Frid'Eh Update:Presented by Royal Distributing
AUGUST 24, 2007
By Danny Brault
The 2007 Monster Energy Motocross Nationals are in the books. Now it’s
time to look ahead to the Motocross Des Nations and the 30th annual Montreal Supercross. But before we do, let’s take a trip down memory lane and review some of the highlights from the summer …
Six different moto winners in the MX1 class: Paul Carpenter (7), JSR (3), Colton Facciotti (3), Simon Homans (2), Mitch Cooke (1), Jeff Northrop (1).
First time winners: Tim Tremblay (Gopher Dunes), Cooke (Morden), Facciotti (Regina), Kyle Beaton (Nanaimo), Homans (Nanaimo), Nick Evennou (Moncton), Jacob Saylor (Sand Del Lee). [Note: All of them are Canadian except Evennou and Saylor.]
Intermediate sensations: Jeremy Medaglia finished fourth
overall in the MX2 East rounds at Gopher and Sand Del Lee and
ended the series seventh overall; Wembley, Alberta’s Kyle McGlynn finishes seventh in the Morden mud and tenth in Regina and finished ninth overall in the MX2 West series; BC’s Shane Wiebe finishes 11th in Calgary and Nanaimo and ends the series in 14th.
MX1 podium appearances: Chuck Mesley finished second overall at The Dunes; Tremblay finished third in Morden; Marco Dube finished third overall at The Dunes and took second in the final moto in Nanaimo; New Zealander Mason Phillips finished third in final moto at Ste-Julie.
A few other notes from this year’s Canadian Nationals: Tyler Medaglia scored top five finishes in the MX1 class; Davey Fraser followed the series west and earns national number 23; Kyle Keast earns his first top 10 number with an eighth overall in MX1—he’s also the top Honda rider; Eric Sorby’s brief appearance in Ste-Julie made for one of the best battles of year when he rode Willard’s rear tire in first moto; South African champ Kerim Fitz-gerald mixed it up in the MX2 East.
For a full review of the national series—and the photos that accompany each highlight—be sure to pick up the November issue of RXC, which hits newsstands mid-September.
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It was cool the #1 and #2 plates on the line at Walton, even if was only for a bit. |
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photo: Dan Stenning |
My apologies, I did leave out one major highlight: our 2007 MX1 champ Paul Carpenter. While I would have preferred to see a Canadian in his spot, it’s hard not to be happy for Monster Energy/ Cernic’s Kawasaki’s Carpenter. The New York native couldn’t have been more gracious to his competitors or the fans. He was a true class act throughout the whole series, he seemed to really enjoy his time up north, and I never saw him be anything but a champion.
Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, we won’t see the #1 plate run in the MX1 class in `08. “Pauly” has put together a deal with his cousin, Jack (not brother, as I learned in SDL), Atomic Racing and Honda for the AMA Supercross Series and outdoors, so we probably won’t see him in Canada next year. From the impression I’ve gotten, the Cernic’s team would like to race in Canada again next year, and I expect Jeff Gibson to stay on, but who will fill Carpenter’s spot? Jeff Northrop has expressed interest and really wants to stay on Kawis and in Canada.
I guess we’ll just to wait to find out. And with the way things work in Canada, we probably won’t know until Ste-Julie next year.
We caught up with Carpenter this week for this 5 mins with …
Since I wasn’t at the TransCan (I was busy dancing with Tanya Tucker on stage and getting George Canyon’s autograph at the Havelock Jamboree, true story!), I will turn this over to Allison Kennedy to find out what went down at the 15th Annual Walton TransCan …
Maybe I am just sentimental now that I’ve had a chance to sleep in my own bed for four consecutive nights, but I really do enjoy my time at the TransCan. There’s something about staying at the track and watching amateur motos from dawn til dusk, then touring the campfires, shooting the breeze, squeezing in a few hours of sleep and waking up to that obnoxious rooster just to do it all over again. Tack on a pro national at the end of the week, and a Sunday night afterparty to wrap up the season, and Walton leaves me both nostalgic and exhausted. And, as the publication gods would have it, our November issue is always due the Friday after Walton, so there really is no rest for the wicked. However, as I type this, there are only 11 pages waiting for approval … and man, is it ever going to be a good weekend off!
