Things are moving along nicely here for preparation of Round 2 of the CMRC Monster Energy Motocross Nationals in Kamloops, BC.
This whooped corner section begins with a straight away whoop section, and ends with a single and then ANOTHER whoop section. Kudos to Derek Schuster on building this obstacle … I feel this is going to be a major place to pass.
To be honest, and not that I would lie to you, Kamloops is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. I’ve been here quite a few times (never to a national though, until this weekend) and always enjoy being in this part of the country. I thought Peterborough had it all, even an Arby’s, but I think Kamloops has a slight edge in scenery….
Enough chatter about the town, we’re here for motocross. Big news of the day is the completely brand new track layout for 2013. Forget the ‘Road to Baghdad’, this year’s Whispering Pines track features less sand but I still think it’s going to get quite rough. Really, when do pros ride a track and not beat it into submission?
The new track features quite a few 180 degree corners, and could be tight for passing, but we’ve got Gopher Dunes’ heir to the throne, Derek Schuster, with us and he is doing a great job of adding a little more technicality and variety to the course. One section that should be interesting (and really not fun for those who forget to renew their gym membership) is this man-made, rolling whoop section that Schuster built, kept it going around a corner and up to a big single, and then whoops keep going for another 100 feet or so… this section looks kind of fun right now, but after a few laps, it’s going to be a bloody mess.
I predict lap times to be around the 1:40 mark … a little short, but what’s cool is that spectators can actually walk around–and come inside of the track. Should allow for great viewing of most sections of the track.
It’s been a while since I’ve been the “journalist guy”, but I tried my best to make my rounds and say hi to everyone.
First on my walk around was Josh Snider and his Redemption Racing Team. Most things have stayed the same on RR, but they did trade in their Kawasakis for KTMs. “So far it’s been a really good experience,” says Josh. “The bikes seem to be strong and super fast! Even on the dyno, stock with an exhaust, the KTMs are putting out some impressive power.”
Gavin Gracyk is the rider leading RR again this year, along with Ontario’s Eric Jefferies and this guy from Texas named Thacker. Sorry Josh, I can’t remind his first name! I knew Gavin hadn’t been on a bike much recently, but Snider informed it’s actually been quite a while. “The last time Gavin rode was at Walton last year! [laughs]” said Snider. If that’s the case, geez, look out for the former title contender to keep getting stronger as the series moves along.
I spotted the infamous Pro Action Suspension cube van in the pits, and I got thinking about our old friend, Chris Bonneau….God Bless. (If you don’t know, Chris is a former pro racer and owner of Pro Action Suspension in Alberta. Sadly, Chris lost a battle to cancer a few years ago and is no longer with us. God bless.) As it turns out, Don Ellis is manning the PA Suspension rig now and taking care of Alberta racers and also anyone else at Kamloops that may need suspension assistance.
On the topic of Alberta, we’ve got the Turner family in the house. The Women’s Western Nationals kick off tomorrow, and Shelby Turner is ready to race on her new KTM 250 SX two-stroke–that’s right, this young girl is racing a big barky two-banger! She will be the only girl racing one tomorrow, and probably the entire series. Expect to see Shelby mixing it up for podium positions, and the Lethbridge KTM rider better get the hoolllleeeshoooott on that 250! Her brother Avery is also running a 250 SX and plans to battle it up in the Intermediate classes and try qualifying for MX2 pro on Sunday.
Okay, time for dinner. Enjoy your night! Be sure to follow @mxpmagazine on Twitter for the latest updates from Kamloops this weekend.
Banders out.
Danny Brault