After a banner year in 2006 that saw the Blackfoot Honda team sweep the top three spots of the MX1 Class and take the MX2 West title, it appeared that the team may not be back for 2007 as Honda Canada decided to withdraw their support, leaving the team’s future in jeopardy.

Thankfully, not only is Blackfoot back, they’re better than ever, as the team has enlisted the support of Yamaha, along with Toyota, long time sponsor Fox Racing and Blackfoot’s new mail order division, BlackfootDirect.com. The renamed Team Toyota Yamaha BlackfootDirect.com Fox Racing (now there’s a mouthful) features returning riders and multi-time Canadian Champs, Jean-Sebastien Roy and Blair Morgan, and newcomer Colton Facciotti on 450s. Also, reigning MX2 West Champion Jimmy Nelson returns to the team to defend his title along with Maryland’s Nick Evennou who will chase the MX2 East title.

After being enlisted by Blackfoot’s Dean Thompson to photograph the promotional material for the new team, I made my way to Shadow Valley Raceway in Morden Manitoba, home of Round 3 of the 2007 Canadian Nationals. Here’s a behind the scenes look at the first outing of the Toyota Yamaha BlackfootDirect.com Fox team.

Report and photos by James Lissimore

Sunday, set up day. The rig has a new paint job.

Jimmy Nelson is back with a new number for '07.

Newcomers for 2007: Nick Evennou, who rode for Simon Homans Racing last year, and Colton Facciotti, who makes the switch to Yamaha after many years with Kawasaki.

The bikes are lined up for their maiden voyage.

Your 2007 Toyota Yamaha BlackfootDirect.com Fox Racing Team.

Roy’s new bike: It’s certainly a big change seeing JSR with a blue bike with a number 2 on it.

Chris and Cody from Destroyer films were documenting the action.

Johnny Balducci gives “Jonny Wah” some encouragement.

Colt discusses suspension set-up with Joe Skidd.

Blair Morgan is healthy and looking fast on his new Yamaha.

Former Loretta Lynn’s champ, Evennou, is looking for his first Canadian Championship.

JSR is ready to reclaim his title in 2007.

Jimmy Nelson looked fast all week. After sweeping the series last year he is certainly the MX2 West title favourite coming into the new season.

After a lifetime on Kawasakis, Colton Facciotti is adapting quickly to his new Yamaha.

The Competition is going to be seeing a lot of these bikes.