Meet The Team
Meet the coaches + staff who make this possible
AJ Catanzaro
Owner
From the time I came home from the hospital as a baby I was surrounded by dirt bikes. My room was already filled with dirt bike wallpaper, I had a hand crafted dirt bike rocker, and my dad would play motocross vhs tapes while I was sleeping. For my second birthday I learned to ride a PW50 without training wheels for the first time and my passion for two wheels has only grown from there. I raced amateur nationals like Loretta Lynn’a for 14 years straight (qualifying for two classes for 14 consecutive years without ever using a backup region, for those who know what I’m talking about), then my dad ran out of money… In a last ditch effort he agreed to let me pack up my things at age 15 and drive down to a training facility with my best friend in hopes of an opportunity arising.
Graciously, both training facilities allowed me to ride for free, so I spent that year learning Supercross on my KX450 with 200+ hours and outdoor suspension & sleeping on my friend’s couch in his RV. I made it a point to be doing my laps with Justin Barcia, Martin Davalos and other riders of status so that I would be noticed, which paid off as I was signed to Babbitts/GPF Kawasaki in the 2010 AMA Arenacross series. I went on to win the championship in my first year! After that season I was still left with no support to make my push into Supercross until a man named Rudy, now a great friend, stepped in and funded my rookie Supercross season of his own pocket. Together we packed up a Honda 250f that he purchased from a dealership a week before the first race and headed to Houston Supercross 2011. I had never been to a Supercross event in person before, so I was shocked and intimidated to say the least! I was able to qualify 16th overall in timed qualifying to all of our disbelief then qualify straight to the main event from the heat race, which in hindsight I am so proud of that accomplishment.
For the next 6 years I rode the rollercoaster ride of emotional highs and lows of trying to “make it”. With multiple top 5 finishes in Supercross main events accumulated by 2016, I began realizing my potential as a coach. I created the concept of Aj Catanzaro Moto-X Academy (now The Moto Academy), built out the business plan, created the website and took the risk of booking a few tracks around the country to attempt to fill up some classes! After all those years of racing, amateur and professional, teaching is where I found my passion.
TMA Coaching Staff
Mitchell Prescott
Coach
My motocross career started at the ripe age of 6. That’s when my father gave my brother and me our first dirt bikes. At the time, I rode trails and jumped driveways—I had no idea what motocross even was.
As I got older and my excitement for riding dirt bikes grew, I began watching dirt bike videos on YouTube. That’s when I discovered motocross was an actual sport—and I knew instantly I wanted to be a part of it. I quit all the school sports I was involved in and turned my full attention to motocross.
Over the next few years, I worked hard and saved enough money to buy myself a KX85. I started racing at 14 years old and never looked back. I’ve always pushed myself to improve in any way I can. I studied videos of professional riders and constantly critiqued myself.
Seven years of blood, sweat, and tears led me to earning my Professional Motocross license—a dream I’d had ever since I first discovered the sport. No matter how far-fetched it seemed, I kept working at it.
Through all those years of watching, learning, and improving, I developed a passion for teaching and helping other riders grow. That’s why I’m honored to be a part of The Moto Academy and to have the opportunity to help people from any background become the best they can be on a motorcycle.
TY Lepicier
COACH
I started riding dirt bikes at 4 years old and began racing at Loretta Lynn’s and other amateur nationals by age 8. Shortly after meeting AJ at a track in Connecticut, I started focusing on technique, adapting to changing conditions, and developing consistency. From an early age, I put everything else aside to dedicate myself fully to riding, training extensively at facilities and eventually racing professionally in Canada and the U.S.
In 2024, a shoulder injury gave me extra time to begin coaching independently, soon leading to discussions about joining the team. I've discovered a passion for coaching equal to riding, and I’m grateful to be in a position to share my experience.
Alessandro Rossi
COACH (Europe)
My motocross journey started at the age of four, when my father asked me if I wanted to keep playing soccer or ride a dirt bike. From that moment on, motocross became my passion. At 14, I decided to fully commit to dirtbikes, switching to enduro, where I raced in the Italian championships and had the great satisfaction of completing the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in 2021.
Without a true mentor to guide me, I had to learn on my own—developing a sharp sense of self-critique to improve my technique and grow as a rider. Over time, my passion for motocross evolved beyond just riding. In 2022, after recovering from a hip injury, I took the opportunity to dive deeper into sport sciences at university and became a certified Foundation Training instructor. That journey eventually led me to connect with AJ and join The Moto Academy team with the goal of expanding our mission across Europe.
I’m truly excited and grateful to bring The Moto Academy experience to riders here in Europe—sharing what I’ve learned, helping others grow, and unlocking their full potential on and off the bike.
