Frid’Eh Update Presented by MB1 Suspension Canada
By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford
Week #27 belongs to half-Canadian, Jesse Pierce. – Bigwave photo
Welcome to Week #27 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update this week presented by MB1 Suspension Canada. Last year at round 5 at Gopher Dunes, #489 showed up and had us all standing beside the track during first practice trying to read the name on the back of his jersey – he was flying! When I finally used my zoom lens and snapped a shot to look at on my display, it all made sense.
Jesse Pierce (turns out he’s half Canadian!) has been steadily climbing the amateur ranks in the USA and we’d catch glimpses of him on websites and in results sheets from the big races down south. It made sense that he was ripping the sandy Courtland, Ontario, track to pieces. He went out and finished 7-7 for 6th overall in the MX2 class and followed that up with a 7-8 7th the next week at round 6 at the Ottawa National at Sand Del Lee.
We saw his training this winter down at the Georgia Practice facility (GPF) and he mentioned his plan was to do the entire Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals in the MX1 class in 2015. We caught up with Jesse to find out what he’s been up to and what his racing plans are.
Direct Motocross: You showed up at Gopher Dunes last year and made an immediate impression in the Pro class. What made you decide to come north?
My mom is from Quebec and I have family in Quebec, so every year I’d be there visiting. One year my mom’s brother saw me ride and saw how serious I took it and started talking to my mom about the Pro series up there and we decided to give it a try! In the United States as a privateer, you can barely compete against those 6-figure factory bikes, where, in Canada, I feel like as far as for bikes, I can line up and know at least my equipment stands a chance. And after racing a few rounds last year, I really just enjoyed the atmosphere of racing in Canada.
#489 Jesse Pierce made an immediate impression on the MX2 field last year at Gopher Dunes. – Bigwave photo
Jesse showed up and grabbed some Royal Distributing holeshot cash. – Bigwave photo
You mentioned you were hoping to do the entire Canadian series on a 450 this summer. What happened?
Honestly, it just came down to financial issues. No one wanted to help out so I couldn’t head west to start the series. Jeff at JMR Suzuki approached me and wanted to get something going for the summer so we got a team together (Franklin Nogueres MX1 and myself racing MX2). I was supposed to be starting this weekend at Gopher Dunes but I ended up crashing really hard two weeks ago and banged my head up. Hopefully, I’ll be lining up at Sand Del Lee.
With some financial support, we would have seen Jesse out west at round 1 of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals. – Bigwave photo
What have you been up to so far this summer?
Since I signed with JMR Suzuki, I’ve just been working my but off up until two weeks ago when I crashed. Every day I was seeing improvements in speed and fitness. Hopefully, my body hasn’t fallen apart too bad over the past two weeks but I know my speed’s there. And my bikes are amazing this year. I wasn’t really ever a fan of the Honda, I just never clicked with them. But being back on a Suzuki it feels like home.
Is there a chance we’ll see you at any of the other rounds up here?
Yeah, for sure! Just going to miss Gopher, hopefully, due to this concussion and get on track at Sand Del Lee. But even if I can’t make the second or third one, you’ll see me lining up when all is well with me.
Is racing the Canadian series something you see yourself doing in the future?
I mean yeah, for sure. I love racing up north and the tracks are sick. The people are friendly and the Canadian food is so much better! It’s just getting a ride that pays the bills. Motocross is my dream, of course, but ending every year in the red, eventually you have to grow up and put dreams aside. But for now motocross is all I’m striving for! And I’m duel citizenship in Canada and the United States, so hopefully some team manager will see and notice that and hire me being that I am actually a Canadian!
What is the determining factor on making that a reality?
Signing to a team and getting paid. It’s pretty simple but yeah that’s what it comes down to.
Have you been paying attention to the Canadian series this summer? If so, what are your thoughts?
