Monday Morning Coffee
By Billy Rainford
Wow, where to start after a weekend like that?! I guess I’ll just back it up a little because the past couple weeks have just sort of blended into one continuous moto memory. I was down south for the Atlanta Supercross and haven’t stopped since. The week after Atlanta was the Daytona SX and then the drive north started. Along the way, I wanted to stop in to see Kennedy Lutz back on the bike after her knee surgery but I was told by someone that Real Deal MX (where she’s training) was close to Club MX up in Chesterfield, SC so I didn’t punch it into Google Maps until I was approaching Club MX. Well, Real Deal MX is a long way south of that near a town called Allendale, SC. So, my apologies for not making it over there.
I stopped in at Club MX to see who was there getting ready for 2016.
Rockstar MX Nationals 2016 #6 rider, Cade Clason, calls Club MX home, so I had a feeling I’d be bumping into him on my stop.Here he is getting set up to take his first ride on his new #6 Redemption Racing KTM 450.
He looked comfortable right away. With all the racing and training he’s been doing this winter, look for him to be ready for action when the first gate drops at the Canadian Nationals this June.
He calls this sweet cabin home. Thanks for the dinner, Cade.
That’s the view from the porch.
Dave Blanchet was also there between Daytona and the Toronto SX.
Justin Brayton also calls the South Carolina track home.
There were some issues with Cade’s power washer, so they just grabbed the one beside them. You’re never far from one at a practice facility.
#812 Cameron McAdoo also trains there. He was just coming off a very impressive performance at the RCSX.
#800 Mike Alessi is also a regular at the facility. He was breaking in a nice fresh bike for the remainder of the Supercross season.
I found #27 Shawn Robinson and #11 Kaven Benoit parked over at one of the other practice tracks on site.
It was supposed to be Kaven’s day off the bike to get things like laundry done, so it was nice of him to get dressed up and do a few sections for our video and photos.
Kaven looked great on the big 450.
He was whipping it around just like he did the 250 2-stroke.
He and Shawn ripped around for a while as I shot video and some photos. Robinson will again compete in the entire series.
Then it was time to hit the road and complete the drive north in time for the Toronto SX.
Rick Bradshaw was in Toronto in his fancy CMA white shirt.
He never goes all the way like Andy here.
I don’t want to post too many ‘Faces at the Races or Party’ pics here but thought this one was enough to make Justin Thompson mad at me, so…
I haven’t seen the final numbers yet, but Rogers Centre looked busier than ever this past weekend.
#22 Chad Reed’s night did not go the way he was hoping. A first turn crash took him out of the night’s action.
Of course, the big news was the after party at The Houston on Yonge St.. It was a great time and we’ll post those photos later. Thanks to everyone for coming out and to David Toye, Paul the Manager, the staff, the sponsors who generously donated giveaways, and all the Houston staff.
The word is out! Motovan Corp athletes are part of the new BLK RDR program. It should be a great way for them to display the many brands they distribute and get the riders some excellent support. This is JC Bujold at the Toronto SX.
Amsoil Arenacross Results
Lafayette, Louisianna
Cajun Dome
Lites East
Arenacross Class
Gopher Dunes March 2016 Newsletter
The wait is over! Gopher Dunes will open Wednesday March 16, 2016! The mild winter & temperatures have allowed us to get started on prepping the track for the upcoming season. Although the track conditions are great, the trails are still a little frozen & muddy – so they will remain closed until late April.
2016 season memberships are now available which you can get by emailing info@gopherdunes.com Those who purchase their membership by April 30 have a chance at winning a $500 Pro Shop Gift card. For more information on the benefits of becoming a Gopher Dunes member visit http://www.gopherdunes.com/general-info/memberships
Speaking of gift cards if you need a gift for that special someone they can be purchased for the Pro Shop, Lessons, or Riding by emailing info@gopherdunes.com
Are you UNDER 18? If so, it is mandatory that you complete the Gopher Dunes Parental/Minor Participant Waiver forms for 2016. Please take the time to read and sign these forms in the comfort of your home, and bring along the completed Minor Waivers. Without parental signatures, you will not be allowed to ride! These forms can be accessed online at http://www.gopherdunes.com/general-info/waivers
2016 Event Schedule
CMRC Test & Tune – SATURDAY APRIL 9
TVR Club Race – SUNDAY APRIL 17
Spring 4X4 Mudfest – SUNDAY APRIL 24
CMRC Provincial MX Race – SUNDAY MAY 8
AMO Racing MX Race (ANQ) -SUNDAY MAY 15
Summer Poker Run – SUNDAY JUNE 26
CMRC Amateur Race – SUNDAY JULY 9
CMRC Pro National – SUNDAY JULY 10
TVR Club Race – SUNDAY JULY 17
Steel City Riders Club Race – SUNDAY AUG 7
TVR Club Race – SUNDAY AUGUST 14
Fall 4X4 Mudfest – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11
CMRC Fall Series Race – SUNDAY SEPT 18
TBA – SUNDAY OCTOBER 2
TVR Club Race – SATURDAY OCTOBER 8
TVR Club Race – SUNDAY OCTOBER 9
OK, that’s all we have time for this week. It’s time to look over all the content from this weekend and the past couple down south. Have a great week and I hope that was enough to get you through a nice cup of coffee. Truthfully, I had a cup of tea in my hand this time. I hope you’ve all recovered from a great weekend in Toronto, at the races and at the Houston.
A bunch of swag from Justified Cultures and Cole Thompson’s Slaton Racing just showed up at my door. Too late for the afterparty but we’ll think of ways to give this cool stuff away in the coming days. ‘Maggie the Morkie’ says, “See you at the races…”
