JSR Sweeps Moncton, Willard Picks Up First MX2 Win
AUGUST 1, 2005

Story by Brett Dailey, photos by Emile Cooper

Great weather, great track conditions and ever better racing greeted fans for Round 7 of the CMRC Canadian nationals in Moncton, New Brunswick. The weekend was filled with highs and lows as the racing community lost one of its own on Saturday when Newfoundland pro, Brian House, lost his life due to injuries suffered during Saturday's practice session. A brief service was held on Sunday morning during riders' meeting to honour the young rider and his family. Later in the day, local hero Mitch Cooke came through the pack to win his first national moto of his career and then dedicated his race to Brian on the podium. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

In MX1 action, Jean-Sebastien Roy rebounded from his 4-7 moto scores in Joliette, Quebec to sweep the Moncton round. With only two rounds left in the series, JSR may be able to wrap up the title after the first moto in Ste Julie, Quebec.

In MX2 action, Michael Willard scored his first win of the season (and first overall for KTM Canada) and kept his title hopes alive. All eyes will be on Kyle Chisholm, Michael Willard and Mitch Cooke in Ste Julie.

All hail the king. Blackfoot Honda's JSR now leads the MX1 series by more than 75 points so he could wrap up his fifth straight title after moto one of the next round in Ste Julie.

 

Richmond Kawasaki's Colton Facciotti had a breakout ride in Moncton. He posted fast lap times in practice and secured a consistent 4-4 for fourth overall. Colton scored a podium in Moncton last year so the track definitely suits his style.

 

Not to be outdone by his teammate Colton Facciotti, Evan Laughridge also stepped up the pace in Moncton. He won his Saturday qualifier and finished 2-3 on Sunday for second overall.

 

Although the points chase for second overall in the MX1 class is not as close as it was coming into Joliette, the battle is still fierce. Damon Huffman used a podium in Moncton to strengthen his hold on second overall. Even rival Craig Decker admitted that Huffman typically closes out the year strong so he will have a tough time beating him in the next two rounds.

 

The MX2 series is the talk of the town right now and Michael Willard (749) and Mitch Cooke (22) stepped it up in Moncton to show Kyle Chisholm that they wanted a crack at the title. Willard and Cooke had a great battle in the second moto with Willard leading early...

 

... and Cooke eventually making the pass for the lead. For Cooke it was his first national moto win of his career and for Willard, his 1-2 secured his first overall of the season. Willard gave KTM Canada's Andy White his first overall win in six years.

 

MX2 points leader, Kyle Chisholm finished 2-3 for third overall. He is now off to Loretta Lynn's but he will be back for the final round in Ste Julie on Aug 13/14.

 

See you at the races!

 

For full results, click here