Yeah, I’ve been watching it every round. I’m honestly surprised a little bit by how fast (Jimmy) Decotis is going outdoors. He’s always been known as a fast Supercross rider, but he’s definitely killing it right now and I think once the series heads east he’s gonna shine even more in the sand. But I got to see (Jeremy) Medaglia and (Kaven) Benoit train during the winter at GPF and I know where my speed is compared to them. It’s just getting that race intensity that I’ll be a little shy of at first being that I haven’t lined up for a big race since last year. But I’ve never been one to be scared of getting a little roughed up so I’m excited to get out there and compete for those podium spots and hopefully get some wins. Last year I came off the couch to go racing at Gopher, this year I’ve put a lot of work in and on a bike that I love, so I’m expecting a lot out of myself.
Are you planning to race Supercross this winter?
Yeah, actually! I signed with JMR Suzuki for East Coast Lites so you’ll see me out there!
Thanks for the chat, Jesse. Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Of course! First and most importantly I’d like to thank the man above for always watching over me, my mom Louise, brother Keith and girlfriend Jordan for always believing in me and being there for me through everything. Jeff at JMR Suzuki, Bill Nielsen at Midnight Moto for always having my bikes dialed, Tim Bennett at TCD Suspension, Scott Lukaitis at Bel Ray, Pete from Traction MX Seating, Todd at TLR Performance, Scott Sepkovic and Jimmy Sloan at Arma Energy, Ike at PowerBar, John Knowles at Scott, Pat at Bell Helmets, the entire staff at Ocean County Powersports for always helping me, MGX unlimited graphics, Modern MMA for making sure I’m in the best shape possible, Bills Pipes, Delb Lifestyle, Georgia Practice Facility and all the other team sponsors, thank you so much!
Watch for Jesse at a Rockstar Energy MX National round before the summer is over, and also competing in the East Coast 250 SX class in 2016. – Bigwave photo
Week #27 is brought to you by MB1 Suspension Canada.
Week #27 is presented by MB1 Suspension Canada. Be sure to check them out and go up and say hello to Mike Parliament this weekend at Gopher Dunes. He’ll be swamped with suspension work, but there’s always time to say hello!
MB1 Suspension Canada and Walton Raceway would like to welcome the Rockstar Energy Pro National Series to Canada’s East Coast, as we are excited to be in attendance at Gopher Dunes this weekend to watch Saturday’s Amateurs & Women’s Classes and Sunday’s Pro Racers all try and tame and conquer the roughest and toughest motocross track in Canada.
The key to winning at Gopher Dunes is a racer’s Suspension setup. If you are looking for your bike to slice easily through the tough sand at Gopher Dunes, or on any track, then stop by and speak with Mike at the MB1 Suspension Canada setup and tell him Direct Motocross sent you!
MB1 Suspension Canada
Suspension Technology At Its Best
MB1 Suspension Canada delivers what riders are looking for and you can find them trackside when you need them, ready to help – to get you back in action and on the track – right where you want to be. Look for them where you ride.
When you have questions, they have answers – and the experience to get it right. As riders themselves, MB1 technicians understand the critical balance required for forks and shocks and what effects rebound, bottoming and kick-backs can have on your ride. You deserve suspension technology at its BEST. MB1 Suspension Canada accepts only 100% customer satisfaction.
Get an MB1 Suspension Canada suspension and bike set up to suit the track, terrain and weather. Being prepared mechanically is your real starting line and how you will ultimately ride the best race
In between races, make MB1 Suspension Canada your shop. They provide the quality MB1 parts you want AND the knowledge and experience to complete the repairs and set up you need. Or let them help you find an Authorized MB1 Suspension Canada Dealer near you.
Call Mike Parliament at MB1 Suspension Canada 226-270-2785 or find them online www.mb1suspensioncanada.com
Canadian Head Office & Shop – 72 Colonel Talbot Rd, RR #6, Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 4G9
Jeff McConkey
Hey, guys. The big news this week has got to be the retirement of Ryan Villopoto. ‘RV’ has decided to call it quits after an amazing career. Ryan had a very good amateur career, but he didn’t win much. During his amateur days, Ryan finished 2nd to Mike Alessi pretty much all of the time. I honestly think that fired up the ginger from Washington State to become the best 250 rider, then 450 rider of his time. During Villopoto’s reign, nobody was better. He ran into some serious injuries along the way, but came back even stronger. I think one of the rides Ryan will most be remembered for would have to be his 250 ride at Budds Creek for the Motocross des Nations. RV put the wood to EVERYONE and that will forever stick out in my mind. Congratulations on an amazing career, Ryan, and I myself as a fan will definitely miss watching you line up.
