JULY 28, 2007
The WEC in Parry Sound gives spectators a chance to get up close
and personal with the riders. Fans are allowed to stand right beside
the tracks in the special tests, and following the race, the top racers
sit at a long table and sign autographs.
By Danny Brault
Photos by Jason T. Griffiths
I had so much fun at the World Enduro Championships in Parry Sound,
Ontario, last year that I just had to go back. The event last year,
believe it or not, was actually the first ever North American round
included in the WEC schedule. So it’s a big honour and responsibility
for Canada, proving that we have the resources and ability to hold an
international motorcycle event. (I guess the WSXGP is also an
international event, but you don’t see many riders from across the pond
racing it.)
Anyhoo, with my experience from the Parry Sound Enduro last year, I
actually knew a few names and numbers, so I had some idea on who to
watch. Since Canadians don’t really have any opportunities to race the
WEC, this is a chance for them to learn and gain experience. My boss,
JTG, even made it out to the woods. He and Family Griffish are camping
just down the road, so he stopped by and shot some flawless photos. We
were a little disappointed that the organizers didn’t use the coast of
Georgian Bay because it made for a really cool spectacle. Boats,
people, swimmers, and photographers were in the water, watching as the
riders ripped by on the rocky shoreline. But co-promoter, Lawrence
Hacking, says there were environmental issues and they wanted to keep
all of the special tests closer, so fans aren’t running all over the
town.
The course was still challenging—and entertaining to watch—with a new
Cross course, and an Extreme test and Enduro right beside each other.
It really did allow you to watch more of the action.
Okay, enough chatter, the title says “Photo Report,” so I better show you some pictures!
After winning two straight GNCC titles in America, Juha Salminen
returned to WEC and has yet to lose a single round. That streak
continued today with Salminen winning by nearly two minutes over
Yamaha's Simone Albergoni. Little Guy Giroux was the second best Canadian finisher, behind Cory
Graffunder who was 8th in Enduro Junior. Giroux finished 10th on his
RM-Z250 in the E1 class. Shane Cuthbertson rode well and finished as the top Canadian in the E2 class with a 13th. One of the reasons the WEC made it to Canada was because of this
fellow, Shawn Wisener. He had a hard day driving pretty girls
around. One KTM rider had trouble climbing this rock face in the Extreme
Test, so a fan helped him out and rode his bike to the top. Check it
out--are those Crocs he's wearing? Don't let this photo fool you: Kamloops, BC's Cory Graffunder is a
talented rider. After scoring points in the MX2 West in his first ever
national series, Graffunder flew out to Parry Sound and sits as the Top
Canadian finisher with an 8th in EJ. For more results, check http://we.abc-wec.com/cms/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1&lang=en