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Drew Pelletier presents Kyle Ward's father with the Dan Pelletier Memorial Award for the most devoted father. |
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photo: James Lissimore |
It was a great week of racing at the TransCan though, from the greatly anticipated battles in the intermediate class, to Dylan Kaelin’s near sweep of the Junior class, to John Pauk and Cole Thompson’s battle in the final Supermini moto and Jolene Van Vugt’s long awaited Ladies title, there was a lot of drama. It was a hopeful year as well, because if the intermediate class is any indication, there are some fast, fit, and smart riders headed for the pro class in a hurry. Ohio’s Tony Gallo won the GP and 250 classes while Jeremy Medaglia won the 125 class. But all three classes featured great battles between Gallo, Medaglia, Alberta’s Kyle McGlynn, Ontario’s Kyle Stephens and BC’s Shane Wiebe.
Not sure who to thank for this, but we had the best spot in the entire amateur and pro pits for the Ignition Racing/Racer X Canada Factory Rider for a Day funmover. We were just through the Two Wheel tunnel, overlooking the start, and backing on to the pro stage. We had a crew on the roof of the funmover, watching motos all week long and it was a great way to wrap up the year. We also had Jeremy Medaglia pitted with us from Wednesday through Sunday. While that wasn’t really our plan, the RXC crew was having some seperation anxiety from the Medaglia clan, and well, they just never left. Thanks to one heck of a Canadian moto family for making our season much more humorous!
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Brett Lee looks like a deer in headlights as he presents Josh Snider with an award for his morning chapel and devotional services at the nationals. |
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photo: James Lissimore |
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If you’ve never spent the Sunday night at Walton, consider it. By dusk on Sunday, there are just a few industry stragglers and die-hard riders around and Brett Lee and the CMRC are good enough to throw a little party to give us all a chance to say goodbye …at least until Montreal. We took over the Lucas Oils hospitality tent, we ate butter tart squares and we drank a few pints. There were a few official announcements and thank yous. Brett Lee gave Josh Snider a framed print that the riders had signed to thank him for his ongoing ministerial work during the series. They also gave a signed photo to our own Brett Dailey to thank him for his hard work during the Factory Rider program. It was pretty dang sweet. With the official announcements out of the way, Lockhart and Northrop took over the mic and spouted off about their seasons, the beer kegs were shut down and the party moved to the campfire in the pro pits. And—that—is where the official reporting stops and the real fun begins. Maybe you’ll make it next year…
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Dylan Kaelin predicted on the forums that he would claim the Gaerne Bronze Boot, and he did! |
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photo: James Lissimore |
A big congrats to all of the champions crowned at Walton this year and to the special award winners: Kyle McGlynn who won the RXC Total Devotion Award, Dylan Kaelin who brought home the Gaerne Bronze Boot, Jeremy Medaglia who picked up the Rick Joseph Award and to Mr. Ward who earned the first Dan Pelletier Memorial Award. We’ll see you at the TransCan next year.
Brilliant, AK47, thanks!
And here are a few links to all of the race action that took in Walton:
http://racerxcanada.com/news/3726/walton-transcan-amateur-photo-report/
http://racerxcanada.com/news/3730/sixsixone-walton-photo-report/
http://racerxcanada.com/news/3734/utopia-optics-thursday-wallpapers/
The CMRC released the top 100 national numbers this week. While I prefer the permanent numbering system used in the AMA, I really do enjoy scrolling through the numbers to see who earned which digit (s). Here are a few that caught my eye:
5 – JSR
14 – Tyler Medaglia
15 – Pierce Chamberlain
23 – Davey Fraser
34 – Jeremy Medaglia
44 – Kaven Benoit
51 – Jared Allison
53 – Josh Snider
55 – Shane Wiebe
80 – Nathan Slater
88 – Kory Snelgrove
Check that out, five of Ignition Racing/ RXC Factory Riders for a Day earned a number—Fraser, Medaglia, Benoit, Allison, and Slater! Congrats, guys!
For a full list, just check out our Breaking News section on www.racerxcanada.com.