Grant Eckardt
Coach
I got my first motocross bike at just 3 years old. My dad has raced his whole life, so naturally, that’s what got me into it. I grew up watching motocross and spending weekends at the track with him.
I didn’t race much as a kid, but around age 17, I started getting serious. That’s when I began analyzing my technique and riding style and really focused on improving. Around that time, I discovered AJ’s Moto Academy—which played a huge role in helping me progress from a novice to an expert in just a few short years.
Today, when I’m not busy with The Moto Academy, I race in select Canadian Pro Triple Crown events. I originally joined The Moto Academy as a film producer, but I always had my sights set on coaching. I’ve always loved helping people learn to ride—and learn to ride safer.
Over the past year, I’ve been training under AJ to become a certified coach, and I’m now proud to be coaching full-time. I look forward to training with you!
Outside of motocross, I graduated from college with a degree in Construction Technology Management. I also have my pilot’s license and love flying small planes. When I’m not in the air or on the bike, I enjoy golfing, mountain biking, and kicking back with a few beers with the fellas.
TMA operations & Support
Jackson Eckstein
Community brand manager
Eh bud! My name is Jackson Eckstein from Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 . I am the App Overseer and brand marketing ambassador here at The Moto Academy. After a life of labour in the construction field, I am ecstatic to now dedicate my time and efforts to a sport I am so passionate about. If you need me you can find me on the golf course or ice rink depending what season we’re in.
Jamie Mahon (Driver Jamie)
Driver
I started riding dirt bikes with my dad when I was 4 years old. I’ve loved all motorcycles and motorcycle history ever since I saw one. I rode and raced locally up until I was 16. I then started riding and eventually racing street bikes. My first was a cbr600rr. After high school I attended college where I played football and then off to the military in the United States Army. I served 10 year’s total and finished my last 5 as a helicopter mechanic. When finished with my military service I tested and became a professional firefighter for 21 years. All along this time I kept riding and racing. I retired from fire dept and was my son’s mechanic for his mx racing where I met AJ. I currently drive the race van, work on bikes, and anything else asked of me. My faith is very strong and gets me through life and teaches me to always be a blessing to others. I enjoy my family, golf, riding, beer, and this awesome community called The Moto Academy.
Ethan Quinto
Marketing/media producer
My parents started bringing me to the motocross track before I even learned how to walk. Watching my dad, Uncle Mark, and Aunt Nancy race dirtbikes ignited my passion for the sport. My Grandpa Ernie proudly filmed and edited the races especially when I lined up for the first time at 9 years old. I remember being so fascinated with creating videos from watching my grandfather. Around the age of 10, I got my first camera and it was off to the races from there. Growing up, riding dirt bikes and creating videos further enhanced my love for the sport and the stories it has to tell. As the Marketing/Media Producer for The Moto Academy, I combine my creative vision with my deep appreciation for motocross culture to create engaging content that resonates with our community. When I’m not filming and editing, you’ll likely find me honing my own riding skills.
Scott Owens
Marketing Technology Manager
I never imagined I'd end up riding dirt bikes, let alone helping others do the same. But when my son Jaxon wanted to try motocross at age seven, everything changed. What started with a lot of crashes (and even more time watching AJ Catanzaro’s training videos) turned into a passion for the sport.
After attending a Moto Academy class, Jaxon kept riding, and I found myself going from clueless dad to motocross sidekick. I started volunteering with the team, eventually stepping into a bigger role that feels like the perfect mix of work and fun.
Now retired from my career as a Correction Officer and life as a holster business owner, I’ve traded it all for time with my amazing wife, Joy, and our two kids, Jaxon and Piper, in Connecticut. These days, I’m focused on coaching Jaxon, contributing to The Moto Academy, and enjoying the freedom of working remotely—life is a whole lot different, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Heather Hinkley
ADMIN ASSISTANT
Moto mom, moto wife, and proud member of The Moto Academy, I live and breathe the motocross lifestyle. When I’m not cheering on my family at the track, I’m helping others plan their dream getaways as a dedicated travel agent. Balancing the fast-paced world of motocross with creating unforgettable travel experiences is my passion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Al King
Tour Manager
My name’s Al, motocross has been my escape, my passion for as long as I can remember. After going through a mental health breakdown in 2015, I began rebuilding my life from the ground up, motocross & The Moto Academy became the foundation.
Riding isn’t just a sport for me; it’s therapy, discipline, and self-discovery.Now, I’ve taken that passion even further by stepping into the role of Tour Manager for The Moto Academy a dream opportunity where I get to combine my love for motocross by creating opportunities for others to grow on and off the bike.
I’m not just a rider, I’m a husband, a father, and a man committed to living with heart. Everything I do is with purpose, with intensity, and with the drive to show others what’s possible when you refuse to give up.