Team Managers Report: Kamloops

Andy White: Red Bull Fox Royal Distributing KTM

 Obviously our weekend was a mix of emotions; we went from cheering and optimism to just utter disappointment with Colton getting injured. For how hard the entire team has worked to prepare for this season, the time, the effort that everyone put in and then to have it blow up over some bad flagging is just a shame. But we’ll move on: that’s racing and we know it. Colton knows it also, so we still have seven rounds left and both Kaven and Tyler are championship contenders for sure.

 In the MX2 class Kaven had a good day. In the first moto he got hung up with Villopoto at the start and had to battle from behind in the first part of the moto. Once he got into second, Politelli was gone and Kaven had to settle for the runner -up spot. In moto two, Kaven grabbed a huge holeshot and led for awhile but it was raining a little and he ended up getting some water under his tear-offs and had trouble seeing. On that track, vision is so important, so he backed it down and finished second again. Kaven really wants to be consistent in the Western rounds and then make a charge in the East; so far that’s exactly what he’s doing.

 In the MX1 class, obviously there was the Colton incident which was aggravating. For us and the series to lose him for the season is a very hard pill to swallow. But he is in good spirits and when he recovers he will be back. He’s a tough kid and we’re very proud of him. So with Colton out now, our MX1 hopes rest with Tyler who is just getting stronger and stronger each moto. We made a few suspension changes with Tyler and instantly his lap times improved. His bike is obviously fast as evident with the holeshots he pulled on Sunday. You will see Tyler get better and better as the series moves on.

 

 

Pat O’Connor: Monster Energy Parts Canada Leading Edge Kawasaki

 For us it was another great weekend. We were able to get both overalls and in the process we also have the points lead in both the MX1 and MX2 classes. What happened to Colton was too bad. I think it’s sad for the fans as well because the contest was looking like it would be a battle between Colton and Metcalfe all summer.

 I don’t know what you can say about Austin right now; he is so confident in himself and in his bike, he believes that he belongs up front. He proved how fit he is as the Kamloops track was super rough and he charged for 30 minutes. Villopoto had an okay weekend. Since he’s still pretty sore from his Nanaimo crash, he’ll take a few weeks to get back up to speed. Once he gets healthy, we expect him to be up there with Austin battling for wins.

 In the MX1 Class, Brett’s ride was great on Sunday in both motos. He loves the track and watching him ride out there, we got to see just how good a rider he is. Teddy Maier also rode amazingly; he is only going to get better as the series goes on; he is getting more comfortable on his race bike. Obviously, his confidence is growing.

 We’re three rounds in. We’re in a pretty good position in both classes: the team is working very hard each week to make sure we stay on top. As long as the weather is good this weekend, the Calgary track will be awesome and we’re looking forward to it.

 

 Adam Robinson: Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha Motovan.com

 It was a weird weekend for us right from the start. In timed qualifying, Bobby struggled right away. He looked fast but his times weren’t good. Possisbly he was just over riding the track and trying too hard. That carried over to the first MX1 moto where he was involved in a first turn crash and had to battle back from almost dead last. He rode amazingly and got up to eighth by the last lap, but then went down again and finished eleventh.

 In moto two he started to figure stuff out and finished third. Obviously that is not where Bobby wants to be, but he’s learned a lot this past weekend and since he won last year in Calgary, he is really looking forward to round three.

 In the MX2 class, Richard had great rides all weekend. He made a few mistakes in moto two and found himself back a bit, but you the kid is eighteen and still learning. Speedwise, he’s a top five guy every moto. He just needs to put in 30 minutes of mistake- free riding and he’ll be fine. All in all, after two rounds the team is in a good position. We just need to get up front and make things happen, given that the series is still young.

 

 

Derek Schuster: GDR Honda Canada Troy Lee Designs

 Our weekend was pretty good. Both Nathan and Blake rode well. Nathan went down hard and hurt his ribs a bit, an injury that slowed him down all day, but he didn’t quit — admirable! He is a smart kid who knows where his weaknesses are. Each week he is trying to improve.

 We kept Blake off his bike all week so his wrist could heal further, a good idea, because he felt stronger on Sunday. We’re going to do the same this week in hopes that the extra time off the bike during the week will pay off come Sunday. Probably not the best way to train, but it is what it is. We’re looking forward to Calgary. The track and the city are always fun so it should be a good time. I am teaching kids right now; I got to run. I’ll see everyone in Calgary.

 

 

Kevin Tyler: RM Motorsports MX101 Yamaha

 Sunday went well for us. As a new team we’re still on a bit of a learning curve, but we’ll figure it out. Actually, with the exception of the first MX1 moto, everything was great. Our goal each weekend is to have both Shawn and Jeremy in the top ten and that is wherethey were. We were pumped for Shawn because he had his best ever finish at a pro national in his career. Congratulations to him!

 In the first MX1 moto, Jeremy collided with another rider and broke several spokes in his front wheel. He had to pull off and DNF. In moto two he finished in the top five. Both our riders are right where we want them to be: their speed has been good and I expect some great things this weekend in Calgary. All we have to do on Sunday is figure out the cement start which we haven’t been very good on, as our starts show. The MX1 class is so tough, you have to start up front.

 

 Kourtney Lloyd: Cycle North Powersports Team Honda

 Our weekend was good for both riders. Brad rode very well again and almost got on the podium again. Ross was really happy with his ride, except his clutch lever broke in one of the motos and he finished way back. With Calgary this weekend, both riders are excited. It’s actually one of Brad’s favourite tracks so we’re all looking forward to it, and also, who doesn’t like going to Calgary for the weekend? It’s a great city!

Obviously we’re a new team so we’re happy after two rounds. The bikes are good, and you can tell by walking by our pit area that Cycle North Powersports are the friendliest people . I also want to thank Ryan Lockhart for all his help so far this year; he’s been great on giving me advice on just about everything. This team is up and running because of Ryan. We’re excited! Seven rounds to go and we’re just warming up. See everyone in Calgary!