Ryan Villopoto announces his retirement. – Bigwave photo
From: https://www.directmotocross.com/ryan-villopoto-announces-retirement-kawasaki-europe-reports/
After months of speculation, motocross legend Ryan Villopoto has announced his retirement. With a career that saw the Kawasaki rider take almost every championship available to a rider, the time has finally come for Villopoto to hang up the leathers. His goal was to first win an MXGP World Title before walking away, but that bid was cut short when he crashed and injured himself at the 4th round of MXGP, taking him out of the 2015 title chase.
Kawasaki Europe broke the news earlier today. Here is the Press Release from www.kawasaki.eu:
Rockstar Energy Drink MX nationals
It’s finally here! The 2015 CMRC Rockstar Energy Nationals East Coast swing has arrived. It all starts off tomorrow, July 11th, with Round 1 of the Women’s East Nationals. We have a ton of very talented girls racing the East this season, and I’m willing to bet that we will have a 40-lady gate at at least one of the three rounds.
The co-organizers, sponsors and all the people helping out have done a great job and it is finally time to go racing. Eve Brodeur has got to be the favourite, but if a certain somebody from Melbourne, Florida* shows up it could get interesting. I think we will have a great mixture of girls, and there will be battles all over the race track. Here are my prediction for Round 1 of the Women’s East:
Women’s East
1st Eve Brodeur
2nd Kim Normandin
3rd Cassandra Belanger
4th Abbrielle Tardelli
5th Allie Argue
1st moto holeshot: Nikki Voorhees
1st moto win: Eve Brodeur
*If Jacqueline Ross shows up, she is my pick for both moto wins and both holeshots.
Women’s East Nationals Preview
By Jeff McConkey
Jeff speaks with the top 10 overall from 2014. – Bigwave photo
It all starts Saturday, July 11th at Gopher Dunes in Courtland, Ontario. This year’s crop of women racers ready to contest the Women’s East Nationals looks very impressive. It’s always nice to have the reigning champion line up with the big #1 on their back. This season, that champion is Quebec’s Eve Brodeur. Eve was only really challenged by one racer last season, and that was former champion Jacqueline Ross. ‘J-Ro’ only made one round, but that one round showed everyone that Ross had not lost anything while she was away from the sport.
We know for sure that Brodeur is back and has stepped up her game big-time. The young French rider is fast, fit, and smart beyond her years. The questions going into round 1 are…Where’s J-Ro? Is she coming back? And if there is no J-Ro, can anyone else run the pace of the champ? This is motocross and anything can happen, like we saw earlier this season when ‘odds on favourite’ in the west, Kennedy Lutz, pulled out of the series only days before the final round with injury. There are plenty of capable racers standing in the wings ready to strike if anything should happen like in the west.
I really feel that our top 3 in the series could all be from Quebec. I was amazed with how many talented ladies that province has. I feel that young Kim Normandin will be very dangerous in the sand, and veteran Cassandra Belanger‘s fitness and heart will make her a podium threat every moto. MX101’s Allie Argue will be fired up to lose quite a few digits from her #8 by season’s end.
As always, we will have a very fast group of Americans led by #3 Abrielle Tardelli, #10 Madi Seguin, and the #92 of Nikki Voorhees. All 3 of these ladies will be running up front all series long looking for podiums.
All in all, we are in store for a fantastic East series. But none of this could happen without the endless hours from co-organizers Sylvain Brodeur and Leah Clarke. They have a great group of sponsors and people behind them and it will show come July 11th. I reached out to the Top 10 of the 2014 series and asked each lady about their off-season, pre-season and their thoughts. Thanks for reading and we will see you at the Dunes!
