Canada AX Tour – Penticton Photo Report

One of the most interesting things about rounds 5 and 6 in Penticton was the appearance of Ross Johnson. Ross is the defending 450 class champion in the Future West Arenacross series and came to test himself against the top riders in this series. Andy White was quick to get Johnson outfitted in some FXR gear for the racing.

The BC Interior is a beautiful place and the South Okanogan Events Centre is the perfect venue for some arenacross action.

Fans were allowed to walk the track and mingle with the top riders before the night show got underway. It gave the whole thing and ‘big time’ feel and was a great way to kick off the evenings.

Riders signed autographs and chatted with the fans. Here’s #148 Cole Thompson with probably the longest line of the session.

#100 Jacob Hayes signing a set of noise cancelling head phones for a young fan.

That’s Andy White (left) and Justin Thompson getting set to go live to air for the Valvoline AX Tour LIVE broadcast. These things have been a blast to do and let arenacross fans around the globe catch all the action as it happens.

During the nightly riders’ meeting, Justin went over what is expected of them when it comes to rough riding.

Also new to the series was #202 Blake Osatchuk. Blake now calls Lloydminster, SK home.

#100 Jacob Hayes takes a look over his shoulder during practice. This is a move that he would need during the main events…

There is a full schedule of amateur racing during the days and they even get final motos at night in front of the crowd. If you haven’t signed up for the racing in Calgary Nov 6-7, get on it. It’s an experience you’ll always remember.

#101 Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki’s Chris Blose hadn’t yet won a main event but was still in the hunt for all three titles. Was this about to change?

Hayes prepares for battle in the AX class while arch rival, Thompson, does the same.

#51 Brock Leitner is starting to get this arenacross stuff figured out. He recently moved just up the road to Summerland, so this was sort of a home race for him.

FXR’s Andy White, Cycle North Powersports’ Kourtney Lloyd, and #239 Ross Johnson from Washington State. I’m still not sure what his family and friends thought we were trying to say about him during Friday night’s broadcast, but we somehow managed to get them fired up.

Blose getting limbered up before Pro practice.

Keeping things organized from the stands in the afternoon. “What did you put for #3?” Am I the only one who remembers cheating on tests when I see a shot like this?

#202 Blake Osatchuk’s best result was a 6th place in Saturday night’s Clash for Cash.

Brock Leitner looks more comfortable every time he hits the track and came away with a 5th place in Saturday’s Clash race.Like every Canadian Pro I talk to who hasn’t got a ton of AX experience under their belt, Brock knows he has a lot to learn and is impressed with the pace of the top riders.

#55 Keylan Meston decided to just race his 250 in both classes Saturday night. His best finish was a 5th in the Lites class. Keylan will line up again in his home town of Calgary in two weeks.

#39 Jess Pettis looks more and more comfortable running the pace of the top riders. After the leaders took each other out, Jess made the podium in Saturday’s AX main, taking 3rd.

Jess mentioned he would like to hit the final round in Calgary because he enjoys the high level of competition.

#239 Ross Johnson was on two basically stock Honda’s and had a solid heat race win Friday night. His best finish was a 2nd place in Saturday night’s Lites main event behind #101 Chris Blose. The two got off to terrible starts but found themselves out front after Thompson and Hayes went down.

Ross will now head back to the Future West series to try and secure another title there.

#101 Chris Blose finally took a main event win in Saturday’s Lites main. He’s sitting close to the top in points and could capitalize on any mistakes made by the the riders ahead of him. This shot reminds me of that old Harry Everts cover photo, minus the dirty nose…

Chris will head home and get ready for the final rounds in Calgary as well as prepare for the Amsoil Arenacross series this winter.

I think it could be said that #148 Cole Thompson is getting ruled by his emotions in this series. He and main rival #100 Jacob Hayes are clearly in each others’ heads each time they hit the track.

When an attempted inside pass took the pair out in Saturday’s Lites main, he was docked 2 positions. He will have to win the Clash and the AX mains in Calgary to take either title.

#100 Jacob Hayes took 5 of 6 main event wins in Penticton. He also now leads all three Pro classes heading into the last weekend. Hayes won both Clash mains and put himself in strong contention for the AX Tour Triple Crown presented by Parts Canada. With one more win in Calgary, will earn him the prize of $25000 US!

Jacob will also head home to get ready for Calgary while testing for the Amsoil Arenacross series this winter. Will he be able to race without incident in Calgary is the question we’ll all be tuning in for the answer in two weeks.

Saturday’s Lites podium: Chris Blose, Ross Johnson, Jess Pettis.

Saturday’s AX podium: Jacob Hayes, Cole Thompson, Chris Blose.

Saturday’s Clash podium: Jacob Hayes, Cole Thompson, Chris Blose.

Cole Thompson finds himself behind Jacob Hayes in the battle for the AX and Clash championships. It will all come down to the racing in Calgary in two weeks. Thanks for looking, and see you at the races…