize that I’m starting to ramble. I could honestly write a book on Chiz. (Maybe I will one day). However, a 20 year career that isn’t even finished yet is such a great story. I texted him the other night to see if there were any teachers or doubters in his life that told him that he will never make it in the sport. He told me that he couldn’t remember any, which is good because they clearly saw his greatness. Chiz went to public school until 9th grade and only went to homeschool because he started racing the nationals.
Also, I made him swear that he will race at least three more years and he said he’d like to say yes to that. So, it looks like he’s not going anywhere. I’m still getting the exclusive information you need. You’re welcome.
Cheers to Chiz. Congratulations on your 20 years. You hold a standard that most riders won’t be able to hold a candle to. Your professionalism is unmatched. We’re all lucky to have witnessed all you have accomplished. I can’t wait to see you succeed in 2025 and beyond.
Main image: Suzuki