Let’s see what the top 10 from 2014 have to say about 2015. – Bigwave photo
#10 Madi Seguin
My off-season went well, no injuries. I’ve been focusing on school and basketball. Over the spring, I ran track for my school and the last 3 months I’ve been running the WMX series for US. I’m looking forward to the 3 races this year hoping for good results! I would not be where I am today without my mom and dad, my grandparents and my friends! Looking for a great season in 2015.
#9 Alyson Bilodeau
Alyson will not be competing due to a broken wrist.
#8 Allie Argue
During the off season, I trained with my trainer Rob to keep my fitness up. I enjoyed going snowmobiling and catching up with friends that I don’t see in the summer due to racing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go down south during the winter due to my dad’s job, so I was stuck here in the cold.
During my pre-season, I ended up going to JWTF at the end of April. I won this trip at a prize table for being a part of the women’s nationals. I had a lot of fun training and riding. That was the first time I had the opportunity to ride before the snow was all gone. In the spring months I have been working hard at Sand Del Lee on my fitness and speed, as well as doing as many local races as possible.
My goal this year is definitely to win, but I would be satisfied with a top 3 number at the end of it all. [There are] so many fast girls this year, anything could happen.
Watch for Allie Argue to be a threat every weekend. – Bigwave photo
#7 Cindy Trudel
My English is not very good. I’m semi-retired because I’m self-construction of my house. I rode yesterday (June 25th) for the first time of the year with my old KX125 2007 just to have fun! Thanks.
#6 Kim Normandin
This winter I was in school, worked and two days by week I went to Crossfit. At home, I was doing spinning after school. Soon as I could, I was going riding at my home track until the first race begin. I have worked a lot on ruts and be able to do twenty minutes on a rough track (like Gopher Dunes). Between the days I didn’t ride, I [went] cycling to keep in shape.
The races are good. I’m still racing with the boys (Junior class) to push myself more and to keep more time on the track. In women class there’s nobody so I can’t compare myself to other girls.
Probably for my last women National, my goals are: first, being proud of me, second, have some fun, third, doing a solid top 5 and try to put all the chance on my side.
Kim Normandin has been working hard in the off-season and is looking for a top 5. – Bigwave photo
#5 Alexandra Raymond
My name is Alexandra Raymond. I raced in the SCMX Snocross Series this winter. Due to my job, it was impossible for me to go train in Florida this year. I decided to keep in shape by doing Snocross races, which made me discover a new sport. The beginning of my season went really well as I competed in a few provincial races to get back in the beat and get ready for the nationals. I worked really hard both on and outside the track. I currently have the number plate 5 and this year my goal is to get even better results.
#4 Cassandra Belanger
Cassandra Belanger, 25 from Montreal. This year will be very exciting on the East series since many girls have been training hard and got a lot faster taking this game to the next level. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t have the chance to head down south and train so the first couple weeks back on the bike were a little rough although I’m very confident that I’ll get it back in time for Gopher.
Podium is only what I’m there for every round. I wish a good and safe season to all of us! I want to pre-thank everyone for making this season possible starting with my boyfriend Kenny Spracklin who is the best AT / Performance specialist / Trainer / Friend I know that is helping, supporting and putting up with me everyday. All my other sponsors are as important: Spracklin Performance, Terra Nutrition, PLX Sport, Oakley, Devinci, Stingray Digital, Cycle Technique, Sprott, Troy Lee Design, Kutvek America, Forma boots, KB5 suspension, Sanctuary Clothing, Espace Santé Lucie Blouin.
And specially those lovely people; Jeff McConkey Eric Boyko Ced, Raph & Andre, My mom and aunt Diane, my 2 sisters Marie & Cloe, Tyler Lane & Dany Constantineau, Mark Hurst, Mathieu Melançon, Mike Ayoub, Denis Corcoran, JS Lefevbre, Sonia Zarbatani, Nicole McDonald, Mirko Bruno-Pier Pelletier, Dave Fortin, Mizar & Isabelle, Lucie & Patrick, Cynthia Prefontaine, Raphaelle & Mathieu, Lili & Oli cafe staff, Remy Gauthier. And many more… Thank you, guys! Xo
Cassandra Belanger is looking for nothing less than podiums this season. – Bigwave photo
#3 Abbrielle Tardelli
In the off-season, I attend school full-time and also play collegiate hockey, so unfortunately I am unable to travel down south or race any winter series races. However, I do dry-land training all year round to keep my body as in shape as I can. In the pre-season, I have not been racing as much as I usually do, but as the first round of the Nationals gets closer I have been racing most weekends and hitting up the practice track a few times a week. I’m also at the gym almost every day and cycling often.
My goal for the series is to have an overall finish that is better than last season, so it will not be easy but I am determined be more consistent and hopefully get the results I need to accomplish this. I love this series and I appreciate all the hard work that’s put into it. I can’t wait to be back!
Abbrielle Tardelli wants to keep getting better results and a lower number. – Bigwave photo
#2 Abby Davignon
This summer I will not be racing the series. Last year after Deschambault I had knee surgery that hindered my ability to continue training so I turned my focus to finishing college. I am unsure at this point if I will be back in the future to race. I wish all the ladies racing this year the best of luck.
We won’t see Abby Davignon back for 2015. – Bigwave photo
#1 Eve Brodeur
This year, we decided to do things a little differently. We went to do a WMX race in North Carolina in October and left the camper at JWTF for the winter. It allowed us to do a couple of back and forth trips and I spent a total of 5 weeks training with Jimmy (Weinert). I also put in some good work at the gym to get the strength I needed to be able to hold on to my KTM 250SX better and have more stamina for those long Pro-AM races here in Quebec, since I moved up to the Intermediate class.
In the pre-season, I did a couple of races in the North East US and in Ontario before the Québec series started. My goals for this summer are to keep my Eastern Canadian title. I would also be seeking redemption at Walton after all the bad luck I had last year. We put a lot of effort in the off-season and I really look forward this summer.
If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Will anyone be able to stop Eve Brodeur in 2015? Bigwave photo
Claudie Lapointe – KTM Canada
I can’t wait for the Eastern Canadian Women’s Championship to start! If we compare to the Western Championship it’s usually easier to see who’s going to be the top contended girls, because they have already been racing 2 months.
After seeing Eve Brodeur racing against the guys and dominating every Ladies class she entered, I’m pretty sure no other girls can touch her. I somehow wish an American girl is going to show up last-minute to at least make a good show with her in front, but even in the states I don’t know many girls that would be up to her speed right now. I also hope Kennedy (Lutz) is going to be back for Walton. I saw her ride in Kamloops and she could for sure be battling with Eve on an hard-pack tracks.
Other than that, I know Abbrielle Tardelli is coming back with her #3, as well as Cassandra Belanger #4 and Allie Argue #8. Those three girls will for sure make some good battles with Kim Normandin #6 and Abby Davignon #2 if they are coming to all the rounds (which I’m not sure yet). I haven’t heard about Alexandra Raymond and Alyson Bilodeau since last year, so hopefully they’re going to surprise us at the first round but I haven’t seen them at any races so far in 2015.
We can also add all the Gopher Dunes area girls that from what I saw from the couple first races are similar speed to each other and that are fast in deep sand (Kassie Boone / Breanna Rose / Shandell Przybilla (if she can fix her shoulder by then)).
I’m happy to see that out of the top 10 at least 6 to 7 girls are coming back this year. Hopefully, we can achieve what I saw in Calgary (39 ladies on the gate) or even more.
If I find the time and the Team can find a place for my bike in the Semi (Steph (LeBlanc) just confirmed he had enough space for me), I will participate in all three rounds and hopefully finally make at least 1 point after 3 years!
I’m really pumped to see the good work Sylvain and Leah put together for the series. I’m happy to show up with the KTM Contingency cheques as well and to see how many sponsors decided to step in this year again!!