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Canadian MX makes the Ottawa paps'. |
For those who stayed late at the TransCan awards ceremony, chances are you caught the teaser to the Destroyer Films full-length film, This Is It. If you missed it or weren’t at Walton, you can watch the trailer right here: www.destroyerfilms.com
Also, if you’ve been missing any of their videos from each round—and our RXC Factory Rider clips—they’re still available on their website. The two man show behind the best footage of the sport in Canada, Chris Griffiths and Cody Bradley, deserve a huge applause for their efforts this summer. The two traveled across Canada—and back—in their ancient motor home, covering all of the nationals and even spending time with riders at their homes and private tracks. The video isn’t just about the nationals, but it’s more of a celebration of the sport in the north. They expect to release their DVD sometime in September, possibly at the Montreal Supercross. Get behind this project if you want to see Chris and Cody on the road again next year.
In four weeks, our troops will head down to Budds Creek, Maryland to do battle in the Motocross des Nations. I can’t wait. I’ve been a big fan of the event since I was on mini-bikes. It’s the ultimate showdown between the best riders in the world with each country sending their three best riders. Even though Canada is one of the bigger, more wealthy countries, we somehow struggle to support a proper Des Nations effort. Fortunately, with the event across the border, the costs and headaches are cut down. Despite its proximity, however, it still costs big bucks, especially for Team Toyota Yamaha/ BlackfootDirect.com/ Fox Racing who is supplying all of the bikes, staff, and rig.
We can all help out though. So far, we’ve sold a good amount of Team Canada tees (thanks for your support!) and we still have tons left. So be sure to visit www.blackfootdirect.com to order yours. Again, all of the proceeds will directly to the team.
Team Canada Shirts here!
We’re also in the midst of setting up an online auction to raise additional funds for the team. Items include an autographed Facciotti helmet and jersey, and Morgan and JSR signed jerseys. Stay tuned to www.racerxcanada.com for details on the auction.
It seems that Team Canada isn’t the only one who lost a rider to injury. I just read on www.racerxill.com that James Stewart, who injured his knee a few weeks ago in Washougal, will not be ready for Budds Creek. He will be replaced by Kawasaki teammate and current AMA Motocross points’ leader, Timmy Ferry. (He’s actually tied for first with Honda’s Andrew Short.)
Looking through the lineup for the Des Nations, I couldn’t help but notice the roster on Team Chile—it’s the Israel brothers! Jeremias, Vicente, and Benjamin are all set for Budds Creek. You may remember the Israel name from when the brothers raced in Canada last year—and Jeremias raced for Blackfoot Honda in 2002.
I also see Tarah Geiger is on Team Puerto Rico!
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If you voted for Carpenter in last week's poll, you were correct!
Be sure to vote on this week's Machine Racing poll to left. Which Canadian impressed you the most in the MX1 class? |
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The final round of the Canadian National Hare Scramble Championship was held August 12th in Ormstown, Quebec. With the help of KTM, I was able to keep my bike out east and fly to this highly coveted event. Approximately 25-30 pro racers were on the line with such names as Guy Giroux (#1 Quebec), Cory Graffunder (Top Canadian –WEC/ISDE), Michael Metcalf (#2 Quebec), Patrick Beaule (#3 Quebec), Allan Lachapelle (Top Quebec Pro), Scott Bowes (Top Ontario Pro), and 2 European racers flown in from France.
I would definitely have my work cut out for me with the depth of talent in this field!! With the points lead in hand and the championship in my sights – I set my goal to finish on the podium, although a win would be huge!
I got a great start and settled into 2nd place for most of the 1st lap. The pace was slow, however. I had not been on a bike for 2 weeks and the conditions were pretty sketchy, with lots of slippery rocks and roots to contend with. Near the end of the lap, I made my move into 1st, followed by Cory Graffunder and Guy Giroux. It appeared that the cream of the crop had rose to the occasion, and the battle was on!! I focused on riding smooth and consistent to conserve energy, as the heat and humidity was brutal! I wanted to put on a charge and establish a healthy lead, but my body just was not cooperating?
Anyway, we held our positions until the 5th lap when Cory and I pitted for gas and then it happened… We were passed by Suzuki / OTSFF rider Guy Giroux and the rest is history. Guy was a little quicker during his service stop and then the top Quebecer took advantage of the gap to take the overall win. Cory beat me out of the pits and rode well to take 2nd. I finally started to feel better during the last 3 laps and charged to the best of my abilities, but a little too late. I would end up 3rd in this race and combined with 1st Overall at Round #1, became the 2007 Canadian Harescramble Champion!
For 2008, the series is rumored to expand with 4-5 events in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. I pursued the championship this year in hopes that I could help build momentum for a true ‘Canadian National’ series that the industry, fans, and competitors can support in the years to come. So hears hoping and you can bet that I will be there to defend the title!!!
Thanks, Shane, and congrats on your championship!
The Toyota AMA National Motocross Championships make their way into Steel City, Pennsylvania this weekend. OTSFF Suzuki’s Tyler Medaglia, who has shown great speed on his 450 this year in Canada, is signed up for the Motocross class. Medaglia and OTSFF mechanics Steve Simms and Nic (we'll leave it at Nic rather than butcher his last name) are on the road as we speak. Newly crowned Canadian Women’s champ Heidi Cooke will be at Steel City too, racing the WMA event.
To track Medaglia’s progress, go to www.amamotocross.com.
The OTSFF Suzuki rider will also be heading back down to the USA for
the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open in Las Vegas on October 5-6. The
team will have the semi in Vegas, and Josh Woods
was originally scheduled to race, but he is still recovering from a
head injury suffered at a fair SX a month ago. (PS it was great to see
Josh at Walton with the team.) This will be OTSFF’s introduction into
supercross as they plan to contest the East Coast series this winter.
Coming up on September 9 is the Brian House Memorial race on Bell’s Island
off the coast of Newfoundland. It’s an annual fun, laidback event in
honour of House who passed away at the Moncton national two years ago.
From what we hear, the event is a hoot and we have yet to set foot on
NFLD, so we’re going to check it out.
Rod, the head of “Blackfoot East” has me suited up with a bike
and his “social events coordinator” is going to make sure I enjoy the
Newfoundland nightlife to the fullest. Ryan Lockhart, Mitch Cooke and hopefully Johnny Montes will be racing as well. For more info on the event, check out http://www.motocrossnl.ca/.
The following weekend back in Ontario, there is another feel-good race to attend: the annual Lakeshore Dirt Riders Motorcycle Club Charity Race. It will be held at the Kawartha Downs track in Peterborough. For details and info, check out their website at http://ldrmc.org/.
I grew up racing at the Lakeshore and even though I haven’t raced there
much in the last few years, I always make an effort to attend the
Charity Race. Being a small club (well, at least when I raced there it
was), they only handed out trophies at the year end banquet and the
Charity Race, so I always looked forward to trying to win some gold.
Like the last two events, they will be holding a Dash for Cash for
expert riders and a silent auction and new for this year, they have
Hooters’ girls working the 30-second board and an Industry Race.
Director of Ben Milot’s Invasion videos, Felix Trepanier sent along this cool trailer to Invasion 3 …
RXC’s Jay Moore came across this link www.onepunchclothing.com. Apparently, as Jay says, the guy who never wears a shirt, is now selling them. Good one, Jay!
His jokes don't end there. He also noticed Davey Fraser’s resemblance to Kiss frontman, Gene Simmons’ son Nick. Click here to judge for yourself.
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Davey Fraser or Nick Simmons? We're not sure either ... |
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photo: James Lissimore |
We received a letter from the Dahl family in Alberta that got us thinking. They had a bike stolen five years ago and are wondering if the bike had been raced on another circuit.
“It would almost make sense that the race circuits start checking to see if these motorcycles are stolen before allowing racers to race. As it was, we did not have insurance on the bike and still had to finishing paying almost $9000.00 for it. I am very happy to have the bike back but it has seen better days and won't be able to be ridden until major work is done to it. The RCMP doesn't seem to care that bikes and quads get stolen so please look into making riders have some proof of ownership so other families don't have their sport ruined,” wrote one of the Dahl family members.
It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea at all, checking out racer’s bikes for proof of ownership before racing them. Hopefully the race clubs and organizations are reading this and take it into consideration.
Don’t miss our Fan of the Week: It’s ladies racer Jocelyn Killough rockin' out a limited edition RXC temorpary tattoo! She is probably going to kill me for putting that picture up, but I swear Jocelyn I didn’t do it. The Lockhart’s Suzuki rider deserves a congrats on her fifth overall in the Canadian Women’s National Series and sixth-place at the TransCan. She has a bright future as one of Canada’s top women racers.
Also, Kyle Beaton was featured in this week’s Shift Number Cruncher.
That’s all for this week!
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Brett Dailey has style! |
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Dailey is also "The Man" of Canadian MX. |
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photos: James Lissimore |
