MARCH 29, 2008
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The Tim Ferry designed track, combined with the soft Toronto soil, is making things tough for the riders in Toronto. |
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photo: Danny Brault |
By Danny Brault
Photos by James Lissimore
What’s happening in Toronto? Well, a few things. No one is super-impressive on this Tim Ferry designed track. There doesn’t seem to be much flow to the layout, the dirt is breaking down, and ruts are forming everywhere. Tonight is going to be a battle just to survive.
San Manuel Yamaha’s Chad Reed isn’t having the best day. He was stopped during his second practice for a while well his team replaced his rear wheel, and then he went sideways off a tricky little double-triple and hit the concrete. He’s okay, fortunately, and went on to set either the fastest or second fastest time. (Sorry, lap times aren’t posted on supercrossonline.com yet and I forgot to check the board before running up to the press booth.)
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ferry has surely put in some laps on his track design at home, as was in the top three times throughout practice. Kevin Windham was showing some creativity, jumping two tabletops through a sketchy step-on step-off, and manualing over a single before the triple. It should be a good race in the 450 class as several guys are all running close lap times.
Cernic’s Kawasaki’s Dusty Klatt had a rough go in the final practice session. He slid out in the whoops, and then a lap late, flipped over tuff blocks and onto the concrete. He got up and resumed riding, but bruised his hand.
KD Beets wasn’t on the pace of the Lites leaders, after taking a rock on the knuckle. His middle finger is pretty swelled up, but little Beets will still give’er in the night show. Suzuki City OTSFF’s Brady Sheren looks confident and quick on the Toronto track. If he gets a good start, there’s no reason why he can’t contend for a podium finish. Tyler Medaglia set the second fastest time in his session. Davey Fraser set the third fastest time in his practice, with Pierce Chamberlain setting the fifth best time in that practice. I give credit to most of the Canadian riders; for limited SX experience, they’re actually riding pretty well.
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KD Beets is having some difficulty pulling in the clutch lever after breaking his middle knuckle in practice, but he isn't offering any excuses. |
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Sheren is putting in consistent and fast laps on his Suzuki City RM-Z250. Will he have his breakout ride this year in TO? We'll find out soon enough!
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Every rider's favourite SX obstacle: big jumps with deep ruts. |
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Reed had some troubles during his second practice session, but still looks the strongest when he was on the track. It's not going to be easy for the two-two, however, as Ferry, Windham, and Hill are on his pace. |
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Ferry sure looks in better shape from his Racer X Films video three weeks ago. |
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Label It Honda's team manager Brad Coles has to be happy with his new acquisition so far. Nova Scotia's Davey Fraser looked smooth and set the third fastest time in his practice session. |
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Cernic's Kawasaki's Dusty Klatt has a few bobbles today, but is determined to put in a good ride for his Canadian fans. |
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