Good Luck to all the Eastern girls and see you at the races!
Jocelyn Facciotti
I have to admit, I haven’t been following the women’s series as close as I would have liked to the past year or two due to my pregnancy and now being a new mom. I did get to watch a few women’s national motos out west earlier this year though and man, the top girls are flying! It’s obvious that the speed and talent of the women’s class has come a long way since I last raced!
I actually just got back on a bike for the first time since having the baby this past week and I quickly realized how out of shape and rusty I am. I had originally intended on getting enough seat time to race the Gopher Dunes women’s national but now I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. Priorities have changed a bit these days so it’s hard to find time to practice between looking after a 7-month-old baby and trying to support Colt with his racing career. Regardless, I’ll be there cheering on all the ladies!
As for my East predictions, I’m not entirely sure who’s all lining up for the full series as I’ve heard J-Ro might be coming back up. If so, I think it will be Eve Brodeur and Jacqueline Ross battling it out for wins each weekend. Eve is young, dedicated, and rides a 250 two-stroke so you can guarantee she’ll get good starts and be at the front every moto. There are also a ton of other fast ladies who had strong rides in 2014 and will no doubt be battling for top five numbers throughout the series including Davignon, Argue, Tardelli, Belanger, Seguin, and Raymond.
As for a surprise, I think Kassie Boone has one of the best riding styles of any female rider but for some reason she never seems to get the results you would expect, whether it be due to a crash or not participating in the full series. With that said, if Kassie can improve her corner speed a bit, keep it on two wheels, and run the full series, I think she would be a podium threat every moto and possibly battle for some wins.
My most improved pick has to be Honda Red Rider, Breanna Rose. I remember riding local TVR races against Breanna back in the day when she was on little bikes and it’s amazing how much she has improved over the past couple years. This girl has so much fun riding her dirt bike and a ton of passion for the sport so I think (and hope) this will be a good year for her!
After seeing such great turnouts at the western rounds, I really hope the Eastern series will attract lots of ladies and be just as successful as the west. I know there are tons of girls who ride in Ontario and Quebec so there is definitely potential for a full gate, it’s just a matter of whether they all show up!
MX2
Kyle Regal was set to race MX2 on a Husqvarna 250 2-stroke, but hold on a minute… – Bigwave photo
In MX2 action it looked like Factory Husqvarna was jumping into the ring with a big name. That name was recently crowned AMA Arenacross Champion Kyle Regal. Kyle has been away from the outdoors for the past few years, but back in 2009, Kyle went 4-4 for 4th O/A in the 450 class at Budds Creek. That’s no fluke! That is downright impressive! But here comes the bad news…. that makes Kyle ineligible to race the MX2 class in Canada. So what happens next? Does Kyle move up and race the 450? Or does Husqvarna find a last-minute replacement? (More on that later) Here are my predictions for Round 5:
MX2
1st Jeremy Medaglia
2nd Jimmy Decotis
3rd Tim Tremblay
4th Kaven Benoit
5th Liam O’Farrell
1st moto holeshot: Liam O’Farrell
1st moto win: Jeremy Medaglia
MX1
Gopher Dunes should be the Canadian track that has Matt Goerke smiling like a Cheshire cat. Can anyone stop this sand specialist this weekend? – Bigwave photo
There are a ton of potential winners in the 450 class this weekend, but Matt Goerke has got to be the favourite for most. After Goerke, it could be a few different guys: Brett Metcalfe has won Southwick before, Tyler Medaglia has won the 450 O/A at Gopher in the past, Teddy Maier has won the 250 O/A, and you can never count out Cole Thompson and reigning champ Colton Facciotti. All of these guys will be ready come Sunday, and all expect to win.
Sand specialist and crowd favorite, John Dowd, is expected to line up for the 450 class. John is up there in years, but hey… hasn’t he always been quite a bit older then most? Anyways, it will be a treat to watch a legend like Dowd spin some laps, and word on the street is that his son will be racing the MX2 class. Now that has got to be a first. I don’t see Dowdy hitting the podium, but a top 10 should be a guarantee. The action will be just as hot as the weather and I can not wait. Here are my predictions.
