Our Team

At CDF Racing, our success on the AMA SuperCross track is driven by a passionate and skilled team. Based in the U.S, we bring together American expertise with European talent to create a winning pipeline for our riders. Meet the people powering CDF Racing.

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James Cole

Owner / General Manager

James Cole leads CDF Racing with a dynamic blend of experience and vision as CEO, Owner, and General Manager. A United States Air Force Veteran and serial entrepreneur, he built a successful pool construction company while nurturing a lifelong passion for motorcross. In the 1990s, James rode dirt bikes professionally in Europe, where he met World Ranked Rider Mart De Jong, who opened his eyes to the European motorcross scene. This connection sparked a deep affinity for the region, inspiring him to create a pipeline for European SuperCross riders to chase their dreams in the AMA SuperCross Championship. As a devoted husband and father of three, James infuses the team with his strong character and leadership, keeping the focus on supporting talent from across the Atlantic. His world-class business acumen and heartfelt mission drive CDF Racing’s success.

Melissa Cole

Administrative Director

Melissa Cole, the wife of CEO James Cole, is the heartbeat of CDF Racing. As co-owner of a successful pool construction company and a devoted mom of two, she brings unparalleled organizational skill and warmth to the team. Melissa ensures all systems run smoothly, making European riders feel right at home during race season. Known as the "team mom," her joyful presence and dedication are a lifeline for CDF Racing’s success.

Craig Gaillerdet

Head Mechanic

Craig Gaillerdet brings unparalleled expertise to CDF Racing as our Head Mechanic, with a lifelong passion for motorcycles honed since childhood. A United States Air Force veteran, Craig served alongside CEO James Cole, cultivating a close friendship spanning over 20 years. His exceptional skill has made him a standout in the SuperCross industry, where he has provided mechanical support for top-tier talent, contributing to numerous successes on the track. Craig’s precision and dedication ensure our European riders’ bikes are race-ready, playing a critical role in the team’s performance and development pipeline.

Hayden Cole

Mechanic Apprentice

Hayden Cole, son of CEO James Cole and Administrative Director Melissa Cole, is an emerging talent at CDF Racing, showcasing a remarkable drive for SuperCross mechanics in his teenage years. A proud member of the Civil Air Patrol, Hayden exemplifies dedication and a strong work ethic, committing himself fully to mastering the craft of motorcycle maintenance. He will be attending West-MEC to earn his certification in mechanical engineering, preparing him to step into the role of Head Mechanic for CDF Racing’s European riders. With his passion and rigorous training, Hayden is poised to uphold the team’s legacy of excellence on the track.

Jae Mitchell

Director of Marketing AMERICAS

Jae Mitchell serves as the Director of Marketing - Americas for CDF Racing, bringing a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the team. A combat veteran of the United States Army, Jae is a devoted husband and father of 3 who balances his professional achievements with strong family values. As the owner of a successful custom home building company, he has also played a pivotal role in several startup ventures as a marketing overseer, managing over $250,000 in marketing budgets and driving company conversions up to 12%. Known for his integrity and problem-solving prowess, Jae embodies the essence of a man of his word, finding innovative solutions even when challenges seem insurmountable. His strategic vision is instrumental in elevating CDF Racing’s presence and supporting its European rider pipeline.

Miles Shugg

Technical Liason

Miles Shugg serves as the Technical Liaison for CDF Racing, bringing a wealth of expertise forged through years of immersion in the SuperCross world. With a distinguished career as the Head Mechanic for renowned rider Josh Cartwright, Miles possesses an unrivaled understanding of SuperCross bikes, racing dynamics, and industry trends. Widely respected throughout the SuperCross community, he combines his hands-on experience with a forward-thinking vision, delivering the latest insights to enhance CDF Racing’s performance. His leadership ensures our European riders benefit from cutting-edge technical support as they pursue success in the AMA SuperCross Championship.

Katie Shugg

Sponsorship Coordinator

Katie Shugg, wife of Technical Liaison Miles Shugg, is a vital asset to CDF Racing as the Sponsorship Coordinator. Deeply integrated into the SuperCross community, Katie is a master negotiator renowned for her exceptional ability to secure sponsors. As a trailblazer, she has forged critical relationships that ensure CDF Racing is fully equipped as the SuperCross season begins, providing the team with the resources needed to support its European rider pipeline. Her strategic vision and dedication strengthen the team’s foundation, making her an indispensable part of our success in the AMA SuperCross Championship.

Wyatt Cole

Information Tech / Social Media Manager

Wyatt Cole, son of CEO James Cole, serves as the Information Tech / Social Media Manager for CDF Racing, bringing a blend of technical brilliance and strategic vision to the team. A United States Navy veteran, Wyatt is a devoted husband and father, balancing his professional expertise with strong family values. Renowned as a tech genius, he spearheads both the technical and social media departments, driving cutting-edge discoveries and innovations that keep CDF Racing at the forefront of the industry. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Wyatt maintains a dynamic social media presence, ensuring the team’s European rider pipeline and AMA SuperCross efforts reach a global audience.