JULY 19, 2005
--press release--
Team ALDO KTM Royal made a triumphant return to CMRC Canadian Motocross Championship action at the weekend as the opening round of the MX2 East Series kicked off at Gopher Dunes in Ontario. Michael Willard led the orange attack, the Ohio-teenager romping to victory in the second MX2 moto to claim his first Nationals win and a third overall finish for the day and the series.
The weekend started well, despite the humid conditions and the stop-start rain, with the team taking on the MX2 East challenge with a line up consisting of Willard, Pierce Chamberlain, Chris Whitcraft and Matt Barnes. All four team-mates would be tested on the sandy Gopher Dunes, their least favorite surface, but they would all enjoy one hundred percent reliability from their all new 250 SX-F’s.
Saturday’s qualifiers gave an early indication to the performance gains made by the KTM crew. Willard and Chamberlain won their qualifiers comfortably, the American and Canadian riders looking strong heading into Sunday’s motos at the Courtland track.
Pierce Chamberlain pulled a massive holeshot on the #49 bike to take the early lead in Sunday’s opening moto. The Hamilton, Ontario-native commanded the first five tours before an ill-timed fall threw away his well-earned lead. He recovered to take 11th at the checkered, just one place behind KTM team-mate Michael Willard who ran in the top-five for most of the race. Further back Chris Whitcraft on the #149 bike posted a 16th place finish with Matt Barnes on the #378 entry further adrift in 27th.
The second moto duly reaped rewards for Team ALDO KTM Royal as the squad boasted three riders in the top five at the end of the race. Michael Willard rode to perfection on the #749 KTM 250 SX-F.
Having nailed the perfect holeshot, the reigning 250 Quebec Arenacross Champion stormed off into the lead and never looked back. Willard’s domination was impressive and his efforts netted KTM Canada their first victory in the Nationals in 2005. Pierce Chamberlain and Matt Barnes gave chase to Willard, the KTM team-mates placing fourth and fifth respectively. Chris Whitcraft enjoyed another solid moto to finish his day with a 14th place finish.
Stoked with the team’s strongest outing yet Team Manager Andy White said:
“I’m extremely happy with the results of all four riders from this weekend. I’m thrilled all our guys finished every race and we scored some serious points here which puts us into championship contention. I’ll be looking for even better results next time out as I know the clay-packed tracks suit our riders better than the sandy conditions at the Dunes. That said the boys still put in some awesome performances and Michael’s win was a great reward for the guys and girls in the team who all work really hard. We now have to build on these results next time out in Quebec!”
Joliette, Quebec hosts the second round of the MX2 East Championship, Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th July.
Team ALDO KTM Royal hits the track this season thanks to support from the following partners; ALDO, Royal Distributing, Axo, FMF, Protech Suspension, M2R, Pirelli, Polisport, Regina Chain, Renthal, Twin Air, Motorex, TAG Metals, Ogio, Mechanix Wear, NelsonMX.com, TriStar, SDG, SFB Racing, Universal, Arnette, DRD, One Industries, LRP, Furios, Hinson Clutch Components, E-Line, Cycra, Excel, Works Connection, Atpac, Aussie/Sport, Jagg448, Sponsorhouse.com and SBS Brakes.
