5-Lap Sprint: Bles, Savage, Burger, Pronovost, Pettis, and Rarick
By Jeff McConkey
Photos by Bigwave
Jeff grabs 6 riders and asks them the same 5 questions in another installment of 5-Lap Sprint.
Lap 1) What was the best National of 2015, and why?
Nathan Bles
I was only able to attend a few rounds this year, but I would have to say Ulverton. The track is a true test of a rider and bike, mixed with a natural old school motocross style track. The rider has to deal with a lot of different types of dirt, corners, jumps and steep hills with nasty bumps. The track just gets super-rough and yet stays fast. The bike has to be fast yet be able to handle the bumps. So, it’s a true test between rider and bike. It takes a solid all-round rider to win there.
For #10 Nathan Bles, the best National of 2015 was Ulverton.
Jeremy Pronovost
Deschambault, for me. The track was awesome; all my family and friends were there. Dan Thibault did a good job, from the tracks to the pits. I can’t wait for next year!
Seth Rarick
I don’t overly like the track, but for me, personally, it had to be Walton. As most everyone knows, my season went horribly wrong from the start and nothing was going right. I really started to lose confidence in myself and was wondering why I was even racing anymore. To show up at the last round on my own on a new bike in a new class and put in two top 10 finishes made me realize I still know how to ride.
Morgan Burger
Calgary, because I had my top sponsors there (Mountains Edge, Ravens Rental, Barnett family) along with my family and girl friend. Plus, the track was decent, not too over-watered like usual.
Blake Savage
I actually liked Gopher Dunes and all the changes they made to the track. Frank (Schuster) and Digs (Derek Schuster)always do a great job with their race.
Jess Pettis
Best national – Walton, because really it’s the only really rutted track on the circuit which allows for a lot of passing options.
Lap 2) What was the biggest surprise of the season?
Nathan Bles
The biggest surprise of the season for me was the last race at Walton between Colton (Facciotti) and Matt (Goerke). Seeing the points be that close in the last round and the crash where they both were included in made it very interesting to watch. I was even counting in my head who had the points lead to win the championship mid-moto. Another big surprise is Ulverton, when Jeremy raced his heart out and took a win over Kaven (Benoit) in front of his fans. That was unreal to witness and a big surprise to me. Jeremy even spoke French on the podium.
Jeremy Pronovost
Seeing Kaven beat (Jimmy) Decotis, I was pretty impressed.
#29 Jeremy Pronovost says seeing Kaven Benoit beat Jimmy Decotis was the biggest surprise of 2015.
Seth Rarick
The biggest surprise was all my bike issues (Laughs).
Morgan Burger
My luck out east has still yet to change. Or the person I have looked up to since amateurs – Bobby Kiniry – retiring.
Blake Savage
The biggest surprise for me was seeing how Matt Georke stepped up to any situation that was thrown at him. He did a great job this year.
Jess Pettis
Biggest surprise of the season for me was the heat and humidity at Sand Del Lee.
The heat and humidity at Sand Del Lee was the biggest surprise of 2015 for #39 Jess Pettis.
Lap 3) Who was the most improved rider in 2015?
Nathan Bles
For me, the most improved rider is Marco Cannella. As for the Pros, I think Jess Pettis has improved a lot this past season.
Jeremy Pronovost
Westen Wrozyna
Seth Rarick
Most improved rider I would have to say is Jess Pettis. He was really riding good all season and stayed healthy, which is nice to see. I hope his upward trend continues – great kid and a great family.
#17 Seth Rarick picks Jess Pettis as the most improved rider.
Morgan Burger
McCoy Brough
Blake Savage
That’s a hard one, but I’d have to say Jess Pettis, maybe?
Jess Pettis
Most improved rider in 2015 – Ryeley Gallup
Lap 4) Who was the most dominant rider in 2015?
Nathan Bles
The most dominate rider is Kaven. The guy is just on another level right now.
Jeremy Pronovost
Kaven Benoit
Seth Rarick
Benoit. Man, he killed it!
Morgan Burger
Matt Goerke
#9 Morgan Burger says Matt Goerke was the most dominant rider in 2015.
Blake Savage
Kaven Benoit
Jess Pettis
Kaven Benoit
Lap 5) Who will be the breakout rider in 2016?
Nathan Bles
There is going to be a few next year. Most will be in the amateur group, but as for the Pros, I think Blake Savage if he returns. He has what it takes to win and his time is soon.
Jeremy Pronovost
Me (Laughs).
Seth Rarick
It’s hard to say but I think if Jess Pettis stays healthy, then he will for sure turn heads all year.
Morgan Burger
Hard to say without all the spots on teams being filled yet. I would like to say me if I could snag one of those spots (Laughs)!
Blake Savage
Hopefully, that will be Blake Savage next year!
#762 Blake Savage hopes he’s the breakout rider of 2016.
Jess Pettis
The breakout rider in 2016 – Shawn Maffenbeier