MX1
1st Matt Goerke
2nd Cole Thompson
3rd Colton Facciotti
4th Tyler Medaglia
5th Brett Metcalfe
1st moto holeshot: Cade Clason
1st moto win: Matt Goerke
That’s it for me this week as I am chomping at the bit to get going. Be sure to check out this week’s ‘Out of the Blue‘ with Emilie Guimont. I hope to see and meet as many of you guys as possible this weekend, don’t be shy, and always remember to #smileforBC!
Billy Rainford
Thank for that, Jeff. I read over your predictions for Gopher Dunes and am a little bit shocked at your placing Brett Metalfe down in 5th overall. I’m assuming you have him down for some bad luck?
We’ve been waiting since 2012 to see Matt Goerke float around the Gopher Dunes track again. If you weren’t there then, be there now! – Bigwave photo
This was Tim Tremblay back in 2012. He showed up last year at Gopher Dunes and went 7-6 for 7th in the MX1 class. He’ll be on a 250 2-stroke this year and should shake things up atop the MX2 class. – Bigwave photo
And even if your body is ready for the pounding, sometimes the accumulation of all the other factors are just too much for machines to handle, as Dylan Kaelin proves here. – Bigwave photo
What Are the Top Riders Riding?
I thought I was seeing an awful lot of blue on the track this year so I looked at the top 40 in both MX2 and MX1 and made the following chart showing the bike brand they were riding.
The numbers were even more scewed to blue in the MX 2 class, but here are the overall results:
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.directmotocross.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Nationals-Brands.pdf”]
Kyle Regal Racing in Canada
As Jeff already mentioned, the big news this week was the appearance of Kyle Regal at Gopher Dunes riding a Husqvarna 250 2-stroke. It was Monday so I knew a lot of Pro riders would be out taking advantage of the final day to ride the track. Frank and Derek Schuster left the track rough after the previous day’s TVR event so riders could get a small taste of what was in store for them this weekend.
When word got around that the super-fast American rider was in Canada, there was a definite buzz. Not only were we adding another potential race winner to the mix, but he was going to ride a 250 2-stroke. (Sound of a needle being quickly dragged across a vinyl album) Now wait just a minute here…
After the video and photos we posted on the site were also posted over on Vital MX, it was pointed out that Regal was likely ineligible to race the MX2 class because of his high placings in AMA 450 racing.
It’s true. Interestingly, there seem to be two ways to get to a CMRC rule book and they don’t both have the exact same thing written when you find it. The team probably read the one version but when the other link was showed to them they realized it was crystal clear. The rule was changed to its present form for the 2015 season.
This link takes you to the CMRC rule book:
This one takes you to the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals Pro Rider Package Rule Book:
http://cmrcracing.interactivehoriz.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2015-PRP.pdf?bc4116
We spoke with Husqvarna today and they confirmed Kyle will line up in the MX1 class on the 250 2-stroke. Obviously, they want someone on the 2-stroke to sell units and this was the only way to keep him on the same bike and race the series. He wasn’t up to speed yet on Monday but he’s been testing this week with one of the Canadian masterminds of suspension, Joe Skidd, so watch for that aspect of his set up to be mid-season ready!
Either way, the more big names we can add to our series the better. There will be more people lining the track wondering how this ‘would be American champion’ will do against our best. You’re gonna have to show up to find out.
MX Forum Updates
If you’ve been clicking on www.mxforum.com over the past few days and been wondering if the ‘Pink Palace’ has finally bitten the dust, think again. It’s actually being updated, upgraded, uprooted, uptowned, downtowned, de-bugged, de-spammed, and spit-and-polished. Darren ‘Pillow’ Pilling has it heading over to a new server and being revamped for the new millenium. It should be up and running within the next few days so fret not. You’ll be able to read the blatherings of those so inclined very soon. 🙂
MX Forum will be new and improved in the next few days…
Kyle Biro Earns Another Yamaha Factory Ride
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.directmotocross.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Kyle-Biro-Factory-Ride-PR.pdf”]
All You Need to Know for the AMA Amateur Day the Saturday at Gopher Dunes
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KTM Eastern Supermini Nationals
Is Tanner Ward a marked man in the east? – Dawn McClintock photo
After some exciting racing in the KTM Western Supermini Nationals between Casey Keast, McCoy Brough, and eventual winner, Jacob Piccolo, the east is about to start this Saturday.
I have to think Tanner Ward (who is just now coming back from injury) should be the rider to beat. He raced last weekend at the Sand Del Lee Cup and apparently looked good. Young Thomas Rendall is another rider to watch and took a win away from Ward who suffered some troubles. With Jake Tricco over in Spain representing Canada at the FIM World Junior Motocross Championships, it’s going to take a special ride from someone to beat Tanner for the KTM ride. We’ll find out how all these young speedsters look tomorrow morning at round 1!
Team Canada in Spain
Zeb Dennis is over in Spain with our two Team Canada World Junior Motocross World Championship contenders, Jake Tricco and Marco Cannella. The racing takes place next weekend (July 19th) in El Molar, Spain.
The worlds fastest under 17 year olds will line up in El Molar, Spain for the most prestigious race of their seasons, the 2015 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship. There are two Junior World Championship classes’ 85cc and 125cc with the really little guys on 65cc competing for the European Open Championship title. Thanks to the team at Scott Sports the winner of each category, 65cc, 85cc and 125cc will be awarded with a trick SCOTT Voltage mountain bike.
Here’s a short video trailer:
Good luck over there, guys!
Sand Del Lee Cup
Our own Dawn McClintock was over in Ottawa last weekend to attend the Sand Del Lee Cup. She sent over a whole bunch of photos that you can check out HERE.
Be sure to check out Dawn McClintock’s photos from last weekend at the Sand Del Lee cup, including shots like this one of #494 Thomas Rendall. – Dawn McClintock photo
Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals Standings
After 4 of 10 rounds, here is what the we have:
Monday Riding Video
Here is the video we took from Monday at Gopher Dunes:
https://www.directmotocross.com/faces-at-the-races-race-photos-fxr-sand-del-lee-cup/
Weekend Forecast
It’s looking like a hot one for Gopher Dunes this weekend! It’s time to separate the sand riders from the sand riders who don’t mind feeling like they’re wearing a garbage bag in the sauna! Hydrate!
Last Year’s Gopher Dunes Results
From MXNationals.ca:
MX2
MX1
Canadians at Loretta Lynn’s
Here’s a list of Canadians on the ‘tentative’ entry list for the 2015 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Championships:
RJ Marnoch 250 B Ltd. / 450 B
Cooper Larche 250 B / 450 B Ltd.
Austin Watling 250 C
Carter Hutcherson 450 B Ltd. / College (16-24)
Sam Meghji 2-Stroke (16+)
Shane Langdale +40
Ben Kongmany 51 (4-6) Special Ltd.
Preston Masciangelo 51 (7-8) Ltd.
Tanner Scott 65 (7-9) Ltd.
Hunter Scott 65 (10-11) Ltd.
Nicholas Cryer Supermini 1 (12-15) / Supermini 2 (13-16)
Marco Cannella Schoolboy 1 (12-16) / Schoolboy 2 (13-16)
OK, it’s time to get ready to get back to some racing here in Canada! We should have the event covered from all angles this weekend, so be sure to follow us on Twitter @directmx and Instagram @directmotocross and check back for interviews, photos, and the Canada’s Motorcycle FXR DMX Weekly Wrap-Up Show hosted by Andy White and yours truly. We’ll have Mitch Goheen capturing the video footage, so watch for the replay quality to increase substantially this week!
Have a great weekend, and this time we really mean this…
It’s supposed to be another hot one this weekend, just like Gopher Dunes should be! Only the strong will survive the heat, humidity and bottomless sand conditions. See you at the races! – Bigwave